Catalytic converter, engine system, vehicle and control method of vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a catalytic converter, an engine system, a vehicle and a control method of the vehicle, the catalytic converter comprises a shell, a catalytic cavity, a gas inlet and a gas outlet are defined in the shell, the gas inlet and the gas outlet are communicated with the catalytic cavity, a catalyst is arranged in the catalytic cavity, and the catalyst is used for catalyzing gas exhausted from an engine to react; and the heating piece defines a first cavity, the first cavity is filled with a reaction substance, and the reaction substance is configured to be suitable for being subjected to an exothermic reaction in the first cavity so as to heat the catalyst in the catalysis cavity. According to the catalytic converter, the catalyst can be effectively heated, so that the catalytic reaction temperature is effectively increased, the purification effect on tail gas of a vehicle is effectively guaranteed, the electric energy of the vehicle can be effectively saved, and the energy consumption of the vehicle is effectively reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of vehicles, in particular to a catalytic converter, an engine system, a vehicle and a control method of the vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] When treating automobile exhaust, carbon monoxide is oxidized into colorless and non-toxic carbon dioxide gas at high temperature by using oxidation-reduction reaction, hydrocarbons are oxidized into water and carbon dioxide at high temperature, and nitrogen oxides are reduced into nitrogen and oxygen. Three kinds of harmful gases become harmless gases, so that the automobile exhaust is purified.

[0003] When purifying automobile exhaust by using oxidation-reduction reaction, the reaction temperature needs to be strictly controlled, and the reaction temperature is generally controlled above 350° high temperature. In the prior art, electric heating is usually used to heat the catalyst to ensure the purification effect of automobile exhaust. However, the use of electric heating consumes automobile electric energy, thereby increasing the energy consumption of the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present application proposes a catalytic converter which not only can effectively heat the catalyst, thereby effectively improving the temperature of the catalytic reaction, and further effectively ensuring the purification effect of the exhaust of the vehicle, but also can effectively save the electric energy of the vehicle, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0005] The present application also proposes an engine system having the above-mentioned catalytic converter.

[0006] The present application also proposes a vehicle having the above-mentioned engine system.

[0007] The present application also proposes a control method of the above-mentioned vehicle.

[0008] According to the catalytic converter of the first aspect of the present application, the catalytic converter is adapted to be connected in series to the exhaust pipe of the engine, and the catalytic converter comprises: a shell, the shell defines a catalytic cavity, an air inlet and an air outlet which communicate with the catalytic cavity, and a catalyst is arranged in the catalytic cavity, the catalyst is used to catalyze the reaction of the gas discharged from the engine; a heating member, the heating member defines a first cavity, the first cavity is filled with a reaction substance, and the reaction substance is configured to adapt to the exothermic reaction in the first cavity to heat the catalyst in the catalytic cavity.

[0009] According to the catalytic converter, by arranging the shell and the heating member in the catalytic converter, the catalytic cavity, the air inlet and the air outlet are defined in the shell, the catalyst is arranged in the catalytic cavity, and the catalyst is used to catalyze the reaction of the gas discharged from the engine. The heating member defines the first cavity, and the reaction substance is filled in the first cavity. The reaction substance is configured to generate the exothermic reaction in the first cavity to heat the catalyst in the catalytic cavity. The catalyst can be effectively heated, the temperature of the catalytic reaction can be effectively improved, the purification effect of the exhaust gas of the vehicle can be effectively ensured, and the electric energy of the vehicle can be effectively saved, so that the energy consumption of the vehicle is effectively reduced.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reaction substance generates a generated substance when the exothermic reaction occurs, and the generated substance is suitable for decomposing to regenerate the reaction substance when the decomposition temperature is reached.

[0011] In some embodiments, the reaction substance is calcium oxide, and the heating member is formed with a water inlet and an exhaust port communicated with the first cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the catalytic converter further comprises a water tank connected with the water inlet for supplying water to the first cavity to make the reaction substance react with water to generate the exothermic reaction, and a control valve connected between the water tank and the water inlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the volume of the first cavity is adjustable.

