Systems and methods for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation

Abstract

An aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine and a valve assembly coupled to the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft and a valve plate coupled to the shaft. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and the dosing module. The controller includes a processing circuit. The controller is configured to determine a temperature of the exhaust. The controller is configured to calculate a ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to an amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant. The controller is configured to generate an actuation command. The controller is configured to transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING REDUCTANT DECOMPOSITION AND DEPOSIT FORMATION CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001 | The present application claims priority to and the benefit of Indian Patent Application No. 202341082916, filed December 5, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an aftertreatment system for an internal combustion engine.BACKGROUND

[0003] It is desirable to treat exhaust produced by combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine. The exhaust can be treated using an aftertreatment system. One approach that can be implemented in an aftertreatment system is to dose the exhaust with a reductant and pass the exhaust and reductant through a catalyst member. However, reductant decomposition and deposit formation within the aftertreatment system can be affected by various conditions of the system, which can reduce the efficacy and efficiency of the aftertreatment system. For example, a temperature of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, or a swirl magnitude of the exhaust can negatively impact the reductant decomposition and deposit formation. Conventional aftertreatment systems cannot accommodate changing conditions to increase reductant decomposition and reduce deposit formation accordingly.SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, an aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine and a valve assembly coupled to the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft and a valve plate coupled to the shaft. The valve plate is disposed in the conduit. The valve plate is configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through theconduit. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module coupled with the conduit. The dosing module is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and the dosing module. The controller includes a processing circuit. The controller is configured to determine a temperature of the exhaust. The controller is configured to, responsive to determining that the temperature of the exhaust is below a temperature threshold, calculate a ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to an amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant. The controller is configured to, responsive to the ratio being less than a ratio threshold, generate an actuation command. The controller is configured to transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position.

[0005] In another embodiment, an aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine and a valve assembly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft and a valve plate coupled to the shaft. The valve plate is disposed in the conduit. The valve plate is configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module coupled with the conduit. The dosing module is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly. The controller includes a processing circuit. The controller is configured to calculate a ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to an amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant. The controller is configured to, responsive to the ratio being below a ratio threshold, initiate a timer to determine how long the ratio remains below the ratio threshold. The controller is configured to, responsive to the ratio remaining below the ratio threshold for a target length of time, determine a temperature of the exhaust. The controller is configured to, responsive to the temperature being less than a temperature threshold, generate an actuation command. The controller is configured transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position. The second position increases the temperature of the exhaust.

[0006] In another embodiment, an aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine and a valve assembly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft and a valve plate coupled to the shaft. The valve plate is disposed in the conduit. The valve plate is configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module coupled with the conduit. The dosing module is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly. The controller includes a processing circuit. The controller is configured to determine an exhaust flow condition comprising at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration in the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, or a flow rate of the exhaust. The controller is configured to determine an engine backpressure. The controller is configured to, responsive to the engine backpressure exceeding a backpressure threshold, generate an actuation command. The backpressure threshold corresponds to the exhaust flow condition. The controller is configured to transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position.

[0007] In another embodiment, an aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine and a valve assembly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft and a valve plate coupled to the shaft. The valve plate is disposed in the conduit. The valve plate is configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module coupled with the conduit. The dosing module is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and the dosing module. The controller includes a processing circuit. The controller configured to determine an exhaust flow condition comprising at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration in the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, or a flow rate of the exhaust. The controller configured to actuate the dosing module to inject reductant into the exhaust at a dosing rate. The controller configured to determine an engine backpressure. The controller is configured to, responsive to the engine backpressure exceeding a backpressure threshold, generate a first actuation command to cause the valve assembly to move the valve plate from afirst position to a second position. The backpressure threshold corresponds to the exhaust flow condition. The controller is configured to, responsive to the dosing rate exceeding a dosing rate threshold, generate a second actuation command to cause the dosing module to reduce the dosing rate of the reductant.[0008| In another embodiments, the aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine and a valve assembly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft and a valve plate coupled to the shaft. The valve plate is disposed in the conduit. The valve plate is configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module coupled with the conduit. The dosing module is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a sensor disposed in the conduit. The sensor is configured to determine a magnitude of a swirl of the exhaust. A controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and the sensor. The controller comprising a processing circuit. The controller is configured to determine an exhaust flow condition comprising at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration in the exhaust, a pressure of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, or a flow rate of the exhaust. The controller is configured to determine a swirl magnitude of the exhaust based on a signal received from the sensor. The controller is configured to, responsive to the swirl magnitude being below a swirl magnitude threshold, generate an actuation command. The swirl magnitude threshold corresponds to the flow condition. The controller is configured to transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move valve plate from a first position to a second position.

[0009] In another embodiment, an aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine and a valve assembly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft and a valve plate coupled to the shaft. The valve plate is disposed in the conduit. The valve plate is configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module coupled with the conduit. The dosing module is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly. The controller includes a processing circuit. The controller is configured to determine anitrogen oxide (NOx) level of the aftertreatment system. The controller is configured to, responsive to the NOx level being greater than a NOx threshold, generate an actuation command. The controller is configured to transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move valve plate from a first position to a second position.[0010| In another embodiments, an aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine and a valve assembly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft and a valve plate coupled to the shaft. The valve plate is disposed in the conduit. The valve plate is configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module coupled with the conduit. The dosing module is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The aftertreatment system includes a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and dosing module. The controller includes a processing circuit. The controller is configured to determine operation of the dosing module. The controller is configured to, responsive to the operation of the dosing module meeting a dosing threshold, transmit a first actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate to a target position. The controller is configured to determine a backpressure of the aftertreatment system. The controller is configured to, responsive to the backpressure exceeding a backpressure threshold, transmit a second actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from the target position to an updated target position. The updated target position corresponds to a position of the valve plate that corresponds with the backpressure being less than the backpressure threshold.

