Exhaust aftertreatment system with heat-controlled reagent doser

Abstract

An exhaust aftertreatment system for a highway transportation vehicle. The exhaust aftertreatment system includes a flash doser mounted to an exhaust conduit and a catalyst coupled to the exhaust conduit. The flash doser is configured to inject a heated and pressurized reductant into an exhaust passage defined by the exhaust conduit for distribution throughout exhaust gas passing through the exhaust conduit. The catalyst is configured to react the reductant with nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas stream to provide a treated exhaust gas having a reduced amount of nitrogen oxides.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to an exhaust aftertreatment system for automobiles, and more particularly to incorporating a reagent metering feeder into such a system. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This article describes an automotive exhaust aftertreatment system for metering a reducing agent into an exhaust gas stream to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas stream. The exhaust aftertreatment system includes an exhaust duct and a reducing agent mixer, which has a mixing tank and a metering feeder mounted on the mixing tank. The mixer is configured to mix the reducing agent injected by the metering feeder with the exhaust gas moving through the system. The mixing of the reducing agent and exhaust gas is designed to induce a chemical reaction and reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas upon reaction with a catalyst. x ).

[0003] In an illustrative embodiment, the metering feeder includes a metering feeder body, multiple valves, and a thermal management system. The metering feeder body includes a housing defining an internal chamber, an inlet passage leading into the internal chamber to allow reducing agent from an associated reducing agent tank, and an outlet passage leading from the internal chamber into an exhaust passage. The multiple valves include inlet valves and outlet gates, configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the respective inlet or outlet passage. The thermal management system is configured to manage the temperature of the various components within the metering feeder.

[0004] In an illustrative embodiment, the thermal management system includes a heater and at least one cooling element. The heater is configured to selectively heat the reducing agent in the internal chamber of the housing before injecting it into the exhaust passage. Heating the reducing agent before injecting it into the exhaust passage promotes its reaction with the exhaust gas to improve the NO content in the exhaust gas. x The reduction (decrease) is achieved. A cooling element is connected to at least one electronic component included in the metering feeder to cool the at least one electronic component, thereby preventing the at least one electronic component from overheating during operation of the metering feeder in the exhaust aftertreatment system.

[0005] Additional features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering illustrative embodiments that illustrate the best mode of carrying out this disclosure as currently understood. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The detailed description is specifically based on the accompanying drawings, which include:

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a long-haul transport vehicle, which includes an internal combustion engine and an exhaust aftertreatment system configured to deliver a reducing agent to the engine exhaust gases flowing through an exhaust passage defined by an exhaust duct.

[0008] Figure 2 Is included Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the exhaust aftertreatment system in a long-haul transport vehicle shows a metering feeder including a metering feeder body with inlet and outlet channels to allow a reducing agent to enter the metering feeder; multiple valves to control the flow rate through the inlet and outlet channels; and a thermal management system configured to control the temperature of the components included in the metering feeder.

[0009] Figure 3 Is included Figure 2 A detailed schematic diagram of the metering feeder in the system is shown, illustrating the thermal management system of the metering feeder, which includes a heater and a cooling element. The heater is disposed within the metering feeder body for selectively heating the reducing agent before it is injected into the exhaust channel. The cooling element is connected to the valves to cool the electronic components of each valve, thereby preventing the valves from overheating during operation of the metering feeder in the exhaust aftertreatment system.

[0010] Figure 4 Is included Figure 1 The side view of the exhaust aftertreatment system in the long-haul vehicle shown illustrates a metering feeder installed in a mixer tank, which is located downstream of the diesel particulate filter included in the exhaust aftertreatment system. Detailed Implementation

[0011] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to several illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and these embodiments will be described using specific language.

[0012] The illustrative long-haul transport vehicle 10 includes an engine 12 and, for example, according to this disclosure... Figure 1 The exhaust aftertreatment system 14 is shown. Illustratively, the engine 12 is an internal combustion engine 12 configured to burn fuel and emit exhaust gases carried through an exhaust passage 16 defined by an exhaust duct 17. The exhaust gases are treated by the exhaust aftertreatment system 14 before being released into the atmosphere. The exhaust aftertreatment system 14 is configured to reduce various emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), in the exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere.

