Exhaust Cooling Device with Parallel Plates and Venturi Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevated exhaust gas temperatures from diesel particulate filters pose a challenge, as conventional cooling methods are insufficient to meet new emissions laws and can cause safety issues and stress on exhaust pipes, particularly during filter regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device with a cylindrical body and parallel plates that allows ambient air to mix with exhaust gases, reducing temperature through a venturi-like mechanism, installed downstream from the diesel particulate filter to cool the exhaust gases effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diesel particulate filter is regenerated by raising the temperature sufficiently to accelerate oxidation of particulate matter, then the filter is cleaned effectively, but the exhaust gas temperature increases excessively causing safety issues and stress on exhaust pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling device positioned between the diesel particulate filter and the tailpipe. This device includes a housing with a first opening receiving hot exhaust gas from the filter, a second opening discharging cooled exhaust gas, and a cooling passage with apertures that allow ambient air to mix with the exhaust stream. The cooling passage acts as a mediator that facilitates heat exchange between the hot exhaust gas and cooler ambient air, thereby reducing the exhaust temperature while maintaining filter regeneration effectiveness.
2Temperature
If conventional in-muffler venturi devices are used to cool exhaust gases, then some temperature reduction is achieved, but the cooling capability is insufficient to meet new emissions laws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the cooling capability by introducing a three-dimensional cooling passage structure with multiple apertures distributed throughout the passage. This dimensional approach allows ambient air to be drawn in from multiple locations and mixed thoroughly with the exhaust stream, creating a more effective cooling system compared to conventional two-dimensional venturi devices. The cooling passage extends through the housing with apertures positioned at various heights and locations, maximizing the mixing surface area and cooling efficiency.
3Temperature
If exhaust gas temperature is reduced ahead of pollution control components, then emissions standards are met, but the pollution control components cannot operate or regenerate properly as they require hot temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining different temperature zones at different locations in the exhaust system. The diesel particulate filter and catalytic converter operate at high temperatures for effective regeneration and emission control, while the cooling device creates a localized cooler zone downstream where ambient air is mixed with the exhaust stream. This spatial differentiation allows each component to operate in its optimal temperature range - hot zones for pollution control component operation and a cooler zone at the tailpipe for emissions compliance.
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 device effectively lowers exhaust gas temperatures beyond the capabilities of conventional systems, enhancing safety and reducing stress on exhaust pipes while meeting stringent emissions standards.
Implementation Method 1
A conventional method of cooling exhaust gases is an 'in-can' or 'in-muffler' venturi device. In the path of exhaust gas flow, the venturi device is located downstream of the muffler and upstream of the tailpipe
Implementation Method 2
The exhaust gases travel within the hot pipe and around the cold pipe. As the exhaust gases travel around the cold pipe, the exhaust gases are cooled. At an outlet of the cold pipe, the ambient gases and the exhaust gases are mixed in the tailpipe for further cooling.
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature control devices have become common to cool the exhaust stream from a diesel particulate filter before release into the environment. To further cool the filtered exhaust stream, a temperature control device has plates that are approximately parallel and in a spaced apart relationship. A vent is located between the plates. The plates have apertures. A shield is also used.