Switchable radiative energy harvesting systems and methods of harvesting radiation are disclosed. A system includes an optical filter that includes at least one of an active material and a passive material. The optical filter is switchable between a shield mode and a harvesting mode such that the at least one of the active material and the passive material is in a reflecting state during the shield mode such that the optical filter blocks passage of radiation from a thermal emitter to a thermophotovoltaic cell and a transmitting state during the harvesting mode such that that the optical filter allows the radiation to pass from the thermal emitter to the thermophotovoltaic cell.

A heating system includes at least one electric heater disposed within a fluid flow system and a control device that is configured to determine a temperature of the at least one electric heater based on a model, at least one fluid flow system input, and at least one heater input. The at least one heater input includes at least one physical characteristic of the heating system, the at least one physical characteristic includes at least one of a resistance wire diameter, a heater insulation thickness, a heater sheath thickness, a conductivity, a specific heat and density of the material of the heater, an emissivity of the heater and the fluid flow pathway, and combinations thereof. The control device is configured to provide power to the at least one electric heater based on the temperature of the at least one electric heater.

A sealing assembly for a sensor port of a double-walled muffler. The assembly includes at least an outer plate and a washer-type element. The washer-type element has a planar portion provided with an aperture, and a tube portion protrudes from an edge of the aperture. The assembly is mounted on a sensor port provided with a boss fixed to an inner wall of the double muffler wall, and with an opening in an outer wall surrounding the boss. The tube portion is fitted over the boss, and the assembly is fixed to the outer wall. Any radial or lateral movement of the boss relative to the outer wall is able to take place without losing sealing function, due to lateral freedom of movement of the washer-type element relative to the outer plate, and due to the fact that the boss is able to move relative to the tube portion.

An exhaust aftertreatment unit for cleaning exhaust gases includes an emission reducing module being a diesel particulate filter, DPF, and/or a diesel oxidation catalyst, DOC, a selective catalyst reduction, SCR, catalyst, an electrical heating element arranged upstream of the emission reducing module, a casing housing at least the emission reducing module and the electrical heating element, and a service lid removably arranged to cover a service opening of the casing through which the emission reducing module may be accessed. The electrical heating element is removably arranged relative the casing and is arranged accessible upon removal of the service lid and the emission reducing module.

A method for NOx emission control during start of a vehicle comprising an exhaust aftertreatment system, an engine, and a NOx sensor is provided. The method includes determining a temperature of the NOx sensor; if the determined temperature of the NOx sensor is below a predetermined threshold, initiating heating of the NOx sensor, and performing a preventive action for delaying engine start until a determined temperature of the NOx sensor exceeds or is equal to the predetermined threshold.

An engine exhaust system includes a catalytic converter, an exhaust conduit connected upstream of the catalytic converter, and an oxygen sensor extending into the exhaust conduit at a first axial position of the exhaust conduit. A valve is located within the exhaust conduit at the first axial position. The valve includes a movable throttle plate having a bypass notch formed on a periphery of the plate. The valve has an open position, and a closed position in which the bypass notch is placed adjacent to the oxygen sensor to guide exhaust over the oxygen sensor.

A wastegate valve for a bypass path for a turbocharger in an internal combustion engine, the wastegate valve comprises a valve seat defining a plane which is non-orthogonal to the principal flow axis for gases flowing along the bypass path and a valve member pivotable from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position the valve member is seated on the valve seat, and in a fully open position the valve member is positioned to direct gases exiting the bypass path onto a leading face of a catalytic converter monolith for heating the monolith.

A method for controlling exhaust flow in an EATS of a vehicle. A NO.sub.x sensor output parameter is monitored. It is determined that the NO.sub.x sensor output parameter is below a limit. When the NO.sub.x sensor output parameter is below the limit, it is determined that a first part of the exhaust flow should bypass at least a first area of the SCR unit and that a second part of the exhaust flow should be inputted to at least the first area of the SCR unit. It is initiated that the first part is bypassed and that the second part is inputted to at least the first area of the SCR unit. An amount of reductant that should be added to the second part of the exhaust flow is determined. Addition of the amount of reductant is initiated.

An exhaust gas purification device including: a first case communicating with an exhaust manifold of an engine and internally including a first exhaust gas purification body for removing a carbon compound; and a second case communicating with an exhaust outlet of the first case and internally including second exhaust gas purification bodies for removing a nitrogen compound. The first case and the second case are arranged above the engine and in an L-shape to respectively extend along two side surfaces of the engine, the two side surfaces being adjacent to each other.

A valve assembly for an exhaust system of a vehicle comprises a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinally extending exhaust gas passageway in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly further comprises a valve flap disposed in the housing and rotatable between a first position restricting exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway, and a second position whereat exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway is less restricted. A mass damper is disposed within the exhaust gas passageway and attached to the valve flap. The mass damper includes end portions and an intermediate portion disposed between the end portions with the intermediate portion having a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the end portions. The mass damper is positioned proximate an inner surface of the housing and positioned between the valve flap and the housing when the valve flap is at the second position.