Reducing particulate matter emissions from engine exhaust

Abstract

The exhaust gas is treated within the vehicle. Solar energy is converted into electricity, which is used to power an electrochemical cell mounted on the vehicle. Oxygen and hydrogen are produced by the electrochemical cell. The heat and oxygen produced by the electrochemical cell are supplied to a particulate filter mounted on the vehicle, thereby oxidizing particulate matter disposed on the particulate filter.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 741,432, filed January 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the treatment of vehicle exhaust gases. [Background technology]

[0003] Particulate matter may be present in exhaust gases produced by vehicles during operation. If the particulate matter is emitted into the atmosphere, it may contribute to air pollution. To reduce the amount of particulate matter emitted by such vehicles, aftertreatment of engine exhaust gases may be used. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of such aftertreatment may be an environmentally and commercially advantageous endeavor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes techniques for treating vehicle exhaust gases, and more specifically, for mitigating soot and particulate matter (PM) emissions in engine exhaust.

[0005] In a first general aspect, a method for treating exhaust gases onboard a vehicle is implemented. A solar cell onboard the vehicle and coupled to an electrochemical cell converts solar energy into electrical power. The electrochemical cell onboard the vehicle is powered with the electrical power converted by the solar cell. The electrochemical cell produces a first oxygen stream and a first hydrogen stream. The heat and the first oxygen stream are provided to a particulate matter filter onboard the vehicle, thereby oxidizing particulate matter disposed on the particulate matter filter.

[0006] In a second general aspect, a vehicle exhaust gas treatment system mounted on a vehicle includes a solar cell, an electrochemical cell, and an oxygen flow passage. The solar cell is mounted on the vehicle and configured to convert solar energy into electrical power. The electrochemical cell is configured to be mounted on the vehicle. The electrochemical cell is configured to couple to the solar cell. The electrochemical cell is configured to generate a first oxygen stream and a first hydrogen stream in response to receiving electrical power from the solar cell. The oxygen flow passage is configured to flow the first oxygen stream from the electrochemical cell to a particulate matter filter of the vehicle.

[0007] The first and second general aspects can include one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination.

[0008] In some embodiments, generating the first oxygen stream and the first hydrogen stream includes recovering water from engine exhaust gas produced by the vehicle during operation of the vehicle, and electrolyzing the recovered water.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first hydrogen stream is provided to an engine of a vehicle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first hydrogen stream is combusted to generate heat. In some embodiments, the heat generated by combusting the first hydrogen stream is provided to a particulate matter filter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first hydrogen stream is combusted using an ignition device disposed proximate the particulate matter filter, thereby combusting particulate matter disposed on the particulate matter filter.

[0012] In some embodiments, a heat recovery system installed on the vehicle and coupled to the engine exhaust recovers energy from the engine exhaust. In some embodiments, the heat recovery system converts the recovered energy into electrical power. In some embodiments, an electrochemical cell is powered using the electrical power converted by the heat recovery system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electric heater is powered by using at least one of electricity converted by a solar cell or electricity converted by a heat recovery system. The electric heater generates heat in response to the power supply. In some embodiments, the particulate matter filter is heated by using the heat generated by the electric heater.

[0014] In some embodiments, a solar collector mounted on the vehicle and coupled to a photocatalytic cell mounted on the vehicle collects sunlight. In some embodiments, an optical fiber conveys the collected sunlight to the photocatalytic cell. In some embodiments, the photocatalytic cell produces a second oxygen stream and a second hydrogen stream in response to receiving the collected sunlight. In some implementations, the second oxygen stream is provided to a particulate matter filter.

