FST receives R&D 100 award for RF-DPF sensor

20 September 2014

Filter Sensing Technologies, Inc. (FST) has received an R&D 100 Award for the company’s RF-DPF™ particulate filter sensor and control system. Selected by R&D Magazine, the R&D 100 Award is presented for the top 100 new technology products developed each year. The award recognizes the development team led by FST in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

FST’s sensors use similar radio frequency (RF) circuit chips to those found in cell phones and other wireless devices, but in a novel application to transmit an RF signal through the particulate filter. Changes in the RF signal provide a direct measure of soot and ash levels in the filter. Fleet testing, as part of an ongoing US Department of Energy supported research program, has demonstrated the potential to provide fuel savings through optimized aftertreatment control using FST’s RF sensors.

Earlier this year, the company released its second generation RF-DPF sensors, which provide integrated sensing and aftertreatment control capabilities. The control unit offers the capability to conduct vector measurements with either a single or dual antenna configuration over a broad frequency range. The measurement antennas are similar in size to conventional exhaust temperature sensors. Aside from RF antennas, the control unit directly accepts temperature sensor inputs (RTD and thermocouple) as well as analog inputs. Integrated data storage of 16 GB enables plug-and-play on-vehicle filter monitoring, control, and data logging in test and measurement applications.

The RF-DPF system includes a software package enabling full customization of RF operating parameters for testing and calibration development. This allows the same sensor electronics to be used with most filter sizes, ranging from passenger cars to off-road, heavy-duty DPFs through changes to the software settings alone.

Applications of FST’s RF sensors include integration with the stock aftertreatment control system in serial production, or as a stand-alone DPF measurement instrument for DPF testing, calibration development, and filter diagnostics. The technology is equally applicable for gasoline particulate filter (GPF) testing and development as well.

Ongoing RF sensor development is part of a program supported by the US Department of Energy to demonstrate new innovations that achieve breakthrough thermal efficiencies while meeting federal emission standards for passenger and commercial vehicles. Filter Sensing Technologies is working with Corning, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, FEV, Daimler Trucks North America, and the New York City Department of Sanitation for fleet testing as part of this project.

Source: Filter Sensing Technologies