The partner Czech University of Life Science Prague recently published a paper about diesel particle filters using remote sensing equipment, which includes research related to the LENS project. LENS invites you to read the summary of the paper, which was published in “Science of The Total Environment”, below and access it here.
Summary of paper “Practical, low-cost integrity testing of diesel particle filters using remote sensing measurement at the campus entrance gate”
The study explores a practical, low-cost method for identifying high-emission vehicles using remote sensing technology at a university entrance gate. The research aims to assess the feasibility of large-scale testing to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
The paper investigates a remote sensing approach to detect defective or absent diesel particulate filters in diesel vehicles by measuring exhaust emissions at a university entrance. A sensor placed on the road surface collected samples, which were analysed for non-volatile particle number concentrations, CO₂ levels, and other pollutants. Among 526 vehicles tested, nearly 60% had sufficiently high CO₂ concentrations to enable reliable emissions measurement. A subset of 48 vehicles underwent further validation using a tailpipe test, demonstrating a strong correlation between remote sensing data and traditional idle emissions testing.
The findings suggest that this low-cost, non-intrusive method could be used for emissions enforcement in controlled entry locations such as airports, parking garages, and national parks. The study also explored its applicability to motorcycles and other light vehicles, though further refinement is needed. The potential integration of low-cost sensors and automated vehicle identification systems could further enhance accessibility and efficiency.
This research presents a viable alternative to conventional emissions testing, offering a practical solution for identifying high-emission vehicles in real-world conditions. By reducing the presence of polluting vehicles in sensitive areas, this approach could significantly contribute to improved air quality and public health.