Internal Combustion Engine H2 Production Capacity Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current internal combustion engine systems lack an effective method to determine the maximum hydrogen (H2) production capacity of catalytic converters, which is crucial for optimizing combustion air ratios, detecting faults, and assessing converter aging, leading to inefficiencies and increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine arrangement that includes a controller configured to determine the maximum H2 production capacity by correlating engine parameters with H2 production, using multiple lambda sensors to calculate precise combustion air ratios and account for catalytic converter behavior, thereby improving scavenging strategies and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the H2 production of the internal combustion engine is not taken into account when determining the combustion air ratio, then the control strategy is simpler, but the precision of the combustion air ratio determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses lambda sensors to continuously measure the actual combustion air ratio and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the H2 production capacity determination based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that improves precision without requiring overly complex open-loop calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system (lambda sensors and controller) that mediates between the engine's H2 production and the combustion air ratio control. This intermediary layer processes the relationship between H2 production and air ratio, making the control strategy manageable while maintaining high precision
2Reliability
If the H2 production capacity of the catalytic converter is not determined, then the system operation is simpler, but the ability to detect faults and assess converter aging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical testing methods for assessing catalytic converter health with a computational approach. By using mathematical models that calculate H2 production capacity based on lambda sensor readings and engine parameters, the system achieves reliable fault detection and aging assessment without requiring complex mechanical test equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational data (lambda sensor readings, engine parameters) to self-assess the health and capacity of the catalytic converter. The controller continuously monitors and calculates H2 production capacity using data already being collected for combustion control, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic systems
3Measurement precision
If multiple lambda sensors and H2 production calculation are implemented, then the combustion air ratio precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lambda sensors and controller serve multiple functions: they control the combustion air ratio, determine H2 production capacity, assess catalytic converter health, and detect faults. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, maintaining measurement precision while managing overall device complexity
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 solution enables precise determination of combustion air ratios, enhances catalytic converter efficiency, reduces emissions, and allows for improved fault detection and converter aging assessment, optimizing engine operation and compliance with emissions regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a first λ sensor (5) for determining a first λ value
Implementation Method 2
a second λ sensor (3) for determining a second voltage
Implementation Method 3
a catalytic converter (2) which produces H2 during operation
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine arrangement includes an internal combustion engine, a catalytic converter, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a maximum H2 production capacity of the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is arranged downstream of the internal combustion engine. The controller is configured and adapted to determine the maximum H2 production capacity of the catalytic converter based on a first function that correlates an H2 production of the internal combustion engine with first internal combustion engine parameters.