Introduction

PEMs4Nano is developing robust and reliable measurement procedures for particles down to 10 nm and verified under real driving conditions.
As a result of developments such as ever-growing traffic volumes and ever-higher levels of energy generation, the air we breathe exposes us to a number of contaminants, including particulate matter invisible to the eye. These fine particulates are known to have major health implications. Complying with the ever stricter regulations on CO2 emissions, enforces the development of new injection technologies which may also lead to the emission of ever smaller nanoparticles. Current certification procedures are not able to detect these nanoparticles. The PEMs4Nano project addresses these concerns and aims to develop measurement procedures that are robust and reliable for both the development of lower emission engine technologies, as well as serving as a solid basis for new regulations. The project will support the understanding, measurement and regulation of particle emissions below 23 nm (with the threshold of 10 nm).
Two CPC based measurement systems and the corresponding measurement procedures will be developed for use in the laboratory and for testing in real driving conditions. PEMs4Nano proposes a unique two-path approach that connects vehicle tailpipe measurements with the origin and the evolution of the particles, resulting in a seamless approach from laboratory to real world capabilities.