[0014] In some embodiments, the heating member comprises an outer shell and a partition plate. The outer shell is arranged outside the shell, and defines a cavity. Alternatively, the outer shell cooperates with the shell to define the cavity. The partition plate is arranged in the cavity and separates the cavity into the first cavity and the second cavity. The partition plate is movable relative to the outer shell to adjust the volume of the first cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heating member further comprises an elastic member arranged in the second cavity and connected between the partition plate and the outer shell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the outer shell extends along the circumference of the shell to be annular, the number of the partition plates is two, the two partition plates are arranged in the axial direction of the outer shell, the first cavity is formed between the two partition plates, and the number of the second cavities is two and located on the opposite side of the two partition plates.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heating member is sleeved outside the shell.

[0018] In some embodiments, the catalytic converter further comprises a heat insulation member sleeved outside the heating member.

[0019] In some embodiments, the catalyst further includes a heat-conducting element disposed within the catalytic chamber and sleeved on the outside of the catalyst, and connected to the inner wall of the housing.

[0020] An engine system according to a second aspect of the invention includes a catalytic converter according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0021] According to the engine system of the second aspect of the present invention, by providing the catalyst of the first aspect, it is possible not only to effectively heat the catalyst, thereby effectively increasing the temperature of the catalytic reaction and thus effectively ensuring the purification effect on vehicle exhaust, but also to effectively save vehicle electrical energy, thereby effectively reducing vehicle energy consumption.

[0022] The vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention includes the engine system according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0023] According to the third aspect of the present invention, by providing the engine system of the second aspect described above, the catalyst can be effectively heated, thereby effectively increasing the temperature of the catalytic reaction and thus effectively ensuring the purification effect on the vehicle's exhaust gas, and the vehicle's electrical energy can be effectively saved, thereby effectively reducing the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle is a vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention, the control method includes: confirming that the vehicle meets preset conditions for starting a heating element to heat a catalyst; and causing the reactants to undergo an exothermic reaction to heat the catalyst.

[0025] According to the vehicle control method of the fourth aspect of the present invention, not only can the catalyst be effectively heated, thereby effectively increasing the temperature of the catalytic reaction and thus effectively ensuring the purification effect of vehicle exhaust gas, but it can also effectively save vehicle electrical energy, thereby effectively reducing vehicle energy consumption.

[0026] In some embodiments, the reactant is calcium oxide, and the reactant undergoes an exothermic reaction, including: injecting water into the first cavity to cause the water to react with the calcium oxide.

[0027] In some embodiments, the preset conditions include: the engine is starting for the first time in the current driving state; and the water level in the water tank connected to the first chamber reaches a preset water level.

[0028] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: confirming that the temperature of the gas outlet has reached a preset temperature, and causing the heating element to stop heating the catalyst.

[0029] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a catalyst according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a vehicle control method according to a specific example of the present invention.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 100. Catalyst;

[0035] 10. Shell; 11. Catalytic chamber; 111. Catalyst; 112. Support; 1121. Perforation; 12. Inlet; 13. Outlet;

[0036] 20. Heating element; 21. Cavity; 211. First cavity; 2111. Reactant; 2112. Product; 212. Second cavity; 22. Outer shell; 23. Partition; 24. Elastic element;

[0037] 30. Thermal insulation components;

[0038] 40. Heat-conducting components. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] The following is for reference. Figure 1 A catalyst 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is described.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, a catalyst 100 is adapted to be connected in series to the exhaust pipe of an engine. The catalyst 100 includes a housing 10 and a heating element 20.

[0042] The housing 10 defines a catalytic chamber 11 and an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13 communicating with the catalytic chamber 11. The catalytic chamber 11 contains a catalyst 111, which is used to catalyze the reaction of gases discharged from the engine. The heating element 20 defines a first chamber 211, which is filled with a reactive substance 2111. The reactive substance 2111 is configured to undergo an exothermic reaction in the first chamber 211 to heat the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11.

[0043] In some specific examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 has a barrel-shaped structure and extends in the left-right direction. The housing 10 is connected in series to the exhaust pipe of the engine. A catalytic chamber 11 is formed inside the housing 10. Both the left and right ends of the housing 10 are open, and an air inlet 12 is formed at the right end of the housing 10, while an air outlet 13 is formed at the left end of the housing 10. The catalyst 111 is disposed in the catalytic chamber 11.

[0044] In some specific examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, a carrier 112 is disposed inside the catalytic chamber 11, extending in the left-right direction. The catalyst 111 is sprayed onto the surface of the carrier 112 to improve reaction efficiency. Furthermore, the carrier 112 is provided with a plurality of perforations 1121 extending through the carrier 112 in the left-right direction. The plurality of perforations 1121 are spaced apart on the carrier 112, allowing the gas exhausted from the engine to pass through the plurality of perforations 1121.