[0013] In an illustrative embodiment, the exhaust aftertreatment system 14 includes multiple exhaust aftertreatment devices, such as, for example, a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) 18, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) 20, a selective catalytic reduction unit (SCR) 22, and a reagent mixer 24. Exhaust gases pass through or through each aftertreatment device to remove or reduce different emissions. The reductant mixer 24 is mounted upstream of the SCR 22 and configured to inject and mix a reductant, illustratively a urea solution, into the exhaust gases. The chemical reaction between the reductant and the exhaust gases occurs downstream of the reductant mixer 24, within the SCR 22, to reduce NOx and produce treated exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere.

[0014] The reducing agent mixer 24 includes, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mixing tank 26 and the metering feeder 28 are shown. The mixing tank 26 is fluidly connected to the exhaust passage 16 to receive the exhaust gas flowing through it. The reducing agent is stored in the reducing agent tank 30 on the vehicle 10 and is directed to the metering feeder unit 28 so as to be injected into the mixing tank 26.

[0015] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the metering feeder 28 includes a metering feeder body 32, a plurality of valves 34, 36, and a thermal management system 38. The metering feeder body 32 includes a housing 40 defining an inner chamber 42, an inlet passage 44, and an outlet passage 46. The inlet passage 44 opens into the inner chamber 42 to allow reducing agent from the reducing agent tank 30 to enter, while the outlet passage 46 opens from the inner chamber 42 into an exhaust passage 16 of the exhaust aftertreatment system 14. Valves 34, 36 include an inlet valve 34 that selectively allows or prevents reducing agent from flowing into the inner chamber 42 through the inlet passage 44; and an outlet valve 36 that selectively allows or prevents reducing agent from flowing into the exhaust passage 16 through the outlet passage 46. The thermal management system 38 is configured to manage the temperature of the components included in the metering feeder 28.

[0016] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the thermal management system 38 includes a heater 48, at least one cooling element 50, and a control unit 54. The heater 48 is configured to selectively heat the reducing agent in the internal chamber 42 of the housing 40 before injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust passage 16. The cooling element 50 is coupled to at least one electronic component included in the metering feeder 28 to cool the at least one electronic component, thereby preventing overheating of the at least one electronic component during operation of the metering feeder 28 in the exhaust aftertreatment system 14. The control unit 54 is configured to instruct the heater 48 to selectively apply heat and to instruct the cooling element 50 to selectively cool the components in the metering feeder 28.

[0017] In some embodiments, the metering feeder 28 may be a flash metering feeder 28. The heater 48 may be configured to heat the reducing agent in the inner chamber 42 and thereby increase the pressure within the inner chamber 42 in the housing 40 to drive the injection of the reducing agent into the exhaust passage 16.

[0018] As the heater 48 raises the temperature of the reducing agent within the inner chamber 42, other components of the metering feeder 28, such as valves 34 and 36, are also heated. Each valve 34 and 36 contains electronic components (i.e., actuation coils), which could be damaged if heated above permissible temperatures. Therefore, the cooling element 50 contacts the outlet valve 36 to cool it and prevent the electronic components of valve 36 from overheating during use of the metering feeder 28.

[0019] In the illustrative embodiment, the cooling element 50 is a thermoelectric cooling element 50 configured to cool the outlet valve 36 when electrical power is supplied. Unlike coolant circuits that may use fluid coolant from other cooling systems of the engine 12, the thermoelectric cooling element 50 allows the cooling of the individual electronic components of the metering feeder 28 to be controlled independently of the engine 12 or other components of the system 14.

[0020] The control unit 54 is configured to selectively power the thermoelectric cooling element 50 to control the cooling of the outlet valve 36. Therefore, the thermoelectric cooling element 50 eliminates the need to integrate the thermal management system 38 of the metering feeder 28 with other cooling systems of the engine 12. The thermoelectric cooling element 50 also minimizes the space required to integrate fluid-based cooling into the metering feeder 28 in other cases.

