Method for operating an exhaust gas system, method for operating a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

A method for operating an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine having at least one heater and a catalytic converter for converting hydrocarbons, includes operating the heater in such a way that it is adapted to the aging state of the catalytic converter. A method for operating a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle are also provided.

1 . A method for operating an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing at least one heater;   providing a catalytic converter for the conversion of hydrocarbons; and   adapting operation of the at least one heater as a function of an aging state of the catalytic converter.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , which further comprises:
 operating the at least one heater at least as a function of a predefined threshold temperature of the catalytic converter; and   varying the predefined threshold temperature as a function of a present age of the catalytic converter.   
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , which further comprises:
 determining a hydrocarbon conversion temperature of the catalytic converter;   comparing the hydrocarbon conversion temperature with a predefined threshold temperature; and   operating the at least one heater if the hydrocarbon conversion temperature is lower than the predefined threshold temperature.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , which further comprises providing the at least one heater with heating segments, and adapting a heating power of the at least one heater by operating a different number of the heating segments. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , which further comprises adapting a heating power of the at least one heater by implementing a different activation duration of the at least one heater. 
     
     
         6 . A method for operating a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing the motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system having at least one heater and a catalytic converter for the conversion of hydrocarbons;   adapting operation of the at least one heater as a function of an aging state of the catalytic converter by determining a hydrocarbon conversion temperature of the catalytic converter, comparing the hydrocarbon conversion temperature with a predefined threshold temperature and operating the at least one heater if the hydrocarbon conversion temperature is lower than the predefined threshold temperature; and   adapting the operation of the at least one heater not in a first operating phase of the motor vehicle but only when the predefined threshold temperature reaches a particular value.   
     
     
         7 . A method for operating a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing the motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system having at least one heater with heating segments and a catalytic converter for the conversion of hydrocarbons;   adapting operation of the at least one heater as a function of an aging state of the catalytic converter by adapting a heating power of the at least one heater by operating a different number of the heating segments; and   adapting the operation of the at least one heater not in a first operating phase of a motor vehicle but only when a predefined threshold temperature reaches a particular value.   
     
     
         8 . A method for operating a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing the motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system having at least one heater and a catalytic converter for the conversion of hydrocarbons;   adapting operation of the at least one heater as a function of an aging state of the catalytic converter by adapting a heating power of the at least one heater by implementing a different activation duration of the at least one heater; and   adapting the operation of the at least one heater not in a first operating phase of a motor vehicle but only when a predefined threshold temperature reaches a particular value.   
     
     
         9 . A motor vehicle, comprising:
 an internal combustion engine;   an exhaust system connected to said internal combustion engine, said exhaust system having at least one heater and a catalytic converter disposed downstream of said at least one heater for converting hydrocarbons; and   a controller configured to adapt operation of said at least one heater as a function of an aging state of said catalytic converter.