GB2555466A

GB2555466A - System for identification of after-treatment system for engine

Info

Publication number: GB2555466A
Application number: GB1618337.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Baba Omar
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2016-10-31
Filing date: 2016-10-31
Publication date: 2018-05-02
Also published as: GB201618337D0

Abstract

A temperature sensor module 40 is coupled to an after-treatment system 12 of an engine 10. The temperature sensor module detects exhaust gas temperature values and stores identification information of the after-treatment system. A controller 42 is in communication with the temperature sensor module and the engine via a data bus 45. The controller receives the identification information and temperature values from the temperature sensor module via the data bus, compares the identification information with predefined identification information and generates a response based on the comparison of the identification information with the predefined identification information. The data bus may include an automotive protocol, such as a Controlled Area Network (CAN) or a Local Interconnect Network (LIN). The predefined identification information may be associated with an after-treatment system compatible with the engine. The after-treatment system may trap or treat NOx, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter or other combustion products, and may include a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) module 36, a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and/or a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Caterpillar Inc.

(Incorporated in USA - Delaware)

100 Northeast Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61629, United States of America (72) Inventor(s):

Omar Baba (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Caterpillar UK Legal Services Division Eastfield, PETERBOROUGH, Cambs, PE1 5FQ, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

F01N 11/00 (2006.01) F01N 9/00 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2011/057359 A1 US 20130186070 A1 US 20090138185 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL F01N Other: WPI, EPODOC (54) Title of the Invention: System for identification of after-treatment system for engine Abstract Title: System for identification of after-treatment system for engine (57) A temperature sensor module 40 is coupled to an after-treatment system 12 of an engine 10. The temperature sensor module detects exhaust gas temperature values and stores identification information of the after-treatment system. A controller 42 is in communication with the temperature sensor module and the engine via a data bus 45. The controller receives the identification information and temperature values from the temperature sensor module via the data bus, compares the identification information with predefined identification information and generates a response based on the comparison of the identification information with the predefined identification information. The data bus may include an automotive protocol, such as a Controlled Area Network (CAN) or a Local Interconnect Network (LIN). The predefined identification information may be associated with an after-treatment system compatible with the engine. The after-treatment system may trap or treat NOx, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter or other combustion products, and may include a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) module 36, a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and/or a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

FIG. 2

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FIG. 1

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FIG. 2

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FIG. 3

-1SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION OF AFTER-TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR

ENGINE

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to after-treatment systems, and more specifically to a system for identification of an after-treatment system for an engine.

Background

Engines, such as internal combustion engines, include an after-treatment system to treat exhaust gases for complying with environmental requirements and emission standards, and also for improving performance of the engines. The after-treatment systems are available in various configurations having different conversion efficiencies, and therefore need to be matched with an engine of appropriate specification to obtain optimal performance. For example, the aftertreatment systems for the engines, such as 200 Horse Power (HP) diesel engine and 300 Horse Power (HP) diesel engine, might appear similar in shape and size, however the after-treatment systems may differ significantly in their operational characteristics, such as conversion rate and efficiency.

Typically, the after-treatment system is coupled to an engine either at a machine assembly plant or at a customer site. To ensure that the after-treatment system attached with the engine is having configuration suitable for the engine, the aftertreatment system is generally provided with an after-treatment identification module. The after-treatment identification module is configured to send an identification number to an engine controller unit of the engine for verifying compatibility of the after-treatment system with the engine. However, installation of the after-treatment identification module increases an overall cost of the after-treatment system. Further, installation of the after-treatment identification module requires design considerations for mounting the aftertreatment identification module on the after-treatment system, which can be a cumbersome and time-consuming activity.

-2Summary of the Disclosure

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for identification of an aftertreatment system for an engine is provided. The system includes a temperature sensor module coupled to the after-treatment system. The temperature sensor module is configured to detect exhaust gas temperature values and store identification information of the after-treatment system associated with the engine. The system also includes a controller in communication with the temperature sensor module and the engine, via a data bus. The controller is configured to receive the identification information of the after-treatment system associated with the engine and the exhaust gas temperature values from the temperature sensor module, via the data bus. The controller is further configured to compare the identification information associated with the after-treatment system with predefined identification information. The controller is configured to generate a response based on the comparison of the identification information of the after-treatment system associated with the engine and the predefined identification information.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an engine installed with an after-treatment system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a system for identification of the after-treatment system for the engine of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for a method for identification of the after-treatment system for the engine.

Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an engine 10 installed with an aftertreatment system 12 is shown. The engine 10 may be an internal combustion engine, such as reciprocation piston engine. In an example, the engine 10 may be a spark ignited engine, a compression ignited engine, or any other compression

-3ignition engine. In one example, the engine 10 may be fueled by gasoline, diesel fuel, biodiesel, alcohol, natural gas, propane, or any other combustion fuel.

The engine 10 may be used as a source of power for any machine, such as onhighway trucks, off-highway trucks, earth moving equipment, and various devices, such as pumps, stationary equipment, and generators. The engine 10 may also be used to power machines or devices used in construction, transportation, power generation, aerospace applications, locomotive applications, marine applications, and any other applications that require a rotary power.

The engine 10 includes an engine housing 14. The engine 10 further includes a flywheel housing 16 and an oil pan 18. The flywheel housing 16 is provided for encfosing a flywheef (not shown) of the engine 10. Although not shown, the engine 10 may also include a cylinder block and a cylinder head mounted on the cylinder block to define one or more cylinders (not shown). Combustion of fuel takes place within the one or more cylinders and exhaust gases are produced due to the combustion of the fuels.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the engine 10 is mounted with the after-treatment system 12 for treating the exhaust gases produced during combustion of fuel within one or more cylinder of the engine 10. More specifically, the aftertreatment system 12 is mounted on a top portion 24 of the engine 10, via a mounting bracket 25. In an example, the after-treatment system 12 may be mounted on the flywheel housing 16 of the engine 10, via a mounting bracket (not shown). The after-treatment system 12 is used for trapping or treating NOx, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, combination thereof, or other combustion products present in the exhaust gases. More specifically, the aftertreatment system 12 reduces NOx to relatively less toxic or less polluting end products.

-4The after-treatment system 12 is in fluid communication with an exhaust manifold (not shown) of the engine 10 through an exhaust conduit 30. The aftertreatment system 12 includes an inlet portion 26 and an outlet portion 28. The inlet portion 26 is coupled to the engine 10 through the exhaust conduit 30. The exhaust gases exiting the engine 10 are introduced into the after-treatment system 12 through the inlet portion 26, via the exhaust conduit 30. The outlet portion 28 is coupled to an exhaust stack 32 to release the exhaust gases treated by the aftertreatment system 12 into atmosphere. The exhaust stack 32 is provided with an emission sensor 33 (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gases exiting the after-treatment system 12 from the outlet portion 28 through the exhaust stack 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, the after-treatment system 12 further includes a mixing tube 34. The mixing tube 34 is disposed between the inlet portion 26 and the outlet portion 28 of the after-treatment system 12. In an example, the mixing tube 34 may include a reductant injector (not shown). In such an example, the reductant injector may inject a reductant in the exhaust gases entering the after-treatment system 12 from the engine 10 through the exhaust conduit 30. In an example, the reductant may include, but is not limited to, ammonia, urea or any other reductant. Further, the mixing tube 34 includes mixing elements (not shown) that allow uniform mixing of the exhaust gases with the reductant.

The after-treatment system 12 includes a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) module 36. The SCR module 36 operates to treat the exhaust gases in the presence of a catalyst, which is provided after degradation of the reductant injected into the exhaust gases. The SCR module 36 is disposed between the mixing tube 34 and the outlet portion 28 of the after-treatment system 12. The mixing tube 34 and the SCR module 36 have a flow-through configuration. The flow-through configuration allows the exhaust gases exiting the mixing tube 34 to flow through the SCR module 36. In an example, the SCR module 36 includes

-5one or more SCR catalysts (not shown). The SCR catalysts may include, but not limited to, oxides of base metals, such as vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten. Although the present disclosure explains the after-treatment system 12 having the mixing tube 34 and the SCR module 36, it may be understood that various examples of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other configuration of the after-treatment system 12. In an example, the after-treatment system 12 may include a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), or a combination thereof.

