System and method for mitigating cold start emissions in vehicle including catalyst heater via rotation of turbocharger turbine

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for mitigating cold start emissions in a vehicle including a catalyst heater via rotation of a turbocharger turbine. In response to the trigger signal, a control signal is issued to open the wastegate, rotate the turbine, and turn on a catalyst heater disposed between the turbine and the catalyst. Rotation of the turbine causes recirculation air to flow in a recirculation flow path, the recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, a turbine housing, an exhaust wall between the turbine and the wastegate, an exhaust wall between the wastegate and the exhaust manifold, and an exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater. Heat is transferred from the recirculated air heated by the catalyst heater to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the wastegate, the exhaust wall between the wastegate and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field generally relates to vehicles, and more specifically to systems and methods for mitigating cold-start emissions in vehicles, including catalyst heaters, via the rotation of a turbocharger turbine. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles with internal combustion engines generate exhaust gases as a byproduct of the combustion process. These vehicles typically rely on a catalyst in a catalytic converter to process the exhaust gases, which are then released from the vehicle as emissions. The catalyst usually needs to reach an operating temperature to effectively process the exhaust gases. This operating temperature is called the catalyst ignition temperature. The catalyst ignition temperature is typically located approximately midway between the temperature of maximum conversion efficiency, such as, for example, 300°C, while the maximum conversion efficiency temperature can be, for example, 500°C. A cold start occurs when a vehicle is started after the engine has been off for several hours. During a cold start, the vehicle may emit excessive emissions until the catalyst reaches its ignition temperature.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for mitigating cold-start emissions in vehicles including catalytic converters via the rotation of a turbocharger turbine. Other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical and background information, based on the following detailed description and the appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A method for mitigating cold-start emissions in a vehicle including a catalytic converter heater via the rotation of a turbocharger turbine includes: receiving a trigger signal from a trigger signal source of the vehicle at a controller; issuing a first control signal to a wastegate actuator in response to the trigger signal to open the wastegate; issuing a second control signal to a turbine shaft actuator in response to the trigger signal to rotate the turbocharger turbine; and issuing a third control signal to the catalytic converter heater in response to the trigger signal to activate the catalytic converter heater, which is disposed between the turbine and the catalyst, wherein: the rotation of the turbine causes recirculated air... The recirculated air flows in the recirculation flow path and / or through the catalyst flow path; the recirculation flow path includes the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater; the recirculated air is heated by the catalyst heater; and heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, receiving a trigger signal at the controller includes receiving an engine start signal.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the controller sending a first control signal to the exhaust valve actuator to open the exhaust valve includes the controller sending a first control signal to the exhaust valve actuator to fully open the exhaust valve.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes issuing a fourth command from the controller to the variable valve timing (VVT) system to at least partially open the intake and exhaust valves of at least one of the plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes issuing a fifth command to an electric motor including at least one of electric motors P0, P1, and P2 to position the crankshaft in at least one of the plurality of cylinders having an overlapping intake and exhaust valve.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes the controller issuing a sixth control signal to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve actuator in response to a trigger signal to open the EGR valve.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes the controller issuing a seventh control signal to the compressor bypass valve actuator in response to a trigger signal to open the compressor bypass valve.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, a turbine housing of the turbine, an exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalytic converter heater, an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater and the exhaust valve, an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater and the catalyst; the recirculation flow path is adjacent to a first side of the catalyst; and heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalytic converter heater, the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater and the catalyst, and is transferred to the catalyst via the first side of the catalyst.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the catalyst includes a first catalyst brick and a second catalyst brick; the recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, a turbine housing of the turbine, an exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater, an exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the first catalyst brick, an exhaust wall between the first catalyst brick and the exhaust valve, and an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold; the second catalyst brick is disposed outside the recirculation flow path; and heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater, the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the first catalyst brick, the exhaust wall between the first catalyst brick and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the first catalyst brick.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the first catalyst brick comprises an oxidation catalyst.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the turbine shaft actuator is an electric generator unit (MGU).

[0015] A system for mitigating cold-start emissions generated by a vehicle including a catalytic converter heater via the rotation of a turbocharger turbine includes: at least one processor, and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one memory includes instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to: receive a trigger signal from a trigger signal source of the vehicle; issue a first control signal to an exhaust valve actuator to open an exhaust valve in response to the trigger signal; issue a second control signal to a turbine shaft actuator to rotate the turbocharger turbine in response to the trigger signal; and issue a third control signal to the catalytic converter heater to activate the catalytic converter heater in response to the trigger signal, the catalytic converter heater being disposed between the turbine and the catalytic converter, wherein: the rotation of the turbine causes recirculated air to flow in a recirculation path and / or through the catalytic converter. The recirculated air flows in the flow path of the catalyst; the recirculation flow path includes the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater; the recirculated air is heated by the catalyst heater; and heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the at least one memory further includes instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the following operation: receive a trigger signal, the trigger signal including an engine start signal.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the at least one memory further includes instructions, when executed by at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to perform the following operation: issue a fourth command to the variable valve timing (VVT) system to at least partially open the intake and exhaust valves of at least one of the plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the at least one memory further includes instructions, when executed by at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to perform the following operation: issue a fifth command to an electric motor including at least one of electric motors P0, P1, and P2 to position the crankshaft in at least one of the plurality of cylinders having an overlapping intake and exhaust valve.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the memory further includes instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the following operation: in response to a trigger signal, issue a sixth control signal to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve actuator to open the EGR valve.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the at least one memory further includes instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the following operation: in response to a trigger signal, issue a seventh control signal to the compressor bypass valve actuator to open the compressor bypass valve.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, a turbine housing of the turbine, an exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalytic converter heater, an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater and the exhaust valve, an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater and the catalyst; the recirculation flow path is adjacent to a first side of the catalyst; and heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalytic converter heater, the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater and the catalyst, and is transferred to the catalyst via the first side of the catalyst.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the catalyst includes a first catalyst brick and a second catalyst brick; the recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, a turbine housing of the turbine, an exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater, an exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the first catalyst brick, an exhaust wall between the first catalyst brick and the exhaust valve, and an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold; the second catalyst brick is disposed outside the recirculation flow path; and heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater, the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the first catalyst brick, the exhaust wall between the first catalyst brick and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the first catalyst brick.