[0015] In some embodiments, producing the second oxygen stream and the second hydrogen stream includes recovering water from the engine exhaust and photocatalytically decomposing the recovered water.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second hydrogen stream is supplied to an engine of the vehicle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second hydrogen stream is combusted to generate heat. In some embodiments, the heat generated by combusting the second hydrogen stream is provided to a particulate matter filter.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system includes a heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the heat recovery system includes at least one of a thermoelectric generator or a turbine. In some embodiments, the heat recovery system is configured to be mounted on a vehicle. In some embodiments, the heat recovery system is configured to couple to an engine exhaust of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the heat recovery system is configured to recover energy from the engine exhaust. In some embodiments, the heat recovery system is configured to convert the recovered energy into electrical power. In some embodiments, the heat recovery system is configured to power an electrochemical cell.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system includes an electric heater. In some embodiments, the electric heater is configured to be mounted on the vehicle. In some embodiments, the electric heater is configured to couple to at least one of a solar cell or a waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the electric heater is configured to generate heat in response to receiving electrical power from at least one of the solar cell or the waste heat recovery system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system includes a hydrogen flow passage configured to channel a first hydrogen stream from the electrochemical cell to an engine of the vehicle.

[0021] In some embodiments, the system includes a hydrogen flow passage configured to channel a first hydrogen stream from the electrochemical cell to an ignition device disposed proximate the particulate matter filter.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system includes a solar collector, an optical fiber, and a photocatalytic cell. In some embodiments, the solar collector is mounted on the vehicle and configured to collect solar light. In some embodiments, the optical fiber is configured to convey the collected solar light from the solar collector to the photocatalytic cell. In some embodiments, the photocatalytic cell is mounted on the vehicle and configured to generate a second oxygen stream and a second hydrogen stream in response to receiving the collected solar light.

[0023] In some embodiments, the system includes a hydrogen flow passage configured to channel a second hydrogen stream from the photocatalytic cell to an engine of the vehicle.

[0024] In some embodiments, the system includes a hydrogen flow passage configured to channel a second hydrogen stream from the photocatalytic cell to an ignition device disposed proximate the particulate matter filter.

[0025] The details of one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are set forth in the accompanying drawings and specification. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system that may be used to treat vehicle exhaust gas in accordance with one embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system that may be used to treat vehicle exhaust gas in accordance with another embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system that may be used to treat vehicle exhaust gas in accordance with another embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 1D]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system that may be used to treat vehicle exhaust gas in accordance with another embodiment.

[0030] [Diagram 2] 1 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for treating vehicle exhaust gas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The present disclosure describes the treatment of vehicle exhaust gases. The techniques described herein generally relate to mitigating soot and particulate matter (PM) emissions in engine exhaust, including, for example, diesel and gasoline engine exhausts. The subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented in certain embodiments to achieve one or more of the following advantages: PM emissions can be mitigated by oxidizing PM to less harmful products such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. In gasoline engines, oxygen and heat can be provided to promote PM oxidation. In diesel engines, heat can be provided to promote PM oxidation, and oxygen can also be provided if additional oxygen would improve PM oxidation. Oxygen can be provided, for example, by onboard generation of oxygen by electrochemical water splitting, by onboard generation of oxygen by photocatalytic water splitting, by an air supply, or by a combination thereof. In some embodiments, heat is provided by onboard exhaust heat recovery, by solar flux collected from the roof of the vehicle or elsewhere on the vehicle, by power generated onboard by photovoltaics, by combustion of hydrogen generated from onboard water splitting, or by a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more components are powered by on-board waste heat recovery, by on-board conversion of solar flux collected from the vehicle roof or other locations on the vehicle, by power generated on-board by photovoltaics, by power generated on-board by photocatalytic water splitting, or by a combination thereof. Thus, heat that is normally wasted or dissipated to the surrounding environment can be recovered and converted into energy. Furthermore, each of the components of the described technology can be mounted on the vehicle. For example, all of the components of the described technology are configured such that the entire system is mounted on the vehicle and thus travels with the vehicle and can be used while the vehicle is in operation. The described technology can be implemented on vehicles with engines that use an igniter, such as a spark plug, heat plug, or other type of igniter, or compression ignition.

[0032] 1A illustrates a vehicle exhaust gas treatment system 100 mounted on a vehicle 150. The vehicle 150 includes an engine 152. In some embodiments, the vehicle 150 includes an aftertreatment system 154. In some embodiments, the aftertreatment system 154 is configured to treat exhaust gases 153 generated by the engine 152 during operation of the vehicle 150. In some embodiments, the aftertreatment system 154 may include a particulate matter filter 156. Treated exhaust gases 157 are emitted from the vehicle 150.

