Optical Exhaust Gas Detection for Aftertreatment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensing technologies for monitoring exhaust gas constituents in aftertreatment systems for internal combustion engines face challenges due to high temperatures and the presence of soot and unburned hydrocarbons, leading to limited feedback and operational variability, making control and diagnostics difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method involving optical sensors to determine exhaust gas constituent amounts and modify engine operating parameters based on aftertreatment component performance, including the use of a component performance controller to adjust engine parameters and diagnose components such as catalyst effectiveness and soot filter functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard sensor types are used to monitor exhaust gas constituents, then the sensing technology can detect various constituents, but the sensors cannot survive the high temperature exhaust environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical path as an intermediary between the exhaust gas and the sensor. The optical path allows light to interact with exhaust gas constituents without exposing the sensor directly to the harsh thermal environment, enabling detection while protecting the sensor from high temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional physical/chemical sensors with optical sensing technology. Instead of using sensors that directly contact and chemically interact with exhaust gases, the system uses light absorption and scattering properties to detect constituents, eliminating the need for sensors to withstand extreme thermal conditions
2Loss of information
If sensors are placed in the exhaust stream to detect constituents, then feedback for control and diagnostics can be obtained, but soot and unburned hydrocarbons hamper operation of the sensing technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the interfering effects of soot and hydrocarbons into useful diagnostic information. By measuring light absorption and scattering at multiple wavelengths, the system can distinguish between different constituents including soot, unburned hydrocarbons, and other exhaust components, transforming what was previously harmful interference into valuable diagnostic data for monitoring combustion quality and aftertreatment performance
3Device complexity
If aftertreatment systems operate without reliable sensing feedback, then the system complexity is reduced, but control and diagnostics for aftertreatment systems become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that uses optical sensing data to monitor aftertreatment component performance in real-time. The system measures exhaust gas constituents upstream and downstream of aftertreatment devices, compares the measurements to expected values, and provides feedback for controlling engine parameters and diagnosing component effectiveness, enabling precise control and diagnostics while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
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 enables reliable detection of exhaust gas constituents, improves aftertreatment system performance, and enhances diagnostics, allowing for better control and maintenance of internal combustion engine emissions.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors to determine exhaust gas constituent amounts
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing an exhaust stream for an internal combustion engine, where the exhaust stream is fluidly coupled to an aftertreatment component. The method includes optically determining an amount of an exhaust gas constituent in the exhaust stream. The method further includes modifying a model stored on a computer readable medium in response to the amount of the exhaust gas constituent. The model is an engine NOx generation model, a catalyst NOx storage model, a catalyst NOx conversion model, a catalyst NO to NO2 conversion model, a catalyst conversion efficiency model, an engine soot generation model, and/or a urea hydrolysis model.