Modeling and simulation of a smart catalytic converter combining NOx storage, ammonia production and SCR

Dynamic simulation of the smart catalytic converter, proposed by Daimler AG, is presented. The smart catalytic converter combines NOx storage, on-board ammonia production and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and functions in a dual-mode operation, alternating between lean burn and rich burn. It relies on intrinsic dynamic operation and synchronization of all units and its development demands a reliable dynamic simulator. A platform capable of simulating the dynamic behavior of multiple-unit aftertreatment system was developed based on COMSOL package. Predictive kinetic models were developed for NOx storage unit that includes ammonia formation function and for NH3-SCR unit. Using these kinetic models, two-unit smart catalytic converter was simulated on the developed simulator. The results of the simulator were validated using two-unit experimental data. The simulator was also employed to control and optimize the performance of smart catalytic converter. It was shown that the simulator is vital for optimization of lean and rich periods in order to ensure stable lean–rich cycles.