Tech

New Technology Can Reduce Toxic Emissions In UK’s London Cabs

Published

4 years ago

March 5, 2020

16 percent of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in central London are caused by taxis. They are also responsible for 26 percent of the particulate matter in central London’s air. Both emissions come with a bevy of hazards to human and environmental health. However, a German company called HJS has developed a solution: a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that can be retrofitted to old taxis. If the system works as advertised, taxi engines will not only be cleaner, but they will last longer and reduce costs.

SCR Does Not Affect Performance

According to HJS, the system that they hope to install in London cabs does not impact their performance or engine control unit. It works independently from the engine to remove nitrogen oxides and other contaminants from the exhaust. HJS estimates that SCR will reduce NOx by 75 percent compared to Euro 5 diesel taxis. This means that, by adopting an SCR system, Euro 5 taxis can become Euro 6.

Euro 5 Versus Euro 6

There are approximately 4,400 cabs in London with Euro 5 certification. Euro 5 denotes a vehicle whose engine emissions are higher than ideal – 0.18 g/km of NOx to be exact (for diesel). In comparing cars by their eco-friendliness, those that are certified Euro 6 win by a landslide. Euro 6 vehicles with diesel engines must emit no more than 0.08 g/km of NOx. If all outdated taxis were to adopt SCR, the entire fleet of London cabs would operate at an acceptable emissions level. For this to happen, the technology would likely need government approval.

Lifespan Extension On London Taxis

London law states that, starting in 2022, Euro 5 taxis will be forced to retire after 12 years of operation. This is where the Euro 6 advantage for taxi companies and drivers is most palpable. Cabs that have Euro 6 certification can drive for 15 years before retirement. That’s three extra years. A lot of fares can be collected in three years, and a lot of money can be saved on taxis if the old ones can be replaced every 15 years instead of every 12. SCR is, therefore, a cost-effective technology that should benefit the drivers themselves. Hidden costs, of course, may remain.

If SCR is approved and implemented, it could signal the end of energy-inefficient taxis – not only in London, but the world over. Electric power will claim whatever vehicles SCR misses. Diesel cabs are just another casualty in the war for sustainability.

Tech

Expert Embedded Hardware Development Services by Integra

Published

2 months ago

February 27, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Integra is a seasoned hardware design companies with a decade of experience in the field. Whether you need end-to-end embedded product development or assistance with specific project components, we’ve got you covered. From assessing your requirements to crafting hardware and firmware, to prototype testing, we ensure a comprehensive approach to meet your needs.

Our Offerings

At Integra, we specialize in developing embedded products for a wide range of systems. We excel in implementing projects based on 32-bit microcontrollers, designing electronics leveraging System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, and crafting solutions using 32- and 64-bit Single Board Computers (SBCs). Our expertise extends to creating intricate electronics with enhanced security requirements and a rich array of peripheral devices and input-output capabilities.

Our engineers are adept at crafting secure, cost-effective, and user-friendly embedded solutions for various industries, including consumer electronics, retail, healthcare, mining, oil and gas, entertainment, manufacturing, and more.

Services We Offer

PCB Design and Layout: We provide comprehensive PCB design services, ensuring optimal layout and functionality for your embedded hardware.
FPGA Design: Our experts handle FPGA design to meet the specific requirements of your project, ensuring efficiency and performance.
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Production Readiness: Integra prepares your embedded hardware for mass production, ensuring seamless scalability and consistency in quality.
Warranty Period: We stand behind our work with a commitment to quality and reliability, offering a warranty period to ensure your peace of mind.

Why Choose Integra?

Experience: With a decade of experience in the industry, we bring a wealth of expertise to every project we undertake.
Custom Solutions: We tailor our services to your unique requirements, ensuring that your embedded hardware aligns perfectly with your goals.
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Partner with Integra for expert embedded hardware development services that drive innovation and propel your projects to success. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and see how we can help bring your vision to life.