Exhaust catalyst monitoring and notification system

Abstract

Device comprising: a circuit was built to: To receive information that is characteristic of catalytic performance; to receive information from a sensor arrangement (22) that is characteristic of catalyst activity; to determine, based on the information, whether catalyst performance control criteria are met; to determine a catalyst age based on information characteristic of catalyst activity and fulfillment of catalyst performance control criteria, wherein the catalyst age is determined using a lookup table whose two input data are a conversion efficiency of a catalyst (28) and operating hours of the catalyst (28), wherein the conversion efficiency is determined based on signals received by the sensor arrangement (22) in the form of a NOx input sensor located upstream of the catalyst (28) and a NOx output sensor located downstream of the catalyst (28); to compare the specific catalyst age with a predetermined age threshold; and to provide a notification when the specified catalyst age exceeds the predetermined age threshold.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present application relates to exhaust aftertreatment systems. In particular, the present application relates to a device, a system and a method for monitoring a catalyst of an exhaust aftertreatment system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Catalyst health management (CHM) systems monitor a catalyst in an aftertreatment system (e.g., a catalyst in a selective catalytic reduction system). Older engine systems and aftertreatment systems may not be equipped with a CHM system and may lack actuators that would allow a CHM system to actively reduce catalyst loading or otherwise improve the remaining catalytic efficiency without human intervention.

[0003] The catalyst in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is often supplied to the user with a recommended service life. After this measured service life, the user should replace the catalyst. For example, a catalyst in some systems may be designed for 20,000 operating hours before replacement is recommended. However, depending on the specific use of the engine system and the exhaust gas flow rate, the actual usable service life of the catalyst may be longer or shorter than 20,000 hours. For example, prolonged periods of heavy use can reduce the actual service life of the catalyst to less than 20,000 hours.

[0004] Further systems and methods for monitoring a catalyst of an exhaust aftertreatment system are known from DE 10 2017 216 997 A1, DE 199 44 009 A1, DE 10 2013 205 583 A1, DE 23 46 425 A, DE 196 51 559 A1, US 2015 / 0 292 383 A1, US 2012 / 0 067 114 A1, CN 108 798 850 A, US 2014 / 0 223 886 A1, US 2014 / 0 065 041 A1 and from DE 2013 223 993 A1. DEPICTION

[0005] A device according to the present invention is defined by claim 1. A system according to the present invention is defined by claim 6. A method according to the present invention is defined by claim 12. Further preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims: One embodiment relates to a circuit configured to receive information characteristic of catalyst health, to receive information from a sensor arrangement characteristic of catalyst activity, and to determine, based on this information, whether catalyst health control criteria are met.catalyst health management criteria) are met, to determine a catalyst age based on information characteristic of catalyst activity and the fulfilled catalyst performance control criteria, to compare the determined catalyst age with a predetermined age threshold and to provide a notification if the determined catalyst age exceeds the predetermined age threshold.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a system comprising a sensor arrangement associated with an aftertreatment system and designed to collect information characteristic of remaining catalyst health, and a controller coupled to the sensor arrangement. The controller includes a NOx age circuit designed to determine a NOx catalyst age based on the information characteristic of remaining catalyst health, and a temperature age circuit designed to determine a temperature catalyst age based on the information characteristic of remaining catalyst health.to determine temperature catalyst age), a warning circuit designed to generate a warning status when the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age reach or exceed a predetermined warning threshold, an alarm circuit designed to generate an alarm status when the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age reach or exceed a predetermined alarm threshold, and a notification circuit designed to send a warning signal to a user interface when the warning status has been generated by the warning circuit, and to send an alarm signal to a user interface when the alarm status has been generated by the alarm circuit.

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a method that includes determining the age of a catalyst based on NOx efficiency and / or the temperature of exhaust gas entering the catalyst, generating a warning signal when the catalyst age reaches or exceeds a warning threshold, and providing a warning display of the warning signal via a user interface.

[0008] These and other features, as well as their structure and operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a motor system according to some embodiments. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a control system for the motor system of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a procedure for operating the motor system of Fig. 1 according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION.