[0033] In some embodiments, the vehicle exhaust gas treatment system 100 complements the aftertreatment system 154. The vehicle exhaust gas treatment system 100 is configured to be installed on a vehicle 150. In some embodiments, the vehicle exhaust gas treatment system 100 includes an electrochemical cell 102a, a solar cell (photovoltaic cell) 104a, and an electric heater 106. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 102a is coupled to the solar cell 104a. In some embodiments, the electric heater 106 is coupled to the solar cell 104a.

[0034] The electrochemical cell 102a is configured to hold water. The electrochemical cell 102a includes electrodes. Each of the electrodes may include, for example, platinum, stainless steel, or iridium. According to some embodiments, the LEDs of the electrochemical cell 102a are connected to and powered by the solar cell 104a. The electrochemical cell 102a is configured to electrolyze water to produce oxygen and hydrogen in response to the received power. According to some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 102a is fully or partially powered by the solar cell 104a. In some embodiments, the water is collected from the engine exhaust 153, condensed, or both. In some embodiments, the water is provided by an auxiliary water tank, which may be filled, for example, by an end user.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an oxygen flow passage 103a configured to flow oxygen from the electrochemical cell 102a to the particulate filter 156. The oxygen provided to the particulate filter 156 may oxidize the particulate matter (disposed on the particulate filter 156). The oxidation of the particulate matter may convert the particulate matter into gaseous components, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. The conversion of the particulate matter to gaseous components then regenerates the particulate filter 156.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a hydrogen flow passage 105a configured to flow hydrogen from the electrochemical cell 102a to the engine 152, where the hydrogen may be mixed with fuel and combusted. If the engine 152 is a spark ignition engine, adding hydrogen to the engine 152 (e.g., to its combustion chamber) may improve overall efficiency, improve engine operation, and reduce the amount of emissions produced by the engine 152. If the engine 152 is a compression ignition engine, adding hydrogen to the engine 152 (e.g., to its combustion chamber) may reduce the amount of nitrous oxide and soot in the emissions, promote auto-ignition of non-diesel fuels (e.g., gasoline), or both.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a hydrogen flow passage configured to flow hydrogen from the electrochemical cell 102a to an ignition device located proximate the particulate filter 156. The ignition device may combust the hydrogen, and the combustion of the hydrogen proximate the particulate filter 156 may combust particulate matter disposed on the particulate filter 156. The combustion of the hydrogen proximate the particulate filter 156 may also increase the temperature of the particulate filter 156. The combustion of hydrogen by itself does not result in the production of carbon dioxide.

[0038] The solar cell 104a is configured to convert solar energy into electrical power. The solar cell 201 is a device that changes an electrical property, such as current, voltage, or resistance, when exposed to light (e.g., sunlight). The solar cell 201 includes a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) that can absorb photons (e.g., from sunlight). In some embodiments, the solar cell 201 converts the solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity. In some embodiments, the solar cell 201 includes an inverter that converts the power into alternating current (AC).

[0039] The electric heater 106 is an electrical device that converts electrical power into heat. In some embodiments, the electric heater 106 includes a heating element that is an electrical resistor. When an electrical current passes through the resistor, electrical energy is converted into thermal energy. The resistor can be made from, for example, nichrome. In some embodiments, the electric heater 106 is fully or partially powered by the solar cell 104a. In some embodiments, the heat generated by the electric heater 106 is used to increase the temperature of the particulate filter 156. In some embodiments, the electric heater 106 is configured to heat the particulate filter 156 to a temperature of about 500 degrees Celsius (°C) or greater. For example, the electric heater 106 can be configured to heat the particulate filter 156 to a temperature of about 550°C, about 600°C, or about 650°C. Increasing the temperature of the particulate filter 156 to about 500°C or greater can improve oxidation of particulate matter (e.g., disposed on the particulate filter 156 or flowing with the exhaust gas). Increasing the temperature of the particulate filter 156 to a temperature of approximately 500° C. or greater can accelerate the rate of oxidation of particulate matter (e.g., disposed on the particulate filter 156 or flowing with the exhaust gas) to a rate sufficient to reduce the amount of particulate matter emitted from the vehicle 150 to an acceptable level (e.g., less than 3 milligrams per mile (mg / mi) or less than 1 mg / mi).

