Circuit and control method for electrically heating a catalyst
US5645745A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/40
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In an engine exhaust system including a DC power source, an apparatus and method for electrically heating a catalyst, the apparatus comprising a multi-phase AC alternator in electrically operable relation to the DC power source, the AC alternator rectifying the AC to DC by a diode rectifier bridge. A device for switching power supplied from the multi-phase AC alternator to the battery to the electrically heated catalyst, the relay device in electrically operable relation with the multi-phase AC alternator. An electrically heated catalyst in electrically operable relation with the switching device is also provided, the catalytic converter including a catalyst for purifying exhaust gases of the engine and a heating element for bringing the catalytic converter expediently within peak operating temperature. The invention further includes a device for energizing and de-energizing the switching device, the energizing and de-energizing device in electrically operable relation with the switching device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.