This thesis work has been conducted in the Handheld Laboratory at Husqvarna AB with the purpose of finding the parameters responsible for the performance of the catalytic converters used in the test rig. The catalytic converters are used in the test rig during the long term testing of the chain saws to reduce the hydrocarbon content from the exhaust before it enters into the environment.   To perform this research two approaches were carried out. One with Design of Experiment (DOE) and another using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. In Design of Experiments parameters that are suspected to be influencing the performance of the catalytic converter were refined. Using these parameters a test plan is made with the help of statistical analysis application Minitab and the tests were carried out in the test rig. Using SEM the effects of aging and its effect on microstructure and chemical composition on the catalyst surface was analyzed. The results from the DoE shows that the exhaust flow, collector diameter and distance to the muffler are responsible for the collection of exhaust. Distance to the muffler and collector length are the factors affecting the conversion of the exhaust. In addition to that exhaust flow is also responsible for the duration of heating coil running time.        The results from the SEM analysis shows that the operating temperature is high due to which there is thermal degradation of catalyst and there is also deactivation due to fouling. Another finding is that the flow on to the catalyst is not uniformly distributed

O trabalho consiste em análises experimental, teórica e computacional do escoamento dos gases de exaustão através de um conversor catalítico platina-paládio, instalado num motor de combustão interna movido a etanol. Foram realizados ensaios dinanométricos no motor para análise das medidas experimentais no sistema de exaustão e para aquisição de valores das propriedades termodinâmicas, de transporte e de concentrações químicas, os quais serviram de dados iniciais para a simulação computacional desenvolvida com a utilização dos softwares CFX e MFIX. Os programas resolvem um conjunto de equações conservativas que permitem a análise da variação da pressão, temperatura, velocidade e composição química dos gases de escape ao longo do suporte monolítico. Além de avaliar a formação e os níveis das emissões provenientes da combustão da mistura ar-combustível. A eficiência catalítica no primeiro suporte do conversor foi de 11% THC, 100% NOx e 20% CO. Foi verificada uma diferença de 1,23% entre a velocidade média experimental e a simulada. Modelos matemáticos foram aplicados no estudo da perda de carga no conversor catalítico e na relação difusão-reação do consumo e formação das espécies químicas. / The thesis describes computational, experimental, and theoretical analysis of the exhaust gases flow through a Pt/Pd catalytic converter installed on internal combustion engine burning ethanol. The obtained values related to energy properties and mass transport in experimental tests is the base of initial values for development of the computational simulation by using CFX and MFIX software. The programs solves a group of conservative equations that allow to analysis of variation such as pressure, temperature, and also, velocity of exhausting gases along the monolithic support, moreover to evaluate the formation of gases and its emission levels on the incoming air-fuel mixture combustion and its respective chemical reactions of oxidation. The catalytic efficiency through the first monolith of the converter were about of 11% THC, 100% NOx e 20% CO. It was verified also a small difference of 1,2 % between the experimental and the simulated average velocity. In addition mathematical models were applied on the study of the load loss in catalytic converter, diffusion-reaction of the consumption and also formation of chemical species.

Este trabalho de pesquisa visa estudar o processo de formação das emissões gasosas num motor de combustão interna movido à álcool e analisar os fatores que contribuem para o controle dessas emissões em níveis estabelecidos pela legislação. Especial atenção foi dada à aplicação de conversores catalíticos platina/paládio como auxiliar no processo de controle das emissões gasosas automotivas. Foram realizados ensaios dinanométricos de um motor de combustão interna para analisar as emissões e o controle destas, em condições operacionais, em função da razão ar-combustível, ponto de ignição e rotação. O conversor catalítico contribuiu para redução de mais de 80% das emissões gasosas danosas à saúde, quando o motor operava em condições estequiométricas. Observou-se a necessidade de desenvolver o sistema de admissão e descarga do motor para receber o catalisador sem que este cause redução considerável à queda da eficiência volumétrica do motor. / This work of research aim analyzes process of formation of gas emissions in alcohol internal combustion engines and analyses factors that contribute to control those emissions in level established by legislation. Special attention was faced application of catalytic converters platin/palladium with auxiliary in the process of control emissions gas automotives. Assays dynamometric were realized of to analyses emission and control them, in conditions operation ales, in function of air-fuel ratio, point of ignition and rotation the catalytic converters contribute to reduction more of 80% of emissions gas that cause damage health, when observed that necessity of develop system of admission and exhaust of engines to receive catalysts out that provocate reduction considerable decrease of efficiency volumetric of engines.

