CN112832916A

CN112832916A - System and method for monitoring vehicle emissions compliance

Info

Publication number: CN112832916A
Application number: CN202011311823.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·卡鲁鲁; P·K·德舍蒂; S·普拉德罕
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH; Bosch Ltd
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH; Bosch Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-22
Filing date: 2020-11-20
Publication date: 2021-05-25

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring vehicle emissions compliance. The system 100 includes a server 102, the server 102 storing a reference data set for an emission control device 110 of a vehicle 122. The server 102 comprises a control unit 104 and a memory element (not shown) storing the reference data set. The control unit 104 is adapted to receive values of the actual data set of the emission control device 110 via the communication module 106, to compare the values of the actual data set with the reference data set, and to detect a compliance deviation based on the result of the comparison. The communication module 106 is a gateway that connects the vehicle 122 with the server 102 by known wireless means. Further, the communication module 106 may also be established by the driver's communication device 124 connecting with the server 102 through a connection with bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and then using the cellular network of the communication device 124.

Description

System and method for monitoring vehicle emissions compliance

Technical Field

The invention relates to a system for monitoring vehicle emissions compliance.

Background

Auxiliary Emission Control Devices (AECDs) are and will be an integral part of modern mobility solutions. Emission regulations in various countries and regions such as europe, the united states, india, etc. mandate monitoring of AECD and maintaining transparent alarm systems with clear indications (information) according to the instructions. There is a need for monitoring AECDs on a real-time basis that will act as an early warning mechanism to avoid downtime and inducements (inducements) that may be triggered by AECD failure. There is also a need for a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)/Exhaust Gas Treatment (EGT) malfunction or inducement level display module, particularly for mobility segments that operate in remote locations and are rarely accessible to a service network.

The instrument cluster is rigid to the vehicle and can be seen by the driver or operator. However, for off-road mobile machines (NRMMs), such as tractors, Construction Equipment Vehicles (CEVs), marine vehicles, railways, generator sets, and Commercial Vehicles (CVs), the owner or stakeholder leaves and is unaware of the situation. The driver ignores the error code or any preventative maintenance warning, with a huge impact on the owner. Furthermore, no user-friendly and simple mobile interface is available that attracts the user experience. The driver or end user does not know how to read the error message and the reason for the error message. This affects the driving behavior of the driver. Furthermore, service and periodic maintenance are the biggest challenges in terms of cost. Although rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automotive sensors are anticipated, there remains a need for an adequate user-friendly and economical mobile internet of things (IOT) solution for attracting end users to save time, money and get optimal productivity.

According to prior art US2017/0316622, a road vehicle service handling method is disclosed. A computerized on-road vehicle service processing method involves: receiving a fault condition signal from an on-board diagnostic system while a user is driving a vehicle between first and second locations; automatically transmitting information to a plurality of vehicle service locations forward of the vehicle, including vehicle and fault information and individual Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) based on current location and speed; receiving an individual service response including at least one part and labor cost estimate, and at least one appointment time after the ETA; receiving a user's selection of at least two of the provided vehicle service locations and their order of preference; sending payment information to a first vehicle service location; the accepted or rejected communication is received and, if accepted, the user is automatically directed to the first vehicle service location, but if rejected, the payment information is sent to the next preferred vehicle service location.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings,

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for monitoring vehicle emissions compliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for monitoring vehicle emissions compliance, in accordance with the present invention, and

FIG. 3 illustrates estimating CO from a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention₂The apparatus of (1).

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for monitoring vehicle emissions compliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a cloud/server 102, the server 102 storing a reference data set for an emission control device 110 of a vehicle 122. The server 102 comprises a control unit 104 and a memory element (not shown) storing the reference data set. The control unit 104 is adapted to receive values of the actual data set of the emission control device 110 via the communication module 106, to compare the values of the actual data set with the reference data set, and to detect a compliance deviation based on the result of the comparison. The communication module 106 is a gateway that connects the vehicle 122 with the server 102 by known wireless means. Further, the communication module 106 may also be established by the driver's communication device 124 connecting with the server 102 through a connection with bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and then using the cellular network of the communication device 124.

