Heesung Catalysts Receives the 2024 Edison Awards Special Honor
2024.12.16
Heesung Catalysts Leads Global Eco-Friendly Technology with Next-Generation Emission Control Technology ‘TWC-NT’
With increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the automotive industry requires more advanced eco-friendly technologies than ever before. In particular, the new emission regulations in North America and Europe set to take effect in 2027 demand cutting-edge solutions that surpass the limitations of existing technologies. Amid these global regulatory trends, Heesung Catalysts has once again solidified its position as a global leader in eco-friendly technology by receiving the prestigious 2024 Edison Patent Award.
The award-winning TWC-NT (Three Way Catalyst – NOx Trap) technology is an innovative solution designed to proactively address next-generation emission regulations while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Heesung Catalysts’ Technological Excellence Continues Edison’s Legacy of Innovation
The Edison Patent Award is an annual ceremony organized by the Research & Development Council of New Jersey that honors scientific innovation and the spirit of invention while evaluating the societal value of patents. Award winners are selected based on strict criteria, including importance, utility, socio-economic impact, novelty, and commercial influence, through rigorous screening by a panel of top researchers from New Jersey.
At the 45th annual award ceremony, held on November 21 at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey, Heesung Catalysts was honored for its TWC-NT technology. This achievement, alongside 14 other groundbreaking innovation patents worldwide, signifies global recognition of Heesung Catalysts’ technological excellence.
TWC-NT: A Breakthrough in Next-Generation Emission Control
The innovation behind TWC-NT technology lies in overcoming the limitations of conventional three-way catalysts. Improving fuel efficiency in gasoline vehicles is most effective when fuel is cut off during deceleration or steady-speed driving. However, this process leads to a surge in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, which traditional three-way catalysts struggle to manage.
Heesung Catalysts’ TWC-NT technology provides a groundbreaking solution to this issue. By developing a high-temperature NOx storage material that remains stable at over 1,000°C, the limitations of existing three-way catalysts are surpassed.
TWC-NT effectively traps and stores NOx during fuel cut-off and later converts it into harmless nitrogen (N₂) under fuel-rich conditions. A key advantage of this technology is its ability to preemptively remove NOx emissions, thereby reducing nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions—which has 298 times the global warming potential of CO₂—by over 50% compared to traditional three-way catalysts.
Through these advancements, TWC-NT meets the strictest global emission regulations, including LEV-4 and Tier-IV in North America and Euro 7 in Europe, all while enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond the Award: A Commitment to a Sustainable Future
“TWC-NT technology plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles, making a meaningful contribution to achieving a carbon-neutral society. Building on this award, we will continue to develop creative and innovative technologies that benefit society.”
— Jin-Woo Song, Executive Director of Heesung Catalysts Research Center
The TWC-NT technology was born from discussions in vehicle laboratories, tackling specific emission challenges in real-world driving conditions. By identifying problems on-site, engaging in relentless research, and persistently challenging existing limitations, Heesung Catalysts has achieved true technological innovation.
Winning the Edison Patent Award underscores Heesung Catalysts’ commitment to technological excellence and a sustainable future. Moving forward, the company will continue to expand R&D investments and develop innovative eco-friendly technologies, contributing to global environmental solutions. Heesung Catalysts is dedicated to creating environmental value, driving industrial progress, and fulfilling social responsibility, paving the way for a sustainable future.