[0011] In another embodiments, an aftertreatment system includes a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module coupled with the conduit. The dosing module is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit. The dosing module defines a dosing axis. The aftertreatment system includes a valve assembly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a shaft defining a valve axis. The valve assembly includes a valve plate coupled with the shaft and disposed in the conduit. The valve plate is configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit. The valve axis is angled relative to the dosing axis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements unless otherwise indicated, in which:

[0013] FIG. l is a schematic diagram of a portion of an example system with an example aftertreatment system;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example exhaust conduit assembly of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust conduit assembly of FIG. 2 taken along plane A- A;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example exhaust conduit assembly of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1;|0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust conduit assembly of FIG. 2 taken along plane B-B;|0018] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example controller and aftertreatment system of the system of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example process for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another example process for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another example process for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another example process for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1;[00231 FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another example process for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1;|0024] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of another example process for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1 ; and[0025| FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another example process for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system of the aftertreatment system of FIG. 1.[0026[ It will be recognized that the Figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The Figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that the Figures will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION[00271 Embodiments described herein relate generally to systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling reductant dosing in an aftertreatment system for an internal combustion engine system with a turbomachine, such as a turbocharger, a power turbine, a turbo-compound, etc. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of a number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to anyparticular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.I. Overview|0O28] Aftertreatment systems include a system for injecting reductant into exhaust from an engine. In some aftertreatment systems, the system for injecting the reductant includes a controller configured to control at least one component of the system to facilitate reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the system. The controller can control the component based on at least one characteristic of the system (e.g., temperature of exhaust, NOx concentration of exhaust, velocity of exhaust, flow rate of exhaust, magnitude of swirl of exhaust, pressure of exhaust). More specifically, the controller may be configured to adjust a position of a valve plate to control a velocity of the exhaust or a swirl magnitude of the exhaust, or adjust a dosing rate of a reductant into the exhaust.

[0029] Implementations herein are directed to an aftertreatment system for an engine system. The aftertreatment system includes a dosing module, a valve assembly, and a controller. The valve assembly may be located upstream of, downstream of, or proximate to the dosing module. The valve assembly may be controlled so as to cause mixing of reductant from the dosing modules with the exhaust. The valve assembly may also create backpressure to assist with diffusion upstream of the valve assembly, thereby promoting mixing of the reductant and the exhaust. The implementations herein further include methods for operating the valve and the dual dosing module to achieve a desired NOx reduction.II. Example Aftertreatment Systems

[0030] FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 (e.g., a vehicle system, etc.) including an internal combustion engine system 101, a controller 110, and an aftertreatment system 120 (e.g., aftertreatment system, etc.). The internal combustion engine system 101 includes an internal combustion engine 102 (e.g., diesel internal combustion engine, gasoline internal combustion engine, hybrid internal combustion engine, propane internal combustion engine, dual-fuel internal combustion engine, etc.). In some embodiments, the internal combustion engine system101 includes a turbomachine 104 (e.g., a turbocharger, a power turbine, a turbo-compound, etc.). One or more of the components of the internal combustion engine system 101 may be communicable with the controller 110. The aftertreatment system 120 is configured to treat exhaust produced by the internal combustion engine 102. As is explained in more detail herein, the aftertreatment system 120 is configured to facilitate treatment of the exhaust. The treatment may facilitate reduction of emission of undesirable components (e.g., nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), etc.) in the exhaust. The treatment may also or instead facilitate conversion of various oxidation components (e.g., carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, etc.) of the exhaust into other components (e.g., CO2, water vapor, etc.). The treatment may also or instead facilitate removal of particulates (e.g., soot, particulate matter, etc.) from the exhaust.[00311 The aftertreatment system 120 includes an exhaust conduit system 105 (e.g., line system, pipe system, etc.). The exhaust conduit system 105 is configured to facilitate routing of the exhaust produced by the internal combustion engine 102 throughout the aftertreatment system 120 and to atmosphere (e.g., ambient environment, etc.). The exhaust conduit system 105 has at least one exhaust conduit 106. The exhaust conduit 106 is configured to receive an exhaust from the engine.

[0032] The aftertreatment system 120 also includes a treatment fluid delivery system 122. As is explained in more detail herein, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 is configured to facilitate the introduction of a treatment fluid, such as a reductant (e.g., diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), Adblue®, a urea-water solution (UWS), an aqueous urea solution, AUS32, etc.) into the exhaust. When the reductant is introduced into the exhaust, reduction of emission of undesirable components in the exhaust may be facilitated.|0033] The treatment fluid delivery system 122 includes at least one dosing module 150 (e g., doser, reductant doser, etc.). In some embodiments, the fluid delivery system 122 may include a plurality of dosing modules 150 (e.g., a first dosing module 150 and a second dosing module 150). The dosing module 150 is coupled to the exhaust conduit 106. The dosing module 150 is configured to introduce or facilitate passage of the treatment fluid into the exhaust conduit 106 of the exhaust conduit system 105. The dosing module 150 may include an insulator interposedbetween a portion of the dosing module 150 and the portion of the exhaust conduit 106 on which the dosing module 150 is mounted.|0034] The treatment fluid delivery system 122 includes at least one treatment fluid source 130 (e.g., reductant tank, etc.). The treatment fluid source 130 is configured to contain the treatment fluid. The treatment fluid source 130 is in fluid communication with the dosing module 150 and configured to provide the treatment fluid to the dosing module 150. The treatment fluid source 130 may include multiple treatment fluid sources 130 (e.g., multiple tanks connected in series or in parallel, etc.). The treatment fluid source 130 may be, for example, a diesel exhaust fluid tank containing Adblue® or a fuel tank containing fuel.

[0035] The treatment fluid delivery system 122 includes at least one treatment fluid pump 134 (e.g., supply unit, etc.). In some embodiments, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 may include a plurality of treatment fluid pumps 134 (e.g., a first treatment fluid pump 134 and a second treatment fluid pump 134). The treatment fluid pump 134 is in fluid communication with the treatment fluid source 130 and the dosing module 150 and configured to receive the treatment fluid from the treatment fluid source 130 and to provide the treatment fluid to the dosing module 150. The treatment fluid pump 134 is used to pressurize the treatment fluid from the treatment fluid source 130 for delivery to the dosing module 150. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid pump 134 is pressure controlled. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid pump 134 is coupled to a chassis of a vehicle associated with the aftertreatment system 120.

