Vehicle Exhaust Aftertreatment Temperature Control on Hilly Routes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with internal combustion engines, maintaining the optimal temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS) within the desired boundaries during uphill climbs in hilly terrain is challenging, leading to inefficient NOx reduction and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with processing circuitry predicts the engine exhaust conditions based on the vehicle's route and parameters, controlling vehicle systems during downhill segments to meet a target temperature criterion before an uphill segment, ensuring the EATS temperature remains within optimal limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling systems are used to control EATS temperature during uphill climbs, then the EATS temperature can be maintained within optimal boundaries, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling action during the downhill road segment before the uphill climb. By controlling the EATS temperature to be below the upper temperature level during the downhill segment, the system prepares the thermal state in advance, eliminating the need for cooling systems during the uphill climb where they would consume fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively reducing the EATS temperature during the downhill segment through engine control strategies. This preliminary counter-action prevents the temperature from rising to harmful levels during the subsequent uphill climb, avoiding the need for fuel-consuming cooling systems.
2Temperature
If traditional cooling systems are used during uphill climbs, then EATS temperature control is achieved, but system complexity and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary temperature management during the downhill segment, establishing optimal thermal conditions before the uphill climb. This advance preparation eliminates the need for active cooling systems during the climb, reducing system complexity and eliminating associated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural thermal characteristics of downhill driving (lower engine loads, different exhaust flow patterns) to self-regulate and reduce EATS temperature without requiring additional cooling infrastructure. The downhill segment itself becomes the cooling opportunity, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
3Temperature
If speed limitation or low-NOx modes are used during uphill climbs, then EATS temperature can be controlled, but productivity and fuel efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes optimal EATS temperature conditions during the downhill segment before the uphill climb. By preparing the thermal state in advance, the vehicle can maintain normal operating speed and power output during the uphill climb without speed limitation, preserving productivity while ensuring temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the EATS temperature control strategy based on the road profile and driving conditions. During downhill segments, the system allows more aggressive temperature reduction, while during uphill climbs, it maintains temperatures that support optimal vehicle performance. This dynamic approach avoids static speed limitations and maintains productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system including processing circuitry configured to control a vehicle, the processing circuitry being configured to: determine that an expected travelling route of the vehicle includes a downhill road segment followed by an uphill road segment; predict an engine exhaust condition of an engine of the vehicle, wherein the engine exhaust condition is expected to apply while driving the vehicle along the uphill road segment; determine a target temperature criterion for an exhaust aftertreatment system of the vehicle based on the predicted engine exhaust condition; and control the vehicle during the downhill road segment such that a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system meets the target temperature criterion at a beginning of the uphill road segment.