In the past decade interest has focused on the remote analysis of emissions from motor vehicles using spectrometric techniques, driven by recognition of the fact that a very large proportion of the environmental damage done in this way originates with a small percentage of vehicles. Several instrumentation manufacturers now market such devices, and others are developing new technologies that will offer opportunities for enhanced performance and lower cost. In this paper we review the evolution of technologies and methodologies applied to motor vehicle exhaust emissions, ranging from simple broadband sources and band-pass filters to tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. In so doing we examine the compromises and sources of error inherent in each which have earned such devices a very variable reputation, at least in the early years of development. We also look at techniques that may have the potential to solve these problem, and critically examine the reasons why these have not (yet) been applied. In conclusion, we will present initial findings and results from a European consortium studying the problems of costeffective emissions monitoring, and validation of emissions inventory data using complementary numerical modelling techniques.

Date Published: 26 February 2001
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 4205, Advanced Environmental and Chemical Sensing Technology, (26 February 2001); doi: 10.1117/12.417468

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 4205:
Advanced Environmental and Chemical Sensing Technology
Tuan Vo-Dinh; Stephanus Buettgenbach, Editor(s)