[0036] In some embodiments, the treatment fluid pump 134 is in fluid communication with a first dosing module 150 and a second dosing module 150 and configured to receive the treatment fluid from the treatment fluid source 130 and to provide the treatment fluid to the first dosing module 150 and the second dosing module 150. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid pump 134 may be in fluid communication with the first dosing module 150 and the second dosing module 150 in parallel (e.g., where the treatment fluid pump 134 is in direct fluid communication with both the first dosing module 150 and the second dosing module 150) or in series (e.g., where the treatment fluid pump 134 is in direct fluid communication with the first dosing module 150 and the first dosing module 150 is in fluid communication with thesecond dosing module 150 such that the treatment fluid flows from the first dosing module 150 to the second dosing module 150).(0037] In some embodiments, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 includes at least one treatment fluid filter 132. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 includes a plurality of treatment fluid filters 132 (e.g., a first treatment fluid filter 132 and a second treatment fluid filter 132). The treatment fluid filter 132 is in fluid communication with the treatment fluid source 130 and the treatment fluid pump 134 and is configured to receive the treatment fluid from the treatment fluid source 130 and to provide the treatment fluid to the treatment fluid pump 134. The treatment fluid filter 132 filters the treatment fluid prior to the treatment fluid being provided to internal components of the treatment fluid pump 134. For example, the treatment fluid filter 132 may inhibit or prevent the transmission of solids to the internal components of the treatment fluid pump 134. In this way, the treatment fluid filter 132 may facilitate prolonged desirable operation of the treatment fluid pump 134.|0038] In some embodiments, the dosing module 150 includes at least one injector (not shown) (e.g., insertion device, etc.). The injector may be fluidly coupled to the treatment fluid pump 134 and configured to receive the treatment fluid from the first treatment fluid pump 134. The injector is configured to dose (e.g., inject, insert, etc.) the treatment fluid received by the first dosing module 150 into the exhaust within the exhaust conduit 106.(0039] In some embodiments, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 includes an air source 140 (e.g., air intake, etc.) and an air pump 144. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 may include a plurality of air pumps 144 (e.g., a first air pump 144 and a second air pump 144). The air pump 144 is fluidly coupled to the air source 140 and is configured to receive air from the air source 140. The air pump 144 is fluidly coupled to the dosing module 150 and is configured to provide the air to the dosing module 150. In some applications, the dosing module 150 is configured to mix the air and the treatment fluid into an air-treatment fluid mixture and to provide the air-treatment fluid mixture to the injector (e.g., for dosing into the exhaust within the exhaust conduit 106, etc.). The injector is fluidly coupled to the air pump 144 and configured to receive the air from the air pump 144. The injector isconfigured to dose the air-treatment fluid mixture into the exhaust within the exhaust conduit 106. In some of these embodiments, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 includes at least one air filter 142. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 includes a plurality of air filters 142 (e.g., a first air filter 142 and a second air filter 142). The air filter 142 is fluidly coupled to the air source 140 and the air pump 144 and is configured to receive the air from the air source 140 and to provide the air to the air pump 144. The air filter 142 is configured to filter the air prior to the air being provided to the air pump 144.|0040] In some embodiments, the treatment fluid delivery system 122 does not include the air pump 144 and / or the air source 140. In such embodiments, the dosing module 150 is not configured to mix the treatment fluid with the air.[00411 In some embodiments, the dosing module 150 is positioned along the exhaust conduit system 105. As described above, the dosing module 150 is configured to selectively dose reductant into the exhaust within the exhaust conduit system 105. More specifically, in some embodiments, the dosing module 150 is a close coupled dosing module 150. That is, the dosing module 150 is coupled to the exhaust conduit system 105 proximate an outlet of the internal combustion engine system 101 (e.g., proximate an outlet of the engine 102 and / or proximate an outlet of the turbomachine 104). For example, the dosing module 150 may be coupled to the exhaust conduit system 105 downstream from the internal combustion engine 102 and / or the turbomachine 104.

[0042] In some embodiments, a second dosing module 150 is positioned along the exhaust conduit 106 and downstream of a first dosing module 150. The second dosing module 150 is configured to selectively dose reductant into the exhaust within the exhaust conduit system 105.[0043 [ The dosing module 150, the treatment fluid pump 134, and the air pump 144 are communicably coupled with the controller 110. The controller 110 is configured to control the dosing module 150 to dose the treatment fluid or the air-treatment fluid mixture into the exhaust conduit 106. The controller 110 may be configured to control the treatment fluid pump 134 and the air pump 144 in order to control the treatment fluid or the air-treatment fluid mixture that is dosed into the exhaust conduit 106.

[0044] The aftertreatment system 120 includes a valve assembly 160 (e.g., an aftertreatment valve, an exhaust valve, etc.). The valve assembly 160 is coupled to the exhaust conduit 106. The valve assembly 160 is positioned at least partially within the exhaust conduit 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the valve assembly can be positioned at various locations along the exhaust conduit 106. For example, in some embodiments, the valve assembly 160 is positioned upstream of the dosing module 150. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 160 is positioned downstream of the dosing module 150. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 160 is positioned proximate the dosing module 150.

[0045] The valve assembly 160 receives exhaust from the internal combustion engine system 101 (e.g., the engine 102 and / or the turbomachine 104 - via the exhaust conduit system). In some embodiments, the valve assembly 160 receives the treatment fluid or the air-treatment fluid mixture received from the dosing module 150. The valve assembly 160 is configured to selectively actuate between a plurality of positions (e.g., between an open position and a closed position). Each position of the valve assembly 160 may correspond to a particular velocity of the exhaust flowing through the exhaust conduit system 105. For example, a first position of the valve assembly 160 may allow the exhaust to flow at a first velocity through the exhaust conduit system 105, and a second position of the valve assembly 160 may allow the exhaust to flow at a second velocity through the exhaust conduit system 105.

[0046] The valve assembly 160 may include a valve actuator 162, a valve shaft 163, and a valve plate 164. The valve plate 164 is coupled with or integral with the valve shaft 163. The valve plate 164 is disposed in the exhaust conduit 106. The valve plate 164 is configured to facilitate control of a flow of an exhaust through the exhaust conduit 106. Rotation of the valve shaft 163 can cause the valve plate 164 to move between the first position and the second position. The valve actuator 162 may be configured to selectively actuate the valve plate 164 between the plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 160 is communicably coupled (e.g., communicable) with the controller 110 via the valve actuator 162. In these embodiments, the controller 110 is configured to operate the valve actuator 162 such that the controller 110 is operable to actuate the valve assembly 160 so as to move between the plurality of positions.

[0047] The valve plate 164 has a valve plate diameter. The valve plate diameter may be equal to an inner diameter of the exhaust conduit system 105 at the location of the valve assembly 160. That is the valve plate diameter is the same as the exhaust conduit system 105 in which the valve assembly 160 is installed. The valve plate diameter advantageously reduces any step changes or transitions that can cause flow detachment, which may cause treatment fluid deposit, or restrict exhaust flow, thus increasing engine breathing efficiency.