[0040] In some embodiments, the hydrogen produced by the electrochemical cell 102a (or a portion of the hydrogen produced by the electrochemical cell 102a) may be combusted to generate heat that can be used to increase the temperature of the particulate filter 156. In some embodiments, the heat generated by combusting the hydrogen is provided to the particulate filter 156 instead of, or in combination with, the heat generated by the electric heater 106.

[0041] FIG. 1B illustrates the system 100 including a waste heat recovery system 104b. The waste heat recovery system 104b can recover energy from the exhaust gas 153. In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system 104b is coupled to the engine exhaust gas 153. Any type of waste heat recovery system suitable for recovering energy from the exhaust gas 153 can be used in the system 100. For example, in some embodiments, the system 100 includes a thermoelectric conversion or turbo-compounding. The waste heat recovery system 104b can convert the recovered energy into electrical power. In some embodiments, the recovered energy or electrical power is used to power other units or processes in the system 100. In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system 104b includes at least one of a thermoelectric generator or a turbine. For example, in some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system 104b includes a Rankine cycle including a turbine.

[0042] In some embodiments, the power generated by the waste heat recovery system 104b is used to supply power to other units or processes within the system 100, instead of or in combination with the power generated by the solar cell 104a. For example, the electrochemical cell 102a is (a) partially powered by the solar cell 104a, (b) partially powered by the waste heat recovery system 104b, (c) partially powered by the solar cell 104a and partially powered by the waste heat recovery system 104b, (d) entirely powered by the solar cell 104a, or (e) entirely powered by the waste heat recovery system 104b. For example, the electric heater 106 is (a) partially powered by the solar cell 104a, (b) partially powered by the waste heat recovery system 104b, (c) partially powered by the solar cell 104a and partially powered by the waste heat recovery system 104b, (d) entirely powered by the solar cell 104a, or (e) entirely powered by the waste heat recovery system 104b.

[0043] FIG. 1C shows a system 100 including a photocatalytic cell 102b and a solar collector 108. The photocatalytic cell 102b is configured to generate oxygen and hydrogen by the photocatalytic action of water. Some non-limiting examples of photocatalysts include cadmium zinc sulfide (Cd 1-x Zn x S, 0.2 < x < 0.35), sodium tantalum oxide doped with lanthanum (NaTaO 3 :La), potassium tantalum borate (K 3 Ta 3 B 2 O 12 ), a photocatalyst containing gallium, zinc, nitrogen and oxygen, cobalt vanadate, bismuth vanadate or a tungsten diselenide (WSe 2 )-based photocatalyst, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and a photocatalyst based on a group III-V semiconductor (such as indium gallium phosphide, InGaP).

[0044] In some embodiments, the photocatalytic cell 102b includes a photocatalyst and a container made of glass or plastic. The photocatalytic cell 102b is configured to hold water. In some embodiments, the water is collected from the engine exhaust 153, condensed, or both. In some embodiments, the water is provided by an auxiliary water tank that may be filled, for example, by an end user.

[0045] The solar collector 108 is a device that collects sunlight, concentrates sunlight, or does both. The solar collector 108 is connected to the photocatalytic cell 102b. For example, the solar collector 108 is connected to the photocatalytic cell 102b by an optical fiber. The optical fiber conveys (sends) the collected sunlight from the solar collector 108 to the photocatalytic cell 102b. In response to the collected sunlight, the photocatalytic cell 102b splits water to produce oxygen and hydrogen.

