Parallel Exhaust Valves for Catalyst Heating and Turbo Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in reducing emissions, particularly during cold start operations, and in optimizing engine efficiency and noise levels, with conventional systems not adequately addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine arrangement with a turbocharger and exhaust emission control device configured in parallel, using flow controllable outlet valves to direct exhaust gases to either the turbine or the emission control device based on operating conditions, allowing for stoichiometric operation and reduced thermal inertia, thereby enhancing emission control and engine efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If exhaust gas is directed to the turbine during cold start, then engine power is improved, but emission control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two exhaust gas flow paths based on operating conditions. During cold start, the second outlet valve directs exhaust gas to the emission control device for effective emission treatment. Once the catalyst is warmed up, the system transitions to directing exhaust gas to the turbine for power generation, thus adapting to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow path parameter of exhaust gas based on temperature conditions. By monitoring catalyst temperature and switching the outlet valves, the system directs exhaust gas to different destinations (emission control device vs. turbine) to optimize both emission control and power generation under varying thermal conditions
2Device complexity
If a single exhaust gas manifold is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is segmented into two separate exhaust gas manifolds (first and second exhaust gas manifolds) with dedicated outlet valves for each. This segmentation allows independent control of exhaust gas flow to the turbine and emission control device, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
3Device complexity
If exhaust gas flow is not controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but emission control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control through outlet valves that respond to catalyst temperature signals. When the catalyst temperature indicates cold start conditions, the second outlet valve opens to direct exhaust gas to the emission control device for effective NOx reduction. This feedback mechanism ensures emission control effectiveness while using relatively simple valve actuation systems
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 configuration reduces emissions by rapidly heating the catalyst, minimizing NOx production, and improving engine efficiency by controlling exhaust gas flow, leading to lower emissions and increased durability of the emission control device.
Implementation Method 1
a turbocharger arrangement comprising a turbine and a compressor, wherein the turbine is arranged in fluid communication with the first exhaust gas manifold
Implementation Method 2
an exhaust emission control device arranged in fluid communication with the second exhaust gas manifold
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine arrangement (100, 00') comprising: a combustion cylinder provided with a reciprocating piston movable between a top dead center (TDC) and a bottom dead center (BDC) within the combustion cylinder; a first outlet valve (102) connected to the combustion cylinder for controllably directing exhaust gas from the combustion cylinder to a first exhaust gas manifold of the internal combustion engine arrangement; a second outlet valve (104, 104') connected to the combustion cylinder for controllably directing exhaust gas from the combustion cylinder to a second exhaust gas manifold of the internal combustion engine arrangement; a turbocharger arrangement (106) comprising a turbine (108) and a compressor (110), wherein the turbine (108) is arranged in fluid communication with the first exhaust gas manifold; and an exhaust emission control device (112,112') arranged in fluid communication with the second exhaust gas manifold, wherein the exhaust emission control device and the turbine are arranged in parallel with each other.