[0048] In some embodiments, the aftertreatment system 120 may include at least one sensor 170. The sensor 170 can be disposed at least partially in the exhaust conduit 106. The sensor 170 can be configured to detect a characteristic of the exhaust in the exhaust conduit system 105. For example, the sensor 170 may be configured to detect a temperature of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, a magnitude of a swirl of the exhaust, a quantity of NOx in the exhaust, or an amount of energy in the exhaust, among others. In some embodiments, the sensor 170 may be coupled with other components of the aftertreatment system 120. For example, the sensor 170 may be coupled with a dosing module 150. The sensor 170 may be configured to detect when the dosing module 150 is operating. For example, the sensor 170 may be configured to detect when the dosing module 150 switches between a first (e.g., off) state and a second (e.g., on) state, or detect when reductant is being provided into the exhaust versus when there is no reductant being provided into the exhaust, among others. The sensor 170 may be communicably coupled with the controller 110. For example, the sensor 170 may be configured to transmit a signal or indication to the controller 110 indicating the detected characteristic of the exhaust. The aftertreatment system 120 may include a plurality of sensors 170.|0049] The aftertreatment system 120 may include at least one catalyst member 180 (e.g., conversion catalyst member, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst member, catalyst metals, etc.). In some embodiments, the aftertreatment system 120 may include a plurality of catalyst members 180 (e.g., a first catalyst member 180 and a second catalyst member 180). The catalyst member 180 is positioned downstream of the dosing module 150. The catalyst member 180 is configured to cause decomposition of components of the exhaust using the treatment fluid (e.g., via catalytic reactions, etc.). The catalyst member 180 may include acatalyst housing that is coupled to the exhaust conduit system 105. In some embodiments, the catalyst housing is integrally formed with the exhaust conduit system 105. The catalyst member 180 may include a catalyst substrate that is coupled to the catalyst housing. In some embodiments, the catalyst substrate is integrally formed with the catalyst housing.[0050| The catalyst member 180 may receive the exhaust from the exhaust conduit system 105. The exhaust flows through the catalyst substrate and reacts with the catalyst substrate so as to cause the exhaust to undergo the processes of evaporation, thermolysis, and / or hydrolysis to form non-NOx emissions within the catalyst member 180. In some embodiments, the exhaust and the treatment fluid within the exhaust react with the catalyst substrate. In this way the catalyst member 180 is configured to assist the reduction of NOx emissions by accelerating a NOx reduction process between the reductant and the NOx of the exhaust into diatomic nitrogen, water, and / or carbon dioxide.III. Example Exhaust Conduit Systems for Aftertreatment Systems(0051] FIGS. 2-5 depict portions of example aftertreatment systems 120. The aftertreatment system 120 includes an exhaust conduit system 105 that has an exhaust conduit 106. The exhaust conduit 106 is configured to receive an exhaust from an internal combustion engine system 101 or a component thereof (e.g., an internal combustion engine 102, a turbomachine 104). The aftertreatment system 120 includes a dosing module 150 coupled with the exhaust conduit 106. The dosing module 150 is configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the exhaust conduit 106. The dosing module 150 can be positioned at various locations along the exhaust conduit 106. For example, the dosing module 150 can be disposed upstream from the valve assembly 160, as shown in FIG. 2, or the dosing module 150 can be disposed downstream from the valve assembly 160, as shown in FIG. 4. The dosing module 150 can also be disposed proximate to the valve assembly 160, as discussed with reference to FIG. 1.|0052] The dosing module 150 defines a dosing axis 205. The dosing axis 205 is defined by an angle at which reductant is introduced into the exhaust conduit 106. For example, the dosing axis 205 may be perpendicular to the portion of the exhaust conduit 106 to which the dosing module 150 is coupled.

[0053] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the aftertreatment system 120 of FIG. 2 along Section A-A and FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the aftertreatment system 120 of FIG. 4 along Section B-B. The valve assembly 160 defines a valve axis 305. For example, the valve shaft 163 of the valve assembly 160 can define the valve axis 305. For example, the valve axis 305 may extend longitudinally through the valve shaft 163. The valve shaft 163 may be centered on the valve axis 305 such that the valve plate 164 can rotate around the valve axis 305. The valve axis 305 is angled relative to the dosing axis 205 (e.g., the valve axis 305 is not parallel with the dosing axis 205). For example, the valve axis 305 may be perpendicular to the dosing axis 205.[00541 A position of an edge of the valve plate 164 relative to an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 can define a gap 210. The gap 210 can define a path through which the exhaust can flow. The dosing axis 205 can be angled relative to the valve axis 305 such that the flow of the exhaust through the gap 210 is coincident with the flow of the reductant.IV. Example Controller for Aftertreatment System|0055] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment. As shown, the controller 110 includes at least one processing circuit 602 having at least one processor 604 and at least one memory device 606. The controller 110 is structured to facilitate decomposition of the reductant and other components of the exhaust from the engine 102 and / or the aftertreatment system 120. For example, the controller 110 may include at least one valve control circuit 608 to control the valve assembly 160 of the aftertreatment system 120. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may include at least one doser control circuit 610 to control the dosing module 150 of the aftertreatment system 120. Specific processes for controlling the decomposition of the reductant and other components of the exhaust from the engine 102 and / or the aftertreatment system 120 are described herein below.[0056[ In some embodiments, the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 is embodied as machine or computer-readable media storing instructions that are executable by a processor, such as processor 604. As described herein and amongst other uses, the machine-readable media facilitates performance of certain operations to enable reception and transmission of data. For example, the machine-readable media may provide an instruction (e.g., command, etc.) to, e.g., acquire data. In this regard, the machine-readable media may include programmable logic that defines the frequency of acquisition of the data (or, transmission of the data). The computer readable media instructions may include code, which may be written in any programming language including, but not limited to, Java or the like and any conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program code may be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter scenario, the remote processors may be connected to each other through any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, etc.).

[0057] In some embodiments, the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 is embodied as a hardware unit, such as one or more electronic control units. As such, the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 may be embodied as one or more circuitry components including, but not limited to, processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripheral devices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 may take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (IC), discrete circuits, system on a chip (SOCs) circuits, microcontrollers, etc.), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of “circuit.” In this regard, the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 may include any type of component for accomplishing or facilitating achievement of the operations described herein. For example, a circuit as described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, and so on. The valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 may also include or be programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. The valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 may include one or more memory devices for storing instructions that are executable by the processor(s) of the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610. The one or more memory devices and processor(s) may have the same definition asprovided below with respect to the memory device 606 and processor 604. In some hardware unit configurations, the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 may be geographically dispersed throughout separate locations in the vehicle. Alternatively, and as shown, the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 may be embodied in or within a single unit / housing, which is shown as the controller 110.[O058| In the example shown, the controller 110 includes the at least one processing circuit 602 having the at least one processor 604 and the at least one memory device 606. The processing circuit 602 may be structured or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and / or control processes described herein with respect to the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610. The depicted configuration represents the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 as being embodied as machine or computer-readable media storing instructions (which may be stored by the memory device 606). However, as mentioned above, this illustration is not meant to be limiting as the present disclosure contemplates other embodiments where the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610, is configured as a hardware unit. All such combinations and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] The processor 604 may be implemented as one or more single- or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or suitable processors (e.g., other programmable logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. to perform the functions described herein). A processor may be a microprocessor, a group of processors, etc. A processor 604 also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 604 may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., the valve control circuit 608 and / or the doser control circuit 610 may comprise or otherwise share the same processor 604 which, in some example embodiments, may execute instructions stored, or otherwise accessed, via different areas of memory). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors 604 may be structured to perform or otherwise execute certain operations independent of one or moreco-processors 604. In other example embodiments, two or more processors 604 may be coupled via a bus to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multi -threaded instruction execution. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] The memory device 606 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. For example, the memory device 606 may include dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). The memory device 606 may be communicably connected to the processor 604 to provide computer code or instructions to the processor 604 for executing at least some of the processes described herein. Moreover, the memory device 606 may be or include tangible, non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the memory device 606 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein.[00611 The controller 110 may include at least one communication interface 612. The communication interface 612 may include any combination of wired and / or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals) for conducting data communications with various systems, devices, or networks structured to enable in-vehicle communications (e.g., between and among the components of the vehicle) and out-of-vehicle communications (e.g., with a remote server). For example, and regarding out-of-vehicle / system communications, the communication interface 612 may include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications network and / or a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. The communication interface 612 may be structured to communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., IP, LON, Bluetooth, ZigBee, radio, cellular, near field communication). In some embodiments, the communication interface 612 may enable communication with the aftertreatment system 120 and / or a component thereof (e.g., the dosing module 150, the valve assembly 160, the valve actuator of the valve assembly 160, or the sensor 170).