[0045] In some specific examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first cavity 211 is formed inside the heating element 20. The heating element 20 is in direct contact with the housing 10 of the catalyst 100. A reactant 2111 is disposed inside the first cavity 211. The reactant 2111 can undergo an exothermic reaction in the first cavity 211 to release heat, thereby heating the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11.

[0046] In this embodiment, the exhaust gas from the engine can enter the catalytic chamber 11 through the air intake 12, pass through the perforations 1121 on the carrier 112, and finally exit the catalytic chamber 11 through the exhaust port 13. When the engine is running, the exhaust gas from the engine enters the catalytic chamber 11, and the reactants 2111 can undergo an exothermic reaction in the first chamber 211 to release heat, thereby increasing the temperature of the heating element 20, which in turn heats the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11, thereby effectively increasing the temperature of the catalytic reaction and effectively ensuring the conversion rate of the redox reaction of the exhaust gas from the engine in the catalytic chamber 11.

[0047] Furthermore, compared to the existing technology that uses electrical energy to heat the catalyst 111, the present application uses an exothermic reaction of the reactant 2111 to heat the catalyst 111 without consuming the vehicle's electrical energy. By utilizing the heat released in the chemical reaction, the consumption of electrical energy is reduced, thereby effectively saving the vehicle's electrical energy.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the catalyst 100 is provided with a housing 10 and a heating element 20. The housing 10 defines a catalytic chamber 11 and an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13 communicating with the catalytic chamber 11. The catalytic chamber 11 contains a catalyst 111, which is used to catalyze the reaction of gases discharged from the engine. The heating element 20 defines a first chamber 211, which is filled with a reactive substance 2111. The reactive substance 2111 is configured to undergo an exothermic reaction in the first chamber 211 to heat the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11. This not only effectively heats the catalyst 111, thereby effectively increasing the temperature of the catalytic reaction and thus effectively ensuring the purification effect on vehicle exhaust, but also effectively saves vehicle energy, thereby effectively reducing vehicle energy consumption.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, reactant 2111 generates product 2112 when it undergoes an exothermic reaction. Product 2112 is suitable for decomposition reaction when the decomposition temperature is reached to regenerate reactant 2111.

[0050] In some specific examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first chamber 211 contains reactant 2111 and product 2112. When reactant 2111 undergoes an exothermic reaction, product 2112 is generated and heat is released. The released heat can be used to heat the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11. When the temperature in the first chamber 211 reaches the decomposition temperature, product 2112 can undergo a decomposition reaction to regenerate reactant 2111. In other words, reactant 2111 and product 2112 in the first chamber 211 can interconvert under certain conditions. Therefore, frequent addition or replacement of reactant 2111 and product 2112 in the first chamber 211 can be avoided, thereby effectively reducing maintenance costs and resource consumption.

[0051] In this embodiment, the reactant 2111 generates a product 2112 when it undergoes an exothermic reaction. The product 2112 decomposes when it reaches the decomposition temperature to regenerate the reactant 2111, which can effectively reduce maintenance costs and resource consumption.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the reactant 2111 is calcium oxide, and the heating element 20 has a water inlet and an exhaust outlet that are connected to the first chamber 211.

[0053] It should be noted that when the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11 needs to be heated, water is injected into the first chamber 211 through the water inlet. The calcium oxide in the first chamber 211 can react with water to generate calcium hydroxide and release heat. The released heat can be used to heat the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11. When the temperature of the calcium hydroxide produced in the first chamber 211 reaches the decomposition temperature, it can undergo a decomposition reaction to produce calcium oxide and water vapor. The water vapor can be discharged from the first chamber 211 through the exhaust port.

[0054] In this embodiment, by setting the reactant 2111 as calcium oxide and forming a water inlet and an exhaust outlet connected to the first chamber 211 in the heating element 20, not only can the cost be effectively reduced, but the exothermic reaction in the first chamber 211 can also be ensured to proceed smoothly, thereby effectively improving the reliability of the catalyst 100.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the catalyst 100 further includes a water tank connected to a water inlet for supplying water to the first chamber 211 so that the reactant 2111 reacts with water in an exothermic reaction. A control valve is connected in series between the water tank and the water inlet.