[0021] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 38 may include a first cooling element 50 and a second cooling element 52, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. A first cooling element 50 contacts the outer surface of the outlet valve 36 to cool the outlet valve 36. A second cooling element 52 contacts the outer surface of the inlet valve 34 to cool the inlet valve 34. In other embodiments, the first cooling element 50 may contact both the inlet valve 34 and the outlet valve 36 to cool both.

[0022] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, control unit 54 is connected to cooling elements 50, 52, metering feeder 28, and exhaust conduit 17. Control unit 54 is configured to instruct thermoelectric cooling elements 50, 52 to cool corresponding valves 34, 36 in response to at least one of the following: (i) the temperature inside metering feeder body 32 exceeding a predetermined reagent value and (ii) the exhaust gas temperature in exhaust passage 16 exceeding a predetermined exhaust gas value.

[0023] As the heater 48 heats the reducing agent in the inner chamber 42, the temperature of the outlet valve 36 and / or the inlet valve 34 can be increased by conductive heating. To ensure that the electronic components of valves 34 and 36 do not overheat, the control unit 54 is configured to instruct thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 to cool valves 34 and 36 in response to a temperature exceeding a predetermined reagent value within the metering feeder body 32.

[0024] Components of the metering feeder 28 can also be heated by the exhaust gas flow in the exhaust passage 16. Since the metering feeder 28 is mounted on the mixing tank 26, the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage 16 can convectively heat the metering feeder 28. At high duty cycles, the exhaust gas temperature is very high and may overheat the electronic components of the metering feeder 28. Therefore, the control unit 54 can also be configured to instruct thermoelectric cooling elements 50, 52 to cool valves 34, 36 in response to the exhaust gas temperature in the exhaust passage 16 exceeding a predetermined exhaust gas value.

[0025] Other conditions that can generate high temperatures within the aftertreatment system 14 may include high engine load, thermal shutdown of engine 12, and regeneration of the diesel particulate filter 20. High engine load or high power density of engine 12 may expose the metering feeder 28 to temperatures of approximately 650 degrees Celsius. The diesel particulate filter 20 is connected to an exhaust passage 16 upstream or downstream of the metering feeder 28. Therefore, regeneration of the diesel particulate filter 20 may also expose the metering feeder 28 to temperatures of approximately 150 degrees Celsius.

[0026] The control unit 54 may also be connected to the engine 12 and configured to instruct the cooling elements 50, 52 to selectively cool the valves 34, 36 in response to a temperature of the internal combustion engine 12 exceeding engine values. The control unit 54 may also be configured to instruct the cooling elements 50, 52 to cool the valves 34, 36 in response to a signal that the metering feeder 28 has not injected reducing agent and a signal that the engine 12 is running.

[0027] The control unit 54 may also be configured to instruct cooling elements 50, 52 and cooling valves 34, 36 in response to a hot engine shutdown signal. The hot engine shutdown signal received by the control unit 54 indicates that the engine 12 has been shut down, but the temperature of the engine 12 is still higher than a predetermined engine value.

[0028] The control unit 54 may also be connected to the diesel particulate filter 20 and configured to instruct the cooling elements 50, 52 to selectively cool the valves 34, 36 in response to the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter 20. The control unit 54 may also be configured to instruct the cooling elements 50, 52 to selectively cool the valves 34, 36 in response to the temperature of the diesel particulate filter 20 exceeding a predetermined filter temperature value.

[0029] The control unit 54 may include multiple sensors 56, 58, 60, 62 and a controller 64, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As suggested, multiple sensors 56, 58, 60, and 62 are coupled to different parts of the aftertreatment system 14 or the engine 12 to measure the temperature within the system 14 and the engine 12. A controller 64 is coupled to each sensor 56, 58, 60, and 62, the heater 48, and the thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 to control the heater 48 and the thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 based on the information measured by each sensor 56, 58, 60, and 62.

