Patent ID: 6381955
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: B60W,B60Y,F01N,F02D,F02N,Y02A,Y02T

Abstract:
An exhaust system for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the exhaust system comprising:an electrically heated catalyst operable for cleaning exhaust gas discharged by the internal combustion engine when the temperature of the electrically heated catalyst is in an operating temperature range; a catalyst heater operable for converting electrical energy into heat; an integral starter-alternator operable for converting mechanical energy generated by the internal combustion engine into electrical energy, wherein electrical energy from the integral starter-alternator is supplied to the catalyst heater during vehicle overrun, wherein the catalyst heater uses the electrical energy to heat the electrically heated catalyst in order to maintain the temperature of the electrically heated catalyst in the operating temperature range during vehicle overrun; a temperature sensor operable for generating a temperature sensor signal indicative of the temperature of the electrically heated catalyst; and a controller operable for processing the temperature signal to determine the temperature of the electrically heated catalyst, wherein the controller enables electrical energy from the integral starter-alternator to the catalyst heater after vehicle overrun initiates and the temperature signal indicates that the temperature of the electrically heated catalyst is below the operating temperature range.