Investigation on the Control Strategy for Marine Selective Catalytic Reduction System

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system has been proven to be an effective technology for the removal of NO_x emitted from marine diesel engines. In order to comply with stringent International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III NO_x emission regulations, a number of engine manufacturers have developed their own SCR systems. This paper focuses on modeling of an SCR reactor and developing model-based urea dosing control strategy. A mathematical model of SCR reactors has been established. Model-based control strategy relies on the three-state and one-state reactor models established to accomplish urea dosing algorithm and is promising in limiting excessive NH₃ slip. The SCR reactor model is further used in a simulation for the purpose of developing model-based urea dosing control strategies. The simulation results show that the NO sliding mode control requires a massive prestudy of the NO_x reduction capability of the catalyst in order to set an appropriate control objective for each operating condition. However, this calibration work can be omitted in the optimal control and NH₃ sliding mode control, which mitigates the workload of the controller design. The optimal control strategy presents a satisfied control performance in limiting NH₃ slip during transient state engine operating conditions.