Precision measurement of CO2

In cooperation with Ford Motor Co. Ltd.

Challenge

This project was designed to improve the precision of carbon dioxide measurements within the vehicle test laboratories at Ford.

Through achieving this, the company would be able to more accurately assess the effects on emissions of any potential vehicle enhancements, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption in the Ford product range.

Solution

The Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre (PVRC) has worked closely with Ford to develop procedures, techniques and tools to improve the precision of carbon dioxide measurements, and to embed these into the company's vehicle emissions laboratory.

The project encompassed a range of activities designed to measure and so control the most significant sources of variability within a highly complex test environment including vehicle effects, test equipment setup and driver interactions.

Benefits and outcomes

The work carried out in the course of this project has been embedded into the laboratories at Ford and feeds directly into the development of new vehicle systems. Consequently there is a significant impact on lowering vehicle carbon dioxide emissions.

Research activities between the emissions measurement laboratory within Ford and the University have increased over the past three years, resulting in a commercial advantage for Ford and the further development of our researchers' powertrain expertise.