Multi-DS™
DOES2™
Concentrator
Emulsification
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MERX OPPORTUNITY ABSTRACT
Emissions Testing Chassis Dynamometer
Multi-Dynamometer Simulator™ or Multi-DS™
The Environmental Technology Centre (ETC) of Environment Canada has a potential business
opportunity for a private-sector company to license the rights to develop, manufacture and
market, and/or provide related services - using an EC-owned technology. - a state-of-the-art,
chassis dynamometer called the Multi-DS™ designed to facilitate emissions testing of
medium-duty vehicles (7500 to 15,000 lbs).
THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
The medium-duty, emissions testing application of this unique type of chassis dynamometer
being offered, will be specifically designed for emissions testing equipment requirements
that will result from the US Environmental Protection Agency�s upcoming regulation for
medium-duty, on-road, in-use vehicles to undergo exhaust emissions testing by 2005.
Similar regulations may follow in other countries.
ETC is prepared to develop a customized application of the Multi-DS™ technology to a
Licensee�s specific requirements, that would efficiently and accurately facilitate the
required duty-cycles for emissions testing of vehicles in this, and possibly other,
vehicle weight classes. The technology could be of interest to companies that are
considering manufacturing dynamometers for this market, or integrating these dynamometers
into provision of emission testing services or facilities. ETC also has expertise and other
technologies related to the gathering, testing, characterization, quantification and
measurement of exhaust emissions on a wide variety of both on- and off-road vehicles
that could be combined with the use of the Multi-DS™ to provide a complete emission
testing capability or to perfect the functionality of its various components.
THE TECHNOLOGY
The Multi-DS™ chassis dynamometer technology provides state-of-the-art simulation of
actual driving conditions that a vehicle would experience on the road, within a test
facility or vehicle maintenance/garage environment. It can be used for a variety of
purposes but is extremely effective in running emissions-testing protocols or simulating
driving conditions for repair diagnosis and verification of on-road performance.
Existing chassis dynamometer technology simulates road-driving conditions by placing both
powered wheels of a vehicle on rollers where resistance is provided through use of electric
motors, eddy current brakes, or water brakes. These systems are designed on the assumption
that the vehicle�s operating loads are evenly distributed on both of the vehicle�s powered
wheels, which is not always the case. The Multi-DS™ system has no mechanical linkage
between the individual rollers, as on earlier-generation dynamometers. Instead the Multi-DS™
employs a separate electric motor for each powered wheel of the vehicle that is only connected
electronically via computer, which employs software that can simulate and sense differences on
each wheel set. In addition, due to this characteristic, and by using the electric motors to
power the wheels instead of providing only resistance, the Multi-DS™ system can test brakes
on both powered and non-powered wheels.
The computer system and software employs the latest user-friendly technologies (touch-screen
monitor, MS Windows™, self-calibrating, etc.) and will be designed to adapt to work easily
in garage/emission testing station situations where personnel computer experience/training
may be limited. The software can easily be adapted to provide data storage/retrieval of
test or repair results for records management purposes. The Multi-DS™ should be less
expensive to operate, and is more robust than conventional dynamometers, since there are
fewer moving parts and the computer/software is very reliable.
Two versions of the Multi-DS™ technology have been developed and prototyped: one with an
application for large vehicles such as buses; and the other, a smaller portable version,
that can be used for smaller vehicles by small garages or at field sites. The technology
could be developed or adapted for multi-wheel-drive vehicles, or other more specific
applications.
THE PRODUCTS / SERVICES AND PROCESS
The dynamometer being offered is specifically designed to facilitate emissions testing
of medium-duty vehicles (7500 to 15,000 lbs). Other potential uses of the Multi-DS™
technology (for example: repair and maintenance of vehicles, other weight classes, multi-wheel
drive, fixed or portable versions, etc.) may be of interest.
THE MARKETS
Markets for the Multi-DS™ chassis dynamometer are expanding due to the increasing demand
for testing facilities and equipment to respond to increased governments� requirements for
emission testing and improved engine operating efficiency. As well most in-use, conventional
dynamometers have obsolescence and high maintenance cost problems. The functions performed
by the medium-duty, emissions testing version of the Multi-DS™ would be suitable for
simulating emissions testing, drive cycle protocols that will be prescribed by the various
States as they strive to meet the upcoming medium-duty federal EPA regulations. If the
various State jurisdictions opt to implement medium-duty emissions testing in a similar
way to their existing practice for light-duty vehicles, there will likely be business
opportunities that arise from provision of equipment and services related to installation
and operation of both centralized state-run facilities as well as independent, licensed
service providers.
THE INVESTMENT AND PAYBACK
Investment would be the costs associated with manufacturing and marketing the Multi-DS™,
as well as fees established under license arrangements with Environment Canada. It appears
that there will be a large niche opening in the US market for the manufacture, installation
and use of the technology and opportunities could arise in other jurisdictions and around the
World as other governments pursue similar emission testing initiatives.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER POSSIBILITIES
The Crown owns the technology and several patents have been applied for in Canada, the United
States and elsewhere in the World. The Multi-DS™ has the potential for a variety of spin-off
applications for emissions testing, vehicle operations and maintenance, etc. Customized
applications for both permanent and portable versions are available, for a variety of vehicle
types and weight classes. Various licensing scenarios are available for negotiation, both
domestically and worldwide.
Organizations interested in this opportunity should contact:
Bob Bullen
Manager, Marketing and Business Development
Environmental Technology Centre
Environment Canada
(613) 991 9653
Delivery Date Required:
The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.
Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.
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