The after-treatment system 12 is assembled to the engine 10, for example at an assembly line of a manufacturing site. When the after-treatment system 12 is assembled to the engine 10, the after-treatment system 12 is verified for compatibility with the engine 10. For verifying the compatibility of the aftertreatment system 12 with the engine 10, a system 38 is provided which is in communication with the engine 10 and the after-treatment system 12.

The system 38 is provided for identification of the after-treatment system 12 for the engine 10. More specifically, the system 38 is provided for verifying compatibility of the after-treatment system 12 with the engine 10 by identification of the after-treatment system 12. The system 38 includes a temperature sensor module 40 and a controller 42 (interchangeably referred to as “engine controller 42”). The temperature sensor module 40 is coupled to the after-treatment system 12. In an example, the temperature sensor module 40 may be coupled to the after-treatment system 12 through a bracket member (not shown). The temperature sensor module 40 is in communication with the engine controller 42. More specifically, the temperature sensor module 40 is in communication with the engine controller 42, via a data bus 45. In an example, the data bus 45 includes an automotive protocol. In one example, the automotive protocol may include a Controlled Area Network (CAN) for transmitting data from the temperature sensor module 40 and the emission sensor 33 to the engine controller 42. In another example, the automotive protocol may include a Local

-6Interconnect Network (LIN) for transmitting data from the temperature sensor module 40 and the emission sensor 33 to the engine controller 42. In yet another example, the automotive protocol may include any other automotive protocol for transmitting data from the temperature sensor module 40 and the emission sensor 33 to the engine controller 42.

The temperature sensor module 40 is provided to detect exhaust gas temperature values. The temperature sensor module 40 includes a first temperature sensing probe 46 and a second temperature sensing probe 48. In an example, each of the first temperature sensing probe 46 and the second temperature sensing probe 48 may be embodied as one of, but not limited to, a resistance temperature sensor and a thermocouple. Although, the temperature sensor module 40 shown in the accompanying figures includes two temperature sensing probes i.e. the first temperature sensing probe 46 and the second temperature sensing probe 48, it should be understood that the temperature sensor module 40 may include multiple such temperature sensing probes. For example, the temperature sensor module 40 may include three temperature sensing probes. Further, in an example, the temperature sensor module 40 may include only one temperature sensing probe to detect the exhaust gas temperature values.

The first temperature sensing probe 46 is coupled to the exhaust conduit 30. In one example, the first temperature sensing probe 46 may be disposed between the DOC and the DPF of the after-treatment system 12. In another example, the first temperature sensing probe 46 may be disposed between the DOC and the SCR module 36 of the after-treatment system 12. The first temperature sensing probe 46 is provided to detect the exhaust gas temperature values, such as a first set of temperature values. The first temperature sensing probe 46 detects the first set of temperature values of the exhaust gases flowing from the engine 10 to the aftertreatment system 12 through the exhaust conduit 30. The first temperature sensing probe 46 communicates the first set of temperature values of the exhaust gases to the temperature sensor module 40, via a first communication channel 43.

-7The second temperature sensing probe 48 is coupled to the exhaust stack 32. The second temperature sensing probe 48 is provided to detect the exhaust gas temperature values, such as a second set of temperature values. The second temperature sensing probe 48 detects the second set of temperature values of the exhaust gases flowing from the after-treatment system 12 to the atmosphere through the exhaust stack 32. The second temperature sensing probe 48 communicates the second set of temperature values of the exhaust gases to the temperature sensor module 40, via a second communication channel 44.

In an example, the second temperature sensing probe 48 may be disposed between the DPF of the after-treatment system 12 and the mixing tube 34 for detecting the exhaust gas temperature values of the exhaust gases exiting the DPF. Although, the first temperature sensing probe 46 and the second temperature sensing probe 48 shown in the accompanying figures are coupled to the exhaust conduit 30 and the exhaust stack 32, respectively, it should be understood that the first temperature sensing probe 46 and the second temperature sensing probe 48 may be coupled at different locations based on operational characteristics and dimensional characteristics of the after-treatment system 12.

