US20180320574A1 - Method for activating/deactivating a biological catalyst used in a conversion system on board a vehicle - Google Patents

Method for activating/deactivating a biological catalyst used in a conversion system on board a vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
US20180320574A1
US20180320574A1 US15/774,057 US201615774057A US2018320574A1 US 20180320574 A1 US20180320574 A1 US 20180320574A1 US 201615774057 A US201615774057 A US 201615774057A US 2018320574 A1 US2018320574 A1 US 2018320574A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
conversion
biological catalyst
reaction product
energy
amount
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Abandoned
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US15/774,057
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English (en)
Inventor
Beatriz MONGE-BONINI
Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
Pierre De Man
Francois Dougnier
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Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research SA
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Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research SA
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Assigned to PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION AND RESEARCH reassignment PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION AND RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VAN SCHAFTINGEN, JULES-JOSEPH, MONGE-BONINI, Beatriz, DE MAN, PIERRE, DOUGNIER, FRANCOIS
Publication of US20180320574A1 publication Critical patent/US20180320574A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
    • F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
    • F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
    • F01N3/18—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control
    • F01N3/20—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control specially adapted for catalytic conversion ; Methods of operation or control of catalytic converters
    • F01N3/2066—Selective catalytic reduction [SCR]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
    • F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
    • F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
    • F01N3/18—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control
    • F01N3/20—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control specially adapted for catalytic conversion ; Methods of operation or control of catalytic converters
    • F01N3/2066—Selective catalytic reduction [SCR]
    • F01N3/208—Control of selective catalytic reduction [SCR], e.g. dosing of reducing agent
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2240/00—Combination or association of two or more different exhaust treating devices, or of at least one such device with an auxiliary device, not covered by indexing codes F01N2230/00 or F01N2250/00, one of the devices being
    • F01N2240/25—Combination or association of two or more different exhaust treating devices, or of at least one such device with an auxiliary device, not covered by indexing codes F01N2230/00 or F01N2250/00, one of the devices being an ammonia generator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
    • F01N2610/02—Adding substances to exhaust gases the substance being ammonia or urea
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
    • F01N2610/10—Adding substances to exhaust gases the substance being heated, e.g. by heating tank or supply line of the added substance
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
    • F01N2610/10—Adding substances to exhaust gases the substance being heated, e.g. by heating tank or supply line of the added substance
    • F01N2610/105—Control thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
    • F01N2610/14—Arrangements for the supply of substances, e.g. conduits
    • F01N2610/1406—Storage means for substances, e.g. tanks or reservoirs
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
    • Y02A50/20—Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a conversion system for a vehicle.
  • a conversion system that uses a biological catalyst to convert a compound into reaction product.
  • a conversion system that uses an enzyme to convert an ammonia precursor into ammonia solution or effluents (i.e. reaction product).
  • the invention relates to a method for activating and deactivating such enzyme on board a vehicle.
  • the object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a method which eliminates the need for complex temperature conditioning systems.
  • Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a method which does not impact the functioning of vital systems of the vehicle.
  • a method for activating/deactivating a biological catalyst used in a conversion system on board a vehicle comprising a source of energy adapted to activate the biological catalyst for converting a compound into reaction product, the conversion system being configured to supply reaction product to a consuming unit on board the vehicle, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
  • starting at least one conversion operation comprising the steps of:
  • the method of the present invention consists in activating and deactivating the biological catalyst upon the result of an energy comparison.
  • the activation of the biological catalyst is conditioned to the detection of a sufficient amount of energy available from the energy source to operate a biological conversion.
  • the idea behind the present invention is to activate the biological catalyst rapidly (i.e. as soon as possible) and intensely after its introduction (i.e. filling/refilling) in the conversion system, so as to benefit from its high biological activity. Therefore, good quality and high quantity of reaction product can be produced quickly.
  • the term “activate the biological catalyst” means supply energy to the biological catalyst for promoting a chemical reaction in the presence of the compound.
  • the activity of the biological catalyst is commonly defined as the ratio of the amount of converted substrate (i.e. reaction product) to the unit mass of biological catalyst which is introduced in the reaction medium (i.e. the conversion system) per unit time.
  • deactivate the biological catalyst means stop supplying said energy to the biological catalyst. It is to note that after stopping the supply of energy to the biological catalyst, some remaining energy can be present in the conversion system such that the biological catalyst may still be activated for a certain period of time.
  • the invention proposes a method for controlling the supply of energy to the conversion system so as to obtain necessary conditions for activating the biological catalyst contained with the conversion system. For example, the temperature inside the conversion system is controlled as a function of the energy supplied to the conversion system.
  • the compound is an ammonia precursor, such as for instance urea.
  • the ammonia precursor is suitably present as a composition, such as an aqueous composition, more particularly a concentrated aqueous composition.
  • the composition is a concentrated urea solution of at least 10% urea.
  • the reaction product may be for instance ammonia or hydrogen suitable for use in either selective catalytic reduction (SCR) methods for purifying exhaust gases or for fuelling fuel cells.
  • SCR selective catalytic reduction
  • Suitable biological catalysts are herein urease.
  • the compound can be obtained by dissolving ammonia precursor granules having a coating in an ammonia precursor liquid, for example the commercially available liquid ammonia precursor, known as AdBlue®.
  • an ammonia precursor liquid for example the commercially available liquid ammonia precursor, known as AdBlue®.
  • the compound is a hydrogen precursor, such as ammonia or polysaccharide.
  • a hydrogen precursor such as ammonia or polysaccharide.
  • Good results are known for the enzymatic conversion of a polysaccharide such as sucrose into hydrogen, for instance with enzymes such as invertase, glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), hydrogenase, and glucose isomerase (GI). This may be highly useful to provide hydrogen for use in fuel cells (i.e. consuming units).
  • the conversion system comprises a storage unit for the storage of the biological catalyst.
  • the storage unit can further be configured such that the catalysed conversion (i.e. decomposition of the compound) takes place inside the storage unit.
  • the storage unit further operates as a reactor (also called conversion unit or decomposition unit).
  • the compound can be stored in a tank mounted on board the vehicle. Thus, when decomposition is needed, a predetermined amount of compound is transferred by means of a transfer device from the tank into the reactor (where the biological catalyst(s) is retained).
  • a transfer device can be for example a pump, valve, combination of both, gravity, gravity in combination with a valve or a valve in combination with whatever system known by the state of the art to transfer liquid.
  • the storage unit (for storing the biological catalyst) may be equipped or cooperate with a locking element (for instance a door or a cap) configured to prevent, in its locked state, a communication from being established between the internal volume of the storage unit and a space accessible to an operator.
  • a locking element for instance a door or a cap
  • the operator can fill/refill the conversion system with biological catalyst, i.e. introduce biological catalyst inside the storage unit, when the locking element is in its opened state (i.e. door opened or cap removed).
  • the storage unit may be equipped with a sensor for detecting the opened and locked states of the locking element, thereby providing information indicative of the filling/refilling of the conversion system with biological catalyst.
  • the biological catalyst(s) used in the invention may be a composition either in liquid form or in solid form.
  • the solid form may comprise a hydrogel encapsulating the biological catalyst.
  • a solid substrate onto which the biological catalyst is immobilized.
  • a suitable solid substrate is for instance synthetic polymers such as polystyrene, EVOH, nylon-6 and the like.
  • use may be made of carbohydrates, such as chitosan, dextran and agarose, and porous nanoparticles, for instance of silica.
  • the solid form may further be a powder or a powder compressed into one or more pellets, granules or beads. Alternatively, it is in the form of capsules or pills.
  • the biological catalysts can be embedded into cartridges.
  • cartridges may be provided with protective means such as coatings to maintain integrity and also to avoid contamination of biological catalyst and/or its composition.
  • cartridges (and/or other solid forms) may further be provided with a liquid composition of biological catalyst inside.
  • the cartridge may be equipped with an electrical connector and the storage unit may be equipped with a complementary electrical connector.
  • the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector can be designed such that, when the cartridge is inserted in the storage unit, the electrical connector engages the complementary electrical connector so as to create an electrical connection.
  • the step of detecting the filling/refilling of the conversion system with biological catalyst may consist in detecting the creation of such electrical connection.
  • a contact switch can be used and configured such that it is closed when the cartridge is present in the storage unit and open when the cartridge is removed out of the storage unit.
  • the source of energy is a dedicated resource aiming to power the conversion system only.
  • Suitable source of energy can be herein a fuel cell.
  • heat generated from the fuel cell can be collected and transmitted to the biological catalyst(s) for activating the latter.
  • the step of determining an amount of energy available at the source of energy may consist in measuring or estimating the current temperature of the fuel cell. For example, if the measured temperature is within a predetermined temperature range, then it is detected that there is sufficient heat energy available from the fuel cell to start a conversion operation and activate the biological catalyst such that to achieve a predetermined level of conversion.
  • the source of energy is a shared resource aiming to power the conversion system and other systems on board the vehicle.
  • Suitable source of energy can be herein the vehicle battery.
  • the step of determining an amount of energy available at the source of energy may consist in measuring or estimating the current amount of electrical energy stored in the vehicle battery.
  • the available amount of energy is equal to the measured amount of electrical energy stored in the vehicle battery minus a predetermined amount of energy, which corresponds to an amount of electrical energy allocated (i.e. reserved) to vital systems of the vehicle.
  • the energy from the energy source can be transmitted directly or indirectly to the biological catalyst for its activation.
  • specific means such as an electrical heater (using electrical current), a heat exchanger (using heat), a micro-wave heater or a metal plate using electromagnetic energy may be used.
  • the step of determining an amount of energy available at the source of energy can be performed in a continuous manner (continuous measuring) or in a sequential manner (i.e. at different points in time).
  • the predetermined level of conversion can be such that a full or at least a partial conversion of the compound is obtained.
  • the method of the present invention is independent of the operation of the internal combustion engine, in the sense that the conversion can start and stop either when the vehicle is parked (i.e. engine off) or when the vehicle is running (i.e. engine on).
  • the step of terminating said at least one conversion operation comprises the steps of:
  • the step of terminating said at least one conversion operation comprises the steps of:
  • the target quantity can be such that it corresponds to a given ratio of a total volume corresponding to the sum of the volume of compound and the volume of reaction product.
  • the required quantity of reaction product to meet NOx reduction in cold start-up or cold conditions is about 1 ⁇ 3rd of the total volume.
  • the required volume of effluents will correspond to the consumption during the start-up time: for instance, if the start-up time of the fuel cell is 10 minutes and the consumption of the fuel cell is 181/h, then the required quantity of reaction product is 3 liters.
  • the biological conversion operation can terminate when a predetermined target quantity of compound is converted.
  • the target quantity of compound to be converted will correspond to the ratio of fuel used for the start-up time (for example, during the first 10 minutes) versus the total amount of fuel used. So for a user who makes typical vehicle trips of 30 minutes, the target quantity of compound to be converted will be 1 ⁇ 3rd (i.e. 10/30) of the total quantity of compound available.
  • the step of terminating said at least one conversion operation comprises the steps of:
  • the progress of the conversion is suitably controlled by a time-control device (i.e. timer).
  • a time-control device i.e. timer
  • the step of terminating said at least one conversion operation comprises the steps of:
  • the detection of an event indicative of end-of-conversion may consist in comparing the parameter(s) characteristic of the reaction product with a predetermined threshold value(s) or with a predetermined range of values.
  • a predetermined threshold value(s) or with a predetermined range of values.
  • Such value(s) can be obtained, for example, from theoretical and/or experimental analysis. Good monitoring of the progress of the conversion, and thus efficient detection of an event indicative of end-of-conversion, can be achieved by measuring and analysing the thermal capacity and/or the electrical conductivity of the reaction product.
  • the latters can be measured by means of a conductivity sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.
  • the sensor(s) can be placed within or at the outlet of the reactor.
  • a chemical sensor pH sensor, ammonia sensor, etc.
  • the parameter(s) characteristic of the reaction product can be used to assess the activity of the enzyme.
  • the measured electrical conductivity of the reaction product for a given amount of energy supplied to the enzyme and for a given time of conversion can be compared to a look-up table to determine the level of activity of the enzyme. This allows detecting when the enzyme has to be renewed. This can further allow detecting malfunction of the system.
  • the method of the present invention allows the conversion system to operate either in a continuous mode or in a batch mode.
  • reaction product i.e. effluents
  • reaction product is transferred out of the reactor once the conversion is complete, for instance, when 80%, preferentially 95%, more preferentially 99% or ideally 100% of the compound is converted into reaction product.
  • the method further comprises:
  • the biological catalyst and/or the compound may be added to the reactor during operation of said reactor, or alternatively before operation of the reactor is resumed.
  • the batch mode is more complex to implement than the continuous mode. Indeed, it requires operating in a sequential manner the following steps of: terminating said at least one conversion operation; then conveying reaction product from the reactor towards the container (buffer); and then replenishing the reactor with biological catalyst and/or compound for a next conversion operation.
