초록 ▼

A system for adjusting the temperature of the exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine so that it is at a temperature that maintains one or more catalysts at their effective operating temperature. This has particular application for NOx control from any lean-burn engine. The system inclu

A system for adjusting the temperature of the exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine so that it is at a temperature that maintains one or more catalysts at their effective operating temperature. This has particular application for NOx control from any lean-burn engine. The system includes a heat exchanger that cools the exhaust emissions by forced air from a variable speed fan. The cooled exhaust emissions are directed from the heat exchanger to the catalyst for conversion. The fan speed is controlled to adjust the amount of cooling of the exhaust emissions in response to various input data, such as the temperature of the exhaust emissions at different locations in the exhaust pipe, engine speed, engine load and the catalyst being used. Two or more catalysts can be incorporated at different locations along the exhaust path and have different operating temperatures so as to control the effectiveness of exhaust emissions conversions for increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption. The incorporation of a temperature-controlled catalytic conversion system allows the catalysts to be placed closer to the exhaust manifold, thus reducing cold-start emissions and extending catalyst durability and long-term emissions control for any heat engine application.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for controlling the temperature of exhaust emissions from an engine, said system comprising:a heat exchanger having an inlet receiving the exhaust emissions from the engine, an outlet, and a cooling system for cooling the exhaust emissions flowing within the heat

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for controlling the temperature of exhaust emissions from an engine, said system comprising:a heat exchanger having an inlet receiving the exhaust emissions from the engine, an outlet, and a cooling system for cooling the exhaust emissions flowing within the heat exchanger between the inlet and the outlet;a catalytic converter having an inlet receiving the cooled exhaust emissions from the outlet of the heat exchanger, an outlet, and a catalyst for removing pollutants from the exhaust emissions;a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring temperature at certain locations relative to the exhaust emissions, said plurality of temperature sensors including an ambient temperature sensor positioned to provide a temperature signal of the ambient temperature; anda controller providing an output signal to the cooling system of the heat exchanger so as to controllably vary the amount of cooling, the controller being responsive to the temperature signal from the ambient temperature sensor and other temperature signals from the plurality of temperature sensors to determine the amount of cooling to be provided by the cooling system.