Importance

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Abstract

The invention pertains to a honeycomb body which can be electrically heated. Heating power is non-homogeneously distributed in the monolith. The honeycomb body is formed from at least one layered metal sheet which is wound or layered and intertwined. A multiplicity of flow channels for a fluid are provided. Each of the flow channels have openings at the two mutually opposite end faces of the honeycomb body. At least one current path is formed in the layers with an electrical resistance which is non-homogeneously distributed along the length of the path. The path can carry a current for heating the honeycomb body. According to the invention, the current path has an electrical resistance which is always adapted to the requirements of the voltage source to which the honeycomb is to be connected for the purpose of heating the same. Furthermore, the spatial distribution and the shape of the path in the honeycomb body may be adapted to specific requirements, for instance due to a certain geometry of the honeycomb or its intended use. Such honeycomb bodies are especially suited for heatable carriers for catalysts for converting noxious substances in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, such as Otto engines. It is possible, with the catalyst carrier body to attain virtually instantaneous activation of the catalyst upon engine start-up.

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First Claim