Accelerated Aging Methodology for Catalyst on Engine Test Benches: Practical Considerations for a Successful Implementation of the Methodology

The durability of automotive catalysts is a critical factor in ensuring compliance with strict environmental regulations throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. Accelerated aging methods are widely used in the industry to predict catalyst degradation over a reduced period, allowing for performance optimization and ensuring their effectiveness in emission reduction. The ABNT NBR 16897:2021 standard establishes general guidelines for these tests but does not define in detail all the experimental conditions necessary for practical implementation. Addressing this gap, this study proposes the application and development of a standardized experimental procedure for accelerated catalyst aging, aligned with current regulations and adapted to test conditions in an engine dynamometer test bench. The objective is to provide a solid technical foundation, filling gaps for future implementations of this methodology, allowing investigations into the durability of aftertreatment systems and assisting both researchers and manufacturers in validating their products. This paper focuses exclusively on the description and validation of the experimental procedure. The methodology adopted in this study involves equipping the catalysts with K-type thermocouples for precise thermal monitoring, the selection and calibration of an internal combustion engine on a dynamometer test bench, and the control of test parameters via the FuelTech control unit. The aging time was determined using the Bench Aging Time (BAT) equation, following the temperature profile recorded during the Standard Road Cycle (SRC) on a chassis dynamometer. The implementation of the cycle, following the collected data, is carried out by running the engine on a bench dynamometer using the Standard Bench Cycle (SBC), ensuring precise accelerated aging that accurately reflects the same thermal exposure that the aftertreatment unit experiences during conventional vehicle operation throughout its lifespan. The methodological standardization and the analysis of implementation challenges offer a solid technical reference for future applications.