[0009] The following section describes in detail various concepts relating to methods, devices, and systems for an engine exhaust aftertreatment system that monitors catalyst age over time and issues a warning or alarm when the catalyst age becomes high, e.g., above a preset or predefined threshold, as well as their implementations. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to a specific implementation method. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0010] With reference to the figures in general, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, devices, and methods for a system that monitors a (remaining) catalytic health parameter over time to determine catalyst age. In some examples, the system monitors the temperature and / or NOx efficiency of exhaust gases entering the exhaust aftertreatment system. The system provides a warning message when the catalyst age exceeds a warning threshold and an alarm message when the catalyst age exceeds an alarm threshold. The warning and alarm messages can be sent to a signaling device that uses acoustic and / or visual indicators to instruct a user or operator to increase the engine load (e.g., by increasing the engine speed, etc.).

[0011] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, an engine system 10 comprises an internal combustion engine 14, an engine exhaust aftertreatment system 18 that treats the exhaust gases of the engine 14, a sensor arrangement 22 that monitors the states of the engine 14 and the aftertreatment system 18, and a controller 26 that is coupled to the engine 14, the aftertreatment system 18, and the sensor arrangement 22 to at least partially control the operation of the engine 14 and the aftertreatment system 18. In some embodiments, the engine 14 is a diesel engine used in a marine application or in a vehicle. In the example shown, the engine 14 is a compression-ignition engine that uses diesel fuel. Of course, other engine configurations are possible in other embodiments, such as a spark-ignition engine. In some embodiments, the engine system 10 is not equipped with an electronic throttle valve, a turbocharger bypass valve (turbo wastegate).equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger and / or post-injection systems.

[0012] In the example shown, the aftertreatment system 18 includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with a catalyst 28. SCR systems convert the nitrogen oxides present in the exhaust gases produced by the engine 14 into diatomic nitrogen and water through oxidation within the catalyst 28. A diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is added to the exhaust stream to assist the catalytic reduction. During idling or other low-load operation, the catalyst 28 can become loaded with undesirable exhaust gases, coke, and / or particulate deposits. Loading of the catalyst 28 can lead to exothermic events such as sparking or combustion, which can reduce the service life of the catalyst 28.One such situation involves, for example, the transition from a state in which the SCR was loaded with unwanted particles to a state of high loading (particularly high exhaust gas temperature). As a result, at least some of the unwanted particles can burn off at an uncontrollable rate, causing the temperature to exceed the desired operating temperatures. This temperature can lead to deactivation in the catalyst 28, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid excessive loading of the catalyst 28.

[0013] Over time, loading and regular use degrade the catalyst 28. The catalyst 28 is designed with a target service life. For example, the catalyst 28 may be designed to last 20,000 operating hours. However, the target service life is an estimate and does not take into account actual usage, environmental factors, excessive loading, or other factors that may extend or shorten the real service life of the catalyst 28.

[0014] The sensor arrangement 22 can include several sensors, both real and virtual (or any combination thereof, such as all real, all virtual, mostly real, etc.), arranged to measure or otherwise acquire data, values ​​or information relating to the characteristics of the motor 14 and the aftertreatment system 18.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 22 includes a temperature sensor located between the engine 14 and the aftertreatment system 18 to send a signal to the controller 26 indicating the temperature of the exhaust gases exiting the engine 14 and entering the aftertreatment system 18. In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 22 includes a temperature sensor located to detect the temperature of the exhaust gases exiting the engine 14. In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 22 includes a temperature sensor located to detect the temperature of the exhaust gases entering the catalyst 28.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 22 includes oxygen sensors and / or an arrangement of sensors configured to measure exhaust gas types (e.g., NOx, COx, etc.) both upstream and downstream of the catalyst 28. In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 22 can provide signals indicating the concentrations of the exhaust gas types both upstream and downstream of the catalyst 28. In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 22 includes oxygen sensors, pressure sensors, mass flow sensors, or other types of sensors for determining a property of the exhaust gas types entering and / or exiting the aftertreatment system 18.

[0017] The controller 26 is designed to control, at least partially, the engine 14 and the aftertreatment system 18. The controller 26 is coupled to the sensor array 22 and receives signals from it. The controller 26 uses the signals received from the sensor array 22 to determine a catalyst age and to perform certain actions in response to the values, information, and / or data received from the sensor array, at least some of which are described below. The catalyst age is defined as a time value that increases depending on usage. For example, heavy use of the catalyst 28 may cause the catalyst age to differ from the number of hours the catalyst 28 has been used (i.e., the catalyst's operating time). In the heavy-use example, the catalyst age may be set to 150 hours, while the actual operating time of the catalyst 28 is only 100 hours.In other cases, the catalyst age may be less than or equal to the running time of catalyst 28.

