Cooled EGR Modulation: A Strategy to Meet EURO IV Emission Standards in Automotive DI Diesel Engines

In this paper the performance of a new EGR cooler with double efficiency capabilities is presented. This device allows for temperature modulation between the actual cooled and non-cooled EGR temperature. The cooler has a double circuit in its interior controlled by a valve. The outer dimensions of the cooler remain the same as current fixed geometry coolers. The prototype has been characterized on test flow and thermal efficiency rigs and also tested on the engine test bed. Tests show that for steady partial load conditions little benefits may be achieved in CO and HC emissions with a small increase of NOx emissions. More promising results have been obtained during engine warm-up tests in which significant reductions of HC and CO are attained with low increases of NOx emissions. This shows a potential to reduce CO and HC emissions which are mostly generated during the first stages in the emission certification test in Europe. Also, this technique can be used to improve catalyst light-off, particle trap regeneration and some other engine functions.