Urea Tank Conditioning Device for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The urea solution in diesel engine tanks is prone to freezing in cold temperatures and degradation in high temperatures, which affects the effectiveness of the selective catalytic reduction process for reducing pollutants, as existing heating and cooling systems are inadequate for maintaining the solution within the required temperature range.
Innovation Solution
A tank equipped with a conditioning device using a Peltier cell that maintains the urea solution within a preset temperature range by generating a heat flow, with a temperature sensor and control unit to activate heating or cooling as needed, and optionally utilizing a urea intake unit for additional heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the tank is exposed to sunlight and atmospheric agents, then the urea solution temperature increases, but the solution exceeds the maximum temperature threshold and degrades chemically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conditioning circuit as an intermediary system between the urea solution and the external environment. This circuit includes a heat exchanger that mediates heat transfer, allowing the solution to lose excess heat to the ambient air without direct thermal contact, thus preventing temperature-induced chemical degradation while maintaining solution effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive thermal management with an active controlled system. Instead of relying on natural heat dissipation which is insufficient under sunlight exposure, the system uses an electrically-driven heat exchanger with controlled airflow, substituting mechanical/passive cooling with an active electro-mechanical system that precisely regulates temperature within the required range
2Temperature
If the urea intake unit is used to heat the solution, then the solution temperature increases and freezing is prevented, but the same unit cannot cool the solution when it exceeds the maximum temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conditioning circuit universal by designing it to perform both heating and cooling functions through a single heat exchanger system. The heat exchanger can transfer heat in either direction depending on the temperature differential between the solution and ambient air, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems and providing adaptive temperature control across the full operating range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control where the conditioning circuit automatically adjusts its operation based on real-time temperature conditions. The system transitions between heating and cooling modes as needed, with the heat exchanger dynamically responding to temperature differences, allowing the same system to adapt to both cold (preventing freezing) and hot (preventing degradation) 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
The solution effectively prevents the chemical degradation and freezing of the urea solution, ensuring its effectiveness in the selective catalytic reduction process by maintaining it within a controlled temperature range, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of pollutant reduction.
Implementation Method 1
A tank equipped with a conditioning device using a Peltier cell that maintains the urea solution within a preset temperature range by generating a heat flow
Implementation Method 2
with a temperature sensor and control unit to activate heating or cooling as needed
Implementation Method 3
This technique is based on the injection into the exhaust gas flow of a urea-based solution which, through a chemical reaction, transforms the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water in gaseous elementary form
Data Source
AI summary
Tank for a vehicle comprising at least one wall defining a closed volume configured to contain an urea solution, and conditioning means configured to maintain the urea solution within a preset temperature range between a maximum threshold and a minimum threshold, the conditioning means generating a heat flow suitable to maintain the urea solution within the aforementioned range by converting an electric power supply of the conditioning means.