The temperature sensor module 40 generates an output signal based on the first set of temperature values and the second set of temperature values received from the first temperature sensing probe 46 and the second temperature sensing probe 48, respectively. The output signal is indicative of detected exhaust gas temperature values i.e. the first set of temperature values and the second set of temperature values. The output signal generated by the temperature sensor module 40 is transmitted to the engine controller 42 through the data bus 45. Based on the output signal received from the temperature sensor module 40, the engine controller 42 may control an operation of the after-treatment system 12.

-8Further, the temperature sensor module 40 stores identification information of the after-treatment system 12 associated with the engine 10. More specifically, the temperature sensor module 40 includes a memory (not shown) to store the identification information of the after-treatment system 12. In an example, the memory in the temperature sensor module 40 may be programmable. In one example, the programing of the temperature sensor module 40 may take place on the assembly line of one of the engine 10 or the after-treatment system 12. In another example, the programing of the temperature sensing module 40 may take place at a manufacturing site of the temperature sensing module 40. In an example, the identification information may be pre-stored in the memory of the temperature sensor module 40. In an example, the identification information may be stored in the memory of the temperature sensor module 40 in a form of a string. The term string herein refers to a sequence of characters indicating the operational characteristics and the dimensional characteristics of the aftertreatment system 12.

The identification information is indicative of various identification parameters associated with the after-treatment system 12. The identification parameters may include, but is not limited to, a type of the after-treatment system 12, an orientation of the after-treatment system 12, an efficiency of the after-treatment system 12, a conversion rate of the after-treatment system, and a size of the aftertreatment system 12. The temperature sensor module 40 transmits the identification information to the engine controller 42, via the data bus 45.

In an example, the engine controller 42 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any device that is capable of manipulating signals based on operational instructions. Among the capabilities mentioned herein, the engine controller 42 may also be configured to receive, transmit, and execute computer-readable instructions. The engine controller 42 may also include a processor (not shown) that includes one or more processing

-9units, all of which include multiple computing units. The processor may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software capable of executing a software application.

The engine controller 42 is in communication with the after-treatment system 12 and the engine 10, via the data bus 45. As explained earlier, the engine controller 42 receives the identification information of the after-treatment system 12 associated with the engine 10, via the data bus 45. The engine controller 42 also receives the exhaust gas temperature values from the temperature sensor module 40, via the data bus 45. More specifically, the engine controller 42 receives the output signal indicative of the exhaust gas temperature values, such as the first set of temperature values and the second set of temperature values, from the temperature sensor module 40.

The engine controller 42 compares the identification information associated with the after-treatment system 12 with predefined identification information. The predefined identification information is associated with an after-treatment system compatible with the engine 10. Such after-treatment system compatible with the engine 10 is interchangeably referred to as compatible after-treatment system (not shown). The predefined identification information is indicative of various identification parameters associated with the compatible after-treatment system. In an example, the predefined identification information may include, but is not limited to, a size of the compatible after-treatment system, an orientation of the compatible after-treatment system, an efficiency of the after-treatment system, a conversion rate of the after-treatment system, and a type of the compatible aftertreatment system. In an example, the predefined identification information may be pre-stored in a memory (not shown) of the engine controller 42.

Further, the engine controller 42 generates a response based on the comparison of the identification information of the after-treatment system 12 associated with the

-10engine 10 and the predefined identification information. More specifically, based on the comparison between the identification information associated with the after-treatment system 12 coupled to the engine 10 and the predefined identification information associated with the compatible after-treatment system, the engine controller 42 generates the response indicating compatibility of the after-treatment system 12 attached to the engine 10. In one example, the response generated by the engine controller 42 may be transmitted as a visual message to a user, via an output unit (not shown). In another example, the response generated by the engine controller 42 may be transmitted as an audio message to the user, via the output unit.

In one example, based on the comparison, the engine controller 42 determines that the identification information associated with the after-treatment system 12 is identical to the predefined identification information of the compatible aftertreatment system. In such an example, the response generated by the engine controller 42 indicates that the after-treatment system 12 attached to the engine 10 is compatible with the engine 10. In another example, based on the comparison, the engine controller 42 determines that the identification information associated with the after-treatment system 12 is non-identical to the predefined identification information. In such an example, the response generated by the engine controller 42 indicates that the after-treatment system 12 attached to the engine 10 is incompatible with the engine 10. Accordingly, the user may take an appropriate action, such as replacing the after-treatment system 12 with the compatible after-treatment system for the engine 10.