[0023] A vehicle including a cold-start emissions mitigation system includes: at least one processor, and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one memory includes instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to: receive a trigger signal from a trigger signal source of the vehicle; issue a first control signal to an exhaust valve actuator to open the exhaust valve in response to the trigger signal; issue a second control signal to a turbine shaft actuator to rotate a turbocharger turbine in response to the trigger signal; and issue a third control signal to a catalytic converter heater to activate the catalytic converter heater in response to the trigger signal, the catalytic converter heater being disposed between the turbine and the catalytic converter, wherein: the rotation of the turbine causes recirculated air to flow in a recirculation flow path and / or through a flow path of the catalytic converter; the recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, a turbine housing of the turbine, an exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and an exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalytic converter heater; the recirculated air... The air is heated by a catalytic converter heater; and heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalytic converter heater; a second control signal is sent to the turbine shaft actuator to rotate the turbine of the turbocharger, wherein the rotation of the turbine causes recirculated air to flow in a recirculation flow path, the recirculation flow path including the exhaust manifold, the turbine, the exhaust wall system and the exhaust valve, wherein: the exhaust wall system includes the turbine housing of the turbine, an exhaust wall disposed between the turbine and the exhaust valve, and an exhaust wall disposed between the turbine and the catalytic converter brick; at least a portion of the recirculation flow path is adjacent to one side of the catalytic converter brick; and heat is transferred from the recirculated air to the exhaust wall system and via that side of the catalytic converter brick to the catalytic converter brick. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a vehicle including a cold start emission mitigation system according to at least one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of a controller including a cold start emission mitigation system according to at least one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of an internal combustion engine system including a first catalyst heater placement according to at least one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 It is according to at least one embodiment for use in Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for mitigating cold-start emissions via turbine rotation in an internal combustion engine system, including the placement of a first catalyst heater;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a functional block diagram of an internal combustion engine system including a second catalyst heater placement according to at least one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 It is according to at least one embodiment for use in Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for mitigating cold-start emissions via turbine rotation in an internal combustion engine system, including the placement of a second catalyst heater;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram of an internal combustion engine system including a third catalyst heater placement according to at least one embodiment; and

[0032] Figure 8 It is according to at least one embodiment for use in Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for mitigating cold-start emissions via turbine rotation in an internal combustion engine system, including the placement of a third catalyst heater. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description. As used herein, the term module refers to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components providing the described functionality.

[0034] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components can be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which can perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced in combination with any number of systems, and the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the system (and its various operating components) are not described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to illustrate exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a functional block diagram of a vehicle 10 including a cold start emissions mitigation system 100 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle 10 typically includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. While the vehicle 10 is described as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 can be other types of vehicles, including trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and recreational vehicles (RVs).

[0037] In various embodiments, the body 14 is arranged on the chassis 12 and substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The wheels 16 and 18 are rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near respective corners of the body 14.

[0038] In various embodiments, vehicle 10 is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle that is automatically controlled to transport passengers and / or goods from one place to another. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, vehicle 10 is a so-called Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 automation system. Level 2 automation means that the vehicle assists the driver in various driving tasks under the supervision of the driver. Level 3 automation means that the vehicle can take over all driving functions in certain situations. All major functions are automatic, including braking, steering, and acceleration. At this level, the driver can completely let go until the vehicle otherwise informs the driver. Level 4 system indicates “high automation”, referring to the driving mode-specific performance of the automated driving system for all aspects of dynamic driving tasks, even if the human driver does not respond appropriately to intervention requests. Level 5 system indicates “full automation”, referring to the full-time performance of the automated driving system for all aspects of dynamic driving tasks under all roadway and environmental conditions that can be managed by a human driver.

[0039] As shown in the figure, vehicle 10 typically includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, at least one controller 34, and a communication system 36. The controller 34 is configured to implement an automated driving system (ADS). The propulsion system 20 is configured to generate power to propel the vehicle. The propulsion system 20 includes an internal combustion engine (ICE). In various embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may also include an electric motor such as a traction motor, a fuel cell propulsion system, and / or any other type of propulsion configuration. The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system 20 to the wheels 16, 18 according to a selectable speed ratio. According to various embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a step-ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), or other suitable transmission. The braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the wheels 16, 18. In various embodiments, the braking system 26 may include a friction brake, a brake-by-wire brake, a regenerative braking system such as an electric motor, and / or other suitable braking systems.