The reference data set includes empirically derived ranges of operating values for the emission control device 110 under different operating conditions. Emission control device 110 is selected from the group consisting of fuel injectors, Electronic Throttle Bodies (ETB), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) 108, Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) 116, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) 112, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) 118, reductants, Secondary Air Injection (SAI), and the like. Within vehicle 122, emission control device 110 is connected to ECU 120 and communication module 106 via a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The communication is performed using the CAN protocol.

In an embodiment, the values of the emission control device 110 are either modified or adjusted by changing an instruction set stored in an Engine Control Unit (ECU) 120 of the vehicle 122, or a separate electronic control unit having different values is interfaced with the ECU 120.

When a deviation from emission compliance is detected, the control unit 104 sends a signal for inducing activation to the ECU 120 of the vehicle 122. The inducement limits or controls operation of the vehicle 122 in a manner that complies with emission standards. In an embodiment, the ECU 120 only transmits the emission-related data set to the server 102 for monitoring any deviations.

The control unit 104 reports the deviation to at least one of the vehicle manufacturer, component supplier, and owner of the vehicle 122 via the communication device 124. The communication device 124 is a client server or client device, such as a smart phone, computer, smart device, or wearable device, of an owner or vehicle manufacturer or component supplier (commonly referred to as a stakeholder).

In accordance with the present invention, a method of implementing system 100 is explained. Considering emission control device 110 as SCR 118, a driver who is not the owner of vehicle 122 refills a corresponding storage tank (not shown) with reductant. The tank is equipped with quantity and quality sensors. The quality of the reductant is detected and sent to the server 102 via the communication module 106 after necessary encryption. The control unit 104 of the server 102 compares the measured quality with a corresponding stored reference data set. Now, when it is detected that the actual mass is less than the reference mass, the control unit 104 sends a signal to the ECU 120 through the communication module 106. The ECU 120 begins to instigate, which results in limited operation of the engine, such as limiting maximum torque, speed, etc. (such as a complete stop unless the reductant is replaced). Further, the notification/report of the deviation is transmitted to the respective stakeholders, such as the owner of the vehicle 122, the vehicle manufacturer, the reductant supplier, and so forth. In another case of the reducing agent, if the amount of the reducing agent is decreased, the control unit 104 sends a command signal to the ECU 120 based on the received level information to control the engine according to the first evoked level, together with displaying the estimated evacuation time and the distance that can be traveled.

In another example, the emission control device 110 is selected as the DPF 116. Based on the driving time and necessity considerations, regeneration of the DPF 116 is required for a certain time, and then its status is sent to the server 102 by the ECU 120. The control unit 104 compares the time period with a reference time and a possible deviation in the discharge. The control unit 104 sends a signal to the ECU 120 to initiate regeneration of the DPF 116 with inducement. The inducement information is communicated to the stakeholders on the respective communication devices 124. In addition, the driver hears some strange noise in the background when the regeneration DPF 116 is running. The driver carefully turns off the ignition without realizing that the regeneration process is in progress. Thus, the owner and driver are notified in advance of the cause of the strange noise and related background activity. The signal also shows the number of restarts allowed by national legislation, such as two in europe. The signal also provides and displays the percentage of torque reduction due to the evoked and evoked levels, along with the estimated time of regeneration of the DPF 116.

In yet another example, the emission control device 110 is considered an EGR 112. Assume that the operation of the EGR 112 is modified by the driver through the service station to increase range. Now, when the vehicle 122 is turned on, the modified operating values are sent to the server 102 through the communication module 106. The control unit 104 of the server 102 compares the received data set with the corresponding data set and detects deviations in a few data sets. Reports of deviations are notified to stakeholders and inducements are initiated to contain emissions violations. In another case, if a valve of the EGR system 112 is malfunctioning, a corresponding status is sent to the server 102. Control unit 104 compares to the reference data set and sends a signal to ECU 120 to control the engine of vehicle 122 accordingly.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for monitoring vehicle emission compliance in accordance with the present invention. The method includes the step of step 202, where step 202 includes storing a reference data set for the emission control device 110 of the vehicle 122 in a memory element of the server 102. Step 204 includes receiving, via the communication module 106, an actual data set of the emission control device 110 of the vehicle 122. Step 206 comprises comparing, by the control unit 104 of the server 102, the actual data set with a reference data set stored in the server 102. Step 208 includes detecting a deviation in compliance based on the comparison.