[0018] Since the components of Fig. 1. If the control unit is contained in a vehicle or marine application, the control unit 26 can be configured as one or more electronic control units (ECUs). The control unit 26 can be contained within or separate from a transmission control unit, an exhaust aftertreatment control unit, a powertrain control module, and / or an engine control module, etc. The function and structure of the control unit 26 are described in Fig. 2 described in more detail.

[0019] With reference to FIG: 2, a schematic diagram of the control system 26 of the motor system 10 is now shown. Fig. 1 shown using an exemplary embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the controller 26 has a processing circuit 30 with a processor 34 and a storage device 38, a control system 42 with a NOx efficiency age circuit 46, a temperature age circuit 50, a warning circuit 54, an alarm circuit 58 and a notification circuit 62, as well as a communication interface 66.

[0020] In one configuration, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 are implemented as a machine-readable or computer-readable medium that can be executed by a processor, such as the processor 34. The machine-readable or computer-readable medium can be stored by one or more storage devices, such as the one described below with respect to storage device 38. As described herein, and considering another use, the machine-readable medium facilitates the performance of certain operations to enable the reception and transmission of data. For example, the machine-readable medium can provide an instruction (e.g., a command, etc.) to, for instance, acquire data. In this respect, the machine-readable medium can contain programmable logic that defines the frequency of data acquisition (or data transmission).The machine-readable medium can contain code written in any programming language, including but not limited to Java or similar languages ​​and all conventional procedural programming languages, such as C or similar languages. The machine-readable program code can be executed on a single processor or on multiple remote processors. In the latter case, the remote processors can be interconnected via any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, etc.).

[0021] In another configuration, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 are implemented as hardware units, such as electronic control units. Therefore, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 can be implemented as one or more circuit components, including but not limited to processing circuits, network interfaces, peripheral devices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 can take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g.,Integrated circuits (ICs), discrete circuits, systems-on-a-chip (SoC) circuits, microcontrollers, etc., telecommunications circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of "circuit" may be used. In this context, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 may include any type of component to achieve or facilitate the performance of the operations described herein. For example, a circuit such as described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, etc.The NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 may also include programmable hardware components such as field-programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or similar devices. The NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 may include one or more memory devices for storing instructions that can be executed by the processor(s) of the NOx efficiency age circuit, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62. The one or more storage devices and the processor(s) can have the same definition as given below with respect to storage device 38 and processor 34.In some hardware unit configurations, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 can be spatially distributed at different locations within the vehicle or marine application. Alternatively, and as shown, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 can be housed in, or within, a single unit or enclosure, represented as the controller 26.

[0022] In the example shown, the controller 26 includes a processing circuit 30 with a processor 34 and a storage device 38. The processing circuit 30 can be built or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and / or control processes described here with respect to the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62. The configuration shown represents the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 as a machine-readable or computer-readable medium.As mentioned above, this description is not to be understood as limiting, since the present disclosure provides for other embodiments in which the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58 and the notification circuit 62, or at least one circuit of the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58 and the notification circuit 62, is configured as a hardware unit. All these combinations and variations are said to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] The processor 34 can be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital signal processor (DSP), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the one or more processors can be shared by several circuits (e.g., the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 can contain or otherwise share the same processor, which in some exemplary embodiments can execute instructions stored or otherwise retrieved from different memory areas).Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to perform certain operations independently of one or more co-processors or to execute them in other ways. In other exemplary embodiments, two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to enable independent, parallel, time-nested, or multithreaded instruction execution. All of these variations are said to fall within the scope of this disclosure. The storage device 38 (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) may store data and / or computer code to facilitate the various processes described herein. The storage device 38 may be communicatively connected to the processor 34 to provide computer code or instructions to the processor 34 for the execution of at least some of the processes described herein.Furthermore, the storage device 38 can be or contain tangible, non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the storage device 38 can contain database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure to support the various activities and information structures described herein.

