Internal Combustion Engine Exhaust Flow Control for Rapid Aftertreatment Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling internal combustion engines in vehicles are inefficient in reducing emissions, particularly at low ambient temperatures and after a cold start, as they require significant time and effort to heat up the exhaust aftertreatment system.
Innovation Solution
A method that controls the internal combustion engine by determining engine operation parameters and adjusting exhaust and bypass flows to optimize exhaust performance, using adjustable flow restriction elements and control signals to manage the flow through the engine, thereby quickly heating up the exhaust aftertreatment system and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the exhaust aftertreatment system is heated up using conventional methods, then the system temperature increases, but significant time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the exhaust flow control adjustable and adaptive. The control unit dynamically adjusts the exhaust flow restriction based on real-time parameters such as ambient temperature, engine load, and aftertreatment system temperature. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize exhaust flow rates for rapid heating when needed, while maintaining normal operation under different conditions, thereby reducing the time required to heat the aftertreatment system compared to fixed conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the exhaust flow system by introducing adjustable flow restriction elements that modify exhaust flow rate, pressure, and temperature characteristics. By varying these parameters based on operational conditions and heating requirements, the system achieves faster heating rates. The control unit modifies exhaust flow parameters to maximize heat transfer to the aftertreatment system, directly addressing the time-loss contradiction
2Speed
If the exhaust flow is increased to heat up the aftertreatment system quickly, then heating speed improves, but engine performance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control to adjust exhaust flow restriction based on real-time engine operating conditions. During transient states when rapid heating is needed, the control unit temporarily increases exhaust flow to accelerate aftertreatment heating. During steady-state operation, the system returns to normal exhaust flow settings to maintain optimal engine performance. This temporal separation of heating and performance optimization resolves the contradiction between heating speed and engine power
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements periodic adjustment of exhaust flow restriction, applying high exhaust flow conditions intermittently when heating is required, then returning to normal operation. This periodic action allows the system to achieve cumulative heating effect while minimizing the impact on engine performance during normal operating cycles, effectively balancing heating speed and power output
3Power
If the exhaust flow is restricted to maintain engine performance, then emissions control becomes less effective at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exhaust flow into controlled and uncontrolled paths using adjustable flow restriction elements positioned at specific locations in the exhaust system. This segmentation allows independent control of exhaust flow rates directed toward the aftertreatment system versus those maintaining engine performance. By separating these functions spatially and controllably, the system can simultaneously optimize both engine power and emissions treatment effectiveness even at low temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between engine performance requirements and emissions treatment needs. It processes inputs from multiple sensors (engine load, ambient temperature, aftertreatment temperature) and adjusts exhaust flow restriction accordingly. This intermediary control function enables the system to find optimal balance points where both engine performance and emissions control are satisfied, particularly during cold operation when the contradiction is most severe
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 reduces emissions by increasing exhaust power, improving the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system, and quickly heating it up, even at low ambient temperatures and after a cold start, while maintaining efficient engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
quickly heat up an exhaust aftertreatment system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method to control an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder, an exhaust guide arranged to guide an exhaust flow from the cylinder through a turbine, and a bypass guide arranged to bypass a bypass flow from the cylinder past the turbine. The method comprises the step to determine a value of at least one engine operation parameter. The method is characterized by the step to determine a target value of an exhaust performance parameter depending on the determined engine operation parameter value. Further, the method comprises, depending on the determined target exhaust performance parameter value, the step to control the exhaust flow through the exhaust guide and the step to control the bypass flow through the bypass guide.