The data set includes empirically derived ranges of operating values for the emission control device 110 under different operating conditions. The emission control device 110 is selected from the group consisting of a fuel injector, an Electronic Throttle Body (ETB), a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) (108), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (116), an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) (112), a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) (118), a reductant, a Secondary Air Injection (SAI), and the like.

After step 208, step 210 includes sending a signal to the ECU 120 of the vehicle 122 to induce activation when the control unit 104 detects a deviation in emissions. The inducement limits or controls operation of the vehicle 122 in a manner that complies with emission standards. The inducement may be a torque limit, a speed limit, or the like. Step 212 includes reporting the deviation on the communication device 124 to at least one of a vehicle manufacturer, a supplier and an owner of the exhaust-related component of the vehicle 122.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the report sent by the server 102 includes information in a manner that is easily understood by the stakeholder. The communication device 124 may use a browser-based information display or an application-based information display. The interface is designed to display real-time data of the time available for the next inducement with available reductant/agent, the estimated cost for filling the reductant, the cost of tampering with maintenance, and service reviews based on market research and in a particular location (based on the current location of the vehicle 122). The interface also shows the nearest service station and suggests the best service station.

The visual interface gives priority information about the reductant status in an Exhaust Gas Treatment (EGT) system. This information is also displayed on the cluster of vehicles 122. With respect to the reductant, the system 100 provides a large amount of data regarding the availability, approximate quantity/price/location of availability, etc. of the reductant. Furthermore, recommendations for the closest/best place to refill the reducing agent are provided along with its approximate price (indirectly providing feedback about a particular filling station). Spare part price trends for the EGR (112) or SCR assembly 118, associated sensors, installation costs and time, preferred/recommended brands, and their reliability/durability are delivered based on real-time data. This also aids fleet management. In general, the system 100 works like a point source with all data about all post-processing components, their lifetime, their approximate price, and their availability.

FIG. 3 illustrates estimating CO from a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention₂The apparatus of (1). The apparatus 300 comprises a controller 302, the controller 302 being adapted to receive a plurality of parameters 304 of the vehicle 122 and to calculate/process the parameters 304 by means of a model stored in a memory element. Controller 302 then estimates CO via the model₂As output 306. The plurality of parameters 304 are selected from the group consisting of fuel type, intake air amount, exhaust gas temperature, intake air temperature, and engine speed. Additional parameters 304 that may be used selected from at least one of parameters 304 further include engine scavenge volume, heat release temperature of DOC 108, fuel temperature, turbo boost, injection timing, and pilot and post injectionAnd (4) shooting quantity. The plurality of parameters 304 are measured by onboard sensors of vehicle 122 or a model stored in ECU 120.

In an embodiment, controller 302 is either ECU 120 itself or separately interfaced with ECU 120.

The controller 302 can monitor the vehicle 122 at the CO₂Aspect of emission compliance. If CO is present₂If the emissions are greater than the threshold, a notification is sent to the stakeholder. The stakeholder is then notified of the associated fine or penalty for each vehicle 122. The stakeholder also takes the necessary actions to prevent CO₂A further increase in emissions.

Similarly, an estimated CO is provided₂A method of venting. The method includes measuring 304 various parameters from on-board sensors of the vehicle 122. A next step includes calculating parameters 304 through a model stored in a memory element of the controller 302. Controller 302 then estimates CO via the model₂. Various parameters 304 are selected from the group consisting of fuel type, intake air amount, exhaust gas temperature, intake air temperature, and engine speed. Additional parameters 304 that may be used selected from at least one of parameters 304 further include engine scavenging volume, heat release temperature of DOC 108, fuel temperature, turbo boost, injection timing, and pilot and post injection amounts.