[0040] Steering system 24 is configured to influence the position of wheels 16. Although depicted for illustrative purposes as including a steering wheel and steering column, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of this disclosure, steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel and / or steering column. Steering system 24 includes a steering column coupled to axle 50 associated with the front wheels 16 via, for example, a rack and pinion or other mechanism (not shown). Alternatively, steering system 24 may include a steer-by-wire system comprising an actuator associated with each of the front wheels 16.

[0041] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensing devices 40a-40n that sense observable conditions of the external and / or internal environments of the vehicle 10. The sensing devices 40a-40n may include, but are not limited to, radar, lidar, global positioning system, optical camera, thermal imager, ultrasonic sensor, steering wheel sensor, and / or other sensors.

[0042] The vehicle dynamics sensor provides vehicle dynamics data including longitudinal velocity, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and longitudinal acceleration. The vehicle dynamics sensor may include wheel sensors that measure information relating to one or more wheels of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the wheel sensors include wheel velocity sensors coupled to each of the wheels 16, 18 of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the vehicle dynamics sensor may include one or more accelerometers (provided as part of an inertial measurement unit (IMU)) that measure information relating to the acceleration of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the accelerometers measure one or more acceleration values ​​of the vehicle 10, including lateral and longitudinal acceleration and yaw rate. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle dynamics sensor provides vehicle movement data.

[0043] Actuator system 30 includes one or more actuator devices 42a-42n that control one or more vehicle features, such as, but not limited to, one or more wheels 16, 18, propulsion system 20, transmission system 22, steering system 24, and braking system 26. In various embodiments, vehicle features may also include interior and / or exterior vehicle features, such as, but not limited to, doors, trunk, and cabin features, such as air, music, lighting, etc. (not numbered).

[0044] Communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly communicate information to and from other entities, such as, but not limited to, other vehicles (“V2V” communication), infrastructure (“V2I” communication), remote systems, and / or personal devices. In an exemplary embodiment, communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standard or by using cellular data communication. However, additional or alternative communication methods (such as dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) channels) are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-to-medium-range wireless communication channel specifically designed for automotive use and with a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

[0045] Data storage device 32 stores data for use in the ADS of vehicle 10. In various embodiments, data storage device 32 stores a defined map of the navigable environment. In various embodiments, the defined map may be predefined by and obtained from a remote system. For example, the defined map may be assembled by a remote system and communicated to vehicle 10 (wirelessly and / or via wire) and stored in data storage device 32. It is understood that data storage device 32 may be part of controller 34, separate from controller 34, or part of controller 34 and a separate system.

[0046] The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer-readable storage device or medium 46. The processor 44 may be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller 34, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device generally used for executing instructions. The computer-readable storage device or medium 46 may include volatile and non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operational variables when the processor 44 is powered off. The computer-readable storage device or medium 46 may be implemented using any of several known memory devices such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory device capable of storing data (some of which represent executable instructions used by the controller 34 to control the vehicle 10). In at least one embodiment, computer-readable storage device 46 is a memory configured to store at least one memory of cold start emission mitigation system 100.

[0047] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from sensor system 28, execute logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of vehicle 10, and generate control signals to actuator system 30 based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms to automatically control components of vehicle 10. Although in Figure 1Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and cooperate to process sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control the features of vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the controllers(s) 34 are configured to implement ADS.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 A functional block diagram of a controller 34 including a cold start emission mitigation system 100 according to at least one embodiment is shown. The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and at least one memory 46. The at least one processor 44 is a programmable device including one or more instructions stored in or associated with the at least one memory 46. The at least one memory 46 includes instructions that the at least one processor 44 is configured to execute. The at least one memory 46 includes embodiments of the cold start emission mitigation system 100 configured to mitigate cold start emissions in a vehicle 10. In at least one embodiment, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 is configured to mitigate cold start emissions by managing turbocharger turbine rotation prior to a fuel injection or combustion event. In one example, turbocharger turbine rotation occurs prior to any cylinder ignition event of the engine.

[0049] The controller 34 is configured to communicatively couple to one or more of the following: a trigger signal source 200, a wastegate actuator 202, a turbine shaft actuator 204, a catalytic converter heater 206, a variable valve timing (VVT) system 208, an electric motor system 210, an exhaust gas recirculation valve actuator 212, and a compressor bypass valve actuator 214. In at least one embodiment, the trigger signal source 200 is configured to generate a vehicle start signal when the vehicle 10 is opened. In at least one embodiment, the trigger signal source 200 is an ignition system configured to generate an ignition signal, which is the vehicle start signal. The controller 34 may include additional components to facilitate the operation of the cold start emission mitigation system 100.

[0050] refer to Figure 3A functional block diagram of an internal combustion engine system 300, including a first catalytic heater placement, is shown according to at least one embodiment. The internal combustion engine system 300 includes a turbocharger 302, an engine 304, a wastegate 306, a compressor bypass valve 308, a catalytic heater 206, and a catalyst 310. The turbocharger 302 includes a compressor 312, a turbine 314, a turbine shaft 316, and a turbine shaft actuator 204. The wastegate 306 includes a wastegate actuator 202. The compressor bypass valve 308 includes a compressor bypass valve actuator 214. In at least one embodiment, the turbine shaft actuator 204 is an electric generator unit (MGU).