Este trabalho de pesquisa visa estudar o processo de formação das emissões gasosas num motor de combustão interna movido à álcool e analisar os fatores que contribuem para o controle dessas emissões em níveis estabelecidos pela legislação. Especial atenção foi dada à aplicação de conversores catalíticos platina/paládio como auxiliar no processo de controle das emissões gasosas automotivas. Foram realizados ensaios dinanométricos de um motor de combustão interna para analisar as emissões e o controle destas, em condições operacionais, em função da razão ar-combustível, ponto de ignição e rotação. O conversor catalítico contribuiu para redução de mais de 80% das emissões gasosas danosas à saúde, quando o motor operava em condições estequiométricas. Observou-se a necessidade de desenvolver o sistema de admissão e descarga do motor para receber o catalisador sem que este cause redução considerável à queda da eficiência volumétrica do motor. / This work of research aim analyzes process of formation of gas emissions in alcohol internal combustion engines and analyses factors that contribute to control those emissions in level established by legislation. Special attention was faced application of catalytic converters platin/palladium with auxiliary in the process of control emissions gas automotives. Assays dynamometric were realized of to analyses emission and control them, in conditions operation ales, in function of air-fuel ratio, point of ignition and rotation the catalytic converters contribute to reduction more of 80% of emissions gas that cause damage health, when observed that necessity of develop system of admission and exhaust of engines to receive catalysts out that provocate reduction considerable decrease of efficiency volumetric of engines.

O trabalho consiste em análises experimental, teórica e computacional do escoamento dos gases de exaustão através de um conversor catalítico platina-paládio, instalado num motor de combustão interna movido a etanol. Foram realizados ensaios dinanométricos no motor para análise das medidas experimentais no sistema de exaustão e para aquisição de valores das propriedades termodinâmicas, de transporte e de concentrações químicas, os quais serviram de dados iniciais para a simulação computacional desenvolvida com a utilização dos softwares CFX e MFIX. Os programas resolvem um conjunto de equações conservativas que permitem a análise da variação da pressão, temperatura, velocidade e composição química dos gases de escape ao longo do suporte monolítico. Além de avaliar a formação e os níveis das emissões provenientes da combustão da mistura ar-combustível. A eficiência catalítica no primeiro suporte do conversor foi de 11% THC, 100% NOx e 20% CO. Foi verificada uma diferença de 1,23% entre a velocidade média experimental e a simulada. Modelos matemáticos foram aplicados no estudo da perda de carga no conversor catalítico e na relação difusão-reação do consumo e formação das espécies químicas. / The thesis describes computational, experimental, and theoretical analysis of the exhaust gases flow through a Pt/Pd catalytic converter installed on internal combustion engine burning ethanol. The obtained values related to energy properties and mass transport in experimental tests is the base of initial values for development of the computational simulation by using CFX and MFIX software. The programs solves a group of conservative equations that allow to analysis of variation such as pressure, temperature, and also, velocity of exhausting gases along the monolithic support, moreover to evaluate the formation of gases and its emission levels on the incoming air-fuel mixture combustion and its respective chemical reactions of oxidation. The catalytic efficiency through the first monolith of the converter were about of 11% THC, 100% NOx e 20% CO. It was verified also a small difference of 1,2 % between the experimental and the simulated average velocity. In addition mathematical models were applied on the study of the load loss in catalytic converter, diffusion-reaction of the consumption and also formation of chemical species.

