Numerical Simulation of Cold-Start Emission for the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: Mathematical Model and Result Analysis

This paper integrated a two-dimensional axisymmetrical transient model applicable to cold-start emission applications. The model can be used to simulate and explain effects of the flow and temperature distribution on performance of a converter. The evolutions of distribution of the temperature and concentration in the monolith during the cold-start period and the effects of flow distribution in the monolith on the cold-start performance are simulated in terms of the integrated model. The investigation indicates that the axial and radial gradients of temperature of the solid become steeper as the inlet gas temperature ramp increases; this furthermore results in the movement of reaction region in the monolith, and the flow distribution in the monolith affects the radial distribution of temperature of the solid;the radial gradients of temperature of the solid become greater as the flow uniformity index decreases, whereas the light-off time doesn't always increase as the flow uniformity index decreases. The analyses on the distribution of temperature and concentration in the monolith show that the catalytic reaction zone concentrates in central area near the front face. The predicted curves of the velocity distribution have a good agreement with the experimental data.