Mathematical modelling of precious metals catalytic converters for diesel NO\+v\x\-v\ reduction

There is a large optimization potential in the design and control of lean-NO\+v\x\-v\ catalytic conversion systems due to the narrow temperature range of efficient operation and the need to have a high availability of reducing species in significant concentration. A mathematical model of the transport and chemical phenomena in platinum-based lean NO\+v\x\-v\ catalysts was formulated, based on experience with analogous models for gasoline three-way catalysts. Results are compared with previously published laboratory and engine data in order to assess the capacity of this approach in representing real-world behaviour of platinum-based lean-NO\+v\x\-v\ catalysts. These illustrate the power and flexibility of the model, which is able to predict the NO\+v\x\-v\ conversion characteristics in model gas tests as well as in full-scale engine tests with reasonable accuracy. (Original abstract - amended)