Fiber Optic Sensor for Time-Resolved Measurements of Exhaust Gas Recirculation in Engines

A fiber optic infrared spectroscopic sensor has been developed to measure the time-resolved concentration of exhaust gas recirculated (EGR) into the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The sensor detects the attenuation of infrared radiation in the 4.3 μm infrared vibrational-rotational absorption band of CO₂. The EGR mass fraction in the intake manifold is proportional to the CO₂ concentration. The sensor was tested in a single-cylinder spark ignition engine fired on propane at a speed of 700 rpm.

The sensor was located 10 cm upstream of the intake valve. The temporal resolution of the measurements was 700 μs (equivalent to 2.5 crank angle degrees) allowing the local EGR concentration throughout the cycle to be measured. Measurements were made with both real and simulated EGR. The EGR flows were introduced at various locations upstream of the probe. For EGR introduced just upstream of the probe the EGR concentration varied considerably during the cycle with a sharp rise in concentration occurring at the beginning of the intake stroke. Good agreement was found between measured CO₂ concentrations and concentrations calculated based upon the simulated EGR flow rates.