DC to DC Converter for Exhaust Gas Catalyst Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exhaust gas aftertreatment systems face challenges in achieving the required operating temperature for exhaust gas catalysts, especially after a cold start, leading to increased emissions due to high electric power requirements for heating elements, which can destabilize the electric power grid with sudden power consumption and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a DC to DC converter and a control unit to manage the electric power supply to the heating element, allowing for controlled and efficient heating of the exhaust gas catalysis portion, reducing transient pulses and ensuring stable grid operation by steplessly regulating power during ramp-up and ramp-down processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating element is used to heat the exhaust gas catalysis portion, then the operating temperature is achieved, but high electric power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated only during specific periods when the exhaust gas temperature is below the threshold, rather than continuously. The control unit monitors the exhaust gas temperature and switches the heating element on or off accordingly, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining the required operating temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors to control the heating element. The control unit receives temperature signals and adjusts the heating element operation based on the actual exhaust gas temperature, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes energy usage by heating only when necessary.
2Device complexity
If an on/off control switch is used for the heating element, then simple control is achieved, but transient pulses appear on the electric power supply grid
Solution Approach 1:
The DC to DC converter acts as an intermediary between the heating element and the power supply grid. It buffers the sudden power demands and releases them in a controlled manner, preventing transient pulses from appearing on the power grid while still enabling the heating element to receive the necessary power.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC to DC converter performs preliminary action by storing energy and preparing power delivery before the heating element is activated. This pre-positioning of energy allows the system to respond to heating demands without creating harmful transient pulses on the power grid.
3Speed
If the heating element is suddenly connected or disconnected from the power supply grid, then quick response is achieved, but the grid could be destabilized or high energy pulses could appear
Solution Approach 1:
The DC to DC converter serves as a mediator that decouples the sudden connection/disconnection of the heating element from the power supply grid. It absorbs the mechanical shock of sudden power demands and releases energy smoothly, maintaining grid stability while enabling quick response to temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC to DC converter provides beforehand cushioning by preparing energy buffers in advance. When the heating element needs to be activated or deactivated, the converter has already positioned energy reserves to handle the transition smoothly, preventing harmful pulses and protecting the grid from destabilization.
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
The solution enables reliable and safe operation of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system by efficiently heating the catalyst, reducing emissions, and preventing grid destabilization, thus enhancing the system's robustness and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is configured to heat the exhaust gas catalysis portion. The heating element is supplied with electric power from a voltage source.
Implementation Method 2
A DC to DC converter is configured to control the electric power supply from the voltage source to the heating element.
Implementation Method 3
The exhaust gas catalyst treats, by way of a chemical oxidation or reduction, the emissions in the exhaust gas.
Implementation Method 4
The exhaust gas catalyst treats, by way of a chemical oxidation or reduction, the emissions in the exhaust gas.
Implementation Method 5
The exhaust gas catalyst treats, by way of a chemical oxidation or reduction, the emissions in the exhaust gas.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an exhaust gas aftertreatment system for treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system includes an exhaust gas catalyst that includes an exhaust gas catalysis portion and a heating element. The heating element is configured to heat the exhaust gas catalysis portion. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system also includes: a voltage source which supplies the heating element with electric power for heating the heating element, and a DC to DC converter which is configured to control the electric power supply from the voltage source to the heating element. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system also includes a control unit which is configured to control the DC to DC converter based on the required electric power to heat the exhaust gas catalysis portion.