Method and processing unit for ascertaining a catalytic converter state

A processing unit (140) comprising at least one computer configured to

• monitor an exhaust-gas catalytic converter (130) based on a catalytic converter model, wherein the catalytic converter model is adapted (250) in a manner dependent on measured values detected by means of one or more sensors (145, 147),
• detect (260) a frequency, a degree, or a frequency and degree of the adaptation of the catalytic converter model,
• determine (270) the catalytic converter state as non-critical when the frequency and/or the degree of the adaptation do not exceed a predetermined threshold value,
• determine (270) the catalytic converter state as critical when the frequency and/or the degree of the adaptation exceed the predeterminable threshold value, and
• outputting (280), with an output device, an indication indicative of the catalytic converter state being critical,
• wherein, from the detected adaptations of the catalytic converter model, an adaptation requirement function is ascertained, the adaptation requirement function is differentiated, the absolute value of the derivative is integrated, and the integral of the derivative absolute value of the adaptation requirement function is used as the frequency and/or the degree of the adaptation of the catalytic converter model.

A non-transitory, computer-readable medium containing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to

• monitor an exhaust-gas catalytic converter (130) based on a catalytic converter model, wherein the catalytic converter model is adapted (250) in a manner dependent on measured values detected by means of one or more sensors (145, 147),
• detect (260) a frequency, a degree, or a frequency and degree of the adaptation of the catalytic converter model,
• determine (270) the catalytic converter state as non-critical when the frequency and/or the degree of the adaptation do not exceed a predetermined threshold value,
• determine (270) the catalytic converter state as critical when the frequency and/or the degree of the adaptation exceed the predeterminable threshold value, and
• outputting (280), with an output device, an indication indicative of the catalytic converter state being critical,
• wherein, from the detected adaptations of the catalytic converter model, an adaptation requirement function is ascertained, the adaptation requirement function is differentiated, the absolute value of the derivative is integrated, and the integral of the derivative absolute value of the adaptation requirement function is used as the frequency and/or the degree of the adaptation of the catalytic converter model.