  • the batch mode has the advantage to allow close monitoring of the progress of the conversion (by means of a sensor, as previously described) and insure that the reaction is complete or is at the appropriate level of conversion before letting the reaction product go to the buffer and switch to another batch. Thus, the risk of contaminating the reaction product stored in the buffer with partially converted or non-converted reaction product is reduced.
  • the conversion system can operate in the continuous mode and the batch mode, in an alternate manner.
  • the method further comprises:
  • the amount of energy needed for activating the biological catalyst is determined as a function of the measured operating parameter(s).
  • the temperature of the reactor and/or the ambient temperature can be measured. These measured temperatures can then be used to determine a correction factor to be applied to the energy demand (i.e. amount of energy needed for activating the biological catalyst). This allows precise determination of the energy demand.
  • the invention relates to a vehicle system comprising:
  • a source of energy adapted to activate the biological catalyst for converting a compound into reaction product
  • an electronic controller configured to:
  • the electronic controller is further configured to perform the steps of the method as described above.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an ammonia generating system using a biological catalyst and to which the method of the present invention may be applied;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a flow chart of instructions depicting logical operational steps for activating and deactivating the biological catalyst of FIG. 1 in a continuous mode
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a flow chart of instructions depicting logical operational steps for activating and deactivating the biological catalyst of FIG. 1 in a batch mode.
  • FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the activity of the enzyme urease in function of the temperature.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ammonia generating system.
  • the ammonia generating system comprises a tank 10 , a retaining unit 20 , and a receiving part 30 for receiving the retaining unit 20 .
  • the tank 10 is adapted for storing an ammonia precursor solution (i.e. compound), such as a urea solution.
  • the tank 10 may be filled with the commercially available liquid ammonia precursor, known as AdBlue® and matching the ISO 22241 standard specifications.
  • AdBlue® the commercially available liquid ammonia precursor
  • Such a fluid contains 32.5 ⁇ 0.7 weight % urea.
  • the retaining unit 20 stores a catalyst, typically a biological catalyst, and for instance an enzyme such as urease.
  • the receiving part 30 with the inserted retaining unit 20 constitutes a decomposition area where the conversion of the ammonia precursor into reaction product takes place.
  • a cap (not shown) may be closing the decomposition area prior to operation.
  • the receiving part 30 comprises a heater 70 .
  • the heater 70 is configured for heating the enzyme and the ammonia precursor solution in the retaining unit 20 , when the retaining unit 20 is arranged in the receiving part 30 .
  • the receiving part 30 is provided with thermal conditioning means 80 for heating and/or cooling the retaining unit 20 .
  • the heater 70 heats up the decomposition area at the appropriate temperature for the reaction to occur, i.e. for the decomposing of the ammonia precursor solution into ammonia solution.
  • the reaction is powered by the heater 70 (i.e. energy supply).
  • the heater 70 heats up (i.e. supplies energy to) the decomposition area at the appropriate temperature for the reaction to occur, the enzyme activity increases (i.e.
  • the heater 70 can be of any type as known in the state of the art. Typically a resistive heater is well suited. However, it is also possible to provide, as a heater, a conduit through which the cooling liquid of the engine is circulated.
  • the thermal conditioning elements 80 may contribute to the heating during the decomposition of the ammonia precursor solution.
  • the thermal conditioning elements 80 may also condition the catalysts, typically enzymes, e.g. by cooling the catalyst around 4° C. In that way longer conservation times can be reached, and the decomposition reaction may be interrupted or slowed down while the vehicle is stopped.
  • These thermal conditioning elements 80 can be e.g. Peltier effect devices, isolating elements, phase change materials, or combinations of thereof.
  • the receiving part 30 is integrated in a filler pipe 15 of the tank 10 .
  • the filler pipe 15 is a pipe used for filling the tank 10 .
  • the receiving part 30 is integrated into a head of the tank filler pipe 15 .
  • the retaining unit 20 is first removed and the ammonia precursor is refilled through a filling orifice.
  • the retaining unit 20 (optionally a new one with fresh catalyst) is put in place in the receiving part 30 .
  • a fluid transfer device 51 allows the transfer of ammonia precursor solution to the decomposition area in the retaining unit 20 , via a first pipe section 31 .
  • the generated effluents containing the ammonia are collected in buffer reservoir 40 , from which they are sent to an ammonia consuming device (not shown), optionally using a fluid transfer device.
  • the generated effluents are conveyed from the retaining unit 20 towards the buffer reservoir 40 , via a second pipe section 32 .