[0030] Multiple sensors 56, 58, and 60 may include a first sensor 56 connected to the metering feeder 28, a second sensor 58 connected to the exhaust passage 16, a third sensor 60 connected to the engine 12, and a fourth sensor 62 connected to the diesel particulate filter 20. The first sensor 56 is configured to measure the temperature of the reducing agent in the metering feeder 28. The second sensor 58 is configured to measure the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage 16. The third sensor 60 is configured to measure the temperature of the engine 12. The fourth sensor 62 is configured to measure the temperature in the diesel particulate filter 20.

[0031] In other embodiments, the first sensor 56 may be a virtual temperature sensor 56. The control unit 54 may be configured to determine the virtual temperature of the reducing agent in the metering feeder 28. The control unit 54 may be configured to determine the virtual temperature of the reducing agent based on input parameters measured outside the metering feeder 28, thereby providing (setting) the virtual reagent temperature sensor 56. Such a virtual reagent temperature sensor is discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 711,729, filed December 12, 2019, the contents of which are clearly incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] The controller 64 is configured to instruct cooling elements 50 and 52 to cool corresponding valves 34 and 36 in response to a temperature measured by the first sensor 56 that is higher than a predetermined reagent temperature value. The controller 64 is also configured to instruct cooling elements 50 and 52 to cool corresponding valves 34 and 36 in response to a temperature measured by the second sensor 58 that is higher than a predetermined exhaust gas temperature value.

[0033] The controller 64 may also be configured to instruct the cooling elements 50, 52 to cool the corresponding valves 34, 36 in response to a temperature measured by the third sensor 60 that is higher than a predetermined engine temperature value. The controller 64 may also be configured to instruct the cooling elements 50, 52 to cool the corresponding valves 34, 36 in response to a temperature measured by the fourth sensor 62 that is higher than a predetermined filter temperature value.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, controller 64 can be connected to engine 12 and diesel particulate filter 20. Controller 64 can also be configured to instruct cooling elements 50, 52 to cool valves 34, 36 in response to a signal that the metering feeder 28 has not injected reducing agent and a signal that engine 12 is running.

[0035] The controller 64 may also be configured to instruct cooling elements 50, 52 to cool valves 34, 36 in response to the controller 64 receiving a hot engine shutdown signal. The hot engine shutdown signal received by the controller 64 indicates that the engine 12 has been shut down, but the temperature of the engine 12 is still higher than a predetermined engine temperature value.

[0036] The controller 64 may also be configured to instruct at least one cooling element 50, 52 to cool valves 34, 36 in response to a regeneration signal received by the controller 64 from the diesel particulate filter 20. The regeneration signal received by the controller 64 indicates that regeneration of the diesel particulate filter 20 has begun or is in progress.

[0037] The controller 64 is also configured to change the electrical energy supplied to the thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 to control the cooling level of the valves 34 and 36. To increase the cooling of the valves 34 and 36, the controller 64 increases the electrical energy supplied to the thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52. Conversely, the controller 64 reduces the electrical energy supplied to the thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 to reduce the cooling of the valves 34 and 36.

[0038] In the illustrative embodiment, cooling of the outlet valve 36 is independent of that of the inlet valve 34. The controller 64 is configured to supply a different amount of electrical energy to the thermoelectric cooling element 50 than to the thermoelectric cooling element 52.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 54 may include a power supply 66. The power supply 66 may be coupled to the controller 64 and configured to supply electrical energy to the thermoelectric cooling elements 50, 52. In other embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling elements 50, 52 may be powered by another power source in the engine 12 or the aftertreatment system 14.

[0040] This application also proposes a method for controlling a thermal management system 38 of a metering feeder 28. The thermal management system 38 of the metering feeder 28 determines when the reducing agent should be heated and when the components of the metering feeder 28 should be cooled. In many embodiments, it is necessary to maintain sufficient heating of the reducing agent in the metering feeder 28 to maintain the efficiency of the metering feeder 28 during cold starts and extended low-load / low-duty-cycle periods. However, in many embodiments, it is desirable to manage the temperature of the electronic components in the metering feeder 28 to maintain the integrity of the electronic components during the use of the metering feeder 28. The control algorithm will primarily use exhaust flow rate, exhaust temperature, and / or stored energy levels to determine when to heat or cool the metering feeder 28.