La combustion de la biomasse, en particulier le chauffage au bois résidentiel, constitue une source d’émissions fortement contributrice aux concentrations de PM10 en hiver, de façon globale, en Europe. Afin de réduire les émissions de cette source, un programme de large envergure de renouvellement d’appareils de chauffage au bois non-performant, le Fonds Air Bois a été lancé depuis 2013 dans la vallée de l’Arve. Cette action étant amenée à se multiplier en France, l’évaluation de son effet sur les concentrations atmosphériques constitue un enjeu pour les futures politiques de gestion de la qualité de l’air. Le programme PRIMEQUAL DECOMBIO (2013-2018) a été proposé afin de mettre en place des méthodologies permettant d’évaluer l’impact de cette opération sur les concentrations de PM10 à partir de mesures de terrains. Ce programme DECOMBIO, qui a servi de cadre à ce travail de thèse, s’est appuyé sur la confrontation durant 4 hivers des mesures en continu des PM10 issus de la combustion de la biomasse (noté PM10wb), des conditions météorologiques, et des variations d’émissions liées au renouvellement des appareils. Pour répondre à cet enjeu, les travaux de cette thèse ont eu pour objectif de développer des méthodes permettant de prendre en compte l’influence des conditions atmosphériques sur les concentrations hivernales de PM10 et d’évaluer les paramètres et facteurs d’incertitudes permettant de comparer les variations estimées d’émissions de PM10wb avec celles des concentrations mesurées de PM10wb au cours des 4 hivers.Ces travaux se sont appuyés sur d’importantes bases de données de mesures chimiques et météorologiques constitués durant 4 hivers (13-14 à 16-17) au niveau de 3 sites dans la vallée de l’Arve. Par ailleurs, les données techniques issues des dossiers de renouvellements des appareils pour bénéficier de l’aide financière du Fonds Air Bois nous ont été communiquées, nous permettant de spatialiser et temporaliser les réductions des émissions de PM10wb estimées provenant de ces remplacements d’appareils. L’état de la stabilité thermique de l’atmosphère, paramètre essentiel pour déterminer les épisodes d’inversions thermiques, a été suivi en continu grâce à un système peu onéreux de capteurs de température sous abris installés le long des pentes. Ces mesures ont permis de montrer que les conditions météorologiques locales dans ces vallées encaissées sont le facteur premier conditionnant les concentrations atmosphériques. Une classification automatique des conditions atmosphériques a été établie, permettant de s’affranchir de cette variabilité et de comparer les concentrations pour des conditions atmosphériques similaires entre les différents hivers. L’innovation de cette approche repose principalement sur la prise en compte du degré d’influence de variables météorologiques et de paramètres liés à l’intensité des émissions. Une diminution graduelle des concentrations de PM10wb au cours des hivers a ainsi pu être constatée au niveau des 3 sites pour certaines classes de conditions atmosphériques, résultat consolidé par la diminution concomitante des traceurs de la combustion de la biomasse à la masse des PM10. Afin de préciser ces résultats, nous nous sommes intéressés à estimer la réduction des émissions de PM10 des remplacements d’appareils au niveau des sites de mesures et leurs incertitudes.Au terme de ce travail et du programme DECOMBIO, nous avons été à même de développer et de valider plusieurs outils méthodologiques applicables dans l’évaluation de futurs fonds air bois (utilisation de capteurs le long des pentes, classification météorologique adaptée à la qualité de l’air, estimation des incertitudes sur les émissions de parc de dispositifs de chauffage au bois). Ces bases solides nous ont permis de mieux comprendre les mesures réalisées sur les PM atmosphériques, et leurs liens avec les estimations des émissions. / Biomass burning, particularly residential wood burning, is a source of atmospheric particles that contributes significantly to winter PM10 levels globally in Europe. In order to reduce emissions from this source, a large-scale program for the renewal of non-efficient wood-burning appliances, the “Fonds Air Bois” has been launched since 2013 in the Arve Valley. The assessment of its impact on atmospheric concentrations is an issue for future air quality management policies. The research DECOMBIO program (2013-2018) has been proposed to evaluate the impact of this operation on PM10 concentrations from measurements. This DECOMBIO program, which includes these thesis works, was based on the confrontation during 4 winters of continuous measurements of PM10 resulting from biomass burning (noted PM10wb), weather conditions, and emissions variations related to appliances