[0056] It should be noted that the independent water tank design facilitates water inspection and replenishment, thereby effectively simplifying maintenance. At the same time, it effectively reduces problems caused by water shortage, thus significantly improving the stability and reliability of the catalytic converter 100.

[0057] In some specific examples, when it is necessary to heat the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11, an appropriate amount of water can be precisely injected into the first chamber 211 through a control valve, thereby ensuring that the reactant 2111 can come into contact with an appropriate amount of water to undergo an exothermic reaction, and avoiding injecting too much or too little water into the first chamber 211.

[0058] In this embodiment, a water tank is installed in the catalyst 100 and connected to the water inlet to supply water to the first chamber 211 so that the reactant 2111 reacts with water in an exothermic manner. A control valve is connected in series between the water tank and the water inlet, which not only effectively ensures the water supply to the first chamber 211, thereby effectively improving the stability and reliability of the catalyst 100, but also effectively controls the amount of water injected into the first chamber 211, thereby effectively improving the flexibility of the catalyst 100.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the volume of the first cavity 211 is adjustable.

[0060] In some specific examples, when the reactant 2111 in the first chamber 211 undergoes an exothermic reaction and releases heat, the gas in the first chamber 211 expands rapidly due to the heat. By adjusting the volume of the first chamber 211, the gas pressure in the first chamber 211 can be effectively reduced, so that the gas pressure in the first chamber 211 is within a safe range, thereby effectively reducing the risk of damage to the heating element 20 due to excessive gas pressure in the first chamber 211.

[0061] In this embodiment, by setting the volume of the first cavity 211 to be adjustable, when the reactant 2111 in the first cavity 211 undergoes an exothermic reaction and releases heat, the gas pressure in the first cavity 211 can be kept within a safe range, thereby effectively protecting the heating element 20 and thus effectively improving the reliability of the heating element 20.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heating element 20 includes a housing 22 and a partition 23. The housing 22 is located on the outside of the housing 10 and defines a cavity 21. Alternatively, the housing 22 and the housing 10 cooperate to define a cavity 21. The partition 23 is located in the cavity 21 and divides the cavity 21 into a first cavity 211 and a second cavity 212. The partition 23 is movable relative to the housing 22 to adjust the volume of the first cavity 211.

[0063] For example, a cavity 21 is formed within the outer casing 22; or, for instance, the outer casing 22 and the housing 10 together form the cavity 21. In some specific examples, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a cavity 21 is formed within the outer shell 22. The cavity 21 includes a first cavity 211 and a second cavity 212. A partition 23 is disposed between the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212, dividing the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212 into independent chambers. The partition 23 can move in the left-right direction relative to the outer shell 22 to adjust the volume of the first cavity 211, thereby keeping the gas pressure within the first cavity 211 within a safe range. Furthermore, the second cavity 212 is a vacuum chamber 21, which avoids the influence of temperature changes on the second cavity 212, thereby further improving the reliability of the heating element 20.

[0064] In this embodiment, by providing an outer shell 22 and a partition 23 in the heating element 20, the outer shell 22 is located on the outside of the housing 10 and defines a cavity 21, or the outer shell 22 cooperates with the housing 10 to define a cavity 21. The partition 23 is located in the cavity 21 and divides the cavity 21 into a first cavity 211 and a second cavity 212. The partition 23 is movable relative to the outer shell 22 to adjust the volume of the first cavity 211. This can effectively simplify the structure of the heating element 20 and enable the volume of the first cavity 211 to be automatically adjusted according to the pressure of the gas in the first cavity 211, thereby effectively improving the reliability of the heating element 20.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heating element 20 also includes an elastic element 24, which is disposed in the second cavity 212 and connected between the partition 23 and the outer shell 22.

[0066] In some specific examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the elastic element 24 is disposed in the second cavity 212, and one end of the elastic element 24 is connected to the inner wall of the outer shell 22, and the other end of the elastic element 24 is connected to the surface of the partition 23 away from the first cavity 211. When the reactant 2111 in the first cavity 211 undergoes an exothermic reaction and releases heat, the gas in the first cavity 211 expands due to heat, thereby pushing the partition 23 to move in the left and right direction. The elastic element 24 connected to the partition 23 can provide appropriate buffering for the partition 23 to avoid the partition 23 moving too fast and causing damage to the heating element 20.

