Thermal converter devices, systems and control methods

Abstract

A system is provided for reducing exhaust emissions. The system can comprise a series of chambers, an injector head, and a controller. The controller can maintain desired temperature zones and chemical environments inside the series of chambers, and the chambers and structures inside the system 10 can provide a desired travel path for the air, fuel, and untreated exhaust mixture inside.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 042,665, filed Apr. 4, 2008, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS[0002]1. Field of the Inventions[0003]The present application relates to emission reduction devices, systems, and control methods, and more particularly to devices, systems, and control methods for reducing exhaust emissions from a diesel engine.[0004]2. Background of the Inventions[0005]The toxic release into the atmosphere of exhaust emissions from compression ignition (“diesel”) engines is a global environmental problem and is prevalent in populated areas world-wide. Exhaust emission reduction of gases, solids, and condensates of diesel-powered systems have been the subject of both new and retrofit devices and methods.[0006]An internal combustion engine burns hydrocarbon fuel (approximately 85% carbon and 15% hydrogen) in oxygen from incomi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In engine applications, including but not limited to those of trucks, construction equipment, stationary generators, railroad locomotives, and marine vessels, exhaust emissions can consist of harmful pollutants such as nitric oxides (NOx), PM, CO, and HC. As described above, diesel engines cannot use catalytic converters to eliminate some or all of these pollutants, and current technology does not efficiently and accurately address the problems associated with emissions in such engines. In particular, current technology does provide for an efficient way to convert and / or burn PM, CO, and HC to carbon dioxide and water, while at the same time reducing nitric oxides in the exhaust. Therefore, an aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed here includes the realization that it would be advantageous to have a single system, capable of use with new engines or of retrofitting on old engines, including but not limited to diesel engines, which can efficiently reduce and / or eliminate the harmful pollutants described above.

Problems solved by technology

As described above, diesel engines cannot use catalytic converters to eliminate some or all of these pollutants, and current technology does not efficiently and accurately address the problems associated with emissions in such engines.

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