SUBSCRIBE TO TMCnet
TMCnet - World's Largest Communications and Technology Community

CHANNEL BY TOPICS


QUICK LINKS




Pollution Solution: New Invention Documents 'Dirtiest' Cars on the Road
Green Technology Featured Articles
September 18, 2013

Pollution Solution: New Invention Documents 'Dirtiest' Cars on the Road

By Cheryl Kaften
TMCnet Contributor

Anyone who has ever gone breezing down a highway—only to come up wheezing behind an 18-wheeler that is barely visible beneath a haze of black smoke—recognizes the sight and smell of traffic pollution. But it’s not always so easy to detect: approximately 5 percent of vehicles are responsible for more than 90 percent of toxic emissions.


Now, the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) has joined with a group of research centers and companies under the framework of the INNPACTO Project to create the first infrared and remote system that can “see” pollution spewing from cars on roadways up to three lanes wide. Aside from UC3M, the project team includes participants from the Madrid-based company Technet; from CIEMAT (the National Renewable Energy Center), and from the Guarromán-based firm Tevaseñal.

The prototype, developed in the Infrared Lab at the UC3M, has been developed by modifying an infrared multispectral image camera with interferential filters, which allow only specific parts of the infrared waveband through. The researchers started from the premise that all toxic gases have an emissions signature in the infrared that enables them to be detected by remote technology.

“These filters are located in a wheel that turns at a high speed in front of the detector and they provide consecutive images of the same scene on different bands, which allows for remote detection of some unburned gases (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons),” explained Fernando López, head of the Infrared Lab, where he also has directed the development of a specific software for measuring concentrations of gases.


Image via Shutterstock

Carbon ‘Tireprints’ Instead of Footprints?

The prototype, which is ready to be marketed, can intelligently collect real-time data on traffic density, emissions and consumption associated with each vehicle, as well as weather conditions.  The operation of the camera is similar to the point-and-shoot methodology of a radar device.

With this system, it can be determined which vehicles are “the dirtiest” and policies that mandate cleaner emissions can be legislated. The scientists believe the system will decrease pollution and increase energy efficiency, given that a reduction of emissions always implies less consumption. In addition, supporting measures could be adopted, such as a bill that would change speed limits on high-capacity roads that enter and exit big cities.

According to its creators, the device is the only prototype on the market capable of measuring the emissions of each vehicle circulating on a high capacity road, that is, one that has more than two lanes. To test the effectiveness of the system, the researchers recently carried out a final demonstration on the A6 highway near Madrid, installing equipment that measured the concentrations of pollutants coming from all the vehicles on the road.

There are many applications for this technology. The scientists suggest that the system could identify —and help to take off the road—those vehicles that pollute the most according to real emissions data. At the same time, the product is a comprehensive solution for the transportation sector, especially for those companies with major logistic operations. In fact, there are already several companies that have expressed interest in the project.




Edited by Alisen Downey


Green Technology Related Articles






Technology Marketing Corporation

2 Trap Falls Road Suite 106, Shelton, CT 06484 USA
Ph: +1-203-852-6800, 800-243-6002

General comments: [email protected].
Comments about this site: [email protected].

STAY CURRENT YOUR WAY

© 2024 Technology Marketing Corporation. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy