Influence of Pre-Turbine Small-Sized Oxidation Catalyst on Engine Performance and Emissions under Driving Conditions

Abstract

The earlier activation of the catalytic converters in internal combustion engines is becoming highly challenging due to the reduction in exhaust gas temperature caused by the application of CO2 reduction technologies. In this context, the use of pre-turbine catalysts arises as a potential way to increase the conversion efficiency of the exhaust aftertreatment system. In this work, a small-sized oxidation catalyst consisting of a honeycomb thin-wall metallic substrate was placed upstream of the turbine to benefit from the higher temperature and pressure prior to the turbine expansion. The change in engine performance and emissions in comparison to the baseline configuration are analyzed under driving conditions. As an individual element, the pre-turbine catalyst contributed positively with a relevant increase in the overall CO and HC conversion efficiency. However, its placement produced secondary effects on the engine and baseline aftertreatment response. Although small-sized monoliths are advantageous to minimize the thermal inertia impact on the turbocharger lag, the catalyst cross-section is in trade-off with the additional pressure drop that the monolith causes. As a result, the higher exhaust manifold pressure in pre-turbine pre-catalyst configuration caused a fuel consumption increase higher than 3% while the engine-out CO and HC emissions did around 50%. These increments were not completely offset despite the high pre-turbine pre-catalyst conversion efficiency (>40%) because the partial abatement of the emissions in this device conditioned the performance of the close-coupled oxidation catalyst.

Analysis of the Driving Altitude and Ambient Temperature Impact on the Conversion Efficiency of Oxidation Catalysts

“…Arnau et al explored engine-based techniques, such as exhaust line thermal insulation [20] and variable valve timing [21] in diesel engines as a way to increase the exhaust temperature during transient operation. Regarding ATS focused solutions, Serrano et al [22] discussed the potential and limitations of pre-turbine small-sized catalysts in accelerating the catalyst activation under real driving conditions. Hamedi et al [23] evaluated the capability to keep the catalyst warm during low temperature periods while using phase change materials.…”

Advanced Technologies for the Optimization of Internal Combustion Engines

“…Paper [9] deals with the use of a pre-turbine small-sized oxidation catalyst. The earlier activation of catalytic converters in internal combustion engines is becoming highly challenging due to the reduction in exhaust gas temperature caused by the application of CO 2 reduction technologies.…”