[0046] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an oxygen flow passage 103b configured to flow oxygen from the photocatalytic cell 102b to the particulate matter filter 156. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a hydrogen flow passage 105b configured to flow hydrogen from the photocatalytic cell 102b to the engine 152, where the hydrogen can be mixed with fuel and combusted.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a hydrogen flow passage configured to flow hydrogen from the photocatalytic cell 102b to an ignition device disposed proximate the particulate filter 156. The ignition device can combust the hydrogen, and the combustion of the hydrogen proximate the particulate filter 156 can combust particulate matter disposed on the particulate filter 156. The combustion of the hydrogen proximate the particulate filter 156 can also increase the temperature of the particulate filter 156. The combustion of hydrogen by itself does not produce carbon dioxide.

[0048] In some embodiments, the hydrogen produced by the photocatalytic cell 102b (or a portion of the hydrogen produced by the photocatalytic cell 102b) can be combusted to generate heat that can be used to increase the temperature of the particulate filter 156. In some embodiments, the heat generated by combusting the hydrogen is provided to the particulate filter 156 instead of, or in combination with, the heat generated by the electric heater 106.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a lamp that can be powered to generate photons for use by the photocatalytic cell 102b in photocatalytically splitting water to produce oxygen and hydrogen. The photons generated by the lamp can supplement sunlight collected by the solar collector 108. Power from the solar cell 104a, power from the heat recovery system 104b, or both can be used to power the lamp. For example, the lamp can be powered (a) partially by the solar cell 104a, (b) partially by the heat recovery system 104b, (c) partially by the solar cell 104a and partially by the heat recovery system 104b, (d) entirely by the solar cell 104a, or (e) entirely by the heat recovery system 104b.

[0050] 1D illustrates an implementation of the system 100 including all the aforementioned components, namely, the electrochemical cell 102a, the photocatalytic cell 102b, the solar cell 104a, the waste heat recovery system 104b, the electric heater 106, the solar collector 108, the oxygen flow passages 103a and 103b, and the hydrogen flow passages 105a and 105b. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a hydrogen flow passage configured to flow hydrogen from at least one of the electrochemical cell 102a or the photocatalytic cell 102b to an ignition device located in the vicinity of the particulate matter filter 156. The ignition device can combust the hydrogen, and the combustion of the hydrogen in the vicinity of the particulate matter filter 156 can combust the particulate matter disposed on the particulate matter filter 156. The combustion of the hydrogen in the vicinity of the particulate matter filter 156 can also increase the temperature of the particulate matter filter 156. The combustion of hydrogen itself does not result in the production of carbon dioxide.

[0051] 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 200 for treating exhaust gases (e.g., exhaust gases 153 from an engine 152) onboard a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 150). Method 200 may be performed, for example, by system 100. In step 202, solar energy is converted into electrical power. In some embodiments, solar energy is converted into electrical power in step 202 by a solar cell (e.g., solar cell 104a) onboard vehicle 150. In some embodiments, solar cell 104a is coupled to an electrochemical cell (e.g., electrochemical cell 102a).

[0052] In some embodiments, energy is recovered from the engine exhaust 153. In some embodiments, energy from the engine exhaust 153 is recovered by a heat recovery system (e.g., heat recovery system 104b) on board the vehicle 150 and coupled to the engine exhaust. In some embodiments, the heat recovery system 104b converts the recovered energy into electrical power.

[0053] In step 204, the electrochemical cell 102a is powered. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 102a is powered in step 204 using the power converted by the solar cell 104a in step 202. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 102a is powered in step 204 using the power converted by the exhaust heat recovery system 104b. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 102a is powered in step 204 using the power converted by the solar cell 104a in step 202 and the power converted by the exhaust heat recovery system 104b.

[0054] In step 206, oxygen is produced. In some embodiments, in response to the application of power in step 204, oxygen is produced in step 206 by electrolysis of water by electrochemical cell 102a. The electrolysis of water also produces hydrogen. Thus, in some embodiments, oxygen and hydrogen are produced in step 206 by electrochemical cell 102a.