  • a fluid transfer device can be for example a pump, a valve, a combination of both, gravity, gravity in combination with a valve or a valve in combination with whatever system known in the state of the art to transfer liquid. It is noted that if fluid transfer device 51 is a pump, it can pressurize both the retaining unit 20 and the buffer reservoir 40 so that the effluents can be sent directly to the ammonia consuming device.
  • An electronic controller or an electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown) is configured for controlling operation of the fluid transfer device(s) and the heater 70 .
  • the fluid transfer device(s) and the heater 70 are powered by the vehicle battery.
  • the ECU includes a series of computer-executable instructions, as described below in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3 . These instructions may reside, for example, in a RAM of the ECU. Alternatively, the instructions may be contained on a data storage device with a computer readable medium (for example, USB key or CD-ROM).
  • a computer readable medium for example, USB key or CD-ROM
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a flow chart of instructions depicting logical operational steps for activating and deactivating the biological catalyst of FIG. 1 in a continuous mode.
  • step S 1 the ECU detects the insertion of a new retaining unit 20 with fresh catalyst in the receiving part 30 .
  • the ECU obtains a measurement of the amount of electrical energy stored in the vehicle battery.
  • step S 4 a biochemical conversion is performed. More precisely, at step S 4 the ECU turns on the fluid transfer device 51 and the heater 70 (i.e. supply of energy), to convey ammonia precursor solution inside the retaining unit 20 and to activate the enzyme, respectively.
  • a check valve 60 is provided in the first pipe section 31 to prevent the ammonia precursor solution in the retaining unit 20 to return inside the tank 10 . In such continuous mode, the ammonia precursor solution is fed continuously to the retaining unit 20 (by the fluid transfer device 51 ) and the reaction product is continuously removed from the retaining unit 20 (by the fluid transfer device 51 or by another fluid transfer device) and transported to the buffer reservoir 40 .
  • the decomposition occurs at an ammonia precursor flow rate and residence time suitable to achieve complete or partial conversion for instance, 80%, preferentially 95%, more preferentially 99% or ideally 100% of the ammonia precursor solution is converted into ammonia solution (i.e. reaction product).
  • the residence time is the period of time a fluid is spending inside the retaining unit 20 at a given flow rate.
  • the test at step S 3 can further consist in verifying that there is a need to produce reaction product.
  • the ECU can perform the following steps:
  • this required quantity can be set such that it corresponds to 20 to 60% of the total volume corresponding to the sum of the volume of ammonia precursor and the volume of reaction product, or ideally 30 to 40% of such volume.
  • test at step S 3 can yet further consist in measuring the level of ammonia precursor solution stored in the tank 10 and verifying whether there is enough quantity of ammonia precursor solution for a conversion operation.
  • the ECU obtains a measurement of the amount of electrical energy stored in the vehicle battery.
  • the ECU performs a test which consists in determining whether the measured amount of electrical energy stored in the vehicle battery (at step S 5 ) is higher than or equal to the predetermined threshold level.
  • step S 7 the ECU turns off (at step S 7 ) the fluid transfer device 51 and the heater 70 (i.e. stop of the energy supply).
  • the ECU deactivates the enzyme and stops the biochemical conversion. Then, the process can return to step S 2 .
  • the thermal conditioning elements 80 can further be used to activate the enzyme to its optimal reaction temperature.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a flow chart of instructions depicting logical operational steps for activating and deactivating the biological catalyst of FIG. 1 in a batch mode.
  • a secondary fluid transfer device (not shown) is placed in the second pipe section 32 between the head of the tank filler pipe and the buffer reservoir 40 .
  • the secondary fluid transfer device is a controllable valve.
  • the controllable valve is arranged in the second pipe section 32 and is configured such that when it is closed, the solution present in the retaining unit 20 cannot flow in the second pipe section 32 towards the buffer reservoir 40 , and when it is opened, the solution present in the retaining unit 20 is evacuated out of the retaining unit 20 and is guided towards the buffer reservoir 40 .
  • Steps S 10 , S 20 and S 30 of FIG. 3 are similar to the above-described steps S 1 , S 2 and S 3 of FIG. 2 , respectively, and their descriptions are not repeated hereafter.
  • step S 40 If the answer to test S 30 is “yes”, the ECU executes step S 40 .
