Measuring Sub-23 Nanometer Real Driving Particle Number Emissions Using the Portable DownToTen Sampling System

J Vis Exp. 2020 May 22:(159). doi: 10.3791/61287.

Abstract

The current particle size threshold of the European Particle Number (PN) emission standards is 23 nm. This threshold could change because future combustion engine vehicle technology may emit large amounts of sub-23 nm particles. The Horizon 2020 funded project DownToTen (DTT) developed a sampling and measurement method to characterize particle emissions in this currently unregulated size range. A PN measurement system was developed based on an extensive review of the literature and laboratory experiments testing a variety of PN measurement and sampling approaches. The measurement system developed is characterized by high particle penetration and versatility, which enables the assessment of primary particles, delayed primary particles, and secondary aerosols, starting from a few nanometers in diameter. This paper provides instruction on how to install and operate this Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS) for Real Drive Emissions (RDE) measurements and assess particle number emissions below the current legislative limit of 23 nm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis
  • Air Pollutants / chemistry
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Environmental Monitoring / instrumentation
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Laboratories
  • Nanoparticles / analysis*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Particle Size*
  • Particulate Matter / analysis
  • Particulate Matter / chemistry
  • Vehicle Emissions / analysis*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Particulate Matter
  • Vehicle Emissions