Modular Ammonia Precursor Decomposition Module for Vehicle SCR Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for decomposing ammonia precursor solutions using catalysts in vehicles require high heat consumption, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A modular design with two compartments around a heater, optimized for different temperature ranges, allows for efficient decomposition and separation of ammonia precursor solutions, reducing heat requirements by optimizing compartment design and volume for temperature control and buffering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a single compartment design is used for ammonia precursor decomposition, then the device structure is simple, but the heat consumption is high and temperature control is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat consumptionVSAvoidcompartment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decomposition device is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment for decomposition, second compartment for separation, third compartment for buffering) with different temperature ranges. Each compartment performs a specific function, allowing optimized heat distribution and reduced overall heat consumption while maintaining efficient ammonia generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each compartment is designed with specific local characteristics: the first compartment operates at higher temperatures for decomposition, the second at lower temperatures for separation, and the third as a thermal buffer. This localized temperature optimization reduces total energy consumption while maintaining functional efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If adjacent compartments are used without optimization, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control and heat efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidcompartment arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compartments are arranged in a nested configuration where the first compartment surrounds the heater, the second compartment surrounds the first, and the third compartment surrounds the second. This nested arrangement optimizes heat distribution from the central heater through each compartment while maintaining compact device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The third compartment acts as a pre-buffer that receives the ammonia precursor solution before it enters the decomposition compartment, and the second compartment buffers the generated ammonia solution after decomposition. This preliminary and post-processing buffering optimizes temperature control and reaction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 modular design effectively reduces heat consumption while maintaining efficient ammonia generation and separation, enhancing the stability and efficiency of ammonia production for SCR systems and fuel cells.

Implementation Method 1

The second compartment is configured to preheat an ammonia precursor solution before the ammonia precursor solution enters the first compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

decomposing the ammonia precursor using a catalyst to generate an ammonia solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

The first compartment is configured to decompose the ammonia precursor solution into an ammonia solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

The first compartment is configured to separate the generated ammonia solution from an ammonia precursor solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity gradient separation: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3194738B1Module for decomposing an ammonia precursor using a catalyst for use on-board a vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.10.16 PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION & RES SA

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~4

AI summary

It is proposed a module (100) for use on-board a vehicle. The module comprises a heater (50) and at least a first and a second storage compartment (10; 20; 30; 40; 20', 40'). The first compartment at least partially surrounds the heater (50), and the second compartment at least partially surrounds the first compartment. The first compartment is configured to perform a first function in a first temperature range, and the second compartment is configured to perform a second function in a second temperature range, said second temperature range being lower than said first temperature range. The first compartment is in fluid communication with the second compartment. One function of said first and second function is receiving an ammonia precursor, and decomposing the ammonia precursor using a catalyst to generate an ammonia solution.