  • a biochemical conversion is performed. More precisely, at step S 40 , the ECU turns on the fluid transfer device 51 and the heater 70 , to convey ammonia precursor solution inside the retaining unit 20 and to activate the enzyme, respectively.
  • the fluid transfer device 51 is controlled such that a predetermined quantity of ammonia precursor solution is moved inside the retaining unit 20 .
  • the fluid transfer device 51 is turned off once the predetermined quantity of ammonia precursor solution has been moved inside the retaining unit 20 . Further, at step S 40 the controllable valve is closed.
  • the ECU monitors the progress of the conversion. More precisely, the ECU performs a test which consists in detecting an event indicative of end-of-conversion. To this aim, the ECU can perform the following steps:
  • step S 60 the ECU turns off the heater 70 and opens the controllable valve.
  • the solution present in the retaining unit 20 is evacuated (for example by gravity) out of the retaining unit 20 and is guided towards the buffer reservoir 40 .
  • step S 70 the ECU executes step S 70 (described hereafter).
  • step S 60 can be performed at the same time as the refilling of new ammonia precursor in the batch loop as part of step 40 . This is particularly advantageous since the fresh ammonia precursor (i.e. newly introduced in the retaining unit) will automatically push the effluents out of the retaining unit.
  • thermal inertia of the system it can be advantageous to take into account the thermal inertia of the system. This means that after the heater is off the solution is not immediately transferred to the buffer, as conversion is still running.
  • control of the conversion time period is based on an electrical conductivity comparison.
  • control of the conversion time period can be based on a time model or a time table, for instance the time necessary to obtain the required level of conversion can be tabulated depending upon the ageing of the enzymes, the number of conversion operation performed, the age of the enzymes, a temperature history during idle periods, etc. It can further be based on data provided by a chemical/physical sensor during the reaction: for instance, the total conversion time period can be calculated as 3 times the time it took to increase the electrical conductivity by a factor of 10; so if the electrical conductivity has been multiplied by 10 in 15 minutes, the total duration of the conversion can be fixed at 45 minutes.
  • step S 70 after complete evacuation of the effluents present in the retaining unit 20 , the ECU closes the controllable valve and obtains a measurement of the amount of electrical energy stored in the vehicle battery.
  • the ECU performs a test which consists in determining whether the measured amount of electrical energy stored in the vehicle battery (at step S 70 ) is higher than or equal to the predetermined threshold level.
  • step S 80 If the answer to test S 80 is “yes”, the process return to step S 50 , so as to replenish the retaining unit 20 with ammonia precursor solution and start a new conversion operation.
  • step S 10 the process can return to step S 10 (or S 20 ).
  • FIG. 4 represents the influence of the temperature on the activity of the enzyme urease during the decomposition (i.e. conversion) of ammonia precursor (i.e. compound) into ammonia (i.e. reaction product) described in Danial et al., Braz. Arch. Biol. Technol. v. 58 n. 2: pp. 147-153, March/April 2015.
  • the enzymes were incubated for 30 min into 1.0 mL of 3% (w/v) ammonia precursor at pH 7.5 and temperatures from 30 to 70° C. The optimal temperature was taken as 100% activity and the relative activity at each temperature was calculated as a percentage of the 100% activity.
  • the support material used for urease immobilization was alginate.
  • the decomposition rate i.e. conversion rate
  • the temperature i.e. energy supply

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Exhaust Gas After Treatment (AREA)
US15/774,057 2015-11-09 2016-11-09 Method for activating/deactivating a biological catalyst used in a conversion system on board a vehicle Abandoned US20180320574A1 (en)

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EP15193707.5 2015-11-09
EP15193707.5A EP3165732A1 (fr) 2015-11-09 2015-11-09 Procédé pour activer/désactiver un catalyseur biologique utilisé dans un système de conversion embarqué sur un véhicule
PCT/EP2016/077079 WO2017081058A1 (fr) 2015-11-09 2016-11-09 Procédé d'activation/désactivation d'un catalyseur biologique utilisé dans un système de conversion à bord d'un véhicule

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EP3505731A1 (fr) * 2017-12-28 2019-07-03 Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research Procédé de conversion partielle d'une solution comprenant un précurseur d'ammoniac
IT201800002868A1 (it) * 2018-02-20 2019-08-20 Errecinque S R L Serbatoio per una soluzione di urea di un veicolo

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CN108350785A (zh) 2018-07-31
EP3374611A1 (fr) 2018-09-19
EP3165732A1 (fr) 2017-05-10

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