[0051] The internal combustion engine system 300 includes an intake manifold 318 and an exhaust manifold 320. The intake manifold 318 fluidly couples the compressor 312 to the intake valves of the cylinders of the engine 304. The exhaust manifold 320 fluidly couples the exhaust valves of the cylinders of the engine 304 to the turbine 314. The internal combustion engine system 300 may include additional components to facilitate the operation of the internal combustion engine system 300.

[0052] Vehicle 10 relies on catalyst 310 to process the exhaust gas generated by engine 304 during the combustion process, after which the exhaust gas is released from vehicle 10 as emissions. Catalyst 310 typically needs to reach an operating temperature to effectively process the exhaust gas. This operating temperature is called the catalyst ignition temperature. The catalyst ignition temperature is typically located approximately midway between the maximum conversion efficiency temperature and the maximum conversion efficiency temperature, such as, for example, 300°C, which could be, for example, 500°C. When vehicle 10 is started after engine 304 has been off for several hours, a cold start of the internal combustion engine system 300 occurs. During a cold start, vehicle 10 may emit excessive emissions until catalyst 310 reaches its catalyst ignition temperature. Cold start emission mitigation system 100 is configured to manage the rotation of turbine 314 via turbine shaft actuator 204 to accelerate the process of catalyst 310 reaching its catalyst ignition temperature, thereby mitigating cold start emissions.

[0053] The cold start emission mitigation system 100 manages the rotation of the turbine 314 to allow recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path. The recirculation flow path includes the exhaust manifold 320, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 320 and the turbine 314, the turbine housing of the turbine 314, the exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the exhaust valve 306, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 306 and the exhaust manifold 320, and the exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the catalytic converter heater 206.

[0054] The recirculated air is heated by the catalytic converter heater 206. Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold 320, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 320 and the turbine 314, the turbine housing of the turbine 314, the exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the exhaust valve 306, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 306 and the exhaust manifold 320, and the exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the catalytic converter heater 206. Bringing airflow close to or through the catalytic converter heater 206 facilitates heat transfer from the catalytic converter heater 206 to the recirculated air. Bringing airflow close to or through the catalytic converter heater 206 also helps to heat the catalyst 310. In the absence of significant airflow, activating the catalytic converter heater 206 before normal engine operation does not provide an efficient means of pushing hot air towards or through the catalyst 310.

[0055] The exhaust wall system includes an exhaust manifold 320, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 320 and the turbine 314, a turbine housing of the turbine 314, an exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the exhaust valve 306, an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 306 and the exhaust manifold 320, and an exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the catalytic heater 206. The exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the exhaust valve 306 intersects with the exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the catalytic heater 206. The catalytic heater 206 is positioned after the intersection of the exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the exhaust valve 306 and the exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the catalytic heater 206, and is positioned before the catalytic converter 310. Heating the exhaust wall system will benefit catalytic converter ignition. The operation of an embodiment of the cold start emission mitigation system 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0056] refer to Figure 4 This illustrates a method for using at least one embodiment in Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 400 for mitigating cold-start emissions via the rotation of a turbine 314 in an internal combustion engine system 300, including a first catalyst heater. Method 400 will be described with reference to exemplary implementations of embodiments of a cold-start emissions mitigation system 100. As will be understood from this disclosure, the order of operations within method 400 is not limited to... Figure 4 The execution may not be performed in the order shown, but may be performed in one or more different orders as applicable and in accordance with this disclosure.

[0057] At 402, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 receives a trigger signal from the trigger signal source 200 of the vehicle 10. In at least one embodiment, the trigger signal is an engine start signal. In at least one embodiment, the trigger signal source 200 is an ignition system that, in response to the engine start signal, starts the vehicle 10 but does not start the engine 304 of the vehicle 10.

[0058] At 404, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the exhaust valve actuator 202 to open the exhaust valve 306. In at least one embodiment, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the exhaust valve actuator 206 to fully open the exhaust valve 306. In at least one embodiment, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the compressor bypass actuator 214 to open the compressor bypass valve 308. In at least one embodiment, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the compressor bypass actuator 214 to fully open the compressor bypass valve 308. Opening the compressor bypass valve 308 is to protect the compressor 312 from damage due to potential compressor surge.

[0059] At 406, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the VVT ​​system 208 to at least partially open the intake and exhaust valves of at least one of the plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine 304 to maximize airflow through the plurality of cylinders into the exhaust manifold 320. In at least one embodiment, commands to the VVT ​​system 208 to achieve cam overlap can be initiated and controlled during a previous cycle of the engine shutdown routine, since most VVT systems 208 cannot do anything when the engine is shut down. The action of achieving overlap occurs while the engine is shutting down and depends on the final position of the crankshaft during shutdown. A hybrid electric motor can move the crankshaft and achieve overlap of one or more cylinders. An electric camshaft phaser can slightly move the cams. A hydraulic camshaft phaser cannot do this when the engine is not rotating. The hybrid electric motor can rotate the crankshaft to achieve cam / valve overlap. This overlap facilitates airflow through the cylinders.

[0060] At 408, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the EGR valve actuator 212 to open the EGR valve, allowing air to flow from the intake system to the exhaust manifold 320 regardless of the crankshaft position. If the crankshaft timing prevents the intake or exhaust valves from overlapping, the EGR valve still allows flow from the intake system to the exhaust manifold 320. In diesel engines, the intake-exhaust valve overlap is relatively small. Opening the EGR valve on either a gas or diesel engine maximizes the total airflow from the intake system to the exhaust manifold 320.

