A heating control method for a double-layer urea tank

Abstract

The application discloses a double-layer urea tank, which comprises a tank outer shell and a tank inner shell, and a sandwich space is formed between the tank outer shell and the tank inner shell. The application also discloses a heating control method of the double-layer urea tank. The gas-phase circulation pipeline and the liquid-phase circulation pipeline in the sandwich space of the double-layer urea tank are controlled by an ECU to open / close the inlet electromagnetic valve. The double-layer urea tank has the advantages of simple structure, high reliability, strong deformation resistance and improved thawing efficiency. The heating mode is changed to heating by a heat exchange medium in the sandwich space, and the heating is controlled based on the ECU. Meanwhile, the engine exhaust gas and the cooling liquid are utilized to realize step-by-step heat exchange thawing. The heating control mode does not affect the vehicle performance, and the vehicle energy can be fully utilized to achieve the purpose of energy saving and consumption reduction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive urea tank defrosting technology, and more particularly to a heating control method for a double-layer urea tank. Background Technology

[0002] Urea storage tanks, also known as urea containers, contain urea solution and are primarily used for exhaust treatment in trucks and buses. While urea tanks come in various shapes, their current form is largely single-layered due to boundary constraints. Therefore, when the length / width or length / height ratio of the urea tank is too large, it frequently collapses or bulges, sometimes exceeding 10mm. Regardless of the type of deformation, this leads to poor tank strength and reduced usability, potentially causing functional failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a heating control method for a double-walled urea tank. To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general description, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or to describe the scope of protection of these embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simple form as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0004] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a double-walled urea tank, comprising: an outer tank body and an inner tank body; the inner tank body is disposed inside the outer tank body and forms a sandwich space between the inner and outer tank bodies; a gas phase circulation pipeline and a liquid phase circulation pipeline are disposed within the sandwich space, and electromagnetic valves are disposed at the inlet ends of the gas phase circulation pipeline and the liquid phase circulation pipeline; a temperature sensor is disposed on the inner tank body; the electromagnetic valves are connected to the control output interface of an ECU; and the temperature sensor is connected to the signal input interface of an ECU.

[0006] In one embodiment, the double-layer urea tank further includes: a pull strap; both ends of the pull strap are connected to a support frame for supporting the double-layer urea tank, and the pull strap covers the outer surface of the tank shell.

[0007] In one embodiment, a heat insulation pad is provided between the gas phase circulation pipeline and the liquid phase circulation pipeline.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer shell and the inner shell of the can are made of metal or plastic.

[0009] In one embodiment, both the gas phase circulation pipeline and the liquid phase circulation pipeline are series-connected serpentine pipelines.

[0010] In one embodiment, urea inlet and outlet ports are provided on the outer shell and inner shell of the tank.

[0011] Secondly, the present invention also provides a heating control method for a double-walled urea tank, comprising:

[0012] The ECU receives the request to defrost and controls the solenoid valve at the inlet of the gas phase circulation pipe in the double-layer urea tank interlayer space to open, allowing engine exhaust gas to enter the gas phase circulation pipe, while simultaneously acquiring the initial temperature value of the temperature sensor in the double-layer urea tank interlayer space.

[0013] The ECU acquires the real-time measurement value uploaded by the temperature sensor and calculates the rate of temperature change. When the rate of temperature change is less than the preset threshold, it controls the solenoid valve at the inlet of the liquid phase circulation pipeline in the double-layer urea tank to open, allowing coolant to enter the liquid phase circulation pipeline.

[0014] In one embodiment, after the ECU receives the request to unfreeze, it further includes: obtaining the engine running time and determining whether the engine running time has reached the executable time threshold. If the executable time threshold is reached, the step of controlling the opening of the solenoid valve at the inlet end of the gas phase circulation pipeline in the double-layer urea tank interlayer space is executed.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heating control method for a double-layer urea tank further includes: when the ECU detects that the rate of temperature change is greater than or equal to a preset threshold or receives a request to stop defrosting, it controls the electromagnetic valve at the inlet end of the liquid phase circulation pipeline in the interlayer space of the double-layer urea tank to close.

