Progressing TDLAS instrumentation for SI-traceable measurements of nitrous oxide in maritime applications
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Denghao Zhu
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is gaining interest in maritime applications for several reasons, primarily related to engine performance enhancement, emissions reduction, and auxiliary power supply. While N2O can enhance combustion efficiency and reduce certain emissions, uncontrolled use could result in increased NO x formation and other pollutants. Effective N2O monitoring is critical in maritime applications for ensuring operational safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal performance. We introduce an innovative first-principles N2O spectrometer designed specifically for maritime applications, such as monitoring emissions during and after combustion processes. This TDLAS based spectrometer targets the P29e line at 4.55 µm spectral band and provides direct absolute mole fraction measurements, eliminating the necessity for prior or routine calibration.
Zusammenfassung
Distickstoffmonoxid (N2O) gewinnt aus mehreren Gründen zunehmend an Bedeutung für maritime Anwendungen, vor allem im Hinblick auf die Leistungssteigerung von Motoren, die Reduzierung von Emissionen und die Bereitstellung von Zusatzenergie. Während N2O die Verbrennungseffizienz verbessern und bestimmte Emissionen verringern kann, könnte ein unkontrollierter Einsatz zu einer erhöhten NOx-Bildung und anderen Schadstoffen führen. Eine effektive Überwachung von N2O ist in maritimen Anwendungen entscheidend, um die Betriebssicherheit, die Einhaltung von Vorschriften und eine optimale Leistung zu gewährleisten. Wir stellen ein innovatives N2O-Spektrometer auf Basis erster Prinzipien vor, das speziell für maritime Anwendungen entwickelt wurde, wie etwa die Überwachung von Emissionen während und nach Verbrennungsprozessen. Dieses auf TDLAS basierende Spektrometer ist auf die P29e-Linie im Spektralbereich von 4,55 µm abgestimmt und ermöglicht direkte, absolute Messungen der Molfraktion, wodurch eine vorherige oder regelmäßige Kalibrierung überflüssig wird.
Funding source: European Partnership on Metrology
Award Identifier / Grant number: 23IND09 MaritimeMET
About the authors
Denghao Zhu is an Associate Professor at the School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University (since 2025). He was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Physical Chemistry, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (2021–2024). His research interests include laser spectroscopy, combustion diagnostics and reaction kinetics.
Zhechao Qu is a Research Scientist and Project Coordinator (EURAMET MetNH3Energy) at the Department of Physical Chemistry, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. His research focuses on gas metrology and laser spectroscopy, with applications in the climate and energy sectors.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: ChatGPT was used to improve language.
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Conflict of interest: The author states no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: The project (23IND09 MaritimeMET) has received funding from the European Partnership on Metrology, co-financed by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and by the Participating States.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- Special Issue: Sensoren und Messtechnik für die Energiewende
- Research Articles
- Impurity measurements in hydrogen using laser spectroscopy: carbon monoxide as a case study
- Progressing TDLAS instrumentation for SI-traceable measurements of nitrous oxide in maritime applications
- Multi-range voltage divider for wideband power measurements
- Radon sensor networks for large buildings: balancing the trade-off between energy efficiency and health
- Fibre-optic thermometry to support the clean energy transition
- Dienstleistungen der Wasserstoff-Metrologie
- The global dimension of the energy transition
- The digital transformation of the quality infrastructure supports the energy transition
- Integrating energy data from a lambda architecture into a Digital Twin
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- Special Issue: Sensoren und Messtechnik für die Energiewende
- Research Articles
- Impurity measurements in hydrogen using laser spectroscopy: carbon monoxide as a case study
- Progressing TDLAS instrumentation for SI-traceable measurements of nitrous oxide in maritime applications
- Multi-range voltage divider for wideband power measurements
- Radon sensor networks for large buildings: balancing the trade-off between energy efficiency and health
- Fibre-optic thermometry to support the clean energy transition
- Dienstleistungen der Wasserstoff-Metrologie
- The global dimension of the energy transition
- The digital transformation of the quality infrastructure supports the energy transition
- Integrating energy data from a lambda architecture into a Digital Twin
