Continental exhaust strategy: With 48 volts against nitrogen oxides

Z u supplier Continental considers diesel to be absolutely future-proof and is presenting system solutions for extremely low-emission diesel engines at the Vienna Motor Symposium, which promise up to 60 percent less nitrogen oxide with further reduced consumption.

In order to realize the vision of a clean diesel vehicle, the Engineers in several steps. A newly developed piezo common rail injection system has been trained to perform a post-injection that will significantly accelerate the start-up of the SCR catalytic converter and thus reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in the future WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light-duty Test Procedure) driving cycle by 37 percent.

An electrically heatable catalytic converter close to the engine should also be used to reduce emissions. With a short-term output of up to three kilowatts, it brings the SCR catalytic converter behind it - regardless of the engine operating strategy - to operating temperature after a short time. The heating catalytic converter should be able to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 14 percent. The energy for the catalyst heating is to be obtained exclusively from the 48-volt system from recuperated braking energy.

An electrically heated catalytic converter close to the engine should contribute to faster emission control.

A 48-volt hybrid system based on a belt-driven starter generator is planned as a further component. This should support the combustion engine in acceleration phases. Further significant savings in consumption should be made possible through predictive driving. The on-board system should decide in advance when the vehicle is best to roll and when it should be recuperated.

In total, the test vehicle presented in Vienna should reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 60 percent compared to today's euro 6 diesel vehicleresult, with a simultaneous fuel consumption reduction of two percent.