Optimizing the performance of catalytic convertor using turbulence devices in the exhaust system

Abstract

Turbulence flow of exhaust gases improves the efficiency of the catalytic converter in the exhaust system of vehicle. In literature, additional devices are used for creating the turbulence. However, they reduce the engine performance by inducing additional backpressure. In this work, various configurations of turbulence generating device are considered for optimizing the performance of the exhaust system of vehicle such as maximum conversion efficiency of the catalytic converter with minimum back pressure at engine exhaust system. In this context, various configuration device for generating turbulence is attached before the catalytic converter for measuring back pressure and analysing the exhaust of four-cylinder 1400-cc diesel engine. The flow of exhaust is visualized using commercial software Fluent for knowing effect of device configuration on the flow pattern. It has been found that the turbulence device with swirl blade configuration is more effective in improving the conversion efficiency of the catalytic converter at low back pressure as compared to other configuration of devices. Therefore, the swirl blade turbulent device is effective and efficient.