[0067] In this embodiment, by providing an elastic element 24 in the heating element 20, the elastic element 24 is located in the second cavity 212 and connected between the partition 23 and the outer shell 22, which can provide appropriate buffering for the partition 23, thereby effectively improving the stability and reliability of the partition 23.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer shell 22 extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the housing 10, and there are two partitions 23. The two partitions 23 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the outer shell 22. The first cavity 211 is formed between the two partitions 23, and there are two second cavities 212, which are located on opposite sides of the two partitions 23 respectively.

[0069] In some specific examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer shell 22 extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the housing 10 and is in direct contact with the outer circumferential surface of the housing 10. Two partitions 23 are arranged at intervals in the left and right directions. The inner wall surface of the outer shell 22 and the surfaces of the two partitions 23 facing the first cavity 211 together form the first cavity 211. The inner wall surface of the outer shell 22 and the surfaces of the two partitions 23 facing away from the first cavity 211 together form the second cavity 212. There is one first cavity 211 and two second cavities 212, and the first cavity 211 is located between the two second cavities 212.

[0070] In this embodiment, the outer shell 22 extends into a ring shape along the circumference of the shell 10, and there are two partitions 23. The two partitions 23 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the outer shell 22. The first cavity 211 is formed between the two partitions 23, and there are two second cavities 212, which are located on opposite sides of the two partitions 23. This not only allows the heat to be distributed more evenly around the shell 10, thereby effectively improving the heating efficiency of the catalyst 111, but also effectively optimizes the structural layout of the heating element 20, thereby increasing the structural stability of the entire heating element 20.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heating element 20 is sleeved on the outside of the housing 10.

[0072] In some specific examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heating element 20 is wrapped around the outside of the housing 10. On the one hand, it enables the heating element 20 to directly transfer heat to the catalytic chamber 11, ensuring that the catalyst 111 quickly reaches the optimal operating temperature. On the other hand, it can effectively reduce the loss of heat to the external environment, allowing more heat to be used to heat the catalyst 111, thereby further improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0073] In this embodiment, by mounting the heating element 20 on the outside of the housing 10, the heating rate of the catalyst 111 can be effectively increased, and the heat loss to the external environment can be reduced, thereby effectively improving the energy utilization efficiency.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the catalyst 100 also includes a heat insulation element 30, which is sleeved on the outside of the heating element 20.

[0075] In some specific examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heat insulation component 30 is a heat-insulating aluminum plate. The heat insulation component 30 is wrapped around the outside of the heating component 20. On the one hand, it can effectively reduce the heat loss to the outside, so that more heat is retained in the first cavity 211, thereby effectively improving the heating efficiency of the catalyst 111 in the catalytic cavity 11. On the other hand, the heat insulation component 30 can effectively reduce the risk of burns caused by contact, and also reduce the risk of thermal damage to the surrounding components or materials of the heating component 20, thereby improving safety.

[0076] In this embodiment, by providing a heat insulation component 30 in the catalyst 100, not only can the heating efficiency of the catalyst 111 in the catalytic chamber 11 be effectively improved, but the risk of thermal damage to the surrounding components or materials of the heating component 20 can also be effectively reduced, thereby improving safety.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2As shown, the catalyst 100 also includes a heat-conducting element 40, which is disposed inside the catalyst chamber 11 and sleeved on the outside of the catalyst 111, and is connected to the inner wall of the housing 10.

[0078] In some specific examples, such as Figure 3 As shown, the heat-conducting component 40 is a metal component with a barrel-shaped structure that extends in the left-right direction. The outer peripheral wall of the heat-conducting component 40 is in direct contact with the inner peripheral wall of the shell 10, and the inner peripheral wall of the heat-conducting component 40 is in direct contact with the outer peripheral wall of the carrier 112. This allows heat to be transferred from the first cavity 211 to the catalyst 111 more quickly and the heat to be distributed more evenly, thereby avoiding local overheating.

[0079] In this embodiment, by providing a heat-conducting element 40 in the catalyst 100, the heat-conducting element 40 is disposed inside the catalytic chamber 11 and sleeved on the outside of the catalyst 111, and connected to the inner wall of the shell 10, which can effectively improve the heat transfer efficiency and effectively avoid the phenomenon of local overheating, thereby effectively protecting the catalyst 100.