renewal. To answer this challenge, the aim of this thesis was to develop methods to take into account the influence of atmospheric conditions on winter PM10 concentrations and to evaluate the parameters and uncertainties that make it possible to compare the estimated PM10wb emission variations with those of the measured PM10wb concentrations during the 4 winters.This work was based on large datasets of chemical and meteorological measurements made during 4 winters (13-14 to 16-17) at 3 sites in the Arve Valley. In addition, the technical data from wood appliances renewal files was provided to us, allowing us to spatially and temporally estimated reductions of PM10wb emissions from these appliances replacements. The state of atmospheric stability, an essential parameter for determining episodes of temperature inversions, has been continuously monitored thanks to an inexpensive system of sheltered temperature sensors installed along the slopes. These measurements have shown that local weather conditions in these valleys are the primary factor conditioning atmospheric concentrations. An automatic weather types classification has been established, making it possible to overcome this variability and to compare the concentrations for similar atmospheric conditions between the different winters. The innovation of this approach is mainly based on taking into account the degree of influence of meteorological variables and parameters related to the intensity of emissions. A gradual decrease of PM10wb concentrations during winters was thus observed at the 3 sites for certain weather types, a result consolidated by the concomitant decrease in tracer biomass combustion at the mass of PM10. To clarify these results, we were interested in estimating the reduction of PM10 emissions from device replacements at measurement sites and their uncertainties.At the end of this work and of the DECOMBIO program, we have been able to develop and validate several methodological tools applicable in the evaluation of future “fonds air bois” (use of sensors along the slopes, meteorological classification adapted to the quality of the air, estimation of uncertainties on wood appliances renewable emissions). This solid foundation has allowed us to better understand the measurements made on atmospheric PM, and their relationship to emission estimates.

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / Since the advent of Naval Warfare, Tactical Knowledge Management (KM) has been critical to the success of the On Scene Commander. Today's Tactical Knowledge Manager typically operates in a high stressed environment with a multitude of knowledge sources including detailed sensor deployment plans, rules of engagement contingencies, and weapon delivery assignments. However the WarFighter has placed a heavy reliance on delivering this data with traditional messaging processes while focusing on information organization vice knowledge management. This information oriented paradigm results in a continuation of data overload due to the manual intervention of human resources. Focusing on the data archiving aspect of information management overlooks the advantages of computational processing while delaying the empowerment of the processor as an automated decision making tool. Resource Description Framework (RDF) and XML provide the potential of increased machine reasoning within a KM design allowing the WarFighter to migrate from the dependency on manual information systems to a more computational intensive Knowledge Management environment. However the unique environment of a tactical platform requires innovative solutions to automate the existing naval message architecture while improving the knowledge management process. This thesis captures the key aspects for building a prototype Knowledge Management Model and provides an implementation example for evaluation. The model developed for this analysis was instantiated to evaluate the use of RDF and XML technologies in the Knowledge Management domain. The goal for the prototype included: 1. Processing required technical links in RDF/XML for feeding the KM model from multiple information sources. 2. Experiment with the visualization of Knowledge Management processing vice traditional Information Resource Display techniques. The results from working with the prototype KM Model demonstrated the flexibility of processing all information data under an XML context. Furthermore the RDF attribute format provided a convenient structure for automated decision making based on multiple information sources. Additional research utilizing RDF/XML technologies will eventually enable the WarFighter to effectively make decisions under a Knowledge Management Environment. / Civilian, SPAWAR System Center San Diego