Power System Cold-Start Throttle and EGR Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems face challenges in controlling exhaust gases to ensure optimal operation of exhaust aftertreatment systems, particularly during cold starts, which can result in high emissions and inefficient engine performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a computer system that controls a throttle arrangement and an exhaust gas recirculation path valve to manage exhaust gas counterpressure and nitrogen oxide levels, ensuring the power system operates within target ranges during cold starts, using closed loop controls to maintain appropriate load and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the power system starts without special cold start control, then the starting process is simple, but exhaust gas temperature is too low and nitrogen oxide emissions are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the exhaust gas through the electric heating element before the main combustion process begins, and by pre-positioning the throttle arrangement and EGR valve to optimal settings for cold start conditions, ensuring the exhaust aftertreatment system receives exhaust gas at appropriate temperature from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters during cold start by adjusting the throttle arrangement to specific positions, controlling the EGR valve opening degree, and varying electric heating power to optimize exhaust gas temperature and composition, thereby reducing nitrogen oxide emissions while maintaining efficient engine operation
2Temperature
If the throttle arrangement is controlled to maintain high exhaust gas counterpressure, then exhaust gas temperature increases, but engine load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous control of the throttle arrangement and EGR valve throughout the cold start process, ensuring uninterrupted optimization of exhaust gas flow and temperature, which allows the engine to reach optimal operating conditions faster without excessive peak loads
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors exhaust gas temperature, engine load, and emissions parameters, and adjusts the throttle arrangement and EGR valve positions in real-time based on feedback signals, creating a closed-loop control system that balances temperature maintenance with load management
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the first exhaust gas recirculation path valve is controlled to reduce nitrogen oxide, then emissions decrease, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first exhaust gas recirculation path valve serves multiple functions: it controls nitrogen oxide reduction, regulates exhaust gas flow distribution, and assists in temperature management of the exhaust aftertreatment system, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit integrates the management of multiple parameters (throttle position, EGR valve opening, heating element power) into a single coordinated control strategy, merging previously separate control functions into a unified system that manages all components simultaneously based on real-time sensor inputs
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
Enables efficient and low-emission cold starts by maintaining high exhaust gas temperature and mass flow, reducing nitrogen oxide levels, and ensuring proper operation of exhaust aftertreatment systems.
Implementation Method 1
a turbo which in turn comprises an inlet air compressor (16) and an exhaust gas turbine (18), said exhaust gas turbine (18) comprising a turbine wheel (20)
Implementation Method 2
an inlet air compressor (16) wherein the internal combustion engine (10) is adapted to receive inlet air from the inlet air compressor (16)
Implementation Method 3
a throttle arrangement (32) arranged between the internal combustion engine (10) and the turbine wheel (20)... controlling the throttle arrangement (32) such that an exhaust gas counterpressure upstream the throttle arrangement (32) is within a target exhaust gas counterpressure range
Implementation Method 4
a first exhaust gas recirculation path (52) connecting a portion of the exhaust gas conduit assembly (24) located upstream the throttle arrangement (32)... to a portion of the inlet air conduit assembly (26) located downstream the inlet air compressor (16)... controlling the first exhaust gas recirculation path valve (56) such that an amount of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases emitted from the internal combustion engine (10) is within a target nitrogen oxides amount range
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system configured to receive temperature information (TI) indicative of an ambient air temperature of a power system comprising an internal combustion engine. The computer system is further configured to in response to determining that the TI indicates the ambient air temperature of the power system being equal to or below a threshold temperature, issue information to the power system to initiate a cold starting procedure comprising the following: controlling the throttle arrangement throttling exhaust gas from said internal combustion engine to a turbine wheel of a turbo, such that an exhaust gas counterpressure upstream the throttle arrangement is within a target exhaust gas counterpressure range, and controlling the first exhaust gas recirculation path valve such that an amount of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases emitted from the internal combustion engine is within a target nitrogen oxides amount range.