DE102022002605A1 - Method of preheating the catalyst during a cold start of an engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for preheating the catalyst during a cold start of an engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, the method (100) comprises the steps of unlocking a vehicle and simultaneously sensing the catalyst temperature of the vehicle using a catalyst temperature sensor which transmits the collected values to the vehicle engine control unit that checks whether the catalyst temperature is above a predefined threshold when the engine is started. If the temperature of the catalyst is lower than a predefined threshold, the catalyst temperature sensor controls the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) to supply voltage to an induction coil, which is heated until the temperature of the induction coil is equal to the catalyst cut-out temperature , after which the engine is started.

Description

The following description particularly describes the invention and the mode in which it is to be carried out.

The present invention discloses a method of preheating the catalyst during a cold start of an engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanism for preheating the catalytic converter using an induction coil that is heated by the voltage provided by a vehicle's battery management system (BMS).

Currently, when a vehicle's ignition is turned on before the vehicle's catalytic converter has warmed up to a predefined temperature, harmful hydrocarbon (HC) emissions are released into the atmosphere that violate emission standards in a given country. Currently, there is no mechanism to reduce HC emissions during vehicle engine cold start. The patent number US10450915B2 entitled "Emission control system with induction heating and methods for use therewith" refers to an emission control device having a plurality of passages for facilitating emission control of an exhaust gas from a vehicle engine. An electromagnetic field generator responds to a control signal by generating an electromagnetic field across a coil to inductively heat the emission control device. A controller coupled to the electromagnetic field generator generates a temperature signal indicative of at least one temperature of the emission control device based on a change in impedance in the coil and generates the control signal based on the temperature signal and further based on a reference temperature to adjust the at least one temperature of the emission control device according to the control reference temperature.

The patent number US8424287B2 entitled 'Electric preheating of a catalytic converter using a solar cell array' refers to an internal combustion engine vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a vehicle-mounted solar cell array which can generate electrical energy. The solar cell assembly and other elements, including a metal substrate catalytic converter, form a vehicle exhaust emissions reduction system that utilizes the performance of the exhaust emission minimization assembly. A primary use of the energy generated by the solar cell array is to preheat the catalytic converter to a preferred operating temperature prior to engine start. However, the current from the solar cells, regulated by a control device, can also be used to charge the battery or to supply current receivers, e.g. B. to control the interior temperature. The preferential allocation of available solar power depends on a number of factors, including the state of charge of the batteries and when the vehicle is expected to be next used.

The patent number DE102010008311B4 entitled "Control module for controlling an electrically heated catalyst for a hybrid vehicle and method for controlling a vehicle" refers to a method for starting a vehicle comprising: generating a remote start signal, initiating preheating of a heated catalyst in response to the remote start signal, and after initiating preheating, starting an engine, electrically preheating the catalyst in response to the remote start signal based on a battery state of charge, and starting the engine with the ignition switched off when charging the battery is required, characterized in that the engine is switched off when a door unlock signal is generated. There is therefore a need for a mechanism to reduce hydrocarbon emissions during cold start of a vehicle engine.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by disclosing a method for preheating the catalyst during cold start of an engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, the method comprising the steps of unlocking a vehicle and simultaneously sensing the catalyst temperature of the vehicle using a Catalyst temperature sensor which provides the collected values to the vehicle's engine control unit, which checks whether the catalyst temperature is above a predefined threshold when the engine is started. If the catalyst temperature is below a predefined threshold, the catalyst temperature sensor controls the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) to supply voltage to an induction coil, which is heated until the temperature of the induction coil is equal to the catalyst cut-out temperature, whereupon the engine is started.

The present invention provides a simple mechanism to control the emission of HC in the atmosphere by preheating the catalyst before starting the vehicle engine. Further, the invention uses the FOB on the vehicle key to unlock the vehicle as well as activate the catalyst temperature sensor to sense catalyst temperature, thereby eliminating the need for an additional independent trigger to activate the catalyst temperature sensor.

• 1 zeigt ein Verfahren zum Vorwärmen des Katalysators beim Kaltstart eines Motors zur Verringerung von Kohlenwasserstoffemissionen.
• 2a zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Induktionsspule, die über einen vordefinierten Teil des Katalysators gewickelt ist.
• 2b zeigt eine Querschnittsansicht eines vordefinierten Abschnitts des Katalysators, über den eine Induktionsspule gewickelt ist.

The foregoing and other features of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers refer to like elements.

• 1 shows a method of preheating the catalyst during a cold start of an engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
• 2a Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an induction coil wrapped over a predefined portion of the catalytic converter.
• 2 B Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a predefined portion of the catalytic converter over which an induction coil is wound.

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the subject matter and is not limiting. Various changes and modifications as would be apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.

