Cold-Start EATS Heating Using an Unfired Engine Air Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating internal combustion engines during cold starts are inefficient and energy-consuming, particularly for the exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS), leading to increased emissions due to the SCR component not operating effectively at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A computer system controls an internal combustion engine system to a cold start mode, using an EATS heater and an electric machine to heat the EATS and rotate the unfired engine, pumping air through the EATS heater, optimizing valve timing for efficient air flow, and adjusting electric machine speed based on temperature and vehicle history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing methods are used to pre-heat the EATS, then the EATS temperature increases, but the process is time-consuming and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the EATS using the EATS heater before the engine is started. The control unit activates the heater when a cold start is detected, pre-warming the exhaust aftertreatment system so that it reaches operational temperature faster during the subsequent engine operation, thereby reducing the overall pre-heating time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the engine's own pneumatic system (intake and exhaust air flow) to enhance heat transfer to the EATS. By controlling valves to create specific air flow patterns through the heater and EATS, the system efficiently transfers thermal energy from the heater to the exhaust aftertreatment components, reducing heating time without requiring additional mechanical heating equipment.
2Temperature
If existing methods are used to pre-heat the EATS, then the EATS temperature increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EATS heater serves multiple functions: it heats the EATS during cold starts, and can also be used during normal operation to maintain EATS temperature under certain conditions. The intake and exhaust air flow control system similarly serves dual purposes by managing both engine breathing and heat transfer to the EATS, eliminating the need for separate dedicated heating systems and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the engine's own operational resources (intake air flow, exhaust air flow, and the heater integrated into the exhaust system) to heat the EATS, rather than requiring external or dedicated heating equipment. The control unit manages the valve positions to create self-sustaining heat transfer cycles using the engine's natural air flow patterns, minimizing additional energy input requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the SCR component operates at low temperatures, then the system can operate during cold starts, but emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily heats the EATS and SCR component before the engine starts operating in cold conditions. By activating the heater and controlling air flow through the exhaust system during the startup phase, the SCR catalyst reaches its light-off temperature faster, enabling it to begin reducing emissions sooner during cold start operation, thus maintaining emission compliance while allowing cold start capability.
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 rapidly heats the EATS to optimal operating temperatures, reducing emissions of NOx, CO, and particulate matter, while avoiding energy waste and ensuring compliance with emission legislation.
Implementation Method 1
the EATS heater is controlled to heat the EATS
Implementation Method 2
the electric machine is controlled to rotate the unfired internal combustion engine, thereby pumping air from the internal combustion engine to the EATS
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine system (200) for a vehicle (1), the internal combustion engine system (200) comprising an internal combustion engine (201), an electric machine (202) arranged to selectively rotate the combustion engine (201), an exhaust aftertreatment system, EATS, (203) and an EATS heater (204) arranged upstream of the EATS, the method comprising: detect a cold start event when the internal combustion engine is unfired; upon detection of a cold start event, control the internal combustion engine system (200) to a cold start mode, wherein in said cold start mode the EATS heater (204) is controlled to heat the EATS (203) and the electric machine (202) is controlled to rotate the unfired internal combustion engine (201), thereby pumping air from the internal combustion engine (201) to the EATS (203) via the EATS heater (204).