The importance of controlling particulate emissions from diesel engines is essential given its volume and the associated environmental and economic impact. Control systems based on modifications of the combustion process in the engine are not sufficient to meet the requirements of current regulations, less future ones, and therefore it must necessarily be employed post treatment systems such as filters. There is considerable scope for improving them both in reliability, degradation of control performance, durability, multifuel operation and cost reduction.
This project will assess the development and manufacturing of regenerative particulate filter for diesel engines to improve the current system specifications, based on a new generation of ceramic bio-derivated materials, with integrated systems for particle combustion. This objectives will be achieved integrating researchers synergies from: i ) Thermal Engines and Machines Group, GMTS , specialists in internal combustion engines ii ) Multifunctional Biomimetic Materials Group, MBM, specialists in obtaining bio-derivated porous ceramic as well as physical, chemical and microstructural characterization. In addition, the project is completed with the collaboration of companies in assessing technology and its industrial applicability.
The following research lines will be addressed:
– Determination of processing routes that enable the development of filter elements with suitable physical, and chemical properties, based on prior knowledge in bio-derivated materials and new technologies regarding the use of SiO2 gels.
– Identification of suitable catalysts and systems for its deposition.
– Manufacture of the filter elements consisting of porous support and catalyst.
– Thorough characterization of the physical, chemical and microstructural properties of interest for the application.
– Development of activation systems for the filter regeneration.
– Design and manufacturing of the filters with suitable geometry and prototype dimensions.
– Pilot unit design and study of the integration and operation of engine.
– Final design of the filter for industrial facility.
Previous studies developed by MBM in these bio-derivated materials have demonstrated their potential as gas filter elements at high temperatures in coal gasification plants, which supports the likelihood of success of this project, which will address the improvements needed to develop the technology in the combustion conditions of diesel engines, under dynamic conditions in vehicles and regenerative filters.
A reduction of pollutant emissions from diesel engines would have a great environmental impact, health and economic development, with about 100 million diesel vehicles circulating in Europe and a related industry with over 2 million direct jobs and growing trend in market. This project addresses the Social Challenge 3 Horizon 2020, Secure, clean and efficient energy. In addition, using bioceramics allows replacement of metal components used today, which also aligns with the Social Challenge 5 of the Horizon 2020 in search of alternatives to essential raw materials in existing applications by reducing dependence on imports and sustainability of applications.