[0041] This disclosure relates to thermal protection of electrical components of a metering feeder 28 suitable for metering a reducing agent into exhaust gas under high-temperature operating conditions. Thermoelectric cooling elements 50, 52 are used to provide electrically driven cooling for the actuator coils in valves 34, 36. The thermoelectric cooling elements 50, 52 are controlled based on the temperature measured within the metering feeder 28.

[0042] Thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 eliminate the need for other coolant circuits, saving on coolant integration with engine 12. Compared to fluid-based cooling elements, thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 also minimize space requirements in metering feeder 28.

[0043] The thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 use thermoelectric materials that generate a hot side and a cold side when a voltage is applied to the material. The hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric material facilitate heat transfer.

[0044] The power and control of the thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52 can be controlled by the metering feeder control unit 54. Under conditions of high-temperature exhaust gas and / or heat engine shutdown, the control unit 54 detects high temperature and activates the thermoelectric cooling elements 50 and 52.

[0045] The following numbered schemes include contemplated and non-limiting embodiments:

[0046] Option 1: A metering feeder suitable for an exhaust aftertreatment system, used to inject a reducing agent into the exhaust channel of the exhaust aftertreatment system, the metering feeder comprising:

[0047] The metering feeder body includes: a housing defining an inner chamber; an inlet passage leading into the inner chamber to allow reducing agent from an associated reducing agent tank to enter; and an outlet passage leading from the inner chamber into an exhaust passage.

[0048] Multiple valves, including an inlet valve and an outlet valve, wherein the inlet valve is configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through an inlet passage into the housing, and the outlet valve is configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through an outlet passage into an exhaust passage, and

[0049] A thermal management system includes a heater and at least one cooling element. The heater is configured to selectively heat the reducing agent in the internal chamber of the housing before injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust passage. The at least one cooling element is coupled to at least one electronic component included in a metering feeder to cool the at least one electronic component, thereby preventing the at least one electronic component from overheating during operation of the metering feeder in the exhaust aftertreatment system.

[0050] Option 2: The metering feeder described in Option 1, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the cooling element is a thermoelectric cooling element configured to cool the at least one electronic component when electrical power is supplied.

[0051] Option 3: The metering feeder described in Option 2, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the at least one electronic component is an outlet valve, and the cooling element is in contact with the outlet valve to cool the outlet valve.

[0052] Option 4: The metering feeder described in Option 2, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the at least one electronic component is an inlet valve or an outlet valve, and the cooling element contacts the inlet valve or the outlet valve to cool the inlet valve or the outlet valve.

[0053] Option 5: The quantitative feeder described in Option 4, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the thermal management system includes two electronic components, namely an inlet valve and an outlet valve, and the at least one cooling element is in contact with the inlet valve and the outlet valve to cool the inlet valve and the outlet valve.

[0054] Option 6: The metering feeder described in Option 5, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the thermal management system further includes a control unit connected to the cooling element.

[0055] Option 7: The metering feeder described in Option 6, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the control unit is configured to instruct the thermoelectric cooling element to cool the outlet valve in response to at least one of the following: (i) the temperature within the metering feeder body exceeding a predetermined reagent temperature value; and (ii) the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage exceeding a predetermined exhaust gas temperature value.

[0056] Option 8: The metering feeder described in Option 7, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the control unit includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the reducing agent in the metering feeder body and a controller coupled to a cooling element and the temperature sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to instruct the cooling element to cool the outlet valve in response to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor that is higher than a predetermined reagent temperature value.

[0057] Option 9: The quantitative feeder described in Option 7, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the control unit includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage and a controller coupled to the cooling element and the temperature sensor.

[0058] Option 10: The quantitative feeder described in Option 9, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the cooling element to cool the outlet valve in response to a temperature higher than a predetermined exhaust gas value as measured by a temperature sensor.

[0059] Option 11: The metering feeder described in Option 2, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein at least one electronic component is an inlet valve, and a cooling element is in contact with the inlet valve to cool it.

