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A new after-treatment system called DPNR (Diesel Particulate-NOx Reduction System) has been developed for simultaneous and continuous reduction of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in diesel exhaust gas. This system consists of both a new catalytic technology and a new diesel combustion technology which enables rich operating conditions in diesel engines. The catalytic converter for the DPNR has a newly developed porous ceramic structure coated with a NOx storage reduction catalyst. A fresh DPNR catalyst reduced more than 80 % of both PM and NOx. This paper describes the concept and performance of the system in detail. Especially, the details of the PM oxidation mechanism in DPNR are described.

When truck drivers rest in the truck sleeper cabin in the summer, air conditioning for the sleeper is highly desirable. Current practice is to run the engine for air conditioning, however, this practice wastes fuel and is environmentally unsound. This “Cold storage type cooling system” can cool the truck sleeper cabin without running the engine when the truck is parked and thus would be preferable from the view-point of fuel savings and environmental protection. The system we developed can be added to existing air conditioning systems and essentially consists of “cold storage cells” containing water as the cold storage material. The cold storage cells are fitted between evaporator tubes. By making the refrigerant alternately flow between the main evaporator and cold storage evaporator, the cold storage cells are charged while the truck is driving. When the truck is stopped, the sleeper cabin can be cooled by allowing the “cold storage cells” to discharge.

We developed a high performance automotive lithium-ion battery and applied it to our new Toyota Intelligent Idling Stop System. This hybrid power management system has been introduced in the “intelligent package” of Toyota Vitz vehicles sold in Japan. The lithium-ion battery is installed under the seat on the passenger-side. The battery supplies electric power to the auxiliary electrical systems during the “idling stop” mode, and when restarting the engine. The main requirements of this battery are to supply high electric power output even at low temperatures and at the same time, maintain continuous power during charge and discharge cycling, and have long storage life. This performance has been accomplished successfully through a series of improvements in battery materials and structures.