Hybrid Vehicle Catalyst Heating via Electric Supercharger Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in quickly activating the catalyst temperature in exhaust gas post-processing systems, especially when the engine is repeatedly stopped, leading to reduced purification efficiency of exhaust gases due to the catalyst temperature dropping below the activation temperature.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle system that includes an electric catalyst heater and a controller to operate the electric supercharger, intake bypass valve, high pressure EGR valve, post processing bypass valve, and low pressure EGR valve to form a circulation loop, circulating heated air through the system when the engine is stopped, maintaining the catalyst temperature close to the activation temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the engine is repeatedly stopped to reduce emissions, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the catalyst temperature drops below activation temperature reducing purification efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by circulating heated air through the exhaust gas post-processing apparatus before the engine is actually restarted. The controller activates the electric supercharger and opens bypass valves to create a circulation path that pre-heats the catalyst, ensuring it reaches activation temperature quickly when the engine restarts, thus preventing emission spikes during cold start conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heated air as an intermediary substance to transfer thermal energy to the catalyst. By circulating heated air through the exhaust system using the electric supercharger and bypass valves, the system mediates heat transfer to the catalyst without requiring the engine to be running, thereby maintaining purification efficiency independent of engine operation state
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is stopped frequently, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the catalyst cannot maintain activation temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical engine-driven approach with an electrically-driven solution. The electric supercharger is controlled by the battery system rather than being mechanically coupled to the engine, allowing it to operate independently when the engine is stopped. This substitution enables the catalyst heating function to decouple from engine operation, maintaining catalyst temperature without fuel consumption during engine stop periods
Solution Approach 2:
The electric supercharger serves multiple functions: it acts as both a conventional intake air compressor when the engine is running and as a catalyst heating device when the engine is stopped. By controlling the bypass valves to create a circulation path, the same component performs dual roles, eliminating the need for a separate heating system and reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If a catalyst heating system is added, then catalyst activation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electric supercharger multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as an intake air compressor during engine operation and as a catalyst heating device during engine stop periods. The controller manages the bypass valves to redirect airflow appropriately, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles and avoiding the addition of separate dedicated heating equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (electric supercharger, bypass valves, and intake air) to serve the catalyst heating function. Rather than requiring external or dedicated heating equipment, the system repurposes its existing airflow and electrical systems to generate the necessary heat, making the catalyst heating capability self-contained and eliminating additional system 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 approach ensures the catalyst temperature quickly reaches the activation temperature when the engine is restarted, enhancing the purification efficiency of exhaust gases by maintaining it close to the activation temperature during temporary engine stops.
Implementation Method 1
An electric catalyst heater may be disposed in the exhaust gas post processing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
an electric supercharger disposed in the intake line at an upstream portion of the compressor
Implementation Method 3
a low pressure EGR cooler disposed in the low pressure EGR line, and a low pressure EGR valve disposed in the low pressure EGR line
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle may include an engine; a turbocharger including a turbine disposed in an exhaust line and a compressor; an electric supercharger disposed in the intake line at an upstream portion of the compressor; an exhaust gas post processing apparatus; a low pressure EGR device which includes a low pressure EGR line, a low pressure EGR cooler and a low pressure EGR valve; an intake bypass line which connects the intake line at a downstream portion of the electric supercharger and the intake line at an upstream portion of the electric supercharger; an intake bypass valve disposed in the intake bypass line; a post processing bypass line which connects the intake line between the electric supercharger and the compressor and the exhaust line between the turbine and the exhaust gas post processing apparatus; and a post processing bypass valve disposed in the post processing bypass line.