Claims:We Claim:

1. A method for controlling catalyst light-off operation in an exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
determining, by a control unit (102) associated with an exhaust aftertreatment unit (300), operation of an engine to an ON state from an OFF state;
determining, by the control unit (102), a time period of the OFF state of the engine, before operation of the engine to the ON state;
comparing, by the control unit (102), the determined time period with a threshold time period;
sequentially detecting, by the control unit (102), at least one parameter including run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation, state of previous catalyst light-off operation and catalyst temperature, based on the comparison; and
selectively activating, by the control unit (102), a catalyst light-off module (107) associated with the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300), to perform catalyst light-off operation when the time period of the OFF state of the engine exceeds the threshold time period OFF state or when the at least one parameter is less than a threshold value of corresponding parameter.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprises receiving by the control unit (102), engine operating parameters upon determining ON state of the engine.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the engine operating parameters is one of engine oil temperature, engine coolant temperature and ambient temperature.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, comprises determining by the control unit (102) a duration of catalyst light-off state based on the engine operating parameters.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation condition is determined by the control unit (102), when the time period of the OFF state of the engine is less than the threshold time period, and the control unit (102) is configured to selectively activate the catalyst light-off module (107) when the determined run time is lesser than a threshold run time.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the state of previous catalyst light-off operation is determined by the control unit (102), when the detected run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation is greater than a threshold run time of the engine, and the control unit (102) is configured to selectively activate the catalyst light-off module (107) when the previous catalyst light-off operation is determined to be incomplete.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catalyst temperature is determined by the control unit (102) when the previous state of the catalyst light-off operation is determined to be complete, and the control unit (102) is configured to selectively activate the catalyst light-off module (107) when a determined catalyst temperature is less than a threshold catalyst temperature.

8. A system (100) for selectively controlling catalyst light-off condition in an exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) of an engine, the system (100) comprising:
a control unit (102) interfaced with an engine and an exhaust aftertreatment unit (300), the control unit (102) is configured to:
determine, operation of an engine to an ON state from an OFF state;
determine, a time period of the OFF state of the engine, before operation of the engine to the ON state;
compare, the determined time period with a threshold time period;
sequentially, detect at least one parameter including run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation, state of previous catalyst light-off operation and catalyst temperature, based on the comparison; and
selectively activate a catalyst light off module associated with the exhaust after treatment unit, to perform catalyst light-off operation if the time period of the OFF state of the engine exceeds the threshold OFF state time period or when the at least one parameter is less than a threshold value of corresponding parameter.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (102) is associated with a timer (105), configured to detect the time period of the OFF state of the engine and run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of sensors (101) are temperature sensors (101) associated with the engine and aftertreatment unit (300).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to determine engine operating parameters upon determining the ON state of the engine.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the engine operating parameters is engine oil temperature, engine coolant temperature and ambient temperature.

13. A vehicle comprising a system (100) for selectively controlling catalyst light-off condition in an exhaust aftertreatment unit (300), as claimed in claim 8.

Dated this 10th day of August, 2021

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA 1852
OF K & S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]

TITLE: “A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY CONTROLLING LIGHT-OFF OPERATION IN AN EXHAUST AFTERTREATMENT UNIT”

Name and Address of the Applicant: TATA MOTORS LIMITED; Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India.

Nationality: IN

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

[001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an exhaust aftertreatment unit of a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system and a method for selectively controlling catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit.

[003] BACKGROUND

[004] Vehicles which run by internal combustion engines emit gases into the atmosphere which are harmful to the environment. To reduce these emissions from the vehicles, various systems have been employed in the engine and exhaust system of the vehicles. Such systems are generally known as emission control systems. The emission control systems are employed in the vehicles to limit the discharge of noxious gases from internal combustion engine. The main sources of these gases in the vehicles are engine exhaust, crankcase, fuel tank, and carburettor. Exhaust pipe discharges burnt and unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur, traces of various acids, and the like. The crankcase is a secondary source of unburnt hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide to a lesser extent. Further, in the fuel tank and carburettors, hydrocarbons continuously evaporate from the fuel, thereby leading to emissions although to a minor extent.