The present invention discloses a method of preheating the catalyst during a cold start of an engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. the method comprising the steps of unlocking a vehicle and simultaneously sensing the catalyst temperature of the vehicle using a catalyst temperature sensor, which provides the collected values to the control unit of the vehicle's engine, which checks whether the catalyst temperature is above a predefined threshold when the engine is started. If the catalyst temperature is below a predefined threshold, the catalyst temperature sensor controls the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) to supply voltage to an induction coil, which is heated until the temperature of the induction coil is equal to the catalyst cut-out temperature, whereupon the engine is started.

1 shows a method for preheating the catalyst during a cold start of an engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, the method (100) comprising the steps of pressing a frequency operated button (FOB) which is provided in the remote control key of the vehicle for the purpose of unlocking the vehicle in step (101), wherein the FOB provided on the vehicle key is used to unlock the vehicle and simultaneously activate the catalyst temperature sensor. In step (102), the vehicle is unlocked and at least one catalytic converter temperature sensor simultaneously detects the temperature of the vehicle catalytic converter, the temperature data detected by the catalytic converter temperature sensor being made available to the control unit of the vehicle engine.

In step (103) the ignition of the vehicle is switched on and the engine control unit checks whether the catalyst temperature is greater than a predefined threshold value. If the catalyst temperature is greater than a predefined threshold, the ignition of the vehicle engine is turned on in step (104). Conversely, if the catalyst temperature is less than a predefined threshold, the catalyst temperature sensor controls the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) in step (105) to energize an induction coil that is wound over predefined areas of the catalyst, the induction coil having a Pre-defined area on the surface of the catalyst is pre-heated when a pre-defined amount of voltage is supplied by the BMS. In step (106), the induction coil is heated with the voltage supplied from the BMS, and the temperature of the induction coil is checked in step (107).

In step (108) the ignition of the vehicle engine is turned on when the temperature of the induction coil equals the turn-off temperature of the catalyst. However, if the induction coil temperature is not equal to the catalyst off temperature, a time delay is generated in turning on the ignition of the vehicle engine until the induction coil temperature is equal to the catalyst off temperature in step (109). The power supply from the BMS to the induction coil is terminated when the temperature of the induction coil equals the switch-off temperature of the catalytic converter.

2a and 2 B show an induction coil wrapped over a predefined portion of the catalytic converter, wherein when the catalyst temperature is less than a predefined threshold, the catalyst temperature sensor informs the vehicle's battery management system (BMS). controls to energize an induction coil wound over predefined areas of the catalytic converter. The induction coil preheats a predefined area on the surface of the catalytic converter when a predefined amount of voltage is applied by the BMS.

The present invention provides a simple mechanism to reduce the emission of HC into the atmosphere by preheating the catalyst before starting the vehicle engine. Further, the present invention uses the FOB on the vehicle key to unlock the vehicle as well as activate the catalyst temperature sensor to sense catalyst temperature, thereby eliminating the need for an additional independent trigger to activate the catalyst temperature sensor.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that numerous variations exist.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US10450915B2 [0003]
• US8424287B2 [0004]
• DE 102010008311 B4 [0005]

Claims (6)

A method of preheating the catalyst during cold engine start to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, the method (100) comprising the steps of: a. pressing a frequency controlled button (FOB) provided in the vehicle's remote control key to unlock the vehicle; b. Unlocking the vehicle and simultaneously detecting the catalytic converter temperature of the vehicle using at least one catalytic converter temperature sensor, the temperature data detected by the catalytic converter temperature sensor being made available to the control unit of the vehicle engine. c. Turning on the ignition of the vehicle and checking whether the catalyst temperature is above a predefined threshold by the engine controller, wherein if the catalyst temperature i. is greater than a predefined threshold, the ignition of the vehicle engine is switched on; ii. is less than a predefined threshold, the catalyst temperature sensor controls the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) to energize an induction coil wound across predefined sections of the catalyst; i.e. Heating the induction coil using the voltage supplied by the BMS; e. Checking the temperature of the induction coil, where if the temperature of the induction coil: i. is equal to the switch-off temperature of the catalytic converter, the ignition of the vehicle engine is switched on; ii. is not equal to the catalyst cut-off temperature, a time delay is generated in turning on the ignition of the vehicle engine until the temperature of the induction coil is equal to the catalyst cut-off temperature. Method (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the ignition coil preheats a predefined area on the surface of the catalytic converter when a predefined amount of voltage is supplied by the BMS. Method (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the FOB provided on the vehicle key is used to unlock the vehicle and simultaneously activate the catalyst temperature sensor. Method (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the preheating of the catalyst by the use of the induction coil reduces the emission of hydrocarbons (HC) caused by the cold start of the vehicle engine. Method (100) according to claim 1 , where the power supply from the BMS to the induction coil is terminated when the temperature of the induction coil is equal to the cut-off temperature of the catalyst. Method (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the catalyst is preheated before turning on the ignition of the vehicle engine in order to reduce the harmful HC emission that is otherwise emitted when the catalyst temperature is below a predefined temperature.

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