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Delphi introduces sensors for soot and ammonia

Delphi’s diesel engine oil condition sensor is a “real-time on-engine sensor” that can accurately detect soot (to within ± 0.5 per cent accuracy) in an engine’s oil, which can adsorb oil additives and contribute to engine wear.

The sensor operates by measuring AC conductivity at frequencies between 2-5 MHz and also measures dielectric constant, viscosity and even fuel dilution. The system can be further configured by individual users to measure oil levels.

Should oil quality fall outside specified levels, either through ageing or as a symptom of an engine problem, the sensor acts to help alert the operator, and also means that oil change intervals can be more accurately timed, helping reduce the environmental impact of oil changes and the time the vehicle spends off the road.

Delphi is aiming the sensor at a wide range of diesel engines ranging light duty passenger vehicles, to commercial vehicles and off-highway equipment.

Also at the IAA show in Hannover, Delphi announced an ammonia sensor that uses what is claimed to be “unique” technology to measure ammonia levels directly from the exhaust of diesel vehicles equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment system.

NOx emissions from diesel powertrains are treated by the addition of ammonia, to reduce the harmful NOx emissions into less damaging nitrogen and water. Having the sensor in place allows the SCR system to detect if excess ammonia is being expelled with the exhaust gas, and reduce the amount being introduced, allowing optimal dosing and preventing excess ammonia being released into the atmosphere.

Delphi’s ammonia sensor can detect ammonia within a range of 0 to 100 parts per million and is intended for use in vehicles equipped with an SCR converter system including light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The sensor is currently in development and targeted for production in 2010.

Also at Hannover, Delphi’s high pressure common rail system allows for cleaner combustion, with high-mileage offerings for diesel vehicles. Delphi has the system running, and is in discussions with customers over applications.