System and method for reducing vehicle emissions and/or generating hydrogen
First Claim
1. A system for reducing emissions from a catalytic converter, comprising:
- supply means for supplying a gas containing hydrogen; and
injection means for injecting the gas into the exhaust stream prior to entry into the catalytic converter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Emissions from systems that use a catalytic converter are substantially reduced by introducing hydrogen, or a hydrogen containing fluid or fuel component, into the exhaust stream being scrubbed by the catalytic converter, resulting in instant lightoff and a significant reduction in emissions. Hydrogen for injection into the exhaust stream may, optionally, be generated within the vehicle using heat recovered from the catalytic converter, and/or the engine or elsewhere in the exhaust system, by a thermoelectric generator, the electrical output of which may be used to perform electrolysis and/or to power a reformer in order to generate the hydrogen. The thermoelectric generator may be retrofit onto the catalytic converter, or integrated in a way that enhances thermoelectric generation, including providing a catalyst coated heat sink and integrated cooling pipes to enhance the thermal differential required for thermoelectric generation. Sensors such as an oxygen sensor and temperature sensor may be provided to assess converter performance and adjust the temperature differential to ensure that the temperature of the converter remains optimum.
60 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A system for reducing emissions from a catalytic converter, comprising:
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supply means for supplying a gas containing hydrogen; and
injection means for injecting the gas into the exhaust stream prior to entry into the catalytic converter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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- 20. A vehicle including a electrolysis device for generating hydrogen, a internal combustion engine, a thermoelectric generator for supplying electricity for said hydrolysis in response to heat generated by said engine or an exhaust system of said engine, a catalytic converter, and means for supplying said hydrogen to said catalytic converter.
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25. A system for generating and utilizing hydrogen, comprising:
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means associated with an internal combustion engine for utilizing hydrogen;
a thermoelectric generator in thermal contact with a source of heat generated during internal combustion with the internal combustion engine;
a hydrogen generator connected to and supplied with power from the thermoelectric generator for supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen utilization means. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification