DE19929292A1 - Control of the operating condition of motor vehicle internal combustion engine dependent upon the catalyst cell temperature uses set detected threshold levels to vary engine control parameters - Google Patents

Abstract

The method engine control for a motor vehicle monitors the exhaust system which has a catalyzer that has a matrix of cells (12). The catalyzer cell temperatures are measured and fed to the engine control (16) to vary the operating mode dependent upon whether threshold temperature levels are exceeded.

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling a working mode Internal combustion engine with those mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 Characteristics.

To control a working mode of an internal combustion engine, it is known to assign means to the internal combustion engine which allow the working mode to be set by at least temporarily influencing at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine. It is also known to clean an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine by means of suitable catalysts which are arranged in an exhaust gas duct. Such catalysts include NO _x storage catalysts.

During a combustion process of an air-fuel mixture in the internal combustion engine, gaseous pollutants are produced in varying proportions, which can act on the one hand as a reducing agent and on the other hand as an oxidizing agent. Reducing agents, such as CO, HC or H ₂ , arise to an increasing extent under conditions in which a ratio of oxygen to a fuel is sub-stoichiometric or stoichiometric (λ ≦ 1; regeneration mode). If, on the other hand, the oxygen in the air-fuel mixture predominates, the internal combustion engine is in lean operation (λ <1) and a proportion of the reducing agents in the exhaust gas decrease. In dynamic operation of the internal combustion engine, it is usually still possible to oxidize the reducing agents in the catalytic converter to a sufficient extent with oxygen.

In addition, oxidizing agents such as NO _x and SO _{x are also} formed during a combustion process. These are reduced on the storage catalyst in the regeneration mode by the reducing agents. In a lean operation, this is no longer possible to a sufficient extent, but the oxidizing agents are stored in the storage catalytic converter under such conditions. NO _x absorption takes place until a NO _x desorption temperature is reached or until the NO _x storage capacity of the storage catalytic converter is exhausted. Before this time, a change to the regeneration mode must take place in order to reduce NO _x emissions downstream of the storage catalytic converter.

For this purpose, it is known to control the working mode as a function of an average catalyst temperature. The catalyst temperature can be detected, for example, using sensors additionally introduced into the exhaust gas duct, or else can be calculated in a known manner using suitable models. If the catalyst temperature exceeds a predefinable threshold temperature, a switch to regeneration mode is initiated in order to prevent NO _x desorption without a simultaneous reduction. On the other hand, the storage catalytic converter must be heated to a minimum operating temperature in order to ensure sufficient NO _x storage capacity. It is known to operate the internal combustion engine in regeneration mode until a predeterminable minimum temperature is reached. In such an operation, an exhaust gas temperature is generally higher than in lean operation. However, additional fuel consumption must be accepted. To reduce fuel consumption, it is therefore necessary to keep the duration of the regeneration operation as short as possible.

It is also known to desulfurize the storage catalytic converter as required at certain intervals (SO _x regeneration). The regeneration operation of the internal combustion engine is also set for this. However, a significantly higher minimum desulfurization temperature is required for desulfurization. In the previous method, too, only an averaged minimum desulfurization temperature is used as the basis, from which the switch to regeneration mode takes place. However, it may make sense to initiate the desulfurization if only individual areas of the storage catalytic converter have exceeded the minimum desulfurization temperature.

The invention has for its object to provide a method that in allows an inhomogeneous temperature curve in a particularly simple and flexible manner within the storage catalytic converter in controlling the working mode of the Internal combustion engine to be considered. Along with this, the Fuel consumption can be reduced.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the method for controlling the working mode of the internal combustion engine with the features mentioned in claim 1. As a result of that

• a) the storage catalytic converter according to a predefinable matrix in a number is divided by catalyst cells;
• b) a cell temperature is determined for each catalyst cell and
• c) the working mode of the internal combustion engine depending on the Cell temperature determined by at least one predeterminable catalyst cell becomes,

it is possible to make the working mode of the internal combustion engine an actual one Adapt catalyst state.

In a preferred manner, the lean operation of the internal combustion engine is set at λ <1 if the cell temperature in at least one catalyst cell lies between a predeterminable lower limit temperature and a predeterminable upper limit temperature. The lower limit temperature is selected such that the minimum operating temperature is exceeded and the storage catalytic converter has an overall sufficient NO _x storage capacity. The upper limit temperature is below the NO _x desorption temperature. The lean operation of the internal combustion engine can therefore still be maintained if the mean catalyst temperature has already exceeded the upper limit temperature, but is still at least one catalyst cell below the predefinable upper limit temperature, and the internal combustion engine can already start lean operation in at least one catalyst cell after the minimum operating temperature has been exceeded be switched, even if the mean catalyst temperature is below the minimum operating temperature.

It has proven to be advantageous to determine the NO _x storage capacity for each catalyst cell as a function of the NO _x and SO _x loading state and the cell temperature. The NO _x storage capacity can be used as a further criterion for maintaining lean operation. For this purpose, it is conceivable on the one hand to specify a threshold value for the NO _x storage capacity and to start the regeneration operation of the internal combustion engine when the threshold value is exceeded. On the other hand, a cumulative raw NO _x emission of the internal combustion engine over a predeterminable period of time and the NO _x desorption of each catalyst cell can be calculated over the same period. Subsequently, depending on the NO _x storage capacity, the NO _x desorption and a spatial position of each catalyst cell and the cumulative raw NO _x emission, a cumulative NO _x emission downstream of the storage catalytic converter can be calculated. If the calculated cumulative NO _x emission exceeds a predeterminable threshold value, the regeneration operation of the internal combustion engine is also set.

It is also advantageous if the cell temperature is exceeded in at least one catalyst cell above the minimum desulfurization temperature. Of course, the desulfurization can also be made dependent on a predeterminable threshold value for the SO _x loading state. In this way, it is possible to initiate the desulfurization even before an average minimum desulfurization temperature is exceeded, thus shortening a heating-up phase.

A duration of the heating phase to reach the minimum desulfurization temperature in Catalyst cells located further downstream may depend on the Cell temperature further upstream catalyst cells are calculated because this their excess heat (difference between the cell temperature and the Minimum desulfurization temperature) during the desulfurization. This shortens a desulfurization period and a desulfurization-related one Reduced consumption.

It has proven to be advantageous to use a storage catalyst model for a spatial extension, a temperature profile, a profile of a regeneration speed, a profile of the NO _x storage capacity, a profile of the NO _x -, SO _x - or O ₂ -load condition or a combination thereof.

Further preferred refinements of the invention result from the remaining ones in the features mentioned in the subclaims.

The invention is described below in exemplary embodiments on the basis of the associated Drawings explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows an arrangement of a NO _x storage catalytic converter in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a division of the storage catalytic converter by means of a matrix;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a profile of a lambda value during an NO _x regeneration;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the course of the lambda value during a heating phase shortly after the start of the internal combustion engine.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for controlling a working mode of the internal combustion engine and

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for controlling a working mode of the internal combustion engine during a desulfurization.

Figs. 1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement 10 having a NO _x - storage catalyst 12 in an exhaust passage 14 of an internal combustion engine 16. Of course, the arrangement 10 is merely a greatly simplified exemplary embodiment, and additional NO _x storage catalysts or pre-catalysts can also be arranged in the region of the exhaust gas duct 14 . Such arrangements are known and will not be explained in more detail here.

In addition, sensors are arranged in the exhaust gas channel, which allow a conclusion to be drawn about a current catalytic converter condition, for example by detecting a content of a gas component in an exhaust gas or a temperature. For this purpose, a gas sensor 18 and a temperature sensor 20 are shown in the arrangement 10 , which are located downstream of the NO _x storage catalytic converter 12 . The sensors 18 , 20 deliver signals that can be evaluated within an engine control unit 22 . Further, the internal combustion engine 16 are associated with means 24 which at least a temporary influence allow at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine sixteenth In this way, an exhaust gas temperature; a working mode of the internal combustion engine 16 and / or the proportion of the individual gas components in the exhaust gas can be varied. Such an influencing of the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine 16 is known and will not be explained in more detail in this context.

During a combustion process of an air-fuel mixture in the internal combustion engine 16 , reducing agents, such as CO, HC and H ₂ , and oxidizing agents, such as NO _x and SO _x, are produced in varying proportions. In a working mode with λ ≦ 1 (rich or stoichiometric atmosphere, regeneration mode), a fuel fraction outweighs an oxygen fraction in the air-fuel mixture or these are in stoichiometric ratios. As a result, reducing agents are formed to an increased degree. If the working mode changes in a range with λ <1 (lean atmosphere, lean operation), the proportion of reducing agents in the exhaust gas decreases. In the NO _x storage catalytic converter 12 , the reducing agents are oxidized with oxygen. A reduction in a reducing agent emission is therefore always possible to a sufficient extent if an oxygen concentration in the NO _x storage catalytic converter 12 is correspondingly high.

In contrast, the oxidizing agents are converted in the NO _x storage catalytic converter 12 by the reducing agents. To a sufficient degree, this can only be done in a working mode with λ ≦ 1. In a lean atmosphere, the NO _{x is} absorbed as nitrate and the SO _x as sulfate until a NO _x desorption temperature is reached or a NO _x storage capacity is exhausted. Before this point in time, therefore, at least one NO _x regeneration must be carried out.

Due to a higher SO _x desorption temperature, SO _x regeneration (desulfurization) generally does not take place during NO _x regeneration. Overall, however, are for regeneration (NO _x - and SO _x regeneration) is a working mode with λ ≦ 1, and a regeneration temperature (in dependence on the NO _x - or SO _x desorption temperature) necessary to form the combined regeneration parameters. The regeneration parameters can be set in a known manner by influencing the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine 16 . It is also known to determine a need for regeneration of the NO _x storage catalytic converter 12 . This will not be explained in more detail in this context.

In FIG. 2 schematically shows a division of the storage catalytic converter 12 is shown in any number of catalyst cells based on a predetermined matrix. The matrix for dividing the storage catalytic converter 12 into the catalyst cells can be determined using a storage catalytic converter model. This model can include, for example, a spatial extension of the storage catalytic converter 12 , a temperature profile or a profile of a regeneration speed within the storage catalytic converter 12 . It is also conceivable to use a course of the NO _x storage capacity and a course of a loading state for NO _x , SO _x or O ₂ within the storage catalytic converter 12 . The loading state is a measure of an absorbed NO _x , SO _x or O ₂ mass of a catalyst cell. Of course, it is possible to include a combination of the parameters mentioned in a calculation of the matrix. In the example shown, the storage catalytic converter 12 has been divided into a total of six catalytic converter cells Z ₁ to Z ₆ (zones), the cell Z _{1 being arranged} on a side facing the internal combustion engine 16 .

FIG. 3 shows a curve of the lambda value during the regeneration of the storage catalyst 12 (dashed line). A curve of the lambda value according to a conventional method (solid line) is also shown for clarification. Here, the internal combustion engine 16 is initially in a lean mode for a phase t _m1 . After a predeterminable threshold temperature for the averaged catalyst temperature of the storage catalytic converter 12 has been exceeded, the regeneration mode is set in a phase t _f1 , at least until the threshold temperature is again fallen below. Lean operation is then started again in a phase t _m2 .

In the method according to the invention, the course of the lambda value (dashed line) is significantly different. In a phase t _{f1 '} , the regeneration operation can be started later on the one hand and ended earlier on the other hand. In the lean phases t _{m1 '} and t _m2', the mean catalyst temperature may occasionally be above the limit temperature that can be specified by the conventional method, but the temperature in selected catalyst cells (cell temperature) can still be low enough to ensure sufficient NO _x storage capacity . The type of control is explained in more detail below.

In FIG. 4, a curve of the lambda value is shown during a heating phase of the storage catalytic converter 12 (dashed line). Again, a solid line shows the course of the lambda value according to a conventional method. In order to bring the storage catalytic converter 12 to a necessary operating temperature shortly after the internal combustion engine 16 has started, a rich or stoichiometric exhaust gas (λ ≦ 1) is initially applied to it for a phase t _f2 , since the exhaust gas temperatures are generally significantly increased here. The regeneration operation is maintained until the average catalyst temperature has exceeded a minimum temperature. In contrast, a phase t _{f2 'is} shortened in the method according to the invention, and lean operation can already be started when selected catalyst cells have exceeded the minimum temperature.

In FIG. 5, a flow chart is shown for controlling the operating mode of the internal combustion engine 16. First, in a step S1, the storage catalytic converter 12 is divided into any number of catalytic converter cells in accordance with the predeterminable matrix. The cell temperature for each catalyst cell is subsequently determined in a step S2. The cell temperature is either measured directly, for example using additional temperature sensors, or it is calculated using known models.

In a step S3, it is determined whether the cell temperature in a selected number of catalytic converter cells, which is dependent on exhaust gas mass flow and lambda and NO _x emissions, lies between a predeterminable lower limit temperature G ₁ and a predefinable upper limit temperature G ₂ . The lower limit temperature G ₁ represents the minimum operating temperature of the storage catalytic converter 12 , which is necessary in order to ensure sufficient NO _x storage capacity at all. The upper limit temperature G ₂ is selected such that it is below the NO _x desorption temperature so that NO _x emissions downstream of the storage catalytic converter 12 are avoided. If the cell temperature in the selected catalyst cells is below the lower limit temperature G ₁ , a heating measure can be initiated in a step S4, for example by changing to regeneration mode. If the cell temperature in the selected catalyst cells is above the upper limit temperature G ₂ , a cooling measure can optionally be carried out in step S4 by influencing the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine 16 in a known manner.

The NO _x storage capacity of selected catalyst cells is determined in a step S5. This can in turn be carried out using known storage catalytic converter models for the NO _x , SO _x or O ₂ loading state. If the NO _x storage capacity does not reach a predefinable threshold value S1 (step S6), the regeneration operation is started in a step S7.