[0016] In one embodiment, the heating control method for a double-layer urea tank further includes: when the ECU receives a request to stop defrosting or the measured value uploaded by the temperature sensor reaches the heating stop threshold, the electromagnetic valve at the inlet end of the gas phase circulation pipeline in the interlayer space of the double-layer urea tank is controlled to close.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] 1. The double-layer urea tank has a simple structure, high reliability, and strong resistance to deformation;

[0019] 2. By utilizing the interlayer space of the double-layer urea tank, heating circulation pipelines are arranged, which increases the heating area while improving the strength of the urea tank, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency. Moreover, the structure is reasonably arranged, making full use of the internal space of the tank without increasing the overall tank volume.

[0020] 3. The heating method is changed to heating by the heat exchange medium in the sandwich space and controlled by the ECU. At the same time, the engine exhaust gas and coolant are used to achieve stepped heat exchange and defrosting. The heating control method not only does not affect the vehicle performance, but also makes full use of the vehicle's energy to achieve the purpose of energy saving and consumption reduction. Moreover, the heating and defrosting efficiency is high. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is an installation diagram of a double-layer urea tank according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a front view of a double-layer urea tank according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of a double-layer urea tank according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interlayer space of a double-layer urea tank according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the series serpentine pipeline structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the heat insulation pad of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] like Figure 1-6 As shown in some illustrative embodiments, the present invention provides a double-layer urea tank, comprising: an outer shell 1 and an inner shell 2. The two shell structures constitute the double-layer urea tank of the present invention. The double-layer urea tank, while meeting the boundary and basic functional requirements, further increases the overall strength and has the advantages of simple structure, high reliability, and strong resistance to deformation.

[0030] The inner shell 2 is located inside the outer shell 1, and a sandwich space 3 is formed between the outer surface of the inner shell 2 and the inner surface of the outer shell 1. The design of the sandwich space 3 not only enhances the strength of the urea tank but also provides space for the arrangement of the heating circulation pipeline, which is used to heat and defrost the urea tank. This structure has a large contact area, facilitating rapid defrosting of the urea tank during winter driving. Furthermore, the design of the sandwich space 3 makes full use of the internal space of the tank without increasing the overall tank volume, resulting in a more rational structural layout that does not affect the positional distribution of other vehicle components.

[0031] The invention also includes a pull strap 4. Both ends of the pull strap 4 are connected to the support frame 5 for supporting the double-layer urea tank, and the pull strap 4 covers the outer surface of the tank shell 1. After the pull strap 4 binds and secures the urea tank, it not only further improves the structural strength of the urea tank and increases the tank's resistance to deformation, thereby reducing deformation failures, but also makes it more stable.

[0032] A gas phase circulation pipeline 6 and a liquid phase circulation pipeline 7 are installed within the interlayer space 3. For example... Figure 5 As shown, both the gas phase circulation pipe 6 and the liquid phase circulation pipe 7 adopt a series serpentine pipe configuration, which not only increases the flow of coolant or airflow but also increases the heat exchange area and improves the defrosting speed. Preferably, as... Figure 6 As shown, a heat insulation pad 8 is installed between the gas phase circulation pipeline 6 and the liquid phase circulation pipeline 7 to avoid heat exchange between the two pipelines and to increase the stability of the heating circulation pipeline.

[0033] A solenoid valve is installed at the inlet end of the gas phase circulation pipeline 6, and it is connected to the engine exhaust pipeline via a flange. When the solenoid valve opens, the engine exhaust gas enters the gas phase circulation pipeline 6 and exchanges heat with the urea solution located in the inner shell 2 of the tank to achieve the purpose of defrosting. A solenoid valve is installed at the inlet end of the liquid phase circulation pipeline 7, and it is connected to the coolant delivery pipeline via a flange. When the solenoid valve opens, the coolant enters the liquid phase circulation pipeline 7 and exchanges heat with the urea solution located in the inner shell 2 of the tank to achieve the purpose of defrosting.

