SCR Dosing Unit Cooling Control via Temperature Prediction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current SCR systems face overheating issues in the dosing unit after the vehicle is switched off, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and noise, as the cooling mechanism continues to operate, potentially damaging electrical components and causing reductant crystallization.

Innovation Solution

A calculation model predicts the future maximum temperature of the dosing unit, allowing for controlled cooling by determining if the temperature will exceed critical levels, thereby reducing unnecessary energy use and noise by stopping cooling when not needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the dosing unit is cooled continuously by circulating reductant through the pump after the vehicle is switched off, then the temperature of the dosing unit is maintained below critical levels, but energy consumption increases and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing unit temperatureVSAvoidpump energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic cooling by controlling the pump to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit activates the pump only when the predicted temperature exceeds the critical threshold, and deactivates it when the temperature is sufficient, creating a periodic on-off cooling pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining temperature control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a calculation model to predict the future maximum temperature of the dosing unit before it actually reaches that temperature. This preliminary temperature prediction allows the control unit to activate cooling in advance, preventing overheating before it occurs, and then stop cooling early, reducing unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Temperature

If the dosing unit is cooled continuously by circulating reductant through the pump after the vehicle is switched off, then the temperature of the dosing unit is maintained below critical levels, but noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing unit temperatureVSAvoidpump noise
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit operates the pump periodically rather than continuously, creating intervals of silence between cooling cycles. This periodic operation significantly reduces noise generation while still maintaining the dosing unit temperature below critical levels through targeted cooling periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

By predicting the temperature trajectory in advance using the calculation model, the system can activate cooling only when necessary and stop it before the temperature becomes critical. This preliminary action approach minimizes the duration of pump operation, thereby reducing noise exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the dosing unit temperature exceeds critical levels, then electrical components may be damaged and reductant may crystallise, but continuous cooling consumes unnecessary energy and creates noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical component protectionVSAvoidpump energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The calculation model predicts the future maximum temperature before the dosing unit actually overheats. This allows the control unit to activate cooling in advance to prevent damage to electrical components and crystallization of reductant, and then stop cooling early when the temperature is already under control, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses temperature feedback from the dosing unit to dynamically control pump operation. The control unit continuously monitors temperature and adjusts pump operation accordingly, activating cooling when temperature approaches critical levels and stopping when protection is sufficient, optimizing energy usage while ensuring component reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 optimizes energy usage and reduces the risk of overheating, minimizing damage to electrical components and noise disturbance, while maintaining effective cooling when necessary.

Implementation Method 1

the reductant which, during cooling, flows from the container via the pump and the dosing unit and back to the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2582941B1Method and device pertaining to cooling of dosing units of SCR systems
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP2582941B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2582941B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2582941B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method pertaining to SCR systems for exhaust cleaning, comprising the steps of deciding about a need, after cessation of an exhaust flow, to cool a reducing agent dosing unit (250), which forms part of the SCR system, by means of reducing agent supplied to it, and of predicting a temperature pattern of said dosing unit (250) as a basis for deciding about said need, and predicting accordingly whether a predetermined temperature of the dosing unit (250) will be reached after said cessation of exhaust flow. The invention relates also to a computer programme product containing programme code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention relates also to an SCR system and a motor vehicle which is equipped with the SCR system.