[0060] Option 12: The metering feeder described in Option 1, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the thermal management system includes a first cooling element in contact with the outlet valve to cool the outlet valve and a second cooling element in contact with the inlet valve to cool the inlet valve.

[0061] Option 13: The system described in Option 12, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the thermal management system further includes a control unit connected to the first cooling element, the second cooling element, and the metering feeder.

[0062] Option 14: The metering feeder described in Option 13, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the control unit is configured to instruct each of the first and second cooling elements to selectively cool the corresponding electronic components in response to at least one of the following, thereby controlling the temperature of the electronic components included in the metering feeder: (i) the temperature within the metering feeder body exceeding a predetermined reagent temperature value; and (ii) the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage exceeding a predetermined exhaust gas temperature value.

[0063] Option 15: An exhaust gas aftertreatment system for metering a reducing agent into an exhaust gas stream to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas stream, the system comprising:

[0064] An exhaust duct, defined as an exhaust passage for receiving an exhaust gas flow therein; and

[0065] A reducing agent mixer is fluidly connected to an exhaust duct and is configured to receive the exhaust gas flow and inject a reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow.

[0066] Option 16: The system described in Option 15, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the reducing agent mixer includes a mixing tank and a metering feeder mounted on the mixing tank, the mixing tank defining at least a portion of an exhaust passage for receiving an exhaust gas flow therein, and the metering feeder being configured to inject reducing agent into the exhaust passage of the exhaust aftertreatment system.

[0067] Option 17: The system described in Option 16, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the metering feeder comprises: (i) a metering feeder body including: a housing defining an inner chamber; an inlet passage leading into the inner chamber to allow the entry of reducing agent from an associated reducing agent tank; and an outlet passage leading from the inner chamber into an exhaust passage; (ii) a plurality of valves including an inlet valve and an outlet valve, the inlet valve being configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the inlet passage into the housing, the outlet valve being configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the outlet passage into the exhaust passage; and (iii) a thermal management system including a heater and at least one cooling element, the heater being configured to selectively heat the reducing agent in the inner chamber of the housing before injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust passage, and the at least one cooling element being coupled to at least one electronic component included in the metering feeder to cool the at least one electronic component, thereby preventing the at least one electronic component from overheating during operation of the metering feeder in the exhaust aftertreatment system.

[0068] Option 18: The system described in Option 17, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the thermal management system further includes a control unit coupled to at least one cooling element and a metering feeder.

[0069] Option 19: The system described in Option 18, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the control unit is configured to instruct the cooling element to selectively cool at least one electronic component in response to at least one of the following: (i) the temperature within the metering feeder body exceeding a predetermined reagent temperature value; and (ii) the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage exceeding a predetermined exhaust gas temperature value.

[0070] Option 20: The system described in Option 19, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, further includes a diesel particulate filter fluidly connected to the exhaust passage.

[0071] Option 21: The system described in Option 20, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the control unit is coupled to the diesel particulate filter and configured to instruct at least one cooling element to selectively cool at least one electronic component in response to a temperature of the diesel particulate filter exceeding a predetermined filter temperature value.

[0072] Option 22: A long-distance transport vehicle, the vehicle comprising:

[0073] An internal combustion engine, configured to generate an exhaust gas flow guided through an exhaust passage defined by an exhaust duct, and

[0074] An exhaust aftertreatment system, the exhaust aftertreatment system comprising:

[0075] A mixing tank, wherein the mixing tank defines a portion of an exhaust passage for receiving an exhaust gas flow therein.

[0076] A metering feeder is installed in the mixing tank, the metering feeder being configured to inject the reducing agent into the exhaust passage of the exhaust aftertreatment system.