[0055] In some embodiments, water is recovered, condensed, or both, from the engine exhaust gas 153. The recovered water may be electrolyzed by the electrochemical cell 102a. In some embodiments, water is supplied to the electrochemical cell 102a by an auxiliary water tank, which may be filled, for example, by an end user.

[0056] At step 208, heat and oxygen are provided to a particulate filter (e.g., particulate filter 156). Providing heat and oxygen to the particulate filter 156 at step 208 may cause oxidation of particulate matter disposed on the particulate filter 156.

[0057] In some embodiments, an electric heater (e.g., electric heater 106) is powered to generate heat. In some embodiments, the electric heater 106 is powered by using at least one of the power converted by the solar cell 104a or the power converted by the waste heat recovery system 104b in step 202. In some embodiments, the heat generated by the electric heater 106 is provided to the particulate matter filter 156 in step 208.

[0058] In some embodiments, the hydrogen produced by electrochemical cell 102a is provided to an engine (e.g., engine 152) of vehicle 150. In some embodiments, the hydrogen produced by electrochemical cell 102a is combusted to generate heat. In some embodiments, the heat generated from the combustion of the hydrogen is provided to particulate matter filter 156 in step 208.

[0059] In some embodiments, the hydrogen produced by the electrochemical cell 102a is provided to an ignition device located proximate the particulate filter 156. The ignition device combusts the hydrogen, and the combustion of the hydrogen proximate the particulate filter 156 can combust particulate matter disposed on the particulate filter 156. The combustion of the hydrogen proximate the particulate filter 156 can also increase the temperature of the particulate filter 156.

[0060] In some embodiments, sunlight is collected by a solar collector (e.g., solar collector 108) mounted on the vehicle 150. In some embodiments, the solar collector 108 is coupled to a photocatalytic cell (e.g., photocatalytic cell 102b) mounted on the vehicle 150. In some embodiments, the collected sunlight is conveyed to the photocatalytic cell 102b by an optical fiber. In response to receiving the collected sunlight, the photocatalytic cell 102b produces oxygen and hydrogen. In some embodiments, the oxygen produced by the photocatalytic cell 102b is provided to the particulate matter filter 156 in step 208.

[0061] In some embodiments, water is recovered, condensed, or both, from the engine exhaust gas 153. The recovered water may be photocatalytically decomposed by the photocatalytic cell 102b. In some embodiments, water is supplied to the photocatalytic cell 102b by, for example, an auxiliary water tank that may be filled by an end user.

[0062] In some embodiments, the hydrogen produced by the photocatalytic cell 102b is provided to an engine (e.g., engine 152) of the vehicle 150. In some embodiments, the hydrogen produced by the photocatalytic cell 102b is combusted to generate heat. In some embodiments, the heat generated from the combustion of the hydrogen is provided to the particulate matter filter 156 in step 208.

[0063] In some embodiments, the hydrogen produced by the photocatalytic cell 102b is provided to an ignition device disposed proximate the particulate filter 156. The ignition device combusts the hydrogen, and the combustion of the hydrogen proximate the particulate filter 156 can combust particulate matter disposed on the particulate filter 156. The combustion of the hydrogen proximate the particulate filter 156 can also increase the temperature of the particulate filter 156.

[0064] Although this specification contains many details of specific embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Some features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in a single embodiment in combination. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments, separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, the features described above may be described as acting in a particular combination, and even as originally claimed, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be separated from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0065] Specific embodiments of the present subject matter have been described. Other implementations, modifications, and permutations of the described embodiments are within the scope of the following claims, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although operations are depicted in the drawings or claims in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown, or in sequential order, or that all of the operations shown be performed (although some operations may be considered optional), to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking or parallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel processing) may be advantageous and may be performed as deemed appropriate.

[0066] Additionally, the separation or integration of various system modules and components in the foregoing embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation or integration in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the components and systems described may generally be integrated together or packaged into multiple products.

