Emisense Technologies, LLC, announced a deal with a global Tier-1 automotive supplier to commercialize next-generation particulate matter (PM) sensors. The agreement integrates Emisense's electrostatic PM (ePM) sensor technology with the industrialization expertise of a leading global automotive sensor manufacturer.
Emisense electrostatic Particulate Matter (ePM) sensor for monitoring of tailpipe ultrafine soot particles from diesel, gasoline, hybrid and other types of vehicles, generators, and industrial combustion systems. Image Credit: Emisense Technologies, LLC.
This agreement marks the next chapter for ePM technology. After almost 2 years of technical evaluations by the USCAR consortium, ePM technology has been selected as the most promising for meeting future OBD requirements. We are excited to have a world class partner to advance both development and commercialization for the next generation of near-zero-emissions trucks and cars.
Patrick Thompson, CEO, Emisense Technologies, LLC
“It's clear that even as the world continues to de-carbonize, customers are still demanding innovation and advancement in clean and efficient combustion. As long as internal combustion has a role to play in the larger mobility picture, the key is to ensure such engines are as close to zero emissions as possible, and this is where ePM sensors come in,” continued Mr. Thompson.
The ePM technology is perfect for end-of-tailpipe applications, making it easier to comply with the increasingly stringent on board diagnostic (OBD) regulations in the years to come. A continuous signal that eliminates the need for complicated models to forecast periodic sensor response with current resistive PM sensors, as well as quicker reaction times and increased sensitivity, are some of the main benefits.
As an industry, we've made good progress delivering huge reductions in the types of pollutants targeted by the Clean Air Act. However, the only pollutant that is still rising in cars and trucks is ultrafine PM, or soot, which has negative impacts on human health that are near term and well understood. PM filters are proven solutions, and next-generation PM sensors are required to ensure filters are operating properly for the life of the vehicle.
Patrick Thompson, CEO, Emisense Technologies LLC
The new Electrostatic ePM sensors (marketed under the trade name PMTrac®) are expected to offer several advantages, including reduced compliance costs through easier OBD system integration, built-in self-diagnostics with tamper detection, and lower warranty expenses. Sample availability is set for 2025, with production scheduled to begin in 2028.
Now that we have initial adoption in automotive, and a strong Tier-1 supplier partner, we are eager to support evaluation and adoption in other segments and geographies. For example, applications exist for continuous monitoring of PM and particle number (PN) in gasoline direct injected (GDI) engines; oil & gas pipeline compressors; marine, such as boats and barges in ports and inland waterways; stationary, such as backup generators for data centers and hospitals; transportation refrigeration units (TRUs); and non-road applications like agriculture, mining, forestry, and construction.
Patrick Thompson, CEO, Emisense Technologies LLC