[0024] The NOx efficiency aging circuit 46 is designed to communicate with the sensor arrangement 22 via the communication interface 66 and to determine a NOx catalyst age parameter based on the information received from the sensor arrangement 22. In some embodiments, the NOx catalyst age parameter is a NOx conversion efficiency of the aftertreatment system 18. According to the invention, the NOx conversion efficiency is determined based on signals received by the sensor arrangement 22 in the form of a NOx input sensor located upstream of the catalyst 28 and a NOx output sensor located downstream of the catalyst 28 (i.e., input NOx quantity minus output NOx quantity divided by input NOx quantity equals a value indicating how much NOx is converted into less harmful compounds over a predefined period).The NOx efficiency age circuit 46 is further developed to determine the NOx catalyst age. In some embodiments, the NOx catalyst age is determined using a nonlinear model that is a function of time and the determined NOx conversion efficiency. One or more methods, algorithms, formulas, and the like can be used to determine the NOx catalyst age based on actual usage and a NOx operating parameter (e.g., the conversion efficiency); the NOx catalyst age can be determined as follows. According to the invention, a lookup table or conversion table is used, wherein the two input data are the actual usage (e.g., operating hours or runtime) and the conversion efficiency. Based on these two input data, a NOx catalyst age is determined.This table can be generated from experimental data collected for a variety of different engine aftertreatment systems, resulting in multiple tables specific to particular configurations. Thus, this NOx catalyst age is not simply the actual usage or operating time, but rather the actual usage combined with the stress experienced by the catalyst. For example, if the NOx conversion efficiency deviates from an ideal or target value over time, the NOx catalyst age increases depending on the magnitude of the deviation and the duration of the deviation. In some embodiments, the relationship between the deviation and the NOx catalyst age is linear, nonlinear, experimentally modeled, fitted to a curve model, or determined by an algorithm that uses different input data. In some embodiments, the model or lookup tables may be...Conversion tables are stored in the storage device 38 and referenced or queried by the NOx efficiency age circuit 46.

[0025] The temperature aging circuit 50 is designed to communicate with the sensor arrangement 22 via the communication interface 66 and to determine a temperature catalyst age parameter based on the information received from the sensor arrangement 22. In some embodiments, the temperature catalyst age parameter is an input temperature and / or an output temperature of the post-curing system 18. In some embodiments, the temperature catalyst age is determined based on signals received by the sensor arrangement 22 in the form of a temperature input sensor located upstream of the catalyst 28 and a temperature output sensor located downstream of the catalyst 28. The temperature aging circuit 50 is further designed to determine a temperature catalyst age.In some embodiments, the temperature catalyst age is determined using a nonlinear model that is a function of time and the measured temperatures. For example, if the temperature deviates from an ideal or desired value or range over time, the temperature catalyst age increases depending on the magnitude of the deviation and the time interval. In some embodiments, the relationship between the deviation and the temperature catalyst age is linear, nonlinear, experimentally modeled, fitted to a curve model, or determined by an algorithm that uses other input data. In some embodiments, a model or lookup tables or conversion tables can be stored in the memory device 38 and referenced or queried by the temperature aging circuit 50.One or more processes, algorithms, formulas, and the like can be used to determine the temperature catalyst age based on actual usage and a temperature catalyst age parameter (e.g., the temperature difference between downstream and upstream temperatures). The temperature catalyst age can be determined as follows: A lookup table or conversion table can be used when the two input data points are the actual usage (e.g., operating hours) and the temperature difference. Based on these two input data points, a temperature catalyst age is determined. This table can be created from experimental data collected for a variety of different engine exhaust aftertreatment systems, resulting in multiple tables specific to particular configurations.

[0026] In some embodiments, the NOx efficiency aging circuit 46 and / or the temperature aging circuit 50 can use a mass flow rate of the exhaust gases entering the aftertreatment system 18, which is determined based on information from the oxygen sensor and the mass flow sensor. In some embodiments, the mass flow rate or other input data received by the sensor arrangement 22 is a theoretical, estimated, or otherwise determined value for a specific type of exhaust gas (e.g., NOx) or a group of exhaust gas types entering the aftertreatment system 18, based on information from a variety of real and / or virtual sensors. In some embodiments, the catalyst aging parameter comprises a combination of the parameters mentioned above. The catalyst aging parameters are generally characteristic of a property, such as…the quantity of exhaust gas types that enter the catalyst 28 of the aftertreatment system 18 or are loaded onto the catalyst 28 of the aftertreatment system 18.

