Dynamic behaviour of automotive catalytic converters subjected to variations in engine exhaust compositions

Abstract

This paper presents a computational investigation of the effect of composition modulations on an automotive catalytic converter. The objective is to develop a better fundamental understanding of the converte's performance under actual driving conditions. Such an understanding will be beneficial in devising improved emission control methodologies by exploiting the catalyst transient behaviour. The study employs a single-channel-based, one-dimensional, non-adiabatic model. Two types of imposed transients (sinusoidal and step changes) are considered. The results show that composition modulations cause a significant departure in the catalyst behaviour from its steady behaviour, and modulations have both favourable and harmful effects on pollutant conversion.