[005] A variety of systems for controlling emissions from all the above-defined sources are continuously being developed to reduce the extent of emissions. These systems are continuously improved to meet the stringent emission norms levied on the various vehicles. Generally, to treat the exhaust gases emitted from the engine, exhaust after treatment units are employed in the vehicles. Catalytic convertor is one part of the exhaust after treatment unit. The catalytic convertor includes a catalyst, which converts harmful emissions into less harmful gases, which are then let into the atmosphere. The catalyst operate at maximum conversion efficiency when temperature of the catalyst is maintained at optimum range, which is termed as catalyst light-off temperature. A typical catalyst light-off temperature is approximately 400° C, with a standard maintenance temperature ranging from 400° C to 600° C. In order to increase temperature of the catalyst to the catalyst light-off temperature, a catalyst light-off operation is carried out in the exhaust after-treatment unit. Catalyst light-off operation includes passing of unburnt fuel into the catalyst, where the fuel burns with oxygen, thereby increasing the temperature of the catalyst. This catalyst light-off operation is performed for a specific duration till the catalyst reaches the catalyst light-off temperature.

[006] Conventionally, catalyst light-off operation is initiated each time upon starting of the engine. However, when vehicles are operated in traffic conditions, vehicles are halted or engine is operated to OFF condition for a brief duration of time, after running for a certain duration. In such situations, when the engine is operated to ON condition, the catalyst light-off operation initiates even though the catalyst has already attained the catalyst light-off temperature. That is, the catalyst light-off operation is initiated each time after the ON condition of the engine, irrespective of the temperature of the catalyst, resulting in wastage of fuel, thereby affecting fuel efficiency of the engine.

[007] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other limitations associated with the prior arts.

[008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[009] One or more shortcomings of conventional methods and systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the method and system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[010] In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling catalyst light-off operation in an exhaust aftertreatment unit of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes determining by a control unit associated with an exhaust aftertreatment unit, an operation of the engine to an ON state from an OFF state. Further, the method includes determining by the control unit a time period of the OFF state of the engine before operation of the engine to the ON state and comparing the determined time period with a threshold time period. Furthermore, the method includes sequentially detecting by the control unit at, least one parameter including run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation, state of previous catalyst light-off operation and catalyst temperature, based on the comparison. Additionally, the method includes selectively activating by the control unit, a catalyst light-off module associated with the exhaust aftertreatment unit, to perform catalyst light-off operation when the determined time period of the OFF state of the engine exceeds the threshold time period OFF state or when the at least one parameter is less than a threshold value of corresponding parameter.

[011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes receiving by the control unit, engine operating parameters upon determining ON state of the engine. The engine operating parameters is one of engine oil temperature, engine coolant temperature and ambient temperature.

[012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes determining by the control unit a duration of catalyst light-off state based on the engine operating parameters.

[013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation condition is determined by the control unit, when the time period of the OFF state of the engine is less than the threshold time period. Further, the control unit is configured to selectively activate the catalyst light-off module when the determined run time is lesser than a threshold run time.

[014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, state of previous catalyst light-off operation is determined by the control unit, when the detected run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation is greater than a threshold run time of the engine, and the control unit is configured to selectively activate the catalyst light-off module when the catalyst light-off operation is determined to be incomplete.

[015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the catalyst temperature is determined by the control unit when the catalyst light-off operation is determined to be complete, and the control unit is configured to selectively activate the catalyst light-off module when a determined catalyst temperature is lesser than a threshold catalyst temperature.

[016] In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, system for selectively controlling catalyst light-off condition in an exhaust aftertreatment unit of an engine is disclosed. The system includes a control unit interfaced with an engine and the exhaust aftertreatment unit. The control unit is configured to determine operation of an engine to an ON state from an OFF state, and determine a time period of the OFF state of the engine before operation of the engine to the ON state. Further, the control unit is configured to compare the determined time period with a threshold time period and sequentially detect at least one parameter including run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation, state of previous catalyst light-off operation and catalyst temperature, based on the comparison. Additionally, the control unit is configured to selectively activate a catalyst light off module associated with the exhaust after treatment unit, to perform catalyst light-off operation if the time period of the OFF state of the engine exceeds the threshold OFF state time period or when the at least one parameter is less than a threshold value of corresponding parameter.

[017] In an embodiment, the control unit includes a timer which is configured to detect the time period of the OFF state of the engine and run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation.

[018] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors are temperature sensors associated with the engine and the exhaust aftertreatment unit.

[019] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine engine operating parameters upon determining the ON state of the engine, and duration of catalyst light-off state based on the engine operating parameters.

[020] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[022] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[023] Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exhaust aftertreatment unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[024] Figure. 2 is a block diagram of a system for selectively controlling a catalyst light-off operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[025] Figure. 3 is a flow chart illustrating operation of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[026] Figure. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an operational sequence of the system for selectively controlling the catalyst light-off operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[027] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[029] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[030] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of system or method, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the system and method of the present disclosure may be employed in any kind of vehicles including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and the like. However, neither the vehicle nor complete exhaust system of the vehicle is illustrated in the drawings of the disclosure is for the purpose of simplicity.