[0062] In some embodiments, the controller 110 is communicably coupled with a display device 614 (e.g., screen, monitor, touch screen, computing device, heads up display (HUD), indicator light, etc.). The display device 614 may be configured to change state in response to receiving information from the controller 110. For example, the display device 614 may be configured to change between a static state and an alarm state based on a communication from the controller 110. In some embodiments, the display device 614 may be configured to display characteristics of the aftertreatment system 120. For example, the display device 614 may be configured to display information regarding a position or configuration of the valve assembly 160, characteristics detected by the sensor(s) 170 (e.g., temperature of the exhaust, velocity of the exhaust, flow rate of the exhaust, velocity of the exhaust, magnitude of a swirl of the exhaust, quantity of NOx in the exhaust, amount of energy in the exhaust), or a status of the dosing module (e.g., a dosing rate). By changing state, the display device may provide an indication to a user of the characteristic of the aftertreatment system 120, or the component thereof.V. Example Processes for Controlling Reductant Decomposition and Deposit Formation

[0063] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of an example process 700 for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system 105 of an aftertreatment system 120. Deposits can form on the inner wall of an exhaust conduit system 105 if the temperature of the exhaust is insufficient to decompose the reductant in the exhaust. Process 700 can the prevent deposit build up within an exhaust conduit system 105 by detecting a low exhaust temperature that is insufficient to decompose reductant and increasing the velocity of the exhaust to increase shear and convective heat transfer along the inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106.J0064] Process 700 includes determining, by a controller 110, a temperature of the exhaust in the exhaust conduit system 105 of the aftertreatment system 120 (step 702). In some embodiments, process 700 includes the controller 110 receiving a signal from a sensor 170indicating the temperature of the exhaust. The controller 110 may determine the temperature of the exhaust based on the signal received from the sensor 170.|0065] In some embodiments, process 700 may include determining, by the controller 110, exhaust flow conditions. For example, the controller 110 may be configured to determine at least one of the temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, a pressure of the exhaust, or an amount of reductant in the exhaust. The controller 110 may determine the exhaust flow condition based on a signal received from a sensor 170. For example, a sensor 170 may detect at least one of the temperature of the exhaust, NOx concentration of the exhaust, velocity of the exhaust, flow rate of the exhaust, pressure of the exhaust, or amount of reductant in the exhaust and transmit a signal indicative of the exhaust flow condition to the controller 110.

[0066] In some embodiments, process 700 may include determining, by a controller 110, a dosing rate for a reductant to be introduced into the exhaust by the dosing module 150. For example, the controller 110 may be configured to determine the dosing rate for a reductant to be introduced into the exhaust by the dosing module 150 based on the exhaust flow condition.

[0067] Process 700 includes calculating, by a controller 110, a ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to an amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant (step 704). In some embodiments, calculating the ratio may include receiving, by the controller 110, a signal from a sensor 170 indicating information associated with the amount of energy in the exhaust, and determining, by the controller 10, the amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant. For example, the amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant may be based on or correspond to at least one exhaust flow condition (e.g., temperature of exhaust, velocity of the exhaust, flow rate of exhaust, amount of reductant in the exhaust). For example, a lookup table may be stored in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. The lookup table may have amounts of energy needed to decompose a reductant for various exhaust flow conditions. The controller 110 can select the appropriate amount of energy to decompose the reductant based on a current exhaust flow condition of the aftertreatment system 120. The controller 110 cancalculate the ratio based on the amount of the energy in the exhaust and the amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant.|0068] The controller 110 may calculate the ratio responsive to determining that the temperature of the exhaust is less than a temperature threshold. For example, process 700 may include comparing the temperature of the exhaust with the temperature threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to determining the temperature of the exhaust is less than the temperature threshold, calculate the ratio. Responsive to the temperature being greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, process 700 may end or restart at step 702.|0069] Process 700 includes generating, by a controller 110, an actuation command (step 706). The actuation command can cause a valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 of the aftertreatment system 120 to move. For example, the actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move between a first position and a second position. An orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate 164 in the second position may be more closed than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the first position such that an outer edge of the valve plate 164 is closer to an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to create a smaller gap 210 with the valve plate 164 in the second position than in the first position. The smaller gap 210 may cause a velocity of the exhaust to increase.10070] The controller 110 may generate the actuation command responsive to the ratio being less than a ratio threshold. For example, process 700 may include the controller 110 comparing the calculated ratio with a ratio threshold. The ratio threshold may be a predetermined threshold. For example, the ratio threshold may correspond to a specific configuration of the aftertreatment system 120 (e.g., a particular dosing module 150, a size of a catalyst member, an engine, or a turbomachine 104). The ratio threshold can be stored in the memory device 606 and selected based on the configuration of the aftertreatment system 120. The controller 110 may, responsive to the calculated ratio being less than the ratio threshold, generate the actuation command. The actuation command may cause movement of the valve plate 164 to cause the calculated ratio to meet or exceed the ratio threshold. Responsive to the ratio being greater than or equal to the ratio threshold, process 700 may end or restart at step 702.