[0061] When the crankshaft is not rotating, engine 304 cannot allow air to flow through it unless the intake and exhaust valves are in an overlapping state (meaning that the intake and exhaust valves are open simultaneously in a particular cylinder) and / or there is a shortcut flow bypassing the cylinder. In this case, the shortcut flow will be the EGR valve. The EGR valve connects the intake system (usually upstream of the manifold) to the exhaust manifold 320.

[0062] At 410, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the turbine shaft actuator 204 to rotate the turbine 314. In at least one embodiment, the turbine shaft actuator 204 is an electric generator unit (MGU) that rotates the turbine 314 in response to the command from the cold start emission mitigation system 100, and in at least one embodiment, the compressor bypass valve 308 is maintained in the closed position.

[0063] The rotation of turbine 314 causes recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path. The recirculation flow path includes exhaust manifold 320, the exhaust wall between exhaust manifold 320 and turbine 314, turbine housing of turbine 314, the exhaust wall between turbine 314 and exhaust valve 306, the exhaust wall between exhaust valve 306 and exhaust manifold 320, and the exhaust wall between turbine 314 and catalytic converter heater 206. The recirculated air is heated by catalytic converter heater 206. Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to exhaust manifold 320, the exhaust wall between exhaust manifold 320 and turbine 314, turbine housing of turbine 314, the exhaust wall between turbine 314 and exhaust valve 306, the exhaust wall between exhaust valve 306 and exhaust manifold 320, and the exhaust wall between turbine 314 and catalytic converter heater 206.

[0064] The goal is to move air from the intake to the exhaust, primarily to achieve a higher net flow rate through the catalyst 310. If this is not possible or the flow rate is low, recirculated exhaust flow will be used more frequently. There is always some recirculated flow through the exhaust valve 306. The rotation of the turbine 314 causes recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path to provide a net flow rate through the catalyst 310 when air can be moved from the intake system to the exhaust. This can be achieved by flowing through one or more cylinders with valves in an overlapping state (e.g., when both the intake and exhaust valves on a given cylinder are open) or by opening the EGR valve.

[0065] The exhaust wall system includes an exhaust manifold 320, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 320 and the turbine 314, the turbine housing of the turbine 314, an exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the exhaust valve 306, an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 306 and the exhaust manifold 320, and an exhaust wall between the turbine 314 and the catalytic converter heater 206. Because the exhaust wall system is heated by heated recirculated air before the engine 304 is started, the catalyst 310 will take less time to reach its catalytic converter ignition temperature once the engine 304 is started and normal engine operation is initiated. Normal engine operation indicates the occurrence of a cylinder ignition event. Emissions generated after using the cold start emission mitigation system 100 to heat the exhaust wall system before a cold start are lower than those generated during a cold start without using the cold start emission mitigation system 100.

[0066] refer to Figure 5 A functional block diagram of an internal combustion engine system 500, including a second catalytic heater placement, is shown according to at least one embodiment. The internal combustion engine system 500 includes a turbocharger 502, an engine 504, a wastegate 506, a compressor bypass valve 508, a catalytic heater 206, and a catalyst 510. The turbocharger 502 includes a compressor 512, a turbine 514, a turbine shaft 516, and a turbine shaft actuator 204. The wastegate 506 includes a wastegate actuator 202. The compressor bypass valve 508 includes a compressor bypass valve actuator 214. In at least one embodiment, the turbine shaft actuator 204 is an electric generator unit (MGU).

[0067] The internal combustion engine system 500 includes an intake manifold 518 and an exhaust manifold 520. The intake manifold 518 fluidly couples the compressor 512 to the intake valves of the cylinders of the engine 504. The exhaust manifold 520 fluidly couples the exhaust valves of the cylinders of the engine 504 to the turbine 514. The internal combustion engine system 500 may include additional components to facilitate the operation of the internal combustion engine system 500.

[0068] Vehicle 10 relies on catalyst 510 to process the exhaust gas generated by engine 504 during the combustion process, after which the exhaust gas is released from vehicle 10 as emissions. Catalyst 510 typically needs to reach an operating temperature to effectively process the exhaust gas. This operating temperature is called the catalyst ignition temperature. The catalyst ignition temperature is typically located approximately midway between the maximum conversion efficiency temperature and the maximum conversion efficiency temperature, such as, for example, 300°C, which could be, for example, 500°C. When vehicle 10 is started after engine 504 has been off for several hours, a cold start of the internal combustion engine system 500 occurs. During a cold start, vehicle 10 may emit excessive emissions until catalyst 510 reaches its catalyst ignition temperature. Cold start emission mitigation system 100 is configured to manage the rotation of turbine 514 via turbine shaft actuator 204 to accelerate the process of catalyst 510 reaching its catalyst ignition temperature, thereby mitigating cold start emissions.

[0069] The cold start emission mitigation system 100 manages the rotation of the turbine 514 to allow recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path. The recirculation flow path includes the exhaust manifold 520, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 520 and the turbine 514, the turbine housing of the turbine 514, the exhaust wall between the turbine 514 and the catalytic converter heater 206, the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater 206 and the exhaust valve 506, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 506 and the exhaust manifold 520, and the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater 206 and the catalyst 510.