[0080] An engine system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a catalytic converter 100 according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0081] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the air conditioning system, by providing the catalyst 100 of the first aspect, can not only effectively heat the catalyst 111, thereby effectively increasing the temperature of the catalytic reaction and thus effectively ensuring the purification effect on the vehicle exhaust, but also effectively save the vehicle's electrical energy, thereby effectively reducing the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0082] A vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention includes an engine system according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0083] According to the third aspect of the present invention, by providing the engine system described in the second aspect, the vehicle can not only effectively heat the catalyst 111, thereby effectively increasing the temperature of the catalytic reaction and thus effectively ensuring the purification effect on the vehicle's exhaust gas, but also effectively save the vehicle's electrical energy, thereby effectively reducing the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, according to a fourth aspect embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is a vehicle according to the third aspect embodiment of the present invention described above, the control method includes: confirming that the vehicle meets the preset conditions for starting the heating element 20 to heat the catalyst 111; causing the reactant 2111 to undergo an exothermic reaction to heat the catalyst 111.

[0085] In some specific examples, the vehicle is equipped with an electronic control unit that can determine whether the vehicle meets the preset conditions for starting the heating element 20 to heat the catalyst 111. When the vehicle meets the preset conditions for starting the heating element 20 to heat the catalyst 111, the reactants 2111 can undergo an exothermic reaction to release heat, thereby heating the catalyst 111. When the catalyst 111 reaches a certain temperature, through a catalytic reaction, harmful substances in the engine exhaust gas, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, can be converted into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen, meeting the conversion rate requirements and thus reducing pollution emissions.

[0086] Furthermore, compared to the existing technology that uses electrical energy to heat the catalyst 111, the present application uses an exothermic reaction of the reactant 2111 to heat the catalyst 111 without consuming the vehicle's electrical energy. By utilizing the heat released in the chemical reaction, the consumption of electrical energy is reduced, thereby effectively saving the vehicle's electrical energy.

[0087] According to the vehicle control method of the third aspect of the present invention, not only can the catalyst 111 be effectively heated, thereby effectively increasing the temperature of the catalytic reaction and thus effectively ensuring the purification effect on the vehicle exhaust gas, but also the vehicle's electrical energy can be effectively saved, thereby effectively reducing the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reactant 2111 is calcium oxide, and the reactant 2111 undergoes an exothermic reaction, including: injecting water into the first cavity 211 to cause the water to react with the calcium oxide.

[0089] It should be noted that when the catalyst 111 needs to be heated, water only needs to be injected into the first chamber 211. The operation is simple and convenient. When calcium oxide reacts with water, it can quickly release a large amount of heat, which can effectively increase the heating rate of the heating element 20 on the catalyst 111, and thus enable the catalyst 111 to be heated to the required temperature in a short time.

[0090] In this embodiment, the reactant is calcium oxide. The reactant 2111 undergoes an exothermic reaction, including injecting water into the first cavity 211 so that the water reacts with the calcium oxide. This not only effectively improves the convenience of operation, but also effectively improves the heating efficiency of the heating element 20.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the preset conditions include: the engine is starting for the first time under the current driving conditions; and the water level in the water tank connected to the first chamber 211 reaches the preset water level.

[0092] In some specific examples, such as ​As shown, after the driver enters the driver's seat and clicks the "Start / Stop" button, the vehicle's electronic control unit determines whether the engine is being started for the first time. If not, the heating element 20 does not need to be started. If so, it further determines whether the water level in the water tank connected to the first chamber 211 has reached the preset water level.

[0093] If the water level in the tank reaches the preset level, the control valve is opened to inject a fixed amount of water into the first chamber 211. If the water level in the tank does not reach the preset level, a dialog box pops up on the vehicle's control panel to prompt the user whether water needs to be added to the tank. If the user selects "Yes", the user can manually add water to the tank until the water level reaches the preset level. Then, the control valve is opened to inject a fixed amount of water into the first chamber 211. Furthermore, the water can be added manually, by adding stored rainwater, or by injecting water through the vehicle's air conditioning drain hole. If the user selects "No", the engine starts normally, and the catalyst 111 is passively heated by the exhaust gases from the engine.

[0094] This embodiment sets the preset conditions to the current driving state, the engine is starting for the first time, and the water level in the water tank connected to the first chamber 211 reaches the preset water level. This ensures that the reactant 2111 in the first chamber 211 undergoes an exothermic reaction when the engine starts, so as to purify the gas discharged from the engine, thereby effectively ensuring the purification effect.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as ​ As shown, the control method also includes: confirming that the temperature of the gas outlet 13 has reached the preset temperature, so that the heating element 20 stops heating the catalyst 111.

