Thermal management of newly developed non-noble metal-based catalytic converter to reduce cold start emissions of small internal combustion engine

In this study, thermal management of a newly developed non-noble metal-based catalytic converter, more suitable to smaller engines, has been investigated. Two different approaches are explored; first, use of phase change material (PCM) to keep the converter hot beyond light off temperature during shorter soak times and second, electrically heating up converter before or after engine cold start-up to reduce cold start emissions. The converter used had light off temperatures of 195 and 206°C for carbon monoxide and hydro carbons, respectively. Results showed that 1 kg of PCM was capable of keeping the converter hot beyond light off temperatures for a soak time of 2.5 h. Similarly, use of glow plugs also decreased the light off time of the converter to less than 2 min as compared to 13 min without thermal management measures.