NOx Component Temperature Control via External Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exhaust after treatment systems for internal combustion engines, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles, face challenges in efficiently controlling NOx emissions during cold-start conditions due to the complexity of existing systems and the need for simpler yet effective temperature control methods for NOx controlling components.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling the temperature of NOx controlling components in exhaust after treatment systems using a heat transfer medium arranged outside the outer surface portions, allowing for both heating and cooling without direct mixing with exhaust gases, thereby maintaining the temperature of these components effectively and optimizing NOx conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct cooling of NOx controlling component is used, then temperature control efficiency is improved, but system complexity and risk of exhaust gas contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat transfer medium as an intermediary substance that indirectly transfers heat to or from the NOx controlling component. This mediator approach allows temperature control without direct contact between cooling/heating systems and exhaust gases, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining effective temperature management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the temperature control function from the exhaust gas flow path by using a distinct heat transfer medium circuit. This segmentation allows independent optimization of temperature control without affecting exhaust gas treatment, reducing system complexity and eliminating contamination risks.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat transfer medium is arranged inside outer surface portions, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but risk of exhaust gas contamination and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer medium serves as a safe intermediary that can be arranged in contact with outer surfaces without contaminating exhaust gases. This intermediary layer enables efficient heat transfer while physically isolating the heat transfer medium from exhaust gas flow, preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the heat transfer medium from the internal exhaust gas flow path to the external environment, utilizing the spatial dimension outside the exhaust system. This dimensional relocation allows heat transfer functionality without interfering with exhaust gas composition or quality.
3Temperature
If complex temperature control systems are used, then temperature control precision is improved, but cost and system durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer medium system utilizes naturally available thermal energy from exhaust gases to provide cooling or heating as needed. The system self-regulates temperature control by leveraging the existing thermal field, eliminating complex control mechanisms and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls temperature by changing the flow parameters of the heat transfer medium rather than using complex mechanical control devices. By adjusting flow rate, temperature, or composition of the heat transfer medium, precise temperature control is achieved through simple parameter modifications, reducing system cost and improving durability.
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 simplifies the temperature control of NOx components, delaying the release of adsorbed emissions until other components reach working temperature, improving NOx conversion efficiency and reducing emissions, while being cost-effective and durable.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the temperature of at least a portion of the NOx controlling component by a heat transfer medium arranged outside of the outer surface portions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of an NOx controlling component (10) in an exhaust after treatment system (1, 1') of an internal combustion engine (100). The NOx controlling component (10) has inner surface portions (12) defining an interior component space (20) through which exhaust gases (3) are arranged to flow in order to be NOx controlled, and has outer surface portions (14) facing away from the interior component space (20). The method comprises the step of: controlling the temperature of at least a portion of the NOx controlling component (10) by a heat transfer medium (30, 30') arranged outside of the outer surface portions (14).