[0071] The actuation command may be based on a difference between calculated ratio and the ratio threshold. For example, a greater difference between the calculated ratio and the ratio threshold may correspond to an actuation command that causes the edge of the valve plate 164 to be closer to the inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 than a smaller difference. For example, a greater difference between the calculated ratio and the ratio threshold may indicate a greater exhaust velocity is needed. As such, the actuation command may cause the valve plate 164 to rotate to define a smaller gap 210 than an actuation command associated with a smaller difference that indicates a slower exhaust velocity is needed. In some embodiments, the adjusted velocity may cause the calculated ratio to meet or exceed the ratio threshold. In some embodiments, the adjusted velocity may cause increased shear and convective heat transfer within the exhaust conduit 106 to reduce or prevent deposit formation on the inner walls of the exhaust conduit 106.

[0072] Process 700 includes transmitting, by a controller 110, the actuation command to the valve assembly 160 (step 708). The actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from the first position to the second position.[00731 Process 700 may be an iterative or repetitive process. For example, after causing the valve plate 164 to move to the second position, process 700 may restart. For example, at step 702, the controller 110 may determine a first new temperature of the exhaust fluid with the valve plate 164 in the second position. At step 704, the controller 110 may, responsive to the first new temperature being less than the temperature threshold, calculate a first new ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to the amount of energy needed to decompose reductant. The controller 110 may compare the first new ratio with the ratio threshold. The ratio threshold can correspond with the configuration of the aftertreatment system 120. The ratio threshold can remain the same throughout process 700 since the configuration of the aftertreatment system 120 remain the same. The ratio threshold may change if the configuration of the aftertreatment system 120 changes. At step 706, the controller 110 may, responsive to the first new ratio being less than the ratio threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command. At step 708, the controller 110 may transmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly 160 to move the valve plate 164 from the second position to a third position.

[0074] With the valve plate 164 at the third position, the controller 110 may determine a second new temperature of the exhaust fluid with the valve plate 164 in the third position. The controller 110 may, responsive to the second new temperature being less than the temperature threshold, calculate a second new ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to the amount of energy needed to decompose reductant. The controller 110 may compare the second new ratio with the ratio threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the second new ratio meeting or exceeding the ratio threshold, maintain a position of the valve plate 164 in the third position. Moving the valve plate 164 to the third position may increase an amount of energy in the exhaust to meet or exceed the amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant.(00751 In some embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to generate and transmit an actuation command to cause the valve plate 164 to move to a position to define a larger gap 210. For example, the controller 110 may compare a new ratio to the ratio threshold with the valve plate 164 in the second position. The controller 110 may, responsive to the new ratio being greater than the ratio threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command and transmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly 160. The subsequent actuation command may cause the valve plate 164 to move from the second position to a third position. An orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the third position may be more open than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the second position such that the outer edge of the valve plate 164 is further away from the inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to define a larger gap 210 in the third position than in the second position. The larger gap 210 may cause a velocity of the exhaust to decrease.

[0076] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can reset the position of the valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 to return the valve plate 164 to the first position. For example, the controller 110 can determine the ratio is greater than the ratio threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the ratio being greater than the ratio threshold, generate an actuation command to cause the valve plate 164 to return to the first position.

[0077] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of an example process 800 for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system 105 of an aftertreatmentsystem 120. Process 800 can reduce or remove deposits from an exhaust conduit system 105 by determining, by a controller 110, that a ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to an amount of energy needed to decompose reductant is below a temperature ratio for a predetermined length of time, which can indicate that deposits have been formed, and actuating the valve assembly 160 to increase the temperature of the exhaust to remove the deposits.[0O78| Process 800 includes calculating, by a controller 110, a ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust in the exhaust conduit system 105 to an amount of energy needed to decompose a reductant (step 802). In some embodiments, the controller 110 may receive a signal from a sensor 170 indicating information associated with the amount of energy in the exhaust. The controller 110 may be configured to determine the amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant. For example, the amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant may be based on at least one exhaust flow condition (e.g., temperature of exhaust, velocity of the exhaust, flow rate of exhaust, amount of reductant in the exhaust). The controller 110 can calculate the ratio based on the amount of the energy in the exhaust and the amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant.[0079| Process 800 includes initiating, by a controller 110, a timer (step 804). The controller 110 may initiate the timer responsive to the ratio being below a ratio threshold. For example, the controller 110 may determine that the ratio is below the ratio threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to determining the ratio is below the ratio threshold, initiate the timer to determine how long the ratio remains below the ratio threshold. Responsive to the ratio being equal to or above the ratio threshold, process 800 may end or restart at step 802.

[0080] Process 800 includes determining, by a controller 110, a temperature of the exhaust in the exhaust conduit system 105 (step 806). In some embodiments, step 808 may include the controller 110 receiving a signal from a sensor 170 indicating the temperature of the exhaust. The controller 110 may determine the temperature of the exhaust based on the signal received from the sensor 170.[0081 [ The controller 110 may determine the temperature responsive to the ratio remaining below the ratio threshold for a target length of time. For example, using the timer, the controller110 can be configured to determine that the ratio remained below the ratio threshold for the target length of time. The target length of time can be indicative of sufficient time for a deposit to form within the exhaust conduit system 105. Responsive to the ratio not remaining below the ratio threshold for a target length of time, process 800 may end or restart at step 802.[00821 The target length of time can be based on or correspond to an exhaust flow condition of the exhaust conduit system 105. For example, a lookup table may be stored in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. The lookup table may have target lengths of time for various exhaust flow conditions, or combinations thereof. The controller 110 can select the target length of time based on a current exhaust flow condition of the aftertreatment system 120.

[0083] Process 700 may include determining the exhaust flow condition. For example, the controller 110 may be configured to determine at least one of the temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, a pressure of the exhaust, or an amount of reductant in the exhaust. The controller 110 may determine the exhaust flow condition based on a signal received from a sensor 170. For example, a sensor 170 may detect at least one of the temperature of the exhaust, NOx concentration of the exhaust, velocity of the exhaust, flow rate of the exhaust, pressure of the exhaust, or amount of reductant in the exhaust and transmit a signal indicative of the exhaust flow condition to the controller 110. The controller 110 may be configured to determine a dosing rate for a reductant to be introduced into the exhaust by the dosing module 150 based on the exhaust flow condition. The target length of time may be based, at least partially, on an exhaust flow condition or the dosing rate for the reductant.

[0084] Process 800 includes generating, by a controller 110, an actuation command (step 808). The actuation command can cause a valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 of the aftertreatment system 120 to move. For example, the actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from a first position to a second position. An orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate 164 in the second position may be more closed than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the first position such that an outer edge of the valve plate 164 is closer to an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to create asmaller gap 210 with the valve plate 164 in the second position than in the first position. The smaller gap 210 may cause a velocity of the exhaust to increase. An increase in velocity can cause an increase in the temperature of the exhaust.