[0067] Accordingly, the foregoing exemplary embodiments do not define or limit the disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. converting solar energy into electrical power by a solar cell mounted on the vehicle and connected to an electrochemical cell; supplying power to the electrochemical cell mounted on the vehicle using the power converted by the solar cell; recovering water from exhaust gases produced by a gasoline or diesel engine and emitted by the vehicle during operation of the vehicle; generating a first oxygen stream and a first hydrogen stream by electrolyzing the water recovered from the exhaust gas of the gasoline or diesel engine with the electrochemical cell; providing heat and the first flow of oxygen to a particulate filter mounted on the vehicle, thereby oxidizing particulate matter disposed on the particulate filter; collecting sunlight with a solar collector mounted on the vehicle and coupled to a photocatalytic cell mounted on the vehicle; conveying the collected sunlight to the photocatalytic cell by an optical fiber; generating, by the photocatalytic cell, a second oxygen stream and a second hydrogen stream in response to receiving the collected sunlight; and supplying the second oxygen stream to the particulate filter. A method for treating exhaust gases onboard a vehicle.

2. supplying the first hydrogen stream to an engine of the vehicle; The method of claim 1.

3. combusting the first hydrogen stream to generate heat, and supplying heat to the particulate matter comprises supplying heat generated by combusting the first hydrogen stream. The method of claim 1.

4. combusting the first hydrogen stream with an ignition device disposed proximate the particulate matter filter, thereby combusting particulate matter disposed on the particulate matter filter. The method of claim 1.

5. recovering energy from the engine exhaust gases with a waste heat recovery system mounted on the vehicle and coupled to an exhaust of the engine; converting the recovered energy into electricity by the exhaust heat recovery system; and powering the electrochemical cell using the electricity converted by the exhaust heat recovery system. The method of claim 1.

6. supplying power to an electric heater using at least one of the power converted by the solar cell and the power converted by the exhaust heat recovery system, the electric heater generating heat in response to energization, and heating the particulate matter filter using the heat generated by the electric heater; The method according to claim 5.

7. generating the second oxygen stream and the second hydrogen stream comprises recovering water from exhaust gas of the engine; and photocatalytically decomposing the recovered water. The method of claim 1.

8. supplying the second hydrogen stream to an engine of the vehicle. The method of claim 1.

9. combusting the second hydrogen stream to generate heat, and providing heat to the particulate matter filter comprises providing heat generated by combusting the second hydrogen stream. The method of claim 1.

10. a gasoline or diesel engine configured to emit exhaust gases from a vehicle during operation of the vehicle; a solar cell mounted to the vehicle and configured to convert solar energy into electrical power; an electrochemical cell mounted to the vehicle and coupled to the solar cell, the electrochemical cell configured to, in response to receiving power from the solar cell, produce a first oxygen stream and a first hydrogen stream by electrolyzing water recovered from the exhaust gas of the gasoline or diesel engine; an oxygen flow passage configured to channel the first oxygen stream from the electrochemical cell to a particulate matter filter of the vehicle; a solar collector mounted to the vehicle and configured to collect solar light; an optical fiber configured to convey the collected sunlight from the solar collector to a photocatalytic cell; the photocatalytic cell mounted to the vehicle and configured to generate a second oxygen stream and a second hydrogen stream in response to receiving the collected solar light; a hydrogen flow passage configured to channel the second hydrogen stream from the photocatalytic cell to an engine of the vehicle. A vehicle exhaust gas treatment system installed in a vehicle.

11. 1. A waste heat recovery system including at least one of a thermoelectric generator or a turbine, Attached to the vehicle, coupled to an exhaust of a gasoline or diesel engine of the vehicle; recovering energy from exhaust gas of the gasoline or diesel engine emitted from the vehicle; Converting the recovered energy into electricity; The waste heat recovery system supplies power to the electrochemical cell. The system of claim 10.

12. an electric heater mounted to the vehicle and coupled to at least one of the solar cell or the exhaust heat recovery system, the electric heater configured to generate heat in response to receiving electrical power from at least one of the solar cell or the exhaust heat recovery system; The system of claim 11.

13. a hydrogen flow passage configured to channel the first hydrogen stream from the electrochemical cell to an engine of the vehicle. The system of claim 10.

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