SCR-LNT Exhaust Depollution Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nitrogen oxide depollution systems in vehicles face issues with immobilization due to empty SCR tanks, as they lack driver awareness and choice in switching between SCR and LNT modes, leading to increased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions when using the NOx trap.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows drivers to switch from SCR mode to LNT mode when the SCR tank is empty or critical, with urgent alerts to choose between driving in LNT mode or refilling the tank, and returns to SCR mode once refilled, incorporating multiple alert levels and notification methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the vehicle switches to LNT mode when the SCR tank is empty or critical, then the vehicle can continue to operate without immobilization, but fuel consumption increases and CO2 emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle operation continuityVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between SCR mode and LNT mode based on the SCR tank's agent level. When the tank is empty or below a critical threshold, the system transitions to LNT mode to maintain vehicle operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the vehicle to preserve reliability while managing energy consumption based on available resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the vehicle automatically switches to LNT mode without driver notification, then the vehicle avoids immobilization, but the driver loses awareness and choice regarding fuel consumption implications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle operation continuityVSAvoiddriver awareness of mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism that notifies the driver when switching from SCR mode to LNT mode. The notification includes information about the current depollution mode and the implications for fuel consumption. This allows the driver to maintain awareness and make informed decisions about whether to continue in LNT mode or refill the SCR tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of moving object

If the SCR tank is made larger to extend operation between refills, then the vehicle can operate longer without refilling, but the vehicle weight increases and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational duration between refillsVSAvoidSCR tank weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides multi-functionality by implementing both SCR mode and LNT mode capabilities within the same vehicle. This allows the vehicle to use the smaller SCR tank for normal operation while having the LNT mode available as a backup for extended operation. The dual-mode approach extends operational duration without requiring a larger SCR tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Weight of moving object

If the SCR tank is made smaller to reduce weight and space, then the vehicle becomes more compact and lighter, but the vehicle requires more frequent refilling

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSCR tank weightVSAvoidoperational duration between refills
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The LNT mode acts as an intermediary solution between the SCR tank being empty and the vehicle being immobilized. When the SCR tank is small and requires frequent refilling, the LNT mode provides a transitional state that allows continued operation. This intermediary mode bridges the gap between short SCR tank capacity and the need for extended operational duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents vehicle immobilization, allows continued driving with LNT mode at the cost of increased fuel consumption, and returns to optimized fuel consumption once the SCR tank is refilled, educating drivers on fuel efficiency and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

The first system is called SCR system for Selective Catalytic Reduction. The reduction process operates by injection into the exhaust line of a depollution agent called SCR reducer, this agent being advantageously but not limited to urea or a derivative of urea.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective Catalytic Reduction: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

An LNT system or NOx trap retains nitrogen oxides by chemical reaction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

This NOx trap being able to release and destroy the nitrogen oxides trapped under other conditions more favorable to their destruction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

A NOx trap therefore has a small size and a reduced mass as well as a lower cost. Another major advantage of a NOx trap is that the operation of the pollution control is not affected by a lack of pollution control agent in any tank.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP2943663B1Method for monitoring the nitrogen oxide decontamination in a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.12.14 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2943663B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the nitrogen oxide decontamination in an exhaust line (L) comprising switching from an SCR mode to an LNT mode when the SCR tank (8) is empty or contains a minimum SCR agent quantity critical in ensuring the decontamination, a return to the SCR mode being provided as soon as the SCR tank (8) has been filled again, and at least one urgent warning being sent to the driver when the SCR tank (8) is empty or only contains said minimum quantity, such as to allow him/her to decide whether he/she wants to travel using the LNT mode or fill the SCR tank (8).