As part of an international project consortium, TU Graz has developed new measurement techniques and methods to measure emissions from category-L vehicles in realistic operation and to determine corresponding limit values.
As part of an international project consortium, TU Graz has developed new measurement techniques and methods to measure emissions from category-L vehicles in realistic operation and to determine corresponding limit values.
The emissions scandal in the automotive industry that came to light in 2015 has set many things in motion. Last but not least, the discussion about the need for realistic tests for vehicles in order to correctly determine their pollutant emissions instead of just testing on test rigs. Such tests and the applicable emission limits are now required by law for cars, but not for so-called category-L vehicles (mopeds, motorbikes, tricycles and quads). As part of the “LENS” project (L-vehicles Emissions and Noise mitigation Solutions) funded by the European Commission, Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), as part of an international consortium, has now developed corresponding test procedures and the necessary test equipment. The project results will serve the legislator as a basis for future decisions, provide law-enforcement agencies with the equipment to detect limit violations and vehicle manipulation, and allow manufacturers to adapt their fleets accordingly.
Worldwide Unique Methodology and Technology
“The measurement methods developed for passenger cars in recent years are not applicable to the much more dynamic category-L vehicles,” says Stephan Schmidt from the Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems at TU Graz. “So, we had to develop our own measuring methods, which also included the development and further development of suitable measuring devices that are small and light enough to be used on motorbikes and mopeds. The measurement methodology and technology developed and the emissions data collected are unique worldwide.” A total of 15 partners are involved in the project consortium, including nine research institutions, four manufacturers of two-wheelers and producers of measurement technology.
Read more at Graz University of Technology
Image: From left: Sebastian Schurl, Stephan Schmidt and Michael Kappel from the Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems at TU Graz with the emission measuring device for motorbikes. (Credit: Lunghammer - TU Graz)