In the alternative, the system 100 as described in FIG. 1 can monitor the vehicle 122 at CO₂Aspect of emission compliance. The control unit 104 receives the values obtained from the controller 302 through the communication module 106 and compares them with reference values. If there is a deviation, the information is communicated to interested parties involved, such as the vehicle owner, the vehicle manufacturer, the component supplier, government agencies, etc. The server 102 also performs classification of the deviations according to the vehicle manufacturer and the vehicle sector. Thus, targeting the CO in server 102₂Emission estimation is complete and real-time data acquisition is analyzed. In addition, the data set and CO are referenced₂Levels are achieved based on the country and corresponding current regulations.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system 100 enables vehicle 122 operation that is transparent to the owner, and also prevents misuse/abuse or vehicle 122 from operating under unintended conditions. With periodic maintenance and active correction, the performance and life of the vehicle 122 is maintained at an optimal level. The system 100 also reduces the probability of downtime/severe induction. System 100 also enables connection mobility. In short, the idea improves connection mobility and also removes communication barriers between the person and the vehicle 122. Further, the system 100 provides reductant quality and quantity monitoring, estimated cost of service, estimated time of service and reviews thereof at different service stations, routing to the nearest service station in an emergency, autodialing to the fleet owner, display of time available for the next inducement and related causes, recommendations to avoid the next inducement, and torque inducement percentages.

In addition, the present invention provides an intelligent connectivity platform that takes the vehicle 122, owner, and operator under one eaves for diagnostics. The engine of vehicle 122 is left with emission complaints throughout its operating life. Engine, vehicle 122 and driver safety are largely assured. Any inconsistencies at the system level of the vehicle 122 are continuously monitored, otherwise, action is initiated (nullifying the effect of the failed device installation) against the owner/operator/vehicle manufacturer. Thus, compliance monitoring of emission control device 110 or an Auxiliary Emission Control Device (AECD) is achieved because any deviation causes a trigger in notifying a stakeholder to resolve the deviation.

It should be understood that the embodiments explained in the above description are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Many such embodiments are contemplated, as are other modifications and variations of the embodiments explained in the specification. The scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) to monitor emissions compliance of a vehicle (122), the system (100) comprising:

a server (102), the server (102) storing a reference data set for an emission control device (110) of the vehicle (122), and

the server (102) comprises a control unit (104), the control unit (104) being adapted to:

receiving values of an actual data set of an emission control device (110) via a communication module (106),

comparing the values of the actual data set with a reference data set, an

A compliance deviation is detected based on the result of the comparison.

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the reference data set comprises empirically derived operating value ranges of the emission control device (110) under different operating conditions, wherein the emission control device (110) is selected from the group consisting of a fuel injector, an Electronic Throttle Body (ETB), a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) (108), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (116), an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) (112), a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) (118), a reductant, and a Secondary Air Injection (SAI).

3. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein when a deviation from emission compliance is detected, the control unit (104) sends a signal to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) (120) of the vehicle (122) for inducing activation that limits operation of the vehicle (122) in compliance with emission standards.

4. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) reports the deviation to at least one of a vehicle manufacturer, a component supplier, and an owner of the vehicle (122) via a communication device (124).

5. A method for estimating CO from a vehicle (122)₂An apparatus (300) for discharging, the apparatus (300) comprising a controller (302), the controller (302) being adapted to

Receiving a plurality of parameters (304) of the vehicle (122);

calculating the said by a model stored in a memory elementParameters (304), and estimating the CO₂The plurality of parameters (304) are selected from the group consisting of fuel type, intake air amount, exhaust gas temperature, intake air temperature, and engine speed.

6. The apparatus (300) of claim 5, wherein said parameters (304) further include engine scavenge volume, heat release temperature of DOC (108), fuel temperature, turbo boost, injection timing, and pilot and post injection amounts.

7. A method for monitoring emissions compliance of a vehicle (122), the method comprising:

storing a reference data set for an emission control device (110) of the vehicle (122) in a server (102);

receiving, by a communication module (106), an actual data set of an emission control device (110) of the vehicle (122);

comparing, by a control unit (104) of the server (102), the actual data set with the reference data set stored in the server (102), and

a deviation in compliance is detected based on the comparison.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the data set comprises empirically derived operating value ranges of the emission control device (110) under different operating conditions, wherein the emission control device (110) is selected from the group consisting of a fuel injector, an Electronic Throttle Body (ETB), a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) (108), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (116), an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) (112), a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) (118), a reductant, and a Secondary Air Injection (SAI).

9. The method of claim 7, comprising sending a signal to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) (120) of the vehicle (122) for inducing activation when the control unit (104) detects a deviation in emissions, the inducing controlling operation of the vehicle (122) in compliance with emission standards.

10. The method of claim 7, comprising reporting the deviation on a communication device (124) to at least one of a vehicle manufacturer, a supplier of exhaust related components, and an owner of the vehicle (122).