Electrically Heated Catalyst Control During Engine Fuel Cutoff
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engine catalysts take too long to reach operating temperature, leading to increased pollutant emissions during cold starts, and existing solutions are costly and complex, such as additional air flow injection which adds bulk and mass to the traction device.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a traction device that uses electrical heating and a control system to cut fuel supply to engine cylinders until the catalyst reaches operating temperature, utilizing the air flow to enhance heat exchange without additional components, and distributing torque between an electric motor and internal combustion engine based on temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the catalyst is heated using conventional methods (degraded combustion efficiency, under-advance), then the catalyst reaches actuating temperature, but pollutant emissions increase and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/combustion-based heating method (degraded combustion efficiency) with an electrical heating system. The electrical heater directly heats the catalyst without requiring degraded combustion, thus avoiding increased pollutant emissions and fuel consumption while still achieving the necessary catalyst temperature for effective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from thermal energy through degraded combustion to direct electrical energy conversion. By using an electrical heater with controlled power input, the system can precisely control the heating rate and temperature profile of the catalyst, reaching actuating temperature faster without the side effects of combustion degradation.
2Temperature
If additional air flow injection is used to heat the catalyst, then the catalyst reaches actuating temperature, but the device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the complex mechanical air flow injection system and implements it through a simpler electrical heating element. This eliminates the need for additional air injection components, valves, and control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and mass while maintaining effective catalyst heating capability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If fuel supply is cut during catalyst heating, then pollutant emissions are reduced, but the engine torque is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical heater as an intermediary heating source that compensates for the reduced combustion output when fuel supply is cut. This intermediary system provides the necessary thermal energy to the catalyst independently of fuel combustion, allowing the engine to operate with reduced or zero fuel injection during cold start without sacrificing catalyst activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical heating system serves multiple functions: it heats the catalyst during cold start, compensates for reduced engine torque during fuel cut operation, and can potentially provide auxiliary heating during other operating conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to reduce pollutant emissions without permanently sacrificing engine performance.
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 method quickly heats the catalyst to operating temperature, reducing pollutant emissions without increasing emissions or adding bulk, and allows for efficient operation by switching to electric motor torque when the catalyst is not active, minimizing fuel consumption and emissions during cold starts.
Implementation Method 1
the heating is produced by convection between a heating grid and the monolith(s) forming the catalyst
Implementation Method 2
the heating is produced by convection between a heating grid and the monolith(s) forming the catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
A control method is performed to control a traction device of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine that includes a plurality of cylinders. Each of cylinders has at least one air intake valve, at least one exhaust valve for the combustion gases generated by the internal combustion engine, and a fuel injector. A treatment device is provided for the combustion gases that is active from an actuation temperature. The treatment device is placed downstream of the exhaust valve. The traction device includes an electrical heater for heating the combustion gas treatment device. The traction method further compares a temperature of the combustion gas treatment device with an actuating threshold temperature and actuates the electrical heater and stopping a fuel supply being supplied to one or more of the cylinders as long as the temperature of the combustion gas treatment device is below the actuating threshold temperature.