Search Results

Cooled EGR is one of the engine technologies that has been certified by the EPA for on-highway heavy duty diesel engines to meet the EPA October 2002 2.5 g/bhp-hr NMHC + NOx and 0.1 g/bhp-hr particulate matter exhaust emission regulation. Cooled EGR as the primary exhaust emission control reduction technology also minimizes the fuel economy penalty associated with this exhaust emission regulation. The cooled EGR system however requires precise EGR rate of flow control in a very unfriendly environment that includes acidic exhaust gas condensates, static pressures up to 4 Bar, temperatures over the entire range of -40 to 250° C, and high engine vibration levels. Several technologies have been proposed and evaluated to achieve a closed loop feedback signal for the EGR flow control valve and VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) vane position.

There are three primary parameters that must be controlled in an engine for optimum performance; air, fuel (A/F ratio), and ignition (spark). Similarly, there are three primary parameters that must be controlled in a three-way catalyst for optimum performance; air, fuel (A/F ratio), and energy (temperature). Currently, most engine management systems provide closed loop control on the A/F ratio via oxygen sensor feedback, but temperature control is left to open loop methods with models and calculations. This paper will describe the benefits of closed loop catalyst temperature control (directly measured) for reducing emissions and providing a more robust catalyst monitor function. This catalyst monitor function will include measurement of catalyst lightoff performance which is the dominant effect causing HC tailpipe emissions to exceed OBD threshold levels. The lightoff measurement is not effected by driving cycle.