초록 ▼

A system and method is provided whereby exhaust gases from a cold started internal combustion engine are rapidly brought to catalytic combustion conditions. Specifically, a closed system of a low pressure metal hydride heat exchanger and a high pressure metal hydride heat exchanger is provided which

A system and method is provided whereby exhaust gases from a cold started internal combustion engine are rapidly brought to catalytic combustion conditions. Specifically, a closed system of a low pressure metal hydride heat exchanger and a high pressure metal hydride heat exchanger is provided which, upon engine ignition, effectuates hydrogen flow from the high pressure alloy exchanger to the low pressure alloy exchanger with rapid heating of the low pressure alloy due to hydrogen occlusion, and with the further provision that the heated low pressure hydride alloy exchanger is in heat exchange relationship with the cold started engine exhaust gases or the vehicle catalytic converter and provides heat necessary for initiation of catalytic combustion of pollutants in the said exhaust gases.

대표청구항 ▼

A modular heat exchanger comprising: tubular manifold means for the distribution of gas through a plurality of aperatures in the manifold, one or more ring elements adapted to fit over said manifold, said ring elements having a plurality of appertures extending from the inner to the outer surface th

A modular heat exchanger comprising: tubular manifold means for the distribution of gas through a plurality of aperatures in the manifold, one or more ring elements adapted to fit over said manifold, said ring elements having a plurality of appertures extending from the inner to the outer surface thereof, tubular means containing a metal hydride alloy having a first and second end each of which is inserted through appertures in the same ring element in a gas-tight sealed relationship with said ring element, means for mounting said ring elements on said manifold, and means for sealing said ring elements against passage of gas except between said tubular means and the manifold interior.