[0034] A temperature sensor is installed on the inner shell 2 of the tank. The solenoid valves at the inlet ends of the gas phase circulation pipeline 6 and the liquid phase circulation pipeline 7 are connected to the control output interface of the ECU, and the temperature sensor is connected to the signal input interface of the ECU. The on / off state of the gas phase circulation pipeline 6 and the liquid phase circulation pipeline 7 is controlled by the vehicle ECU, without the need for a new control system. Moreover, the ECU can obtain the overall vehicle status and operating information, which facilitates the control of the heating circulation pipeline based on the actual operating status parameters, achieving precise control.

[0035] The outer shell 1 and the inner shell 2 can be made of plastic, specifically high-density polyethylene resistant to urea corrosion, and integrally molded using rotational molding. Alternatively, the outer shell 1 and the inner shell 2 can be made of metal, using welding or other forming methods.

[0036] Urea inlet and outlet ports 9 are provided on the outer shell 1 and the inner shell 2 of the tank.

[0037] The urea tank of this invention adopts a double-layer structure design, which can use the exhaust gas and / or refrigerant discharged after treatment to fill the heating circulation pipeline in the interlayer space 3, and use heat conduction to heat it. This not only allows for rapid thawing, but also enables the secondary recycling of exhaust gas, reducing the risk of heat damage.

[0038] This invention features a simple structure and high reliability. It uses engine coolant or exhaust gas from the tailpipe to heat a urea solution, and the exhaust gas, after heat exchange, is released into the atmosphere, fully utilizing the heat from the vehicle's exhaust gases to save energy and reduce consumption. Furthermore, it requires no fundamental modifications to the aftertreatment system and does not affect the engine's cold-start performance. It also boasts advantages such as simple control logic and improved vehicle adaptability in extreme cold environments.

[0039] In some illustrative embodiments, the present invention also provides a heating control method for a double-walled urea tank, comprising the following steps:

[0040] Step 1: The ECU receives the request to unfreeze.

[0041] Step 2: The ECU obtains the engine running time and determines whether the engine running time has reached the executable time threshold. The specific value of the executable time threshold can be preset according to the vehicle conditions.

[0042] Step 3: When the determination result of Step 2 indicates that the executable time threshold has been reached, the solenoid valve at the inlet end of the gas phase circulation pipe in the double-layer urea tank interlayer space 3 is opened, allowing engine exhaust gas to enter the gas phase circulation pipe 6 and exchange heat with the urea solution located in the inner shell 2 of the tank to achieve the purpose of thawing the urea solution. The circulation is only allowed to open after the engine running time exceeds the set value, thus ensuring that it will not affect the engine's cold start and emission performance.

[0043] Step 4: If the result of Step 2 is that the executable time threshold has not been reached, a rejection message for unfreezing is sent to the requesting end.

[0044] Step 5: As the gas phase circulation pipeline is opened, the ECU collects the initial temperature value from the temperature sensor in the interlayer space of the double-layer urea tank.

[0045] Step 6: The ECU acquires the real-time measurement value uploaded by the temperature sensor, calculates the rate of temperature change, and determines whether the current rate of temperature change is less than the preset threshold. The specific value of the preset threshold can be preset according to the vehicle conditions and the ambient temperature.

[0046] Step 7: When the determination result of Step 6 is less than the preset rate threshold, the solenoid valve at the inlet end of the liquid phase circulation pipeline in the interlayer space of the double-layer urea tank is opened to allow the coolant to enter the liquid phase circulation pipeline and exchange heat with the urea solution located in the inner shell 2 of the tank to achieve the purpose of thawing the urea solution.