[031] The terms “comprises…. a”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in assembly and system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

[032] Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a method for controlling catalyst light-off operation in an exhaust aftertreatment unit of a vehicle. Conventionally, catalyst light-off operation is initiated each time upon starting of the engine. However, when vehicles are operated in traffic conditions, vehicles are halted or engine is operated to OFF condition for a brief duration of time, after running for a certain duration. In such situations, when the engine is operated to ON condition, the catalyst light-off operation initiates even though the catalyst has already attained the catalyst light-off temperature. That is, the catalyst light-off operation is initiated each time after the ON condition of the engine, irrespective of the temperature of the catalyst, resulting in wastage of fuel, thereby affecting fuel efficiency of the engine.

[033] Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a system and a method for controlling catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit of the vehicle. The system may include a plurality of sensors, which may be associated with an engine and the exhaust aftertreatment unit. The plurality of sensors may be temperature sensors. The temperature sensors may be configured to measure temperature of engine oil, engine coolant, ambient temperature and catalyst temperature. Further, the system may include a control unit, which may be interfaced with the plurality of sensors. The control unit may include a timer, which may be configured to detect time period of an OFF state of the engine and run time of the engine after the catalyst light-off operation.

[034] In operation, the control unit may determine operation of the engine to an ON state from an OFF state. The ON state of the engine from the OFF state may be a trigger signal to selectively control catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit. After receiving the trigger signal, the control unit may determine the time period of the OFF state of the engine, before operation of the engine to the ON state. Further, the control unit may compare a determined time period of the OFF state with a threshold time period. When the determined time period of the OFF state of the engine is greater than the threshold time period, the control unit may activate a catalyst light-off module to perform catalyst light-off operation to increase temperature of the catalyst. The control unit may further sequentially detect at least one parameter, which include run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation, state of pervious catalyst light-off operation and catalyst temperature, when the determined time period of the OFF state of the engine is less than the threshold time period.

[035] The control unit may sequentially determine run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation, when the time period of the OFF state of the engine is less than the threshold time period. The control unit may activate the catalyst light-off module, if the run time of the engine after the catalyst light-off operation is less than the threshold run time of the engine after the catalyst light-off operation. Further, if the run time of the engine after the catalyst light-off operation is greater than the threshold run time of the engine after the catalyst light-off operation, the control unit may sequentially continue to determine a state of pervious catalyst light-off operation. If the state of the previous catalyst light-off operation is determined to be incomplete, the control unit may activate the catalyst light-off module. Further, if the state of the previous catalyst light-off operation is determined to be complete, the control unit may sequentially continue to determine temperature of the catalyst and compare the determined temperature with the threshold temperature. When the determined temperature of the catalyst is less than the threshold temperature, the control unit may activate the catalyst light-off module to perform catalyst light-off operation.

[036] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. With general reference to the drawings, a system for selectively controlling catalyst light-off operation is illustrated and generally identified with reference numeral (100). The system (100) may be shown operatively associated with an exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) of an exhaust system [not shown] of a vehicle [not shown]. It will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular vehicle. Also, for the purpose of simplicity the vehicle is not depicted in the figures.

[037] Figures. 1 and 2 illustrates a schematic view of an exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) and a block diagram of a system (100) for selectively controlling catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) of the vehicle, respectively. The system (100) may include a plurality of sensors (101), which may be associated with an engine and the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300). In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (101) may be temperature sensors (101), which may be configured to determine engine operating parameters. As an example, the engine operating parameters may be engine oil temperature, engine coolant temperature, ambient temperature, and catalyst temperature. The system (100) may further include a control unit (102), which may be interfaced with the plurality of sensors (101) and a catalyst light-off module (107). As apparent from Figure. 2 the control unit (102) may include a receiving module (103), a processing module (104), a timer (105) and an activation module (106). In an illustrated embodiment, the timer (105) is a part of the control unit (102). However, the same cannot be construed as a limitation since the timer (105) may be an independent component [i.e., a part of the system (100)] and may be communicatively coupled to the control unit (102).

