The next generation of automobile emissions reduction: Innovative control of off-cycle emissions

Innovative heat management technologies can reduce emissions from cars by an order of magnitude. Substantial reductions would be realized during cold starts and in evaporative emissions. Such improvements result from a new class of variable-conductance steel vacuum insulations that insulate during one time period and take advantage of beneficial thermal conditions during another. Around a catalytic converter, for example, such control allows heat from one driving cycle to catalyze engine-out emissions occurring at the beginning of the next cycle. As with other more efficient uses of heat in automobiles, reduced complexity and cost are likely compared to supplemental catalyst heating systems. In a similar way, thermal cycling of fuel and the resulting vapor release can be reduced or avoided. Urban air quality could be greatly improved by the wide availability of vehicles using these technologies early in the next century. This paper presents analyses and prototype data supporting the design, operation, and rapid market penetration of internal combustion engine vehicles with significantly lower emissions based on such improved thermal management. Potential implications for fleet emissions are discussed.