[0077] Option 23: The vehicle described in Option 22, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the metering feeder comprises: (i) a metering feeder body including: a housing defining an inner chamber; an inlet passage leading into the inner chamber to allow the entry of reducing agent from an associated reducing agent tank; and an outlet passage leading from the inner chamber into an exhaust passage; (ii) a plurality of valves including an inlet valve and an outlet valve, the inlet valve being configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the inlet passage into the housing, the outlet valve being configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the outlet passage into the exhaust passage; and (iii) a thermal management system including a heater and at least one cooling element, the heater being configured to selectively heat the reducing agent in the inner chamber of the housing before injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust passage, and the at least one cooling element being coupled to at least one electronic component included in the metering feeder to cool the at least one electronic component, thereby preventing the at least one electronic component from overheating during operation of the metering feeder in the exhaust aftertreatment system.

[0078] Option 24: The vehicle described in Option 23, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the thermal management system further includes a control unit coupled to at least one cooling element and a metering feeder, and wherein the control unit is configured to selectively cool at least one electronic component in response to an internal combustion engine temperature exceeding an engine temperature value.

[0079] Option 25: The vehicle described in Option 24, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the exhaust aftertreatment system further includes a diesel particulate filter fluidly connected to the exhaust passage.

[0080] Option 26: The vehicle described in Option 25, any other suitable option, or any combination of options, wherein the control unit is coupled to the diesel particulate filter and configured to instruct at least one cooling element to selectively cool at least one electronic component in response to a temperature of the diesel particulate filter exceeding a predetermined filter temperature value.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, these drawings and description should be considered exemplary and not restrictive. It should be understood that only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, and protection is intended for all changes and modifications falling within the concept of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A metering feeder suitable for an exhaust aftertreatment system, used to inject a reducing agent into the exhaust passage of the exhaust aftertreatment system, the metering feeder comprising: A metering feeder body, the metering feeder body comprising: a housing defining an inner chamber; an inlet passage leading into the inner chamber to allow reducing agent from an associated reducing agent tank to enter; and an outlet passage leading from the inner chamber into the exhaust passage. Multiple valves, including an inlet valve and an outlet valve, wherein the inlet valve is configured to selectively allow or prevent a reducing agent flow through the inlet passage into the housing, and the outlet valve is configured to selectively allow or prevent a reducing agent flow through the outlet passage into the exhaust passage, and A thermal management system includes a heater and at least one cooling element. The heater is configured to selectively heat the reducing agent in the internal chamber of the housing before injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust passage. The at least one cooling element is coupled to at least one electronic component included in the metering feeder to cool the at least one electronic component, thereby preventing the at least one electronic component from overheating during operation of the metering feeder in the exhaust aftertreatment system.

2. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one cooling element is a thermoelectric cooling element configured to cool the at least one electronic component when electrical power is supplied.

3. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one electronic component is in the inlet valve or the outlet valve, and the at least one cooling element is in contact with the inlet valve or the outlet valve to cool the inlet valve or the outlet valve.

4. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes two electronic components in an inlet valve and an outlet valve, and at least one cooling element is in contact with the inlet valve and the outlet valve to cool them.

5. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a control unit coupled to the at least one cooling element, wherein the control unit is configured to instruct the thermoelectric cooling element to cool the outlet valve in response to at least one of the following: (i) the temperature within the metering feeder body exceeding a predetermined reagent temperature value; and (ii) the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage exceeding a predetermined exhaust gas temperature value.

6. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the reducing agent in the metering feeder body and a controller coupled to the at least one cooling element and the temperature sensor, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the at least one cooling element to cool the outlet valve in response to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor that is higher than a predetermined reagent temperature value.

7. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of exhaust gas in the exhaust passage and a controller coupled to the at least one cooling element and the temperature sensor, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the at least one cooling element to cool the outlet valve in response to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor that is higher than the predetermined exhaust gas value.

8. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one electronic component is located in the inlet valve, and the at least one cooling element is in contact with the inlet valve to cool it.

9. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a first cooling element that contacts the outlet valve to cool the outlet valve and a second cooling element that contacts the inlet valve to cool the inlet valve.

10. The quantitative feeder as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a control unit coupled to the first cooling element, the second cooling element, and the metering feeder, wherein the control unit is configured to selectively cool a corresponding electronic component by instructing each of the first cooling element and the second cooling element in response to at least one of the following, thereby controlling the temperature of the electronic component included in the metering feeder: (i) the temperature within the metering feeder body exceeding a predetermined reagent temperature value; and (ii) the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage exceeding a predetermined exhaust gas temperature value.

