Keywords
Citation
(2002), "Delphi scientist awarded for automotive exhaust oxygen sensor development", Sensor Review, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2002.08722bab.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Delphi scientist awarded for automotive exhaust oxygen sensor development
Keywords: Automotive, Gas
David S. Eddy, Delphi Automotive Systems research scientist, has been honored with the prestigious "2001 Thomas Midgley Award" by the Detroit Section of the American Chemical Society. The award recognizes outstanding research contributions in the field of chemistry related to the automotive industry.
Eddy's pioneering work on exhaust oxygen sensor development led to using closed-loop engine control at the stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio point as a means of meeting regulatory tailpipe emissions standards. This sensor can uniquely determine the stoichiometric air-to- fuel ratio point by detecting the residual oxygen concentration in the engine exhaust gas after the combustion process takes place. The sensor output signal is used as feedback to the engine control computer, which then adjusts the air and fuel entering the engine. This keeps the air-to-fuel ratio at the stoichiometric point where the three-way catalytic converter is most efficient, thus helping minimize tailpipe emissions."
Dave's work on the development of automotive exhaust oxygen sensors has been recognized by many as the pivotal contribution to the widespread adoption of this technology on virtually every vehicle now produced," said Dr. Andrew Brown, Jr., Delphi director of engineering. "His work also has enabled many other Delphi breakthrough technologies in sensing and actuating solutions to help optimize emission control."
The Thomas Midgley Award, founded in 1965, is given each year for outstanding research contributions in the field of chemistry related to the automotive industry. A memorial to inventive genius, the award is named in honor of the late Thomas Midgley, Jr., an Ethyl Corporation vice president. Paramount among Midgley's achievements was the discovery and development of gasoline antiknock compounds, an event that helped to lay the groundwork for unlimited automotive progress. These inventions were made while Midgley was working for Charles "Boss" Kettering at General Motors Research Labs. Prior to Delphi's separation from GM in 1999, Delphi Research Labs was part of this group.