Application of cold plasma for the reduction of polluting emissions in internal combustion engines

This project focuses on optimizing a post-combustion treatment system designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in vehicles, addressing high vehicular pollution in Cuenca (85% of total pollution) and current emission standards (Euro 2/EPA 94). The goal is to improve an existing prototype, previously developed to generate cold plasma that reduces pollutants without compromising engine performance. The methodology involves analytical methods to evaluate the efficiency and cost-benefit of the optimized system. A deductive method will be used to compare NOx reduction results against current standards. Finally, an experimental method, specifically Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design of experiments, will be employed to optimize the prototype's usage and maximize the plasma generation required to react with pollutant particles in the exhaust gases, aiming for a significant increase in real NOx reduction during normal vehicle operation.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To optimize the pollutant emission reduction system using post-combustion treatment via Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) for the effective reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated by internal combustion engines.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Energy efficiency and environmental pollution