Upstream Reduction Catalyst Utilizes Exhaust Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust gas treatment systems for diesel engines face inefficiencies and increased manufacturing and energy costs due to the need for multiple reduction catalytic converters and electrical heating in cramped engine areas, which hampers optimal fuel energy conversion and nitrogen oxide reduction.

Innovation Solution

An exhaust gas treatment device with an oxidation catalytic converter, reduction catalytic converter, and particle filter arranged in a specific configuration where the reduction catalytic converter is positioned upstream to utilize exhaust gas heat for temperature, allowing efficient decomposition of ammonia and reduction of nitrogen oxides without electrical heating, and a dosing module for precise reducing agent introduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If multiple reduction catalytic converters are arranged in the underbody area, then nitrogen oxide reduction capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenitrogen oxide reduction capabilityVSAvoidnumber of catalytic converters
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the oxidation catalytic converter and reduction catalytic converter into a single integrated converter unit. The oxidation catalyst and reduction catalyst are arranged in different zones within the same converter housing, allowing both functions to be performed in one component rather than requiring separate units in the underbody area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If electrical heating is applied to reduction catalytic converters in the underbody area, then operating temperature is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic converter operating temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust gas itself is used as the heating source to bring the catalytic converter to operating temperature. The hot exhaust gas flowing through the converter provides the necessary thermal energy to activate the catalyst, eliminating the need for separate electrical heating systems and reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If delayed combustion of fuel is used to heat reduction catalytic converters, then operating temperature is improved, but fuel energy conversion efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic converter operating temperatureVSAvoidfuel energy conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful hot exhaust gas that would otherwise be wasted into a useful heating source. By positioning the catalytic converter to utilize the thermal energy from the exhaust gas flow, the system turns what is normally a loss (heat dissipation) into a beneficial resource for maintaining catalyst operating temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Area of stationary object

If reduction catalytic converters are placed in the underbody area, then installation space constraints are addressed, but assembly effort and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation space utilizationVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the oxidation and reduction catalytic converters into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This single converter can be installed in the exhaust system without requiring complex assembly procedures for multiple separate units, thereby reducing assembly effort and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enhances the efficiency of the reduction catalytic converter by up to 90%, reduces CO2 emissions, and simplifies the exhaust system installation by eliminating the need for underbody placement, allowing early and uniform introduction of reducing agents for effective nitrogen oxide reduction.

Implementation Method 1

an oxidation catalytic converter (30), downstream in the exhaust gas flow direction in the exhaust gas path (22) a reduction catalytic converter (50)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a reduction catalytic converter (50) for selective catalytic reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective catalytic reduction: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

the heat of the exhaust gas passing through the reduction catalytic converter is sufficient to bring the reduction catalytic converter to operating temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3181850B1Exhaust gas treatment device, method for processing exhaust gas, and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3181850B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3181850B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3181850B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment device for treating the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for treating the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine by selective catalytic reaction, and to a motor vehicle in which the method according to the invention is implemented or which has the exhaust gas treatment device according to the invention. It is provided that the exhaust gas treatment device comprises an exhaust stream and, arranged therein, an oxidation catalyst, a reduction catalyst for selective catalytic reduction, and a particulate filter, wherein the oxidation catalyst is arranged upstream of the reduction catalyst and the reduction catalyst is arranged upstream of the particulate filter.The reduction catalyst (50) is arranged so far upstream in the exhaust gas stream (20) in the direction of exhaust gas flow (23) that the heat of the exhaust gas passing through the reduction catalyst (50) is sufficient to bring the reduction catalyst (50) to operating temperature.