Search Results

The modeling of transient phenomena occurring inside an automotive 3-way catalytic converter poses a significant challenge to the emissions control engineer. Since the significant progress that has been observed with steady-state models cannot be directly exploited in this direction, it is necessary to develop a fully transient model and computer code incorporating dynamic behaviour of the three way catalytic converter in a relatively simple and effective way. The Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics (LAT), Aristotle University Thessaloniki, is cooperating with the Engine Direction of FIAT Research Center, in the development of a computer code fulfilling these objectives, within the framework of an EEC Brite EuRam cost shared project. The CRF and LAT modeling approaches, along with the underlying philosophy and experimental work, are presented in this paper.

In view of recent and future US and european regulations the design optimization of 3-way catalytic converters (3WCC) should also account for catalyst durability. The purpose of this paper is to extend the authors' approach for 3WCC modeling and evaluation in the direction of covering some aspects of ageing behavior. After a brief examination of the commonly accepted ageing mechanisms, a new methodology for the assessment of catalyst durability is formulated. This methodology takes into account the effect of thermal loading, high-temperature oxidation and poisoning of the catalyst. Based on the approach presented, along with the 3WCC and other related models and computer codes already in-use by the authors, a comparative assesment of engine bench ageing cycles may be computationally supported. Correlation of vehicle ageing cycles with engine bench cycles may also be accomplished as illustrated by a case study.