[0096] In some specific examples, a temperature sensor is provided at the air outlet 13 of the housing 10. The temperature sensor at the air outlet 13 can monitor the temperature of the air outlet 13 and transmit the data to the vehicle's electronic control unit. The vehicle's electronic control unit can determine whether the temperature of the air outlet 13 has reached the preset temperature. If the temperature of the air outlet 13 reaches the preset temperature, the heating element 20 stops heating the catalyst 111; if the temperature of the air outlet 13 does not reach the preset temperature, water continues to be added to the first chamber 211, and a thermal reaction continues to occur in the first chamber 211 to heat the catalyst 111 until the temperature of the air outlet 13 reaches the preset temperature.

[0097] In this embodiment, by confirming that the temperature of the outlet 13 has reached the preset temperature, the heating element 20 stops heating the catalyst 111, which can prevent the heating element 20 from overheating the catalyst 111, thereby effectively protecting the catalyst 100 and saving resources and improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0098] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0099] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0100] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0101] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0102] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A catalyst (100), said catalyst (100) being adapted to be connected in series with the exhaust pipe of an engine, characterized in that, The catalyst (100) includes: The housing (10) defines a catalytic chamber (11) and an air inlet (12) and an air outlet (13) communicating with the catalytic chamber (11). The catalytic chamber (11) is provided with a catalyst (111), which is used to catalyze the reaction of the gas discharged from the engine. A heating element (20) defines a first cavity (211) filled with a reactive substance (2111) configured to undergo an exothermic reaction in the first cavity (211) to heat the catalyst (111) in the catalytic cavity (11).

2. The catalyst (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactant (2111) generates a product (2112) during the exothermic reaction, and the product (2112) is adapted to undergo a decomposition reaction upon reaching the decomposition temperature to regenerate the reactant (2111).

3. The catalyst (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reactant (2111) is calcium oxide, and the heating element (20) has a water inlet and an exhaust outlet that communicate with the first cavity (211).

4. The catalyst (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a water tank, which is connected to the water inlet and is used to supply water to the first chamber (211) so that the reactant (2111) reacts with water in an exothermic reaction. A control valve is connected in series between the water tank and the water inlet.

5. The catalyst (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The volume of the first cavity (211) is adjustable.

6. The catalyst (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heating element (20) includes a housing (22) and a partition (23). The housing (22) is located on the outside of the housing (10) and defines a cavity (21). Alternatively, the housing (22) cooperates with the housing (10) to define the cavity (21). The partition (23) is disposed in the cavity (21) and divides the cavity (21) into the first cavity (211) and the second cavity (212). The partition (23) is movable relative to the outer shell (22) to adjust the volume of the first cavity (211).

7. The catalyst (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating element (20) also includes an elastic element (24), which is disposed in the second cavity (212) and connected between the partition (23) and the outer shell (22).

8. The catalyst (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer shell (22) extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the housing (10). There are two partitions (23), which are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the outer shell (22). The first cavity (211) is formed between the two partitions (23), and there are two second cavities (212), which are located on opposite sides of the two partitions (23).

9. The catalyst (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element (20) is sleeved on the outside of the housing (10).

10. The catalyst (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A heat insulation element (30) is sleeved on the outside of the heating element (20).

11. The catalyst (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heat-conducting component (40), which is disposed inside the catalytic chamber (11) and sleeved on the outside of the catalyst (111), and is connected to the inner wall of the shell (10).

12. An engine system, characterized in that, include: An engine, an exhaust pipe, and a catalytic converter (100) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust port of the engine, and the catalytic converter (100) is connected in series with the exhaust pipe.

13. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the engine system according to claim 12.

14. A method for controlling a vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle is the vehicle according to claim 13, and the control method includes: Confirm that the vehicle meets the preset conditions for starting the heating element (20) to heat the catalyst (111); The reactant (2111) is subjected to an exothermic reaction to heat the catalyst (111).

15. The control method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The reactant (2111) is calcium oxide, and the reactant (2111) undergoes an exothermic reaction, including: injecting water into the first cavity (211) so that the water reacts with the calcium oxide.

16. The control method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The preset conditions include: Under the current driving conditions, this is the first engine start; The water level in the water tank connected to the first cavity (211) reaches the preset water level.

17. The control method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: Once the temperature of the outlet (13) is confirmed to have reached the preset temperature, the heating element (20) stops heating the catalyst (111).

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