Catalyst Thermal Management via Location-Based Emission Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust aftertreatment systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in maintaining the optimal temperature of catalysts, such as SCR catalysts, which is crucial for efficient emission reduction, especially when vehicles transition from off to on states, leading to elevated pollutant levels that may not meet stringent emission regulations depending on location.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a controller to determine emission regulations based on vehicle location, calculating a target temperature for the catalyst or exhaust gas, and providing thermal management commands to adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring compliance with varying emission standards by pre-heating or maintaining the catalyst at the required operational temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the catalyst is pre-heated or thermal management is applied to meet stringent emission regulations, then emission compliance is improved, but energy consumption and resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal management actions by heating the catalyst before the vehicle enters a stringent emission regulation zone. The controller predicts upcoming regulation changes based on location data and initiates heating operations in advance, ensuring the catalyst reaches optimal temperature before the vehicle enters the regulated area, thereby avoiding the need for continuous high-energy thermal management after entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time location data and predicted emission regulations. The controller continuously updates the target temperature setpoint according to the vehicle's geographic position and the stringency of local emission standards, optimizing energy consumption by applying thermal management only when and where emission compliance is required.
2Productivity
If thermal management commands are continuously applied to maintain optimal catalyst temperature, then emission reduction efficiency is improved, but unnecessary resource expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal management actions by heating the catalyst before the vehicle enters a stringent emission regulation zone. The controller predicts upcoming regulation changes based on location data and initiates heating operations in advance, ensuring the catalyst reaches optimal temperature before the vehicle enters the regulated area, thereby avoiding the need for continuous high-energy thermal management after entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the catalyst to cool down naturally or use engine heat when entering non-stringent emission zones, eliminating the need for continuous thermal management. The controller monitors location-based emission standards and automatically adjusts thermal management commands, permitting the catalyst to serve itself by utilizing available heat sources when emission compliance is not required.
3Reliability
If the catalyst temperature is increased to meet emission regulations in specific locations, then emission compliance is improved, but the complexity of thermal management control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces location data and emission regulation information as intermediary elements that mediate between the vehicle's operational state and the thermal management control. The controller uses geographic position data to determine applicable emission standards, which then automatically adjust the target temperature setpoint, simplifying the control logic by using external regulatory information rather than complex internal sensing and decision-making systems.
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 maintains the catalyst at the necessary temperature to meet changing emission regulations, reducing pollutant levels and avoiding unnecessary resource expenditure by optimizing thermal management based on location-specific requirements.
Implementation Method 1
providing a thermal management command to increase the catalyst temperature toward the determined target temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses include a controller including at least one processor coupled to a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the controller to: determine a set of emission regulations based on a location of a vehicle; determine a target temperature of a catalyst of an aftertreatment system of the vehicle in response to the determined set of emission regulations; compare a current temperature of the catalyst to the determined target temperature; and in response to the current temperature of the catalyst being below the determined target temperature, provide a thermal management command to increase the catalyst temperature toward the determined target temperature.