Dual Energy Reducing Agent Heating System for Cold Start Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for heating reducing agents in engines, such as those using engine coolant, fail to ensure timely thawing and liquefaction of reducing agents in extreme cold temperatures, leading to potential non-compliance with stringent NOx emission standards due to delays in heating the reducing agent after engine start-up.
Innovation Solution
A dual energy heating system comprising an electric heater and engine coolant lines, with a controller managing the activation of both components to rapidly thaw the reducing agent in the tank and supply lines, ensuring the reducing agent is in a liquid state upon engine start-up, including a third heating component for the supply lines to prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If engine coolant heating system is used to heat reducing agent, then the system structure is simple, but the reducing agent cannot be thawed quickly enough to meet emission standards
Solution Approach 1:
The electric heater is activated before the engine coolant system is operational to preliminarily heat the reducing agent and supply lines, ensuring the reducing agent is in liquid state before the coolant heating system takes over. This preliminary action prevents the time delay caused by waiting for engine warm-up.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical/engine-dependent coolant heating system with an electric heating system that can operate independently of engine temperature. The electric heater provides immediate heating capability without relying on engine warm-up, thus resolving the time delay issue.
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine must warm up before heating reducing agent, then energy consumption is reduced, but emission compliance is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The electric heater performs preliminary heating of the reducing agent before engine operation begins or during early startup phase, ensuring the reducing agent is ready for immediate use. This preliminary action guarantees emission compliance without requiring extended engine warm-up periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating parameter from engine-dependent (coolant temperature) to electrically-controlled (voltage/power input), allowing the reducing agent temperature to be independently controlled and optimized for rapid liquefaction regardless of engine state.
3Device complexity
If single heating source is used, then system complexity is low, but heating effectiveness in extreme cold is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two heating sources (electric heater and engine coolant system) into a unified heating system. The electric heater provides immediate high-intensity heating, while the engine coolant system provides sustained heating, creating a synergistic effect that overcomes extreme cold conditions more effectively than either system alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic phases: initially the electric heater is activated to rapidly heat the reducing agent, then as the engine warms up, the coolant system takes over and the electric heater is deactivated or reduced. This periodic switching optimizes heating effectiveness while managing energy consumption.
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 system ensures immediate thawing of the reducing agent, allowing engines to comply with emission standards promptly after start-up, even in extreme cold conditions, by utilizing both electric heating and engine coolant, and maintaining the reducing agent in a liquid state to facilitate efficient NOx reduction.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heater positioned proximate the reducing agent distribution system
Implementation Method 2
at least one engine coolant line extending from the engine and positioned proximate the reducing agent distribution system
Data Source
AI summary
A reducing agent heating system. The reducing agent heating system provides a dual energy heating strategy using both an electric heater and an engine coolant line such that emission control may be promoted efficiently. The electric heater and engine coolant line are disposed in close proximity to the reducing agent such that efficient and quick thawing of frozen or freezing reducing agent is facilitated.