[038] As seen in Figure. 3, at block (401), the control unit (102) may receive a status of the engine to be in an ON state. The control unit (102) may be configured to determine the status of the engine. The status of the engine may include an ON state or OFF state. In an embodiment, he ON state of the engine from the OFF state may be a trigger signal to selectively control catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300). In an embodiment, the control unit may be associated with a starter module [not shown] to receive the trigger signal. At block (402), after receiving the trigger signal, the control unit (102) may determine a time period of the OFF state of the engine, before operation of the engine to the ON state. Further, at block 403, the control unit (102) may be configured to compare the determined time period (to be referred as “D off” in Figure. 3) with a threshold time period (to be referred as “T off” in Figure. 3 and Figure. 4) stored in a memory unit [not shown in figures] associated with the control unit (102). When the determined time period of the OFF state of the engine is greater than the threshold time period, the control unit (102) may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation. Block (404) relates to the activation the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation. Further, as seen in block (405), when the determined time period of the OFF state of the engine is less than the threshold time period, the control unit (102) may be configured to sequentially detect at least one parameter, which include run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation, state of pervious catalyst light-off operation and catalyst temperature. When the determined at least one parameter is less than a threshold value, the control unit (102) may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation. Now, detailed working of the control unit (102) to selectively control catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment system is described hereinafter.

[039] The receiving module (103) of the control unit (102) may be configured to determine operation of the engine to the ON state from the OFF state. That is, the receiving module (103) may receive a trigger signal corresponding to operation of the engine from the OFF state to the ON state, which may be fed to the timer (105). Upon receiving the trigger signal, the timer (105) may determine the time period of the OFF state of the engine before operation of the engine to the ON state and generate an input signal. Further, the processing module (104) may receive the input signal (i.e., the time period of the OFF state of the engine before operation of the engine to the ON state) and compare the determined time period with the threshold time period. Based on the comparison, the processing module (104) may generate a signal. That is, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the activation module (106), when the determined time period is greater than the threshold time period. The activation module (106) upon receiving the signal may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform the catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) to increase temperature of the catalyst (301). Further, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the timer (105) when the determined time period is less than the threshold time period. Based on the signal (i.e., the determined time period being less than the threshold time period) from the processing module (104), the timer (105) may determine run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation and may generate an input signal to the processing module (104). In an embodiment, the phrase “run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation” may be time period for which the engine is operated after performing the catalyst light-off operation. Upon receiving the input signal (i.e., run time of the engine after the catalyst light-off operation), the processing module (104) may compare the determined run time of the engine with a threshold run time and may generate a signal based on the comparison wherein the signal is generated by the activation module (106) when the determined run time of the engine is less than the threshold run time. The activation module (106) upon receiving the signal may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform the catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) to increase temperature of the catalyst (301).

[040] Further, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the receiving module (103) when the determined run time of the engine is greater than the threshold run time. The receiving module (103) upon receiving the signal (i.e., the determined run time of the engine being greater than the threshold run time), may receive a signal from the catalyst light-off module (107). The signal from the catalyst light-off module (107) may correspond to a state of previous catalyst light-off operation, which may be then fed into the processing module (104). In an embodiment, the phrase “state of previous catalyst light-off operation” infers whether the previous catalyst light-off operation is complete or incomplete. Further, the processing module (104) may analyse the signal received from the receiving module (103) and may determine state of the previous catalyst light-off operation and may generate a signal. That is, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the activation module (106) when the determined state of the previous catalyst light-off operation is incomplete. The activation module (106) upon receiving the signal may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) to increase temperature of the catalyst (301).

[041] Further, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the receiving module (103) when the determined state of the previous catalyst light-off operation is complete. Based on the signal (i.e., the previous catalyst light-off operation being complete) from the processing module (104), the receiving module (103) may receive a signal from the temperature sensor, which may correspond to temperature of the catalyst (301). The signal received by the receiving module (103) may be fed into the processing module (104), where the processing module (104) compares the catalyst temperature with a threshold temperature. Based on the comparison, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the activation module (106) when the determined catalyst temperature is less than the threshold catalyst temperature. The activation module (106) upon receiving the signal may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) to increase temperature of the catalyst (301). Further, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the catalyst light-off module (107) to disable catalyst light-off operation, when the determined catalyst temperature is greater than the threshold catalyst temperature.

[042] In an embodiment, the sequential operation may interrupt at any stage when the processing module (104) generates a signal to the activation module (106) to activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform the catalyst light-off operation. For example, if the processing module (104) generates a signal to activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform the catalyst light-off operation, when the time period of the OFF time of the engine is greater than the threshold OFF time, the sequential operation by the control unit (102) may stop at this stage. Similarly, if the processing module (104) generates a signal to activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform the catalyst light-off operation, when the run time of the engine after catalyst light-off operation is less than the threshold run time, the sequential operation by the control unit (102) may stop at this stage, and the like.

