Patent ID: 6986247
Filing Date: 2006-01-17
Classification: B01F,B29C,F01N,H01L,H01M,H02J,Y02A,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A preheat system for reducing emissions in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the preheat system comprising: an exhaust passage having exhaust gasses flowing herein and having a flow direction; a temperature sensor disposed in the catalytic converter adapted for determining a perceived temperature of the catalytic converter and further adapted for sending a signal corresponding to the perceived temperature; a catalytic converter including a catalytic monolith and having a light-off temperature and disposed in the exhaust passage and in fluid communication with the exhaust gases; a valve disposed in the exhaust passage either upstream or downstream of the catalytic converter, the valve having a closed position adapted for restricting the flow of exhaust gases and an open position; and a thermoelectric generator disposed in heat exchange relationship with the catalytic monolith; a preheat controller adapted for receiving the perceived temperature and comparing it with the light-off temperature and adapted for controlling the thermoelectric generator to transfer heat to the catalytic monolith, the preheat controller in electric communication with the valve and operable to position the valve in the closed position when the perceived temperature of the catalytic converter is below the light-off temperature and operable to position the valve in the open position when the perceived temperature of the catalytic converter is at or above the light-off temperature.