Some really astounding news regarding the emissions system problem that we're facing in taking an engine that was originally Euro4 certified and meeting a US Tier II Bin 5 level.
For those that haven't been following the war over emissions that's going on in the States, Tier II Bin 5 is what California and a few other states are using presently. In 2010 Tier II Bin 5 will go nation wide. As part of the X Prize we must meet this new and more stringent EPA emissions standard.
Apart from KleenAir Systems (the British company I referred to earlier) and a US based firm ServoTech, I hadn't been able to get a response from a source heavy duty enough to solve our problem. ServoTech turned out to be a bit of a wash after I spoke to the owner of the company. Think Arab market trader and this is what the guy came off as--wheeler dealer and a bit shady with me giving information and him providing none. After asking multiple times I haven't been able to get a straight answer regarding required equipment and related price. KleenAir Systems is putting together an estimate but I have a feeling that they're going to want a mint for their system as ServoTech is the source of their equipment.
Enter a random internet hit on an Argonne National Laboratory-developed DeNOx Catalyst and the reference to Integrated Fuel Technologies (IFT) which has licensed the technology. Needless to say, it peaked my interest. So, I left a phone message and zapped an email to IFT to see what they might be able to provide. I was quite surprised to be talking to the Chairman and President of the company, Robert Firebaugh about 15 minutes later.
I was as impressed with Robert as I was with Mike and his work on our VW engine control computer. IFT is way on the leading edge of emissions technology and specifically NOx control (NOx compounds are one of the primary problems with diesel combustion which gives people like VW, BMW, and Mercedes fits). Companies that have contacted IFT to verify their technology: BASF (the we don't make the plastic we make it clearer people), International (the heavy duty truck company), Pilot (large fueling station owner), etc.
The best part about the conversation was referring to the Bonneville Salt Flats and having Robert point out that he was talking to one of the turbine car racers who is getting him a turbine engine so IFT can evaluate emissions control ideas for turbine applications. Quickly the discussion took a turn towards relative velocities between turbine blades and the air flowing through the engine. IFT definitely understands the hot rod frame of mind. Robert is all over the idea of taking existing technology and improving its application to make a better product.
For us, IFT will be an ideal fit. Robert invited me to evaluate their technology when they do a demo on a VW 2.0 L TDI (quite close in displacement of our engine) at Argonne starting on 12JAN09. I will be able to gain hands-on experience with IFT's installation as well as gain insight into the control system used to regulate the emissions system. I am PUMPED to say the least. This is the final piece of the puzzle to make our car a reality. The bonus; Robert's system is extremely reasonable in price as it sources off the shelf components that already exist on a mass scale in the market place.
At this point I am convinced that while we may not win the competition we're going to have a shit ton of fun surprising some heavy hitters in the industry.
