Use of Braking Energy to Augment Exhaust Heat for Improved Operation of Exhaust Aftertreatment Devices
AssigneeSouthwest Research Institute
InventorsCynthia C. Webb, Karl J. Kreder, III
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for raising the operating temperature of an emissions control device of an automotive vehicle. A generator converts the vehicle's mechanical braking energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy is delivered, without electrical storage, to an electric heater that heats either the emissions control device or the exhaust gas at the input to the device.
Claims15
A method of raising the operating temperature of an emissions control device installed on a vehicle exhaust line, comprising:
- using a generator to convert mechanical braking energy generated by the vehicle to electrical energy;
- and
- delivering the electrical energy, without electrical storage, to an electric heater either adjacent to, or in, the exhaust line or the emissions control device.
A system for of raising the operating temperature of an emissions control device installed on a vehicle exhaust line, comprising:
- a generator operable to convert mechanical braking energy generated by the vehicle to electrical energy;
- an electric heater powered by the electrical energy and operable to heat the exhaust gas or the emissions control device;
- and
- a control unit configured to control the delivery of the electrical energy to the electric heater.
A system for raising the temperature of exhaust gas in a vehicle exhaust line at the input to an emissions control device, comprising:
- a generator operable to convert mechanical braking energy to electrical energy;
- an electric heater powered by the electrical energy;
- a reservoir of thermal storage material operable to store thermal energy provided by the heater;
- and
- a heating chamber surrounding the exhaust line or the emissions control device for receiving the thermal storage material and applying heat to the exhaust line or the emissions control device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.