Bosch-led consortium receives $2.7M DOE funding to develop advanced oxygen sensor for enhanced EGR

22 September 2012

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Robert Bosch LLC, in collaboration with Clemson’s International Center for Automotive Research and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, $2.7 million in funding to develop an oxygen sensor which directly and accurately measures the oxygen concentration in the intake manifold, affording vehicle manufacturers the ability to determine the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) percentage to a level of accuracy currently not possible.

Accurate EGR measurement and resultant finer control is an enabler for advanced combustion regimes and improves engine efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and maintains or reduces exhaust emission for conventional engines.

This grant comes as part of the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Vehicles Technology program. The agency selected three projects to receive grants for a total investment of $1 million this year and $5.2 million in FY13 focused on increasing the efficiency of engines and powertrain systems for future highway transportation vehicles.

These projects will focus on innovations that achieve breakthrough thermal efficiencies while meeting federal emission standards for passenger vehicles—cars and light trucks—as well as commercial vehicles, including long-haul tractor trailers.