The performance test of the car catalytic converter in the conditions of urban operation

Abstract

In the conditions of continuous operation of a car tests of its engine for compliance with the declared environmental class on specialized test benches seem to be quite costly and laborious. Given this circumstance, in this paper a simplified method for verifying the operability of converters is proposed including the assessment of the influence of certain operation modes and some operational factors on the amount of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions. Efficiency of the converter was estimated by comparing the experimental data on the emissions of these toxic components in the exhaust system before and after the converter. To test the efficiency of the converter, the cold start and warm-up modes of the engine were selected and investigated, as well as several modes close to those typical for testing the engine and car in urban areas according to the European Driving Cycle. As operational factors, typical malfunctions were investigated that often occur during the operation of an engine and significantly increase the amount of harmful emissions. A criterion is proposed for evaluating the performance of the converter and recommendations are given to increase the efficiency of the converter to meet the certain emission standards for cars with spark-ignition engines.