Engine Start-Stop Control via After-Treatment Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing start/stop control strategies for internal combustion engines do not adequately consider the impact on thermal management of exhaust gas after-treatment systems, particularly selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, leading to potential emission exceedances and failure to demonstrate emission transparency required by regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that manage thermal properties of the exhaust gas after-treatment system, including an engine system with a controller having an exhaust gas after-treatment control module and a start/stop control module, which inhibits start/stop operations based on the thermal conditions of the after-treatment system to optimize NOx conversion efficiency and compliance with emission standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If start/stop operations are implemented to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel economy is improved, but thermal management of the after-treatment system deteriorates leading to emission exceedances
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors thermal conditions of the after-treatment system and uses this feedback to determine whether start/stop operations should be inhibited, creating a closed-loop control that adapts to changing thermal states
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively inhibits start/stop operations before thermal conditions can deteriorate to the point of causing emission exceedances, preventing the problem rather than reacting to it after it occurs
2Adaptability or versatility
If start/stop operations are allowed without thermal management consideration, then operational flexibility is improved, but SCR system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The start/stop control strategy dynamically adapts based on real-time thermal conditions of the after-treatment system, transitioning between allowing and inhibiting start/stop operations as thermal conditions change
3Device complexity
If existing start/stop control strategies are used without SCR integration, then system complexity is reduced, but emission transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the start/stop control module with the exhaust gas after-treatment control module into an integrated control system that simultaneously manages both engine start/stop operations and after-treatment thermal conditions
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 ensures that start/stop operations are coordinated with thermal management to maintain efficient NOx conversion and prevent emission exceedances, thereby ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and reducing the risk of damage to the SCR system.
Implementation Method 1
Selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR) typically are configured to provide one or more catalyst elements that, with the aid of a reductant, convert nitrogen oxides (NOx) in exhaust gases into nitrogen (N2) and water
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for controlling engine start/stop operations based at least in part on considerations relating to the thermal management of an exhaust gas after-treatment system. A control system may monitor and/or predict conditions and/or properties of the after-treatment system, including conditions related to the thermal management of a selective catalytic reduction system and the properties of an exhaust gas stream that has been released from an internal combustion engine and into the after-treatment system. Such conditions may be evaluated in determining whether the thermal management of the after-treatment system is at, or will be in, a condition that may accommodate a start/stop operation of the internal combustion engine with minimal, if any, adverse impact on the thermal management of the after-treatment system. Such an evaluation may, in at least certain situations, provide at least a consideration as to whether to de-activate or activate start/stop operations.