[0027] In some embodiments, the NOx catalyst age and the temperature catalyst age are represented by a cumulative catalyst age in the form of a cumulative time (e.g., an age of 10,000 hours from new condition), a remaining service life (e.g., 5,000 hours remaining), a percentage (e.g., 50% remaining catalyst age), etc. In some embodiments, the catalyst ages can be calibrated values ​​(e.g., 1-10, where 10 indicates a maximum age), depending on the arrangement of the engine 14 and the aftertreatment system 18.

[0028] The warning circuit 54 is coupled to the NOx efficiency age circuit 46 and the temperature age circuit 50 and uses a warning threshold stored in the memory device 38. The warning circuit 54 compares the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age with the warning threshold and determines a warning status if the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age passes, exceeds, or is otherwise at or above the warning threshold. In some embodiments, the warning threshold is 2,000 hours, and the warning status indicates that the catalyst age (e.g., the temperature catalyst age and / or the NOx catalyst age) has reached the warning threshold and that the catalyst 28 should be replaced within the next 2,000 operating hours. In some embodiments, the warning threshold is more than 2,000 hours, less than 2,000 hours.000 hours or corresponds to another value that corresponds to the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age (e.g., a percentage). In some embodiments, the warning status is determined when the NOx catalyst age is less than or equal to the warning threshold. In some embodiments, the warning status is determined when the temperature catalyst age is less than or equal to the warning threshold. In some embodiments, the warning status is determined when both the NOx catalyst age and the temperature catalyst age are less than or equal to the warning threshold.

[0029] The alarm circuit 58 is coupled to the NOx efficiency age circuit 46 and the temperature age circuit 50 and uses an alarm threshold stored in the memory device 38. The alarm circuit 58 compares the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age with the alarm threshold and determines an alarm status when the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age exceeds the alarm threshold. In some embodiments, the alarm threshold is 300 hours, and the alarm status indicates that the catalyst 28 should be replaced within the next 300 operating hours. In some embodiments, the alarm threshold is more than 300 hours, less than 300 hours, or corresponds to another value corresponding to the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age (e.g., a percentage). In some embodiments, the alarm status is determined when the NOx catalyst age is less than or equal to the alarm threshold.In some embodiments, the alarm status is determined when the temperature catalyst age is less than or equal to the alarm threshold. In some embodiments, the alarm status is determined when both the NOx catalyst age and the temperature catalyst age are less than or equal to the alarm threshold.

[0030] The notification circuit 62 is designed to receive the warning status from the warning circuit 54 and to provide a warning signal to a user interface 70 via the communication interface 66. In some embodiments, the warning signal provides an audible, visual, or audiovisual warning that can be observed by a user of the engine 14 and indicates that the catalyst 28 will soon need to be replaced. In some embodiments, the warning signal provides an indication of the remaining operating hours. In some embodiments, the warning signal provides only an audible or only a visual indication via the user interface 70 (e.g., an illuminated yellow light).

[0031] The notification circuit 62 is further configured to receive the alarm status from the alarm circuit 58 and to provide an alarm signal to the user interface 70 via the communication interface 66. In some embodiments, the alarm signal triggers an audible, visual, or audiovisual alarm that can be observed by a user of the engine 14 and instructs the user that the catalyst 28 should be replaced in the immediate future. In some embodiments, the alarm signal provides an indication of the remaining operating hours. In some embodiments, the alarm signal triggers only an audible or only a visual indication via the user interface 70 (e.g., a lit red lamp).

[0032] In some embodiments, only the warning status or the alarm status is used, so that the operator receives only one type of indication that the catalyst needs to be replaced. In some embodiments, the user interface 70 is customizable by the operator. For example, a dial-type display can be used, where a warning status is shown in a yellow section and an alarm status in a red section. In some embodiments, audible alarms or instructions are provided.

[0033] In some embodiments, the warning circuit 54 and the alarm circuit 58 are not provided, and the NOx efficiency age circuit 46 and the temperature age circuit 50 provide the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age to the notification circuit 62. The notification circuit 62 then communicates with the user interface 70 via the communication interface 66, and the NOx catalyst age, the temperature catalyst age, both, or a combination of both is directly provided to the operator. In some embodiments, the notification circuit 62 is configured to correlate one or more catalyst ages with a simple count (e.g., a discrete number for display) or with the age of the catalyst 28.

[0034] In some embodiments, the notification circuit 62 is configured to log an error code in the storage device 38 or to send an error code to remote memory (e.g., a server or a network) when a warning or alarm status is transmitted. The error codes can be stored in a data log and used for future service, maintenance, or repair work. The data log can track times and conditions associated with the warning and / or alarm status. For example, a data file can be stored containing the temperature history and / or the NOx efficiency history.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control system 26 is configured to execute a method 80 for monitoring catalyst health. Method 80 begins in step 84, and the rotational speed of motor 14 is monitored in step 88. If the rotational speed of motor 14 is zero, method 80 determines that motor 14 is not running and terminates the method at step 90. If the rotational speed of motor 14 is not zero, method 80 proceeds to step 92, in which catalyst health management criteria are checked.

[0036] The catalyst performance control criteria indicate that the catalyst 28 is likely exposed to activity that degrades it (e.g., engine 14 is running) and that the control 26 should begin determining the catalyst age. In some embodiments, the catalyst performance control criteria include a threshold temperature and a time (e.g., engine 14 or the inlet to the aftertreatment system 18 has reached a threshold temperature for a predetermined time period). In some embodiments, the catalyst performance control criteria include a determination of whether urea or diesel exhaust fluid has been metered for a duration equal to or greater than a threshold time. Other catalyst performance control criteria are considered, such as...The time spent idling, a measured mass flow rate of exhaust gas types, a NOx efficiency, or an engine speed.

[0037] If the catalyst efficiency control criteria are met in step 92, the process 80 proceeds to step 96 and the catalyst age is determined. In some embodiments, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46 and the temperature age circuit 50 work together to track or count the catalyst age of the catalyst 28. In some embodiments, the catalyst age starts at zero hours and is incremented based on the functions or algorithms of the NOx efficiency age circuit 46 and / or the temperature age circuit 50. For example, the NOx efficiency age circuit 46 and the temperature age circuit 50 independently determine the NOx catalyst age in step 100 and the temperature catalyst age in step 104; subsequently, a catalyst age can be determined in step 96 based on the NOx catalyst age and the temperature catalyst age.For example, a weighted average model can be used. In some embodiments, the temperature catalyst age cannot be used in Method 80, but rather as a backup determination. For example, the temperature catalyst age can be determined and stored, but not disclosed to a user. A technician or other authorized person or system can be granted access to the temperature catalyst age so that it can be accessed and used, but it is not the primary determination of the catalyst age. In some embodiments, the temperature catalyst age is not used, and the temperature age circuit 50 cannot be provided.

[0038] In step 108, the catalyst age is compared by the alarm circuit 58 with an alarm threshold received by the storage device 38 in step 112. If the catalyst age reaches the alarm threshold, the alarm circuit 58 provides an alarm status to the notification circuit in step 116. In some embodiments, the alarm circuit 58 provides the alarm status when the catalyst age is greater than the alarm threshold. The alarm status is then forwarded to the user interface 70, and the user is prompted to replace the catalyst 28. In some embodiments, the catalyst age indicates a remaining service life of the catalyst 28, and the alarm status is determined when the catalyst age is less than or equal to the alarm threshold. In some embodiments, the alarm status indicates that the catalyst 28 should be replaced within 300 hours.In some embodiments, the alarm status indicates that the catalyst should be replaced within more or less than 300 hours. In some embodiments, the user interface 70 includes a red lamp that illuminates to indicate to the user that the catalyst 28 should be replaced at the next opportunity.

[0039] If the alarm threshold was not reached in step 108, the procedure 80 proceeds to step 120, in which the catalyst age is compared by the warning circuit 54 with a warning threshold received by the storage device 38 in step 124. If the catalyst age has reached the warning threshold, the warning circuit 54 provides a warning status to the notification circuit in step 128. In some embodiments, the warning circuit 54 provides the warning status when the catalyst age is greater than the warning threshold. The warning status is then forwarded to the user interface 70, and the user is prompted to schedule the replacement of the catalyst 28. In some embodiments, the catalyst age indicates a remaining service life of the catalyst 28, and the warning status is determined when the catalyst age is less than or equal to the warning threshold.In some embodiments, the warning status indicates that the catalyst 28 should be replaced within 2,000 hours. In other embodiments, the warning status indicates that the catalyst should be replaced within more or less than 2,000 hours. In some embodiments, the user interface 70 includes a yellow lamp that illuminates to indicate to the user that a replacement of the catalyst 28 should be scheduled in the near future.