In a step S8, depending on the NO _x storage capacity, the NO _x desorption and a spatial position of each catalytic converter cell as well as a raw NO _x emission of the internal combustion engine 16, a cumulative NO _x emission downstream of the storage catalytic converter is calculated in a predefinable period. Thus, the catalyst cells shown in FIG. 2, Z ₄ to Z _6, the downstream further need are arranged in the exhaust passage 14, optionally in addition to the heat generated by the internal combustion engine 16 NO _x -Rohemission also absorb NO _x, the _x with NO desorption in further catalyst cells located at the front (Z ₁ to Z ₃ ) is released. If the calculated cumulative NO _x emission downstream of the storage catalytic converter 12 exceeds a predeterminable threshold value S ₂ , the regeneration operation is started again (step S7). If this is not the case, then the internal combustion engine 16 remains in the lean mode or is adjusted to the lean mode (step S10).

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart for controlling the operating mode of the internal combustion engine 16 during the desulfurization. In steps S1 and S2 - as already explained - the storage catalytic converter 12 is first divided into individual catalytic converter cells and the cell temperature of selected catalytic converter cells is recorded. If the cell temperature in the selected catalyst cells is below a minimum desulfurization temperature (step S11), no further action is taken (step S12). Otherwise it is checked in a step S13 whether the SO _x loading state exceeds a predeterminable threshold value S ₃ . If necessary, a duration of the heating phase for the desulfurization is then determined in a step S14. The duration of the heating phase for reaching the minimum desulfurization temperature in further downstream catalyst cells (for example the catalyst cells Z ₄ to Z ₆ of FIG. 2) can be dependent on the cell temperature of further upstream catalyst cells (for example the catalyst cells Z ₁ to Z ₃ of FIG. 2 ) can be determined. In addition to a heat flow through the exhaust gas, a heat flow can also take place within the storage catalytic converter 12 between the individual catalyst cells. In general, the further upstream catalyst cells have a higher cell temperature. Overall, the regeneration time during desulfurization can be significantly reduced in this way. The desulfurization is then carried out in a step S15.

Claims (8)

1. A method for controlling a working mode of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine being assigned means which, depending on a calculated or measured catalyst temperature of at least one storage catalytic converter arranged in an exhaust gas duct, at least temporarily influence at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine for setting the working mode of the internal combustion engine, characterized in that that

• a) the storage catalyst ( 12 ) is divided into a number of catalyst cells in accordance with a predeterminable matrix;
• b) a cell temperature is determined for each catalyst cell and
• c) the working mode of the internal combustion engine ( 16 ) is determined as a function of the cell temperature of at least one predeterminable catalyst cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a lean operation of the internal combustion engine ( 16 ) is set with λ <1 when in at least one catalyst cell the cell temperature between a predetermined lower limit temperature (G ₁ ) and a predetermined upper limit temperature (G ₂ ) lies. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that

• a) a NO _x storage capacity is determined for each catalyst cell as a function of a NO _x and SO _x loading state and the cell temperature;
• b) a threshold value (S ₁ ) for the NO _x storage capacity is specified and
• c) when the threshold value (S ₁ ) is exceeded, a regeneration operation of the internal combustion engine ( 16 ) is set with λ ≦ 1.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that

• a) the NO _x storage capacity for each catalyst cell is determined as a function of the NO _x and SO _x loading state and the cell temperature;
• b) a cumulative raw NO _x emission of the internal combustion engine ( 16 ) and a change in the NO _x loading state of selected catalyst cells are calculated for a predefinable period;
• c) a function of the NO _x storage capacity, the change in the NO _x - loading state and a spatial position of the selected catalyst cells and the cumulative NO _{x x} -Rohemission a cumulative NO emissions downstream of the storage catalytic converter (12) is calculated;
• d) a threshold value (S ₂ ) for the cumulative NO _x emission is specified and
• e) when the threshold value (S ₂ ) is exceeded, the regeneration operation of the internal combustion engine ( 16 ) is set.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that when exceeded the cell temperature in at least one catalyst cell via a Desulphurization temperature is initiated. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the desulfurization is initiated as a function of a predeterminable threshold value (S ₃ ) for the SO _x loading state. 7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a duration a heating phase to reach the minimum desulfurization temperature in further downstream catalyst cells depending on the Cell temperature of further upstream catalyst cells is determined.   8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the matrix for dividing the storage catalyst ( 12 ) into the catalyst cells using a storage catalyst model for a spatial extent, a temperature profile, a profile of a regeneration speed, a profile of the NO _x storage capacity, one The course of the NO _x , SO _x or O ₂ loading state or a combination thereof is determined.