Embedded System Vs the EPA, #2 Jenny Ball

The progression of the technology of embedded systems in cars is usually a great thing and leads to new exciting technology and features in cars. However, this is not always the case. The power of embedded systems is far beyond having the temperature set correctly in you car for a more comfortable journey, beyond the reassurance of knowing the numerous safety systems equipped in the car ready to engage without a moments notice. The power of embedded systems can also be used to fool the official bodies and show that things aren't always as they seem. This was seen most recently in the case of the Volkswagen (VW) diesel TDI engines which may have forced a multi billion dollar company declare bankruptcy in the United States. 

VW advertised "clean diesel" as a main contributing factor to their low emissions. However, starting from 2009 to 2016, Volkswagen software engineers violated their ability to control embedded systems and cheated the system with regards emissions from diesel engines. In a range of VW, Audi and Porsche diesel TDI engines, a software bug was placed into the engines so the emissions appeared much lower during testing, then for typical everyday use. 

[1]

This planted bug, allowed the car to detect when the car was under test by declaring certain conditions. By monitoring the likes of the steering, engine operation, throttle and other inputs. Once the test conditions are met, the car will switch to a secondary mode for the engine. This produces a much lower emissions value by altering the fuel pressure, injection timing, exhaust-gas re-circulation and in AdBlue models, the amount of urea fluid sprayed into the exhaust [2]. However, when the car is operating under usual conditions, these parameters are changed back to normal and emit higher emissions.

. 

                                

                                                                             [3]

This scandal was done in TDI engines as a way of getting around the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) cut off values. This is because TDI engines emit a higher nitrogen-oxide emission which have been proven to be linked with lung cancer. The emissions emitted from the car under normal conditions can be as much as 40 times higher the specified limit set by the EPA [2]. 

[4]

[1] http://www.vwcarclaims.com/

[2] http://blog.caranddriver.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-vw-diesel-emissions-scandal/

[3] http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a27288/epa-road-testing-vehicle-emissions/

[4] http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772