[0070] The recirculated air is heated by a catalytic heater 206 disposed within the recirculation flow path. Positioning the catalytic heater 206 within the recirculation flow path increases heat transfer from the catalytic heater 206 to the airflow. The recirculation flow path is adjacent to one side of the catalyst 510. Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold 520, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 520 and the turbine 514, the turbine housing of the turbine 514, the exhaust wall between the turbine 514 and the catalytic heater 206, the exhaust wall between the catalytic heater 206 and the exhaust valve 506, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 506 and the exhaust manifold 520, and the exhaust wall between the catalytic heater 206 and the catalyst 510, and via the side of the catalyst 510 adjacent to the recirculation flow path to the catalyst 510.

[0071] The exhaust wall system includes an exhaust manifold 520, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 520 and the turbine 514, a turbine housing of the turbine 514, an exhaust wall between the turbine 514 and the catalyst heater 206, an exhaust wall between the catalyst heater 206 and the exhaust valve 506, an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 506 and the exhaust manifold 520, and an exhaust wall between the catalyst heater 206 and the catalyst 510.

[0072] The exhaust wall between the catalyst heater 206 and the exhaust valve 506 intersects with the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater 206 and the catalyst 510, with the catalyst 510 positioned before the intersection of the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater 206 and the exhaust valve 506 and the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater 206 and the catalyst 510. Heating the exhaust wall system and the catalyst 510 will facilitate catalyst ignition. The operation of an embodiment of the cold start emission mitigation system 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0073] refer to Figure 6 This illustrates a method for using at least one embodiment in Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 for mitigating cold-start emissions via the rotation of a turbine 514 in an internal combustion engine system 500, including a second catalyst heater placement. Method 600 will be described with reference to exemplary implementations of embodiments of a cold-start emissions mitigation system 100. As will be understood from this disclosure, the order of operations within method 600 is not limited to... Figure 6 The execution may not be performed in the order shown, but may be performed in one or more different orders as applicable and in accordance with this disclosure.

[0074] At 602, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 receives a trigger signal from the trigger signal source 200 of the vehicle 10. In at least one embodiment, the trigger signal is an engine start signal. In at least one embodiment, the trigger signal source 200 is an ignition system that, in response to the engine start signal, starts the vehicle 10 but does not start the engine 504 of the vehicle 10.

[0075] At 604, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the exhaust valve actuator 202 to open the exhaust valve 506. In at least one embodiment, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the exhaust valve actuator 206 to fully open the exhaust valve 506.

[0076] At 606, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the compressor bypass actuator 214 to open the compressor bypass valve 508. In at least one embodiment, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the compressor bypass actuator 214 to fully open the compressor bypass valve 508. Opening the compressor bypass valve 508 is to protect the compressor 512 from damage caused by potential compressor surge conditions.

[0077] At 608, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the turbine shaft actuator 204 to rotate the turbine 514. In at least one embodiment, the turbine shaft actuator 204 is an electric generator unit (MGU) that rotates the turbine 514 in response to the command from the cold start emission mitigation system 100.

[0078] The rotation of turbine 514 causes recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path. The recirculation flow path includes exhaust manifold 520, exhaust wall between exhaust manifold 520 and turbine 514, turbine housing of turbine 514, exhaust wall between turbine 514 and catalyst heater 206, exhaust wall between catalyst heater 206 and exhaust valve 506, exhaust wall between exhaust valve 506 and exhaust manifold 520, and exhaust wall between catalyst heater 206 and catalyst 510. One side of catalyst 510 is configured to be adjacent to the recirculation flow path, and recirculated air flows through this side of catalyst 510.

[0079] As recirculated air flows through catalytic converter 206, it is heated. Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold 520, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 520 and the turbine 514, the turbine housing of the turbine 514, the exhaust wall between the turbine 514 and the catalytic converter 206, the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter 206 and the exhaust valve 506, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 506 and the exhaust manifold 520, and the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter 206 and the catalyst 510, and also to the catalyst 510 via the side of the catalyst 510 adjacent to the recirculation flow path.

[0080] The exhaust wall system includes an exhaust manifold 520, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 520 and the turbine 514, the turbine housing of the turbine 514, an exhaust wall between the turbine 514 and the catalytic converter heater 206, an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater 206 and the wastegate 506, an exhaust wall between the wastegate 506 and the exhaust manifold 520, and an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater 206 and the catalyst 510. Because the exhaust wall system and the catalyst 510 are heated by heated recirculated air before the engine 504 is started, the catalyst 510 will take less time to reach its catalytic ignition temperature once the engine 504 is started and normal engine operation is initiated. Normal engine operation indicates the occurrence of a cylinder ignition event. Emissions generated after using the cold start emission mitigation system 100 to heat the exhaust wall system and the catalyst 510 before a cold start are lower than those generated during a cold start without using the cold start emission mitigation system 100.

[0081] refer to Figure 7A functional block diagram of an internal combustion engine system 700, according to at least one embodiment, including a third catalytic converter heater positioned relative to the exhaust valve passage outlet, is shown. The internal combustion engine system 700 includes a turbocharger 702, an engine 704, an exhaust valve 706, a compressor bypass valve 708, a catalytic converter heater 206, and a catalyst. The catalyst includes a first catalyst block 710a and a second catalyst block 710b. The turbocharger 702 includes a compressor 712, a turbine 714, a turbine shaft 716, and a turbine shaft actuator 204. The exhaust valve 706 includes an exhaust valve actuator 202. The compressor bypass valve 708 includes a compressor bypass valve actuator 214. In at least one embodiment, the turbine shaft actuator 204 is an electric generator unit (MGU).

