New concept promises to mitigate need for diesel after-treatment

The as-yet unnamed concept from Penumbra Power pre-treats air going into the cylinders to reduce the emission of nitrous oxides (NO_x) and other greenhouse gases.

Developed by 25 year old entrepreneur and former JCB engineer Adam Meekings, technical details are relatively scarce on the project, which has yet to be patented. What we do know is that the technology uses heat and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the exhaust to alter the chemical composition of the air and fuel entering the engine.

“The product has the potential for CO₂ capture – similar to the systems used in power stations”

Meekings told The Engineer said that the system has the potential to completely replace conventional after-treatment, including catalytic converters and particulate filters.

“The original aim was to eliminate the use of liquid additives like Adblue, while achieving similar levels of emissions reduction,” he said. “Removing the after treatment system also means you no longer need precious metal catalysts and it could allow the engines to run leaner without a NO_x penalty, increasing fuel efficiency.”