Induction Heating Catalytic Converter for Cold-Start Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catalytic converters and particulate filters have low efficiency when cold, leading to increased harmful emissions during vehicle start-up and idling, as they require high temperatures to initiate effective pollutant conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of induction heating with a varying electromagnetic field to quickly reach light-off temperature by heating metal elements within the catalytic converter substrate, which then transfers heat to exhaust gases, accelerating catalytic reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If catalytic converters and particulate filters are used to treat exhaust gases, then harmful emissions are reduced, but the efficiency is low when cold during vehicle start-up and idling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using induction heating to pre-heat the catalytic converter substrate and particulate filter to light-off temperature before the exhaust gases arrive. This preliminary heating ensures that the catalytic reactions can begin immediately when the vehicle starts, eliminating the cold-start emission problem without requiring the system to warm up gradually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the catalytic converter and particulate filter from cold (ambient temperature) to hot (light-off temperature) using induction heating. By controlling the heating parameters to reach the optimal temperature range, the system achieves high efficiency in converting harmful emissions even during cold start conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If induction heating is used to quickly reach light-off temperature, then cold-start emissions are reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by using induction heating not only for initial warm-up but also for maintaining the light-off temperature during idling and transient conditions. This continuous heating ensures that the catalytic converter and particulate filter remain at optimal temperature, preventing cold-start emissions from recurring while managing energy consumption through precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by monitoring the temperature of the catalytic converter and particulate filter and adjusting the induction heating power accordingly. When the light-off temperature is reached, the heating is reduced or stopped, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. During cold-start conditions, the feedback loop ensures adequate heating power is applied to eliminate emissions.
3Speed
If metal elements are heated inductively within the substrate, then heat transfer to exhaust gases is accelerated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses metal elements embedded within the catalytic converter substrate as intermediaries for heat transfer. These metal elements are heated inductively and then transfer the heat to the exhaust gases passing through the substrate. This intermediary approach accelerates heat transfer compared to direct heating of the substrate, while the metal elements are integrated into the existing substrate structure, minimizing additional 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 method enables faster attainment of light-off temperature, reducing cold-start emissions and improving the efficiency of catalytic converters and particulate filters by initiating exothermic reactions more quickly.
Implementation Method 1
use of induction heating with a varying electromagnetic field to quickly reach light-off temperature by heating metal elements within the catalytic converter substrate
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic field generator is mounted adjacent the substrate body for generating a varying electromagnetic field inductively to heat the metal
Implementation Method 3
which then transfers heat to exhaust gases, accelerating catalytic reactions
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for treating gaseous emissions has a substrate with cells for the passage of an emissions gas to be treated and inductive heating elements located in some of the cells. An electromagnetic field generator mounted near the substrate generates a varying electromagnetic field, so as to inductively heat the inductive heating elements and so heat the substrate. Some of the inductive heating elements have a first natural resonant frequency other inductive elements have a second natural resonant frequency different from the first resonant frequency. A power supply for the electromagnetic field generator is operated with a frequency closer to the first resonant frequency for a time and is operated with a frequency closer to the second resonant frequency period for a subsequent time period. By switching between the frequencies at different times, the heating profile can be moved in the substrate.