The primary objective of this system is to advance the use of zero-emission ships in the maritime sector, effectively eliminating emissions such as CO₂, NO_X, SO_X, PM, and others. The design emphasizes ease of installation, with a configuration that seamlessly integrates key auxiliary components like gas valve units into the system housing. Additionally, the system’s capability for parallel connection of multiple units and flexibility in adjusting the number of installed modules in its housing allow it to cater to diverse ship output requirements.

Both the system and its installed modules have successfully met the prescribed requirements for fuel cell power systems based on ClassNK’s “Guidelines for Fuel Cell Ships (2nd Edition).” This confirmation follows test results conducted in accordance with relevant standards.

Yanmar Power proposed this innovative system to a range of vessels, including passenger ships, workboats, and cargo ships, that operate in coastal areas with access to hydrogen infrastructure. This development marks a significant step towards sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime solutions.

*As of January 17, 2024. First AiP of a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system by ClassNK

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Cars, trucks, buses, trains, and even construction and farming equipment running on diesel and gasoline produce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution.

In response to this growing concern, countries and governing agencies set limits on the number of pollutants an engine can emit. The latest emission standards regulate carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

In turn, automobile manufacturers equip their vehicles with after treatment devices to comply with stringent emission standards. A diesel exhaust system plays a crucial role in vehicle performance and likewise contributes to environmental protection efforts.

Regular car servicing is essential to ensure that after-treatment devices like Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems function effectively, maintaining compliance with Australia’s stringent emission standards.

What Are After Treatment Devices?

After treatment devices help meet emission standards by trapping particulates and converting exhaust gases into harmless emissions. They compromise an entire system that works alongside your vehicle’s engine.

Modern diesel engines include a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The cleaning process begins when the emission gases move from the engine towards the after treatment system.

The DPF collects and traps particulate matter and then sends it to a regeneration cycle to burn off the soot. Hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide gases then enter the DOC. After collecting particles from the gases in the DPF and DOC, the Selective Catalytic Reduction system with the help of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid converts the remaining nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen gas and water vapor.

After treatment devices also include sensors to indicate their performance. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors indicate NOx conversion efficiency while particulate matter (PM) sensors measure ash and soot. Exhaust temperature sensors monitor the temperature of emitted gas and protect aftertreatment components from overheating.

Manufacturers install after treatment systems to ensure diesel engines produce emissions that are well below recommended limits. They ensure vehicles pass emission tests before they leave the factory.

Sensors are installed to collect information and send it to the engine’s control mechanisms to ensure acceptable emission rates. They also work together to inform the driver or the mechanic of the after treatment system’s performance. An emission light on your dashboard is a tell-tale sign of an ongoing issue that requires a checkup and may even necessitate repair.

After Treatment Device Maintenance

Once vehicles are on the road, it is up to drivers and mechanics to ensure that after treatment systems undergo regular maintenance. An emission light on your dashboard is one of the tell-tale signs that there is an ongoing issue with your exhaust system. If you also notice reduced mileage or recurring downtimes, it’s time to give your after treatment system the attention it deserves.

Devices such as filters and sensors require regular maintenance to ensure that they serve their purpose. Routine checks can uncover issues such as clogged filters or broken sensors. These require immediate repair. At times, parts replacement is the best solution to ensure consistent performance and prevent costly expenses in the future.

In turn, well-maintained after treatment systems serve numerous advantages. For one, efficient devices improve fuel efficiency. This means fewer trips for fuel refills and improved energy combustion. In addition, keeping an eye on your sensors and alarms ensures the engine remain in good condition for a long time.

After Treatment Systems And Evolving Emission Standards

After treatment systems are instrumental to engine and exhaust efficiency. However, evolving emission standards require better technologies. Countries such as China, Japan, and the United States now have stricter regulations to meet the demands for cleaner diesel and better air quality. For Australia and several countries in Europe and Asia that follow European standards, Euro 6 is the new norm. Recently, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) also issued a standardized emissions test for all manufacturers.

To comply with these new regulations, vehicle manufacturers are modifying the design of their after treatment systems. New technologies allow them to integrate various devices (DPF, DOC, SCR) into a single module that takes up less space without sacrificing machine performance.

Apart from compact designs, manufacturers are also improving DEF treatments. Diesel exhaust fluid mixing aims to produce cleaner, near-zero emissions. Some are even looking into dual DEF injection systems to conform to new emissions standards.

