RESISTANCE ADJUSTING TYPE HEATER, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND METHOD OF OPERATING CATALYTIC CONVERTER

摘要

A resistance adjusting type heater according to the present invention comprises a honeycomb structure having a large number of passages. The honeycomb structure is provided with at least two electrodes through which a current is supplied thereto. The honeycomb structure also has a resistance adjusting means which attains a current density of 5 A/mm2 or above between the electrodes. A current is supplied between the electrodes at a current density of 5 A/mm2 or above. In a catalytic converter operating method according to the another mode of the present invention, a heater is energized at a predetermined power level or above and thereby heated substantially concurrently with the operation of an engine. During the heating, an oxidizing gas is introduced into the catalytic converter. When the temperature of the heater exceeds a value at which a main catalyst of the catalytic converter or an light-off catalyst carried on the heater functions, the power level is reduced by an output adjuster and supply of the oxidizing gas is suspended.