Induction Heated Catalytic Converter for Cold Start Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catalytic converters have low efficiency when cold, as they require high temperatures to initiate pollutant conversion processes, leading to increased emissions during vehicle start-up and idling periods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of induction heating and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) heat and mass transfer technologies to rapidly heat the catalytic converter substrates, utilizing electromagnetic fields and electron migration to enhance heat transfer and catalytic reaction initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If catalytic converters are used to reduce noxious exhaust emissions, then pollutant conversion is achieved, but low efficiency occurs when cold leading to increased emissions during start-up and idling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the catalytic converter substrate before the vehicle is driven using induction heating coils and EHD technology. This preliminary action brings the substrate to operational temperature (light-off temperature) in advance, ensuring the catalyst is ready to immediately convert pollutants when exhaust flow begins, thereby eliminating cold start emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional thermal mass heating methods with electromagnetic induction heating and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) technology. The induction heating system uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat ferromagnetic particles embedded in the substrate, while EHD uses ionized air flow to transfer heat efficiently, both substituting traditional mechanical/thermal approaches with field-based methods for faster, more efficient heating.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If induction heating is used to rapidly heat catalytic converter substrates, then emissions are reduced during cold start-ups, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines induction heating coils and EHD electrodes directly within the catalytic converter substrate structure itself. The ferromagnetic particles are embedded in the substrate walls, and the heating elements are integrated into the converter housing, merging the heating function with the existing catalytic converter structure rather than adding separate external heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own electrical system and battery to power the induction heating and EHD processes. The control module monitors substrate temperature and automatically activates the heating systems when needed, allowing the catalytic converter to self-manage its thermal state without external intervention or additional complex control infrastructure.
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 significantly reduces emissions during cold start-ups and idling by ensuring the catalytic converter reaches operational temperatures faster, thereby improving emission control and potentially allowing for a single converter installation to meet national emissions standards.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of induction heating and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) heat and mass transfer technologies to rapidly heat the catalytic converter substrates
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electromagnetic fields and electron migration to enhance heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
The implementation of induction heating and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) heat and mass transfer technologies
Data Source
AI summary
An emission control system includes an emission control device having a plurality of passages to facilitate emission control of an exhaust gas from a vehicle engine. An electromagnetic field generator responds to a control signal by generating an electromagnetic field via a coil to inductively to heat the emission control device, A controller, coupled to the electromagnetic field generator, generates a temperature signal indicating at least one temperature of the emission control device based on a change in impedance in the coil and generates the control signal based on the temperature signal and further based on a reference temperature to control the at least one temperature of the emission control device in accordance with the reference temperature.