Experimental Investigation to Monitor Vehicle Cabin Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in the Detroit Metropolitan Area

The current investigation is focused on monitoring and collecting the tailpipe emissions (NOx, CO, HC) of the exhaust gases for automobiles, buses, and trucks. The experimental data has been collected to record the peak and off peak hour tailpipe gas concentrations levels for major roads and highways in Detroit metropolitan area. This was accomplished by mounting a sensor on the vehicle's cowl to record the concentration levels of the above gases. A second sensor was installed inside of the cabin to monitor the concentration levels of the above gases entering into the cabin due to the response time of the actuator for the blower unit's air intake door.

The levels of the gas concentrations on Detroit metro highways are moderate to high in comparison to rural regions. The concentration levels are the worst on I-696 and North Western Highway10 inside of the tunnels and the areas where retaining walls are present on either sides of the highway. The concentration levels of these gases inside of the cabin were roughly about 5% of the outside concentrations. Hence these lower concentration levels of the gases inside of the cabin do not present a perceived concern to sensitive occupants.

The results from this investigation can be used in establishing the classifications of pollution levels and pollution intensity for the Detroit metro area.