[0082] The internal combustion engine system 700 includes an intake manifold 718 and an exhaust manifold 720. The intake manifold 718 fluidly couples the compressor 712 to the intake valves of the cylinders of the engine 704. The exhaust manifold 720 fluidly couples the exhaust valves of the cylinders of the engine 704 to the turbine 714. The internal combustion engine system 700 may include additional components to facilitate the operation of the internal combustion engine system 700.

[0083] Vehicle 10 relies on a catalyst to process the exhaust gas generated by engine 704 during the combustion process, after which the exhaust gas is released from vehicle 10 as emissions. The catalyst typically needs to reach an operating temperature to effectively process the exhaust gas. This operating temperature is called the catalyst ignition temperature. The catalyst ignition temperature is typically located approximately midway between the maximum conversion efficiency temperature and the maximum conversion efficiency temperature, such as, for example, 300°C, which could be, for example, 500°C. When vehicle 10 is started after engine 704 has been off for several hours, a cold start of the internal combustion engine system 700 occurs. During a cold start, vehicle 10 may emit excessive emissions until the catalyst reaches its catalyst ignition temperature. Cold start emission mitigation system 100 is configured to manage the rotation of turbine 714 via turbine shaft actuator 204 to accelerate the process of the catalyst reaching its catalyst ignition temperature, thereby mitigating cold start emissions.

[0084] The cold start emission mitigation system 100 manages the rotation of the turbine 714 to allow recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path. The recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold 720, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 720 and the turbine 714, the turbine housing of the turbine 714, an exhaust wall between the turbine 714 and the catalytic converter heater 206, an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater 206 and the first catalytic converter brick 710a, an exhaust wall between the first catalytic converter brick 710a and the exhaust valve 706, and an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 706 and the exhaust manifold 720. The catalytic converter heater 206 and the first catalytic converter brick 710a are disposed within the recirculation flow path. The second catalytic converter brick 710b is disposed outside the recirculation flow path.

[0085] When recirculated air flows through catalytic converter 206, it is heated. Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold 720, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 720 and the turbine 714, the turbine housing of the turbine 714, the exhaust wall between the turbine 714 and the catalytic converter 206, the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter 206 and the first catalytic converter brick 710a, the exhaust wall between the first catalytic converter brick 710a and the exhaust valve 706, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 706 and the exhaust manifold 720, and the first catalytic converter brick 710a. Recirculated air flows through the first catalytic converter brick 710a. One side of the second catalytic converter brick 710b is positioned adjacent to the recirculation flow path, and the heated recirculated air flows through this side of the second catalytic converter brick 710b. Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the second catalytic converter brick 710b via this side.

[0086] The exhaust wall system includes an exhaust manifold 720, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 720 and the turbine 714, the turbine housing of the turbine 714, an exhaust wall between the turbine 714 and the catalytic converter heater 206, an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater 206 and the first catalytic converter brick 710a, an exhaust wall between the first catalytic converter brick 710a and the exhaust valve 706, and an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 706 and the exhaust manifold 720. The heating of the exhaust wall system, the first catalytic converter brick 710a, and the second catalytic converter brick 710b will benefit catalytic ignition. The operation of an embodiment of the cold start emission mitigation system 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0087] refer to Figure 8 This illustrates a method for using at least one embodiment in Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 800 for mitigating cold-start emissions via the rotation of a turbine 714 in an internal combustion engine system 700, including a third catalytic converter heater. Method 800 will be described with reference to exemplary implementations of embodiments of a cold-start emissions mitigation system 100. As will be understood from this disclosure, the order of operations within method 800 is not limited to... Figure 8 The execution may not be performed in the order shown, but may be performed in one or more different orders as applicable and in accordance with this disclosure.

[0088] At 802, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 receives a trigger signal from the trigger signal source 200 of the vehicle 10. In at least one embodiment, the trigger signal is an ignition start signal. In at least one embodiment, the trigger signal source 200 is an ignition system that starts the vehicle 10 but does not start the engine 704 of the vehicle 10.

[0089] At 804, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the exhaust valve actuator 202 to open the exhaust valve 706. In at least one embodiment, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the exhaust valve actuator 206 to fully open the exhaust valve 706.

[0090] At 806, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the compressor bypass actuator 214 to open the compressor bypass valve 708. In at least one embodiment, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the compressor bypass actuator 214 to fully open the compressor bypass valve 708. Opening the compressor bypass valve 708 is to protect the compressor 712 from damage caused by potential compressor surge conditions.

[0091] At 808, the cold start emission mitigation system 100 commands the turbine shaft actuator 204 to rotate the turbine 714. In at least one embodiment, the turbine shaft actuator 204 is an electric generator unit (MGU) that rotates the turbine 714 in response to the command from the cold start emission mitigation system 100.

[0092] The rotation of turbine 714 causes recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path. The recirculation flow path includes exhaust manifold 720, exhaust wall between exhaust manifold 720 and turbine 714, turbine housing of turbine 714, exhaust wall between turbine 714 and catalytic heater 206, exhaust wall between catalytic heater 206 and first catalytic brick 710a, exhaust wall between first catalytic brick 710a and exhaust valve 706, and exhaust wall between exhaust valve 706 and exhaust manifold 720. First catalytic brick 710a and catalytic heater 206 are disposed within the recirculation flow path. Second catalytic brick 710b is disposed outside the recirculation flow path.