Innovations in exhaust sensing technologies are also well underway. Algorithms increase sensor sensitivity and improve system responsiveness. Manufacturers continue to develop new exhaust technologies to ensure compliance and to address changing customer demands.

Conclusion

In sum, after treatment systems ensure diesel engines adhere to current emission standards. The DPF and DOC filter particulate matter and reduce carbon emissions while the SCR system converts oxides of nitrogen into harmless nitrogen gas and water vapor.

As emission regulations become stricter, manufacturers employ innovative technologies such as compact designs, improved DEF treatments, and enhanced sensor sensitivity to ensure compliance and improve vehicle performance.

Once on the road, drivers need to understand how after treatment systems work. They need to know the value of these devices and learn to spot issues with their vehicle’s exhaust systems. Mechanics can then troubleshoot the issue with repairs or replacements.

Performing maintenance checks diligently can ensure that diesel exhaust systems comply with current emission standards and even anticipate more stringent emission standards in the future.

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These 48-volt systems can power new, advanced energy-consuming components and can help reduce emissions and improve fuel economy and performance.

“This development comes as global vehicle manufacturers are making decisions to adopt new technologies to meet emissions regulations,” said Ben Karrer, manager, Technology Development, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “Of the options available, 48-volt architectures are becoming more popular because they can decrease both CO2 and NOx simultaneously, which helps both our customers and the environment.”

Most vehicles have traditionally operated with a 12-volt system, but with tightening fuel economy regulations and new, advanced power-consuming components being added, increasing power needs are driving the move toward 48-volt systems.

Reduce mechanical loads and CO2 by powering systems with 48-volt architecture

Many vehicle systems today are powered directly from mechanical power generated by the engine, which runs 12-volt systems such as air conditioning and pumps. Eaton is developing 48-volt systems that include motor generators and inverters that generate 48-volt DC power for the vehicle. Eaton also produces 48-volt DC/DC converters that step power down from 48-volt vehicle architectures to power 12- and 24-volt systems.

48-volt system can heat aftertreatment catalyst to reduce NOx emissions

Collectively, new emissions regulations will reduce tailpipe NOx limits by up to 90%, accelerating the need for global engine manufacturers to employ additional emissions reduction strategies.

Eaton’s Vehicle Group is also developing power electronics for 48-volt electric catalyst heating, which provides heat directly to the vehicle’s aftertreatment system. This active heating helps catalyst components reach efficient operating temperatures faster upon engine start and maintain those temperatures during low load operation. This will be an essential strategy for reducing emissions to the levels required by future regulations.

“Forty-eight-volt power will also be used to power systems such as HVAC and the engine cooling fan, which are traditionally run by the engine,” said Karrer. “Today’s systems are not intelligent—you can’t control when they’re on or off or adjust the levels. Converting those components to electric alternatives allows you to intelligently control them and eliminate mechanical loads.”

Electrified cooling offers multiple environmental, efficiency improvements

An electrical engine cooling fan and electric air conditioning compressor are also under development. Electrifying the cooling fan provides additional benefits, as it could be reduced in size and strategically placed within the engine bay, allowing for aerodynamic design flexibility to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions.

Supercapacitors, lead-acid batteries for 48-volt system power storage

Eaton’s Vehicle Group is developing a wide range of 48-volt energy storage solutions, including lead-acid batteries and supercapacitors.

“We’re integrating various energy storage technologies into a larger storage pack including controls, fusing, and contactors,” said Karrer. “Eaton’s Electrical Components Group is our partner for supercapacitors, and we will be working with most commercial vehicle battery manufacturers for lead-acid batteries.”

Lead-acid batteries are inexpensive compared to lithium-ion packs and offer a safe and more efficient solution, with a longer lifespan when compared to existing lead-acid battery applications.

Supercapacitors are able to quickly charge and discharge at higher rates than lithium-ion batteries. While the size and weight are comparable to lithium-ion packs, supercapacitors don’t retain high levels of energy in comparison or require a liquid cooling system, and they have a longer cycle life.

This suite of technologies is an example of how Eaton is working to achieve its 2030 Sustainability Targets, which include reducing the carbon emissions from our operations by half and lowering product and supply chain emissions. Learn more about their commitment to improving the quality of life and the environment.

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