[0040] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the connection or linking of two elements directly or indirectly. Such a connection may be stationary or movable. For example, a driveshaft of an engine "coupled" to a gearbox constitutes a movable coupling. Such a connection may be achieved with the two elements themselves or with the two elements and any additional intermediate elements. For example, a circuit A that is "coupled" communicatively with a circuit B may mean that circuit A communicates directly with circuit B (i.e., without an intermediate element) or that it communicates indirectly with circuit B (e.g., via one or more intermediate elements).

[0041] While various circuits with special functionality are found in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1-4, it should be understood that the controller 26 can contain any number of circuits to complete the functions described herein. For example, the activities and functionalities of the NOx efficiency age circuit 46, the temperature age circuit 50, the warning circuit 54, the alarm circuit 58, and the notification circuit 62 can be combined in several circuits or as a single circuit. Additional circuits with additional functionality may also be included. Furthermore, the controller 26 can control other activities beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0042] As mentioned above, and in one configuration, the "circuits" can be implemented in a machine-readable medium for execution by various types of processors, such as processor 34 of Fig.2. be implemented. An identified circuit of executable code can, for example, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized, for example, as an object, procedure, or function. However, the executable files of an identified circuit need not be physically located together but may contain separate instructions stored in different locations which, when logically connected, constitute the circuit and achieve the specified purpose for the circuit. In fact, a circuit of computer-readable program code can consist of a single instruction or of many instructions and may even be distributed across several different code segments, different programs, and multiple storage devices.Similarly, operational data within circuits can be identified and represented, and can be formatted and organized in any suitable data structure. The operational data can be collected as a single data set or distributed across various locations, including different storage devices, and may exist, at least in part, simply as electronic signals within a system or network.

[0043] While the term "processor" is briefly defined above, the terms "processor" and "processing circuit" can be interpreted broadly. In this respect, and as mentioned above, the "processor" can be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitable electronic data processing components designed to execute instructions provided by memory. The one or more processors can take the form of a single-core processor, a multi-core processor (e.g., a dual-core processor, triple-core processor, quad-core processor, etc.), a microprocessor, and so on. In some embodiments, the one or more processors can be located outside the device; for example, the one or more processors can be a remote processor (e.g., a remote controller).a cloud-based processor). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be located internally and / or locally within the device. In this context, a particular circuit or components thereof may be located locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computer system, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server such as a cloud-based server). For this purpose, a "circuit" as described herein may include components distributed across one or more locations.

[0044] Although the diagrams shown here depict a specific order and composition of the process steps, the sequence of these steps may differ from that shown. For example, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Furthermore, some process steps performed as discrete steps may be combined, steps performed as a combined step may be divided into discrete steps, the order of certain processes may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the type or number of discrete processes may be changed or varied. The order or sequence of each element or device may be modified or replaced by alternative embodiments. All such modifications shall be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.Such variations depend on the chosen machine-readable media and hardware systems, as well as on the designer's choice. All such variations fall within the scope of disclosure.

[0045] The foregoing description of embodiments has been set forth for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the exact form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or can be derived from this disclosure. The embodiments have been selected and described to explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application, so that the person skilled in the art will be able to use the various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for the respective intended use. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as expressed in the appended claims.

[0046] Accordingly, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without deviating from its meaning or essential features. The described embodiments are to be regarded in every respect as illustrative only and not as limiting. The scope of the disclosure is therefore defined by the appended claims and not by the foregoing description.

