2. Contributing to the reduction of air pollution from engine emissions
Soot sensors are designed to measure the level of particulates in diesel exhaust and detect cases in which soot emissions exceed regulatory limits. By notifying the driver when the filter becomes compromised, this sensing element can help reduce air pollution and create a cleaner environment through practical application.
3. Reducing costs through material innovation
In addition to its high-temperature performance advantages, the new sensing element reduces costs by replacing platinum, a precious metal, with Kyocera’s proprietary base-metal alloy. Kyocera aims to expand use of the newly developed material as an alternative to platinum, for applications such as gas sensors and packaging of high-temperature devices.
Development Background
Diesel engines generate less CO2 emissions than conventional gas engines, while offering superior torque characteristics and outstanding long-term durability. Due to these advantages, the use of diesel-engine vehicles has experienced significant growth in Europe, where its share among passenger cars exceeds 50 percent*3. In addition to passenger cars, diesel engines are widely used worldwide for various applications, for example in the United States where diesel engines power more than two-thirds of all farm equipment, three-fourths of heavy construction equipment, the majority of freight trucks, and about 55 percent of school buses*4.
Consequently, diesel emission regulations are growing more stringent. European emissions standards already require pollution control systems such as soot-collecting Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) in diesel-engine vehicles. However, sensors for monitoring filter performance are still under development by various companies for practical application.
Future emission regulations are expected to mandate soot sensors as an essential component of diesel engine vehicles. Kyocera remains committed to utilizing its technology to address environmental issues and will continually develop its sensing element to meet the needs of the industry.
*1 Based on research by Kyocera (as of October 1, 2015).
*2 CEATEC Award 2015; Semi-Grand Prix (first runner-up) in the Green Innovation Category.
*3 Based on data compiled by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.
*4 Based on data compiled by the Diesel Technology Forum.