[0085] The controller 110 may generate the actuation command responsive to the temperature being less than a temperature threshold. For example, process 800 may include the controller 110 comparing the temperature with a temperature threshold. The temperature threshold can indicate a temperature sufficient to decompose the reductant and remove deposits from within the exhaust conduit system 105. The controller 110 may, responsive to the temperature being less than the temperature threshold, generate the actuation command. The actuation command may cause the valve plate 164 to move from the first position to the second position. The second position of the valve plate 164 can be based on a temperature threshold. For example, the second position of the valve plate 164 can be selected to increase the velocity of the exhaust such that the temperature of the exhaust increases to at least the temperature threshold.Responsive to the temperature being greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, process 800 may end or restart at step 802.[0086| Process 800 includes transmitting, by a controller 110, the actuation command to the valve assembly 160 (step 810). The actuation command may cause the valve plate 164 to move from the first position to the second position.|<M)87] Process 800 may be an iterative or repetitive process. For example, after causing the valve plate 164 to move to the second position, process 800 may restart. For example, at step 802, the controller 110 may determine a new ratio with the valve plate 164 in the second position. At step 804, the controller 110 may, responsive to the new ratio being less than the ratio threshold, initiate the timer to determine how long the new ratio remains below the ratio threshold. At step 806, the controller 110 may, responsive to the new ratio remaining below the ratio threshold for the target length of time, determine a new exhaust temperature. At step 808, controller 110 may, responsive to the new exhaust temperature being below the temperature threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command. At step 810, the controller 110 maytransmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly 160 to move the valve plate 164 from the second position to a third position.|0088] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can reset the position of the valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 to return the valve plate 164 to the first position. For example, the controller 110 can determine the ratio does not remain below the ratio threshold for the target length. The controller 110 may, responsive to the ratio not being below the ratio threshold for the target length, generate an actuation command to cause the valve plate 164 to return to the first position.|0089] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram of an example process 900 for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system 105 of an aftertreatment system 120. Process 900 can reduce or remove deposits from an exhaust conduit system 105 by determining, by a controller 110, a backpressure of the engine 102 of the system 100, which can indicate deposit build up within the exhaust conduit system 105, and actuating, by the controller 110, the valve assembly 160 based on the backpressure to increase the velocity of the exhaust and the temperature of the exhaust to increase convective heat transfer to remove the deposits.[0090| Process 900 includes determining, by a controller 110, an exhaust flow condition (step 902). The exhaust flow condition may include at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, a pressure of the exhaust, or an amount of reductant in the exhaust.(0091] Process 900 includes determining, by a controller 110, an engine backpressure (step 904). The engine backpressure can be a turbine out pressure out pressure or an exhaust manifold pressure, among others. In some embodiments, step 904 may include the controller 110 receiving a signal from a sensor 170 indicating the backpressure. The controller 110 may determine the backpressure based on the signal received from the sensor 170.|(>092] Process 900 includes generating, by a controller 110, an actuation command (step 906). The actuation command can cause a valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 of theaftertreatment system 120 to move. For example, the actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from a first position to a second position. An orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate 164 in the second position may be more closed than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the first position such that an outer edge of the valve plate 164 is closer to an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to create a smaller gap 210 with the valve plate 164 in the second position than in the first position. The smaller gap 210 may cause a velocity of the exhaust to increase, which may increase the temperature of the exhaust.

[0093] The controller 110 may generate the actuation command responsive to the backpressure being greater than a backpressure threshold. For example, process 900 may include the controller 110 comparing the determined backpressure with a backpressure threshold. The backpressure threshold may correspond to an exhaust flow condition. For example, a lookup table may be stored in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. The lookup table may have acceptable backpressure thresholds for various exhaust flow conditions. The controller 110 can select the appropriate backpressure threshold based on a current exhaust flow condition of the aftertreatment system 120. The controller 110 can determine the backpressure is greater than the backpressure threshold based on the comparison. The controller 110 may, responsive to the backpressure being greater than the backpressure threshold, may generate the actuation command. The actuation command may cause movement of the valve plate 164 to increase velocity and temperature of the exhaust to remove deposits in the exhaust conduit system 105 and reduce the engine backpressure. Responsive to the backpressure being less than or equal to the backpressure threshold, process 900 may end or may restart at step 902.|0094] Process 900 includes transmitting, by a controller 110, the actuation command to the valve assembly 160 (step 908). The actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0095] Process 900 may be an iterative or repetitive process. For example, after causing the valve plate 164 to move to the second position, process 900 may restart. For example, at steps 902 and 904, the controller 110 may determine a new exhaust flow condition and a newbackpressure with the valve plate 164 in the second position. The controller 110 may compare the new backpressure with a new backpressure threshold. The new backpressure threshold may correspond to the new exhaust flow condition. At step, 906, controller 110 may, responsive to the new backpressure being greater than the new backpressure threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command. At step 908, the controller 110 may transmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly 160 to move the valve plate 164 from the second position to a third position.|0096] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can reset the position of the valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 to return the valve plate 164 to the first position. For example, the controller 110 can determine the backpressure is less than the backpressure threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the backpressure being less than the backpressure threshold, generate an actuation command to cause the valve plate 164 to return to the first position.|0097] FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of an example process 1000 for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system 105 of an aftertreatment system 120. Process 1000 can reduce or remove deposits from an exhaust conduit system 105 by determining, by a controller 110, a backpressure of the engine 102 of the system 100, which can indicate deposit build up within the exhaust conduit system 105, and actuating, by a controller 110, the valve assembly 160 based on the backpressure to increase the velocity of the exhaust and the temperature of the exhaust to increase convective heat transfer to remove the deposits. Process 1000 also includes reducing a dosing rate of reductant by the dosing module 150. Reducing the dosing rate can reduce counterproductive deposit formation as the system 100 is trying to burn off the existing deposits and can reduce the amount of free ammonia in the aftertreatment system 120 since the decomposing deposits may also emit ammonia. Too much ammonia can be detrimental to the aftertreatment system 120 as well as to humans. f0098] Process 1000 includes determining, by a controller 110, an exhaust flow condition (step 1002). The exhaust flow condition may include at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, a pressure of the exhaust, or an amount of reductant in the exhaust.

[0099] Process 1000 includes actuating, by a controller 110, a dosing module 150 (step 1004). The controller 110 can actuate the dosing module 150 to inject reductant into the exhaust at a dosing rate. The dosing rate may correspond to at least one exhaust flow condition. For example, a lookup table may be stored in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. The lookup table may have dosing rates for various exhaust flow conditions, or combinations thereof. The controller 110 can select the dosing rate for the dosing module 150 based on a current exhaust flow condition of the aftertreatment system 120.

