SCR Temperature-Based Engine Mode Selection for Diesel Emissions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing NOx emissions from diesel engines often require frequent switching between low NOx emission and low fuel consumption modes, which is inefficient, especially during frequent engine startups and shutdowns, leading to ineffective NOx control and increased fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A computer-programmed process that determines the NOx levels and adjusts engine operating parameters to switch between low NOx emission and low fuel consumption modes based on the SCR's temperature state and duration of engine stoppage, ensuring effective NOx treatment and fuel savings by optimizing engine startup modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If the engine operates in low NOx emission mode to comply with emission legislation, then NOx emissions are reduced, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx emissionsVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the engine operating mode adjustable and switchable between low NOx emission mode and low fuel consumption mode. The control system dynamically selects the appropriate mode based on real-time conditions, particularly SCR temperature and stop duration, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational requirements rather than being fixed in one mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters by using SCR temperature and stop duration as decision parameters for mode selection. By monitoring these parameters and adjusting the engine mode accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between NOx emissions and fuel consumption based on current thermal conditions and operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the engine frequently switches between low NOx emission mode and low fuel consumption mode to comply with emission legislation in all circumstances, then emission compliance is maintained, but operational effectiveness decreases during frequent startups and shutdowns

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx emissionsVSAvoidoperational effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-recording the stop duration and SCR temperature state before engine restart. This advance information allows the control system to make informed decisions about the appropriate operating mode from the outset, avoiding ineffective frequent mode switching and improving operational effectiveness during frequent startup/shutdown cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring SCR temperature and stop duration, then using this information to determine the optimal engine operating mode. The control system receives feedback from temperature sensors and operational data, processes this information, and adjusts the engine mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the SCR temperature is low after engine stoppage, then fuel savings are reduced, but if the engine starts in low fuel consumption mode without considering SCR temperature, then NOx emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel savingsVSAvoidNOx emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the decision parameter for mode selection from fixed rules to dynamic parameters including SCR temperature and stop duration. By using temperature as a key parameter, the system can make intelligent decisions about whether to start in low fuel consumption mode or low NOx emission mode, optimizing both fuel savings and emission control based on actual thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by assessing SCR temperature and stop duration before engine restart to pre-determine the appropriate operating mode. This advance assessment allows the system to prepare the optimal mode in advance, ensuring both fuel efficiency and emission compliance from the moment of restart without requiring immediate mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for substantial fuel savings while maintaining effective NOx reduction, improving vehicle efficiency by optimizing engine operation based on SCR temperature and stop duration.

Implementation Method 1

selective catalytic reduction (SCR) which consists of injecting a NOx reducing solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalytic reduction: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

measure the outside temperature by means of a temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 3

combustion of diesel fuel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP3073085B1Method for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3073085B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3073085B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle comprising an exhaust line equipped with a selective catalytic reducer, hereinafter referred to as SCR (5), and a tank (6) comprising a nitrogen oxide (NOx) reducing agent, the method comprising, at each engine shutdown, a step consisting of recording in a computer (11) the date, time and state of the SCR (5), namely whether it is operating or not, then at the next engine start, if the SCR was in an operating state before the engine shutdown, calculating a temperature of the SCR and determining the engine operating mode in low fuel consumption mode or in low NOx emission mode, depending on the temperature calculated for the SCR.