Cold-Start Engine Power Control by Catalyst Activated Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating internal combustion engines in vehicles reduce power output to comply with emission limits, leading to reduced vehicle performance and driver discomfort, particularly during cold starts when catalysts are not sufficiently heated, and fail to account for the actual conversion capacity of catalysts, risking emission breakthroughs.
Innovation Solution
Adjust the power output of the internal combustion engine based on the activated volume fraction of the catalyst, considering the catalyst's conversion capacity through temperature and space velocity models, allowing early release of unrestricted power while ensuring emissions compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power output of the internal combustion engine is reduced to comply with emission limits during cold start, then emission compliance is improved, but vehicle performance and driver comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by continuously adjusting the engine power output based on real-time catalyst temperature and activation status. The control device monitors catalyst conditions and dynamically modifies engine torque and speed limits, transitioning from restrictive cold-start mode to full power mode as the catalyst becomes active, thereby resolving the contradiction between emission compliance and vehicle performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by monitoring catalyst temperature and activation state, then using this information to adjust engine power output. The control device receives feedback on catalyst performance and modifies engine operating parameters accordingly, ensuring emission compliance when needed while maximizing performance when the catalyst is effective
2Power
If the engine is operated at full load immediately after cold start, then vehicle performance is improved, but emission conversion reliability deteriorates due to insufficient catalyst heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by intentionally operating the engine at reduced power during the cold-start phase to pre-heat the catalyst before full load operation is requested. This preparatory heating ensures the catalyst reaches its light-off temperature and becomes active before the engine needs to deliver full power, preventing emission breakthroughs while maintaining performance readiness
3Reliability
If the engine power is limited during extreme driving maneuvers after cold start, then emission breakthroughs are prevented, but driver comfort and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power limitations based on real-time catalyst activation status rather than applying fixed restrictions. During extreme driving maneuvers, the control device continuously evaluates catalyst temperature and conversion capacity, lifting power limits as the catalyst becomes active, thereby maintaining both emission reliability and driver comfort without unnecessary restrictions
4Productivity
If insufficient idling time is provided after cold start, then productivity is improved, but emission conversion reliability deteriorates due to insufficient catalyst activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to monitor catalyst activation progress in real-time and adjust engine power availability accordingly. Rather than requiring a fixed idling period, the system continuously assesses catalyst temperature and conversion capacity, enabling transition to full power operation as soon as the catalyst is sufficiently active, thereby optimizing both productivity and emission reliability
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
Enables reliable and flexible power adjustment that meets emission limits by utilizing the catalyst's actual conversion capability, providing high performance and avoiding emission breakthroughs, even during critical driving maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is fed to at least one catalyst arranged in an exhaust system of the motor vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the internal combustion engine is operated at idle to a sufficient extent during the cold start, then the exhaust system and in particular the at least one catalyst arranged in the exhaust system of the motor vehicle can be heated up during this idle phase
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (2) of a motor vehicle (1), in which method exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (2) is fed to at least one catalytic converter (4) that is placed in an emission control system (3) of the motor vehicle (1). In said method, a power that the internal combustion engine (2) can supply is adjusted by means of a control device (12) of the motor vehicle (1) as a function of an emission of at least one pollutant contained in the exhaust gas into an environment (5) of the motor vehicle (1). A quantity of a volumetric percentage (6) of the at least one catalytic converter (4) causing the at least one pollutant to be converted is ascertained, and the power supplied by the internal combustion engine (2) is adjusted as a function of said quantity of the volumetric percentage (6). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle (1).