[0100] Process 1000 includes determining, by a controller 110, an engine backpressure (step 1006). The engine backpressure can be a turbine out pressure out pressure or an exhaust manifold pressure, among others. In some embodiments, step 1006 may include the controller 110 receiving a signal from a sensor 170 indicating the backpressure. The controller 110 may determine the backpressure based on the signal received from the sensor 170.|0101] Process 1000 includes generating, by a controller 1 10, a first actuation command (step 1008). The first actuation command can cause a valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 of the aftertreatment system 120 to move. For example, the first actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from a first position to a second position. An orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate 164 in the second position may be more closed than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the first position such that an outer edge of the valve plate 164 is closer to an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to create a smaller gap 210 with the valve plate 164 in the second position than in the first position. The smaller gap 210 may cause a velocity of the exhaust to increase, which may increase the temperature of the exhaust.|0102] The controller 110 may generate the first actuation command responsive to the backpressure being greater than a backpressure threshold. For example, process 1000 may include the controller 110 comparing the determined backpressure with a backpressure threshold. The backpressure threshold may correspond to an exhaust flow condition. For example, a lookup table may be stored in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. The lookup table may have backpressure thresholds for various exhaust flow conditions, orcombinations thereof. The controller 110 can select the backpressure threshold based on a current exhaust flow condition of the aftertreatment system 120. The controller 110 can compare the determined engine backpressure with the selected backpressure threshold.

[0103] The controller 110 may, responsive to the backpressure being greater than the backpressure threshold, generate the first actuation command. The actuation command may cause movement of the valve plate 164 to increase velocity and temperature of the exhaust to remove deposits in the exhaust conduit system 105 and reduce the engine backpressure. The controller 110 can transmit the first actuation command to the valve actuator 162 of the valve assembly 160 to move the valve plate 164 to the second position. Responsive to the backpressure being less than or equal to the backpressure threshold, process 1000 may end or may restart at step 1002.

[0104] Process 1000 includes generating, by a controller 110, a second actuation command (step 1010). The second actuation command can cause the dosing module 150 to reduce the dosing rate of the reductant.|0105] The controller 110 may generate the second actuation command responsive to the dosing rate being greater than a dosing threshold. For example, process 1000 may include the controller 110 comparing the dosing rate with a dosing rate threshold. The dosing rate threshold may correspond to an exhaust flow condition. For example, a lookup table may be stored in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. The lookup table may have dosing rate thresholds for various exhaust flow conditions, or combinations thereof. The controller 110 can select the dosing rate threshold based on a current exhaust flow condition of the aftertreatment system 120. The controller 110 can compare the dosing rate with the selected dosing rate threshold.

[0106] The controller 110 may, responsive to the dosing rate being greater than the dosing rate threshold, generate the second actuation command. The second actuation command may reduce deposit formation while the system 100 is burning off the existing deposits and reduce amount of ammonia in the exhaust since the decomposing deposits may emit ammonia. The controller 110 can transmit the second actuation command to the dosing module 150 to reduce the dosingrate of the reductant. Responsive to the dosing rate being less than or equal to the dosing rate threshold, process 1000 may end or may restart at step 1002.|0107] Process 1000 may be an iterative or repetitive process. For example, after causing the valve plate 164 to move to the second position, process 700 may restart. For example, at steps 1002-1006, the controller 110 may determine a new exhaust flow condition, actuate the dosing module 150 to inject reductant into the exhaust at a new dosing rate based on the new exhaust flow condition, and determine a new backpressure with the valve plate 164 in the second position. The controller 110 may compare the new backpressure with a new backpressure threshold. The new backpressure threshold may be based on the new exhaust flow condition. At step 1008, the controller 110 may, responsive to the new backpressure being greater than the backpressure threshold, generate a first subsequent actuation command. At step 1010, the controller 110 may, responsive to the dosing rate being greater than a new dosing rate threshold corresponding to the new exhaust flow condition, generate a second subsequent actuation command.

[0108] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can reset the position of the valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 to return the valve plate 164 to the first position. For example, the controller 110 can determine the backpressure is less than the backpressure threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the backpressure being less than the backpressure threshold, generate an actuation command to cause the valve plate 164 to return to the first position.

[0109] FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram of an example process 1100 for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system 105 of an aftertreatment system 120. Process 1100 can change a swirl magnitude of exhaust to adjust a mixing level of the exhaust by adjusting, by a controller 110, a position of the valve plate 164. The position of the valve plate 164 can selectively increase or decrease the swirl magnitude when the swirl magnitude produced from the engine 102 and the exhaust conduit system 105 is insufficient for mixing and deposit reduction.[011O| Process 1100 includes determining, by a controller 110, an exhaust flow condition (step 1102). The exhaust flow condition may include at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, aNOx concentration of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, a pressure of the exhaust, or an amount of reductant in the exhaust.|0111] Process 1100 includes determining, by a controller 110, an exhaust flow swirl magnitude (step 1104). The swirl magnitude can quantity an amount of mixing or rotational motion of the exhaust within the exhaust conduit system 105. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may determine the exhaust flow swirl magnitude based on a signal received from a sensor 170. For example, step 1104 may include the controller 110 receiving a signal from a sensor 170 indicating the exhaust flow swirl magnitude. The controller 110 may determine the exhaust flow swirl magnitude based on the signal received from the sensor 170.

[0112] Process 1100 includes generating, by a controller 110, an actuation command (step 1106). The actuation command can cause a valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 of the aftertreatment system 120 to move. For example, the actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from a first position to a second position. An orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate 164 in the second position may be more closed than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the first position such that an outer edge of the valve plate 164 is closer to an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to create a smaller gap 210 with the valve plate 164 in the second position than in the first position. The second position may cause the exhaust flow swirl magnitude to increase, which may increase mixing of the exhaust and / or reduce the deposits in the exhaust conduit system 105.

[0113] The controller 110 may generate the actuation command responsive to the swirl magnitude being less than a swirl magnitude threshold. For example, process 1100 may include the controller 110 comparing the determined swirl magnitude with a swirl magnitude threshold. The swirl magnitude threshold may correspond to an exhaust flow condition. The controller 110 may, responsive to the swirl magnitude being less than the swirl magnitude threshold, generate the actuation command. The actuation command may cause movement of the valve plate 164 to increase the swirl magnitude to remove deposits or prevent deposits from forming in the exhaust conduit system 105. Responsive to the swirl magnitude being greater than or equal to the swirl magnitude threshold, process 1100 may end or may restart at step 1102.

[0114] Process 1100 includes transmitting, by a controller 110, the actuation command to the valve assembly 160 (step 1108). The actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0115] Process 1100 may be an iterative or repetitive process. For example, after causing the valve plate 164 to move to the second position, process 1100 may restart. For example, at steps 1102 and 1104, the controller 110 may determine a new exhaust flow condition and a new swirl magnitude with the valve plate 164 in the second position. The controller 110