Industrial Applicability

The present disclosure relates to the system 38 for identification of the aftertreatment system 12 for the engine 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a method 50 for identifying the after-treatment system 12 for the engine 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the aspects of the present disclosure which are already explained in detail in the description of FIG.

-111 and FIG. 2 are not explained in detail with regard to the description of the method 50.

At block 52, the method 50 includes receiving the identification information of the after-treatment system 12 associated with the engine 10 and the exhaust gas temperature values from the temperature sensor module 40, via the data bus 45. More specifically, the engine controller 42 receives the identification information associated with the after-treatment system 12 and the exhaust gas temperature values from the temperature sensor module 40, via the data bus 45. The identification information of the after-treatment system 12 is indicative of various identification parameters. The identification parameters may include, but is not limited to, the type of the after-treatment system 12, the orientation of the aftertreatment system 12, and the size of the after-treatment system 12. Further, the engine controller 42 receives the output signal indicative of the exhaust gas temperature values, such as the first set of temperature values and the second set of temperature values, from the temperature sensor module 40.

At block 54, the method 50 includes comparing the identification information associated with the after-treatment system 12 with the predefined identification information. In an example, the predefined information may be pre-stored in the memory of the engine controller 42. The predefined identification is associated with the compatible after-treatment system which is compatible with the engine 10. The predefined information is indicative of various parameters, such as the size of the compatible after-treatment system, the orientation of the compatible after-treatment system, and the type of the compatible after-treatment system.

At block 56, the method 50 includes generating the response based on the comparison of the identification information of the after-treatment system 12 associated with the engine 10 and the predefined identification information. More specifically, based on the comparison, the engine controller 42 generates

-12the response indicating compatibility of the after-treatment system 12 with the engine 10.

The system 38 and the method 50 of the present disclosure can be employed to any type of after-treatment system attached to the engine 10 associated with any type of machine that performs operations associated with industries such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry. Therefore, the system 38 and the method 50 have a wide range of application across industries.

Further, the system 38 and the method 50 of the present disclosure can be employed for identification of the after-treatment system 12 for the engine 10. More specifically, the system 38 and the method 50 of the present disclosure can be employed for verifying compatibility of the after-treatment system 12 with the engine 10. The system 38 of the present disclosure provides the temperature sensor module 40 for detecting the exhaust gas temperature values and storing the identification information of the after-treatment system 12 associated with the engine 10. The temperature sensor module 40 communicates the exhaust gas temperature values and the identification information of the after-treatment system 12 to the engine controller 42 for identification of the after-treatment system 12. By communicating both the exhaust gas temperature values and the identification information of the after-treatment system 12 to the engine controller 42 for identification of the after-treatment system 12, the system 38 eliminates a need for mounting separate modules on the after-treatment system 12 for discretely detecting exhaust gas temperature values and storing identification information of the after-treatment system 12. Therefore, the present disclosure offers simple, effective, and economical system for identification of the aftertreatment system 12 for the engine 10.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system (38) for identification of an after-treatment system (12) for an engine (10), the system (38) comprising:

a temperature sensor module (40) coupled to the after-treatment system (12), wherein the temperature sensor module (40) is configured to detect exhaust gas temperature values and store identification information of the after-treatment system (12) associated with the engine (10); and a controller (42) in communication with the temperature sensor module (40) and the engine (10) via a data bus (45), the controller (42) being configured to:

receive the identification information of the after-treatment system (12) associated with the engine (10) and the exhaust gas temperature values from the temperature sensor module (40) via the data bus (45);

compare the identification information associated with the aftertreatment system (12) with predefined identification information; and generate a response based on the comparison of the identification information of the after-treatment system (12) associated with the engine (10) and the predefined identification information.

2. The system (38) of claim 1, wherein the data bus (45) includes an automotive protocol.

3. The system (38) of claim 2, wherein the automotive protocol includes one of a Controller Area Network (CAN) and a Local Interconnect Network (LIN).

4. The system (38) of claim 1, wherein the predefined identification information is associated with an after-treatment system compatible with the engine (10).

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1618337.8 Examiner: Rachel Smith