[0047] The heating method is changed to heating by the heat exchange medium in the sandwich space and controlled by the ECU. At the same time, the engine exhaust gas and coolant are used to achieve stepped heat exchange and defrosting. When the gas phase heat exchange cannot achieve high-speed defrosting, the liquid phase heat exchange is then introduced, thereby achieving a reasonable allocation of vehicle resources. The heating control method not only does not affect the vehicle performance, but also makes full use of the vehicle's energy to achieve the purpose of energy saving and consumption reduction, and the heating and defrosting efficiency is high.

[0048] Step 8: When the result of Step 6 is greater than or equal to the preset rate threshold or a request to stop defrosting is received, the solenoid valve at the inlet of the liquid phase circulation pipeline in the double-layer urea tank interlayer is closed. This achieves stepped heat exchange defrosting. When gas phase heat exchange can guarantee the defrosting rate, the liquid phase medium heat exchange process is shut off. This ensures the normal operation of other vehicle performance and avoids resource waste.

[0049] Step 9: When the ECU receives a command to stop defrosting or the measured value uploaded by the temperature sensor reaches the heating stop threshold, it controls the solenoid valve at the inlet of the gas phase circulation pipeline in the double-layer urea tank interlayer space to close.

[0050] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heating control method for a double-walled urea tank, the double-walled urea tank comprising: The tank outer shell, the tank inner shell and the pull belt; the tank inner shell is arranged in the inside of the tank outer shell, and a sandwich space is formed between the tank outer shell and the tank inner shell; the sandwich space is provided with a gas phase circulation pipeline and a liquid phase circulation pipeline, and an electromagnetic valve is arranged at the inlet end of the gas phase circulation pipeline and the liquid phase circulation pipeline, and a heat insulation pad is arranged between the gas phase circulation pipeline and the liquid phase circulation pipeline; a temperature sensor is arranged on the tank inner shell, the electromagnetic valve is connected with the control output interface of the ECU, and the temperature sensor is connected with the signal input interface of the ECU; the two ends of the pull belt are connected with a support frame for bearing the double-layer urea tank, and the pull belt is wrapped on the outer surface of the tank outer shell; the materials of the tank outer shell and the tank inner shell are metal or plastic, and urea water inlets and outlets are arranged on the tank outer shell and the tank inner shell; the gas phase circulation pipeline and the liquid phase circulation pipeline are both series-connected serpentine pipelines; The heating control method comprises the following steps: The ECU acquires a request for thawing instruction, controls the electromagnetic valve at the inlet end of the gas phase circulation pipeline in the sandwich space of the double-layer urea tank to be opened, and makes the engine exhaust gas enter the gas phase circulation pipeline, while collecting the initial temperature value of the temperature sensor in the sandwich space of the double-layer urea tank; The ECU acquires the real-time measurement value uploaded by the temperature sensor, and calculates the temperature change rate, and when the temperature change rate is less than the preset rate threshold value, the electromagnetic valve at the inlet end of the liquid phase circulation pipeline in the sandwich space of the double-layer urea tank is controlled to be opened, so that the cooling liquid enters the liquid phase circulation pipeline.

2. The heating control method of a two-layer urea tank according to claim 1, characterized by, When the ECU acquires the request for thawing instruction, the engine running time is acquired, and it is judged whether the engine running time reaches the executable time threshold value, and if yes, the step of controlling the electromagnetic valve at the inlet end of the gas phase circulation pipeline in the sandwich space of the double-layer urea tank to be opened is executed.

3. The heating control method of a two-layer urea tank according to claim 2, characterized by, Further comprising: When the ECU detects that the temperature change rate is greater than or equal to the preset rate threshold value or acquires a request for stopping thawing instruction, the electromagnetic valve at the inlet end of the liquid phase circulation pipeline in the sandwich space of the double-layer urea tank is controlled to be closed.

4. The heating control method of a two-layer urea tank according to claim 3, characterized by Further comprising: When the ECU acquires the request for stopping thawing instruction or the measurement value uploaded by the temperature sensor reaches the heating stop threshold value, the electromagnetic valve at the inlet end of the gas phase circulation pipeline in the sandwich space of the double-layer urea tank is controlled to be closed.

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