[043] Turning now to Figure. 4, which is a flowchart depicting operational sequence of the system (100) for selectively controlling catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300). As illustrated in flowchart of Figure. 4, the one or more blocks illustrates a sequence of operation of the system (100). The operation may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform functions or implement abstract data types.

[048] The order in which the operation is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[044] At block 201, the control unit (102) may determine operation of the engine to the ON state from the OFF state. The receiving module (103) of the control unit (102) may receive a trigger signal corresponding to operation of the engine to the ON state from the OFF state. Once, the control unit (102) determines the ON state of the engine, the timer (105) may determine the time period of the OFF state of the engine before operation of the engine to the ON state [as seen in block 202]. In an embodiment, once the engine is operated to the ON state, the receiving module (103) may receive signals from the plurality of sensors (101), which corresponding to engine operating parameters such as temperature of engine oil, temperature of engine coolant and ambient temperature.

[045] At block 203, the determined time period by the timer (105) may be fed into the processing module (104), where the processing module (104) may compare the determined time period with the threshold time period and generate a signal based on the comparison. If the time period exceeds the threshold time period, the processing module (104) may generate the signal to the activation module (106), which in turn activates the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation. Also, the processing module (104) may be fed with engine operating parameters, where the processing module (104) may analyze the engine parameters and generate a signal, which may correspond to a duration of performing the catalyst light-off operation. In the event the determined time period is less than the threshold time period (to be referred as T rt), the processing module (104) may generate the signal to the timer (105).

[046] At block 204, the timer module (105) upon receiving the signal may determine the run time of the engine after the catalyst light-off operation. The determined run time (to be referred as D rt) by the engine may be compared with the threshold run time by the processing module (104) (as seen in block 205), and a signal based on the comparison may be generated. The processing module (104) may generate a signal to the activation module (106) when the determined run time of the engine is less than the threshold run time. The activation module (106) upon receiving the signal may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) to increase temperature of the catalyst (301). Further, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the receiving module (103) when the determined run time of the engine is greater than the threshold run time.

[047] The receiving module (103) upon receiving the signal may receive a signal from the catalyst light-off module (107), which may be fed into the processing module (104) (as seen in block 206). The processing module (104) may analyze the signal from the receiving module (103) to determine state of the previous catalyst light-off condition and generate a signal based on the analysis. The processing module (104) may generate a signal to the activation module (106) when the determined state of the previous catalyst light-off operation is incomplete. The activation module (106) upon receiving the signal may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) to increase temperature of the catalyst (301). Further, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the receiving module (103) when the determined state of the previous catalyst light-off operation is complete.

[048] Further as seen in block 207, the receiving module (103) upon receiving the signal from the processing module (104), may receive a signal from the temperature sensor, which may correspond to temperature of the catalyst (301). The signal received by the receiving module (103) may be fed into the processing module (104), where the processing module (104) compares the catalyst temperature with a threshold temperature (block 208). Based on the comparison the processing module (104) may generate the input signal to the activation module (106) when the determined catalyst temperature is less than the threshold catalyst temperature. The activation module (106) upon receiving the signal may activate the catalyst light-off module (107) to perform catalyst light-off operation in the exhaust aftertreatment unit (300) to increase temperature of the catalyst (301). Further, the processing module (104) may generate a signal to the catalyst light-off module (107) to disable catalyst light-off operation, when the determined catalyst temperature is greater than the threshold catalyst temperature.

[049] In an embodiment, the control unit (102) performs the sequential operation as described in the foregoing paragraphs, each time when the engine is operated to the ON state from the OFF state, in order to selectively control the catalyst light-off operation. That is, the control unit (102) activates the catalyst light-off module (107) only when required, unlike conventional techniques where the catalyst light-off operation is initiated when the engine is operated to ON position, irrespective of the requirement. Therefore, the system (100) aids in improving fuel efficiency of the engine, as the fuel used for unnecessary catalyst light-off operations is mitigated.

[050] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit (102) may be a centralized control unit (102), or a dedicated control unit (102). The control unit (102) may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The processing module (104) of the control unit (102) may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system (100) generated requests. The processing module (104) may be a specialized processing module (104) such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing modules, digital signal processing modules, etc. The processing module (104) may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing module (104) may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[051] In some embodiments, the control unit (102) may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

[052] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system (100) of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[053] Equivalents:

[054] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[055] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100)) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[056] List of Reference Numerals:

Particular Reference numeral
System 100
Sensors 101
Control unit 102
Receiving module 103
Processing module 104
Timer 105
Activation module 106
Catalyst light-off module 107
Exhaust aftertreatment unit 300
Catalyst 301