PR-309-14212-R01 Field Demonstration of Fully Integrated NSCR System

Local, state and federal regulations in the United Sates tend to favor NSCR as the emissions control technology of choice for lower output internal combustion (IC) engines. The technology can achieve extremely low emissions levels for NOx, CO and total hydrocarbons (THC). Theoretically an end user can add it on to any rich burn engine at relatively low cost and the technology scales down to the smallest IC engines. While superficially a “simple and proven” technology, NSCR control is in fact extremely complex, far more complex than the control of lean burn engines. The underlying problems with NSCR control are well documented. Using a systems approach an AETC/HOERBIGER team analyzed each component of the system and identified the core problems and possible solutions. Ultimately the team identified the need for a fully integrated system utilizing linear sensors and actuators. The team then theorized such a system could be controlled by an off the shelf PLC with typical PI control loops. Based on this conclusion HOERBIGER developed an integrated NSCR system utilizing linear sensors and actuators and controlled by an off the shelf PLC. Called the Advanced Richburn Control (ARC), HOERBIGER installed the system on six KVG-410 engines operating in pipeline compression and recorded performance for a year. Those results confirmed the system satisfied the performance requirements and validated the design concept.

This report has a related webinar.