Claims

[1] comprising a device: a circuit was built to: To receive information that is characteristic of catalytic performance; to receive information from a sensor arrangement (22) that is characteristic of catalyst activity; to determine, based on the information, whether catalyst performance control criteria are met; to determine a catalyst age based on information characteristic of catalyst activity and fulfillment of catalyst performance control criteria, wherein the catalyst age is determined using a lookup table whose two input data are a conversion efficiency of a catalyst (28) and operating hours of the catalyst (28), wherein the conversion efficiency is determined based on signals received by the sensor arrangement (22) in the form of a NOx input sensor located upstream of the catalyst (28) and a NOx output sensor located downstream of the catalyst (28); to compare the specific catalyst age with a predetermined age threshold; and to provide a notification when the specified catalyst age exceeds the predetermined age threshold. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the information that characterizes the catalyst activity has a NOx efficiency. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information that characterizes the catalyst activity includes a temperature upstream of a catalyst (28) and a temperature downstream of the catalyst (28). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalyst age is determined on the basis of a temperature catalyst age and a NOx catalyst age. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the notification includes a graphic display command and / or an acoustic alarm command to schedule a replacement of the catalyst (28). [6] System exhibiting: a sensor arrangement (22) which is assigned to and set up for a post-treatment system (18) to collect information that is characteristic of catalytic performance; and a controller (26) coupled to the sensor arrangement (22), comprising the controller: a NOx aging circuit (46) constructed to determine a NOx catalyst age based on information characteristic of the catalytic performance, wherein the NOx catalyst age is determined using a lookup table whose two input data are a NOx conversion efficiency and operating hours, wherein the NOx conversion efficiency is determined based on signals received by the sensor arrangement (22) in the form of a NOx input sensor located upstream of a catalyst (28) and a NOx output sensor located downstream of the catalyst (28); a temperature age circuit (50) designed to determine a temperature catalyst age based on information characteristic of catalytic performance; a warning circuit (54) designed to generate a warning status when the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age reaches or exceeds a predetermined warning threshold; an alarm circuit (58) designed to generate an alarm status when the NOx catalyst age and / or the temperature catalyst age reach or exceed a predetermined alarm threshold; and a notification circuit (62) designed to send a warning signal to a user interface when the warning status has been generated by the warning circuit, and to send an alarm signal to a user interface when the alarm status has been generated by the alarm circuit. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the sensor arrangement (22) comprises a temperature input sensor arranged upstream of a catalyst (28) and a temperature output sensor arranged downstream of the catalyst (28), and wherein the temperature age circuit (50) determines the temperature catalyst age based on a temperature difference between the information collected by the temperature input sensor and the temperature output sensor. [8] System according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a cumulative catalyst age is determined based on the NOx catalyst age and the temperature catalyst age, a warning status is generated when the cumulative catalyst age reaches or exceeds a predetermined warning threshold; and an alarm status is generated when the cumulative catalyst age reaches or exceeds a predetermined alarm threshold. [9] System according to claim 8, wherein the cumulative catalyst age is determined by a weighted average model. [10] System according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, wherein the warning signal leads to a notification via the user interface (70) indicating that a catalyst change should be planned within a first time frame, and wherein the alarm signal leads to a notification via the user interface (70) indicating that the catalyst change should be planned within a second time frame, wherein the second time frame is shorter than the first time frame. [11] System according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 10, wherein the NOx catalyst age and the temperature catalyst age increase over time with the operation of the aftertreatment system (18). [12] Having a method: Determining the catalyst age of a catalyst (28) using a lookup table, the two input data of which are a NOx conversion efficiency and operating hours, wherein the NOx conversion efficiency is determined based on signals received by a sensor arrangement (22) in the form of a NOx input sensor located upstream of the catalyst (28) and a NOx output sensor located downstream of the catalyst (28); Generating a warning signal when the catalyst age reaches or exceeds a warning threshold and Providing a warning display of the warning signal via a user interface. [13] Method according to claim 12, further comprising: Generating an alarm signal when the catalyst age reaches or exceeds an alarm threshold and Providing an alarm display of the alarm signal via the user interface. [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein the alarm threshold is closer to the end of the lifetime of the catalyst (28) than the warning threshold. [15] Method according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 14, wherein the catalyst age is determined on the basis of a NOx catalyst age and a temperature catalyst age, and wherein the NOx catalyst age and the temperature catalyst age are determined independently of each other. [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein the catalyst age is determined on the basis of a weighted average of the NOx catalyst age and the temperature catalyst age. [17] Method according to claim 15, wherein the temperature catalyst age is determined on the basis of a lookup table.

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