[0093] When recirculated air flows through catalytic converter 206, it is heated. Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold 720, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 720 and the turbine 714, the turbine housing of the turbine 714, the exhaust wall between the turbine 714 and the catalytic converter 206, the exhaust wall between the catalytic converter 206 and the first catalytic converter brick 710a, the exhaust wall between the first catalytic converter brick 710a and the exhaust valve 706, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve 706 and the exhaust manifold 720, and the first catalytic converter brick 710a. Recirculated air flows through the first catalytic converter brick 710a. One side of the second catalytic converter brick 710b is positioned adjacent to the recirculation flow path, and the heated recirculated air flows through this side of the second catalytic converter brick 710b. Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the second catalytic converter brick 710b via this side.

[0094] The exhaust wall system includes an exhaust manifold 720, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold 720 and the turbine 714, a turbine housing of the turbine 714, an exhaust wall between the turbine 714 and the catalytic converter heater 206, an exhaust wall between the catalytic converter heater 206 and the first catalytic converter brick 710a, an exhaust wall between the first catalytic converter brick 710a and the wastegate 706, and an exhaust wall between the wastegate 706 and the exhaust manifold 720. Because the exhaust wall system and the catalytic converter are heated by heated recirculated air before the engine 704 is started, the catalytic converter takes less time to reach its ignition temperature once normal engine operation is initiated. Normal engine operation indicates the occurrence of a cylinder ignition event. Emissions generated after using the emission mitigation system 100 to heat the exhaust wall system before a cold start are lower than those generated during a cold start without using the emission mitigation system 100.

[0095] Bringing airflow close to or through catalytic converter 206 facilitates heat transfer from catalytic converter 206 to recirculated air. Bringing airflow close to or through catalytic converter 206 also helps to heat catalysts 310, 410, and 510. Without sufficient airflow, activating catalytic converter 206 before normal engine operation does not provide an efficient means of pushing hot air near or through catalysts 310, 510, 710a, and 710b.

[0096] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for mitigating cold-start emissions in a vehicle including a catalytic converter heater via the rotation of a turbocharger turbine, comprising: The controller receives a trigger signal from the vehicle's trigger signal source. The controller, in response to the trigger signal, sends a first control signal to the exhaust valve actuator to open the exhaust valve; The controller, in response to the trigger signal, sends a second control signal to the turbine shaft actuator to rotate the turbine of the turbocharger; as well as The controller, in response to the trigger signal, sends a third control signal to the catalyst heater to activate the catalyst heater, which is disposed between the turbine and the catalyst, wherein: The rotation of the turbine causes recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path, passing over the catalyst; The recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, a turbine housing of the turbine, an exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and an exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater. The recirculated air is heated by the catalyst heater; as well as Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the trigger signal at the controller includes receiving an engine start signal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein issuing the first control signal from the controller to the exhaust valve actuator to open the exhaust valve includes issuing the first control signal from the controller to the exhaust valve actuator to fully open the exhaust valve.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing a fourth command from the controller to the variable valve timing (VVT) system to at least partially open the intake and exhaust valves of at least one of the plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the controller issuing a sixth control signal to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve actuator in response to the trigger signal to open the EGR valve.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the controller issuing a seventh control signal to the compressor bypass valve actuator in response to the trigger signal to open the compressor bypass valve.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The recirculation flow path includes the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater, the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the catalyst. The recirculation flow path is adjacent to the first side of the catalyst; as well as Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater, the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the catalyst, and is transferred to the catalyst via the first side of the catalyst.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The catalyst includes a first catalyst brick and a second catalyst brick; The recirculation flow path includes the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater, the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the first catalyst block, the exhaust wall between the first catalyst block and the exhaust valve, and the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold. The second catalyst brick is disposed outside the recirculation flow path; as well as Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, the turbine housing of the turbine, the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater, the exhaust wall between the catalyst heater and the first catalyst block, the exhaust wall between the first catalyst block and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the first catalyst block.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the turbine shaft actuator is an electric generator unit (MGU).

10. A system for mitigating cold-start emissions generated by a vehicle including a catalytic converter heater via the rotation of a turbocharger turbine, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one memory including instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the following operations: Receive a trigger signal from the trigger signal source of the vehicle; In response to the trigger signal, a first control signal is sent to the wastegate actuator to open the wastegate; In response to the trigger signal, a second control signal is sent to the turbine shaft actuator to rotate the turbine of the turbocharger; and In response to the trigger signal, a third control signal is sent to the catalyst heater to activate the catalyst heater, which is disposed between the turbine and the catalyst, wherein: The rotation of the turbine causes the recirculated air to flow in the recirculation flow path; The recirculation flow path includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, a turbine housing of the turbine, an exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, an exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and an exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater. The recirculated air is heated by the catalyst heater; as well as Heat is transferred from the heated recirculated air to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust wall between the exhaust manifold and the turbine, and the turbine housing of the turbine. The exhaust wall between the turbine and the exhaust valve, the exhaust wall between the exhaust valve and the exhaust manifold, and the exhaust wall between the turbine and the catalyst heater.

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