| abstract |
An operational control system (1) for an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine (40), a vehicle (10) and a method of onboard generation of hydrogen in a vehicle (10) being powered by an internal combustion engine (40). The operational control system (1) includes a source of electric current (2), a gas generator (3) with a supply of hydrogen precursor material, an SCR (5) device and a fuel octane boosting device. The gas generator (3) is configured to convert the contained precursor material into an H2 gas by operation of solar energy, electrical energy or both being delivered by the source. The SCR (5) device is fluidly cooperative with the gas generator (3) such that a catalyst-activated fluid-permeable medium disposed in an exhaust gas flowpath defined by the SCR (5) device accepts the passage of the exhaust gas through it and at least intermittently receives the H2 gas from the gas generator (3) to perform catalytic reduction of NOx. Likewise, the fuel octane boosting device defines an H2 gas conduit that is structured to deliver H2 from the gas generator (3) can be at least intermittently introduced to the internal combustion engine as a way to provide an enhanced energy content to diesel, gasoline or related fuel being combusted therein. |