After exiting the cylinder head, the exhaust gases from the latest supercharged petrol engines pass through the turbocharger turbine and then through a 3-way catalytic converter. Their path must be as short as possible in order to limit heat loss and reduce the time required to initiate post-cleaning after a cold start. However, this proximity complicates the operation of the catalytic converter, which receives unstable gas flows of different temperatures and different lambda coefficients (oxygen content). Continental has developed a turbine outlet integrating a mixer internal to the catalyst and an overflow valve that does not interfere with the post-cleaning operation.
As indirect liquid cooling of batteries gradually takes over from air cooling, a new technology is helping to boost the charging power: immersing cells in a dielectric fluid.
