Modeling of a Urea SCR Catalyst With Automotive Applications

Abstract

A zero order lumped parameter control oriented model of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst is presented. The lumped parameter model is developed using two approaches. in the first approach it was assumed that the catalyst behaves as an Isothermal Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor (ICSTR). The second approach involved deriving the lumped parameter model from a 1D model using the method of weighted residuals. Both approaches led to a three state model, with the gas phase concentrations of NOx and NH3 and the surface coverage fraction as the states. The model depends on chemical properties specific to the SCR catalyst; consequently model validation requires knowledge of these parameters, either via laboratory-based experiments or as supplied by the catalyst supplier. We present an alternate approach that allows estimation of the essential parameters through a minimization of the l2 errors between measured and simulated results.