11. An exhaust gas aftertreatment system for metering a reducing agent into an exhaust gas stream to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas stream, the system comprising: An exhaust duct, defining an exhaust passage for receiving an exhaust gas flow therein. A reducing agent mixer fluidly connected to the exhaust duct, the reducing agent mixer being configured to receive the exhaust gas flow and inject a reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow, the reducing agent mixer comprising: A mixing tank, the mixing tank defining at least a portion of the exhaust passage for receiving the exhaust gas flow therein, and A metering feeder installed in the mixing tank, the metering feeder being configured to inject a reducing agent into the exhaust passage of the exhaust aftertreatment system, the metering feeder comprising: (i) a metering feeder body, the metering feeder including: a housing defining an inner chamber; an inlet passage leading into the inner chamber to allow the entry of reducing agent from an associated reducing agent tank; and an outlet passage leading from the inner chamber into the exhaust passage; (ii) a plurality of valves, including an inlet valve and an outlet valve, the inlet valve being configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the inlet passage into the housing, the outlet valve being configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the outlet passage into the exhaust passage; and (iii) a thermal management system including a heater and at least one cooling element, the heater being configured to selectively heat the reducing agent in the inner chamber of the housing before injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust passage, the at least one cooling element being coupled to at least one electronic component included in the metering feeder to cool the at least one electronic component, thereby preventing the at least one electronic component from overheating during operation of the metering feeder in the exhaust aftertreatment system.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a control unit coupled to the at least one cooling element and the metering feeder, wherein the control unit is configured to instruct the at least one cooling element to selectively cool the at least one electronic component in response to at least one of the following: (i) the temperature within the metering feeder body exceeding a predetermined reagent temperature value; and (ii) the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage exceeding a predetermined exhaust gas temperature value.

13. The system as described in claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a diesel particulate filter fluidly connected to the exhaust passage, and wherein the control unit is connected to the diesel particulate filter and configured to instruct the at least one cooling element to selectively cool the at least one electronic component in response to a temperature of the diesel particulate filter exceeding a predetermined filter temperature value.

14. A road transport vehicle, the vehicle comprising: An internal combustion engine, configured to generate an exhaust gas flow guided through an exhaust passage defined by an exhaust duct, and An exhaust aftertreatment system, the exhaust aftertreatment system comprising: A mixing tank, the mixing tank defining at least a portion of the exhaust passage for receiving the exhaust gas flow therein, and A metering feeder installed in the mixing tank, the metering feeder being configured to inject a reducing agent into the exhaust passage of the exhaust aftertreatment system, the metering feeder comprising: (i) a metering feeder body, the metering feeder including: a housing defining an inner chamber; an inlet passage leading into the inner chamber to allow the entry of reducing agent from an associated reducing agent tank; and an outlet passage leading from the inner chamber into the exhaust passage; (ii) a plurality of valves, including an inlet valve and an outlet valve, the inlet valve being configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the inlet passage into the housing, the outlet valve being configured to selectively allow or prevent the flow of reducing agent through the outlet passage into the exhaust passage; and (iii) a thermal management system including a heater and at least one cooling element, the heater being configured to selectively heat the reducing agent in the inner chamber of the housing before injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust passage, the at least one cooling element being coupled to at least one electronic component included in the metering feeder to cool the at least one electronic component, thereby preventing the at least one electronic component from overheating during operation of the metering feeder in the exhaust aftertreatment system.

15. The vehicle as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a control unit coupled to the at least one cooling element and the metering feeder, wherein the control unit is configured to selectively cool the at least one electronic component in response to an internal combustion engine temperature exceeding an engine temperature value.

16. The vehicle as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The exhaust aftertreatment system further includes a diesel particulate filter fluidly connected to the exhaust passage, and wherein the control unit is connected to the diesel particulate filter and configured to instruct the at least one cooling element to selectively cool the at least one electronic component in response to a temperature of the diesel particulate filter exceeding a predetermined filter temperature value.

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