Catalyst Substrate Moisture Control for Exhaust Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical heated type catalyst devices in vehicles face deterioration due to moisture inside the catalyst device, both from explosive boiling and temperature differences, which can lead to substrate damage, especially when the internal combustion engine is started up.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system that calculates the internal moisture within the catalyst device and adjusts the output of the internal combustion engine based on the required vehicle output and moisture levels, restricting engine output to lower levels when moisture is present in higher amounts to prevent substrate deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the substrate is heated in a state where moisture is present inside the catalyst device, then the catalyst device can be warmed up quickly, but the substrate is liable to deteriorate due to explosive boiling and temperature difference
Solution Approach 1:
The control device calculates the amount of internal moisture before heating the substrate and determines whether to restrict engine output in advance. This preliminary assessment prevents explosive boiling by avoiding heating when excessive moisture is present, thereby protecting the substrate while still enabling quick warming when conditions are safe
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors the amount of internal moisture in the catalyst device and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust engine output restrictions. When moisture levels indicate high risk of explosive boiling, the system restricts engine output to prevent substrate deterioration, while allowing normal operation when moisture levels are safe
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low power control is performed to prevent explosive boiling, then substrate deterioration from explosive boiling is prevented, but the substrate may still deteriorate due to temperature difference
Solution Approach 1:
The control device calculates the amount of internal moisture as a key parameter and uses this information to determine engine output restrictions. By changing the control parameter from simple power level to moisture-based adaptive control, the system prevents both explosive boiling and temperature difference deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The control device assesses moisture levels before initiating heating and restricts engine output in advance when moisture is present. This preliminary protective action prevents both explosive boiling and subsequent temperature difference damage by controlling the heating process from the outset
3Power
If the internal combustion engine is started up while heating the substrate, then vehicle power is available, but the substrate is heated by high temperature exhaust which causes deterioration when moisture is present
Solution Approach 1:
The control device monitors moisture levels in real-time and uses this feedback to dynamically restrict engine output when the engine is started during substrate heating. This feedback-based control allows the engine to provide necessary vehicle power while preventing exhaust heat from causing substrate deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The engine output restriction is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on moisture levels and operating conditions. The control device can allow higher output when moisture is low while restricting output when moisture is present, providing flexible power management that protects the substrate
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively prevents substrate deterioration by controlling the engine output to manage temperature differences and reduce the risk of explosive boiling, ensuring the catalyst device operates efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heated type catalyst device provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and including a conductive substrate generating heat upon energization
Implementation Method 2
if ending up heating the substrate in a state where moisture is contained inside of a porous substrate, the moisture explosively boils inside of the substrate. Due to the steam produced at this time, the pressure inside the substrate rapidly rises
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, an electrical heated type catalyst device provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and including a conductive substrate generating heat upon energization and a catalyst heated through the conductive substrate, and a control device, the control device comprising an internal moisture calculating part calculating an amount of internal moisture comprised of an amount of moisture present at an inside of the catalyst device and an engine output control part controlling the output of the internal combustion engine based on a required vehicle output and the amount of internal moisture. The engine output control part is configured so that if moisture is present at the inside of the catalyst device, it restricts the output of the internal combustion engine to a lower output when the internal moisture is large compared to when it is small.