LENS

L-vehicles Emissions and Noise mitigation Solutions

Development of an On-Board System to Detect Noise Emissions

Populous urban areas and several rural areas are affected by immense pollution and noise due to high traffic volumes. Human health and the environment are negatively influenced by high sound pressure levels and air pollutants. In particular, L-category vehicles are known for significant noise and pollutant emissions both inside and outside of urban areas. Traffic and urban planning measures have previously been implemented in order to reduce the damaging factors. However, this context comprises significant potential for improvement, which indicates a requirement for additional research.

LENS research project started in September 2022 and targets the aforementioned challenges. In particular, the project focuses on reducing noise and pollutant emissions caused by L-category vehicles. A consortium consisting of industrial partners, research facilities and institutes will conduct research on innovative solutions and technologies for pollutants and noise reduction within a project duration of three years. Gained results will be integrated into current assessment methods and regulations for noise and pollutant emissions. Tests on more than 150 vehicles are planned to record and subsequently assess pollution and noise levels. Measurement data is collected by means of a comprehensively planned test campaign depicting diverse driving scenarios and conditions.

As part of the project, the Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika) is responsible for developing an adaptive measurement system to record noise emissions of L-category vehicles. The on-board system will be equipped with MEMS microphones for noise detection and a GPS module. Roadside noise measurements are conducted by using appropriate measurement equipment to assess the sound radiation. The subsequent evaluation of the recorded data is intended to identify noise-critical driving situations in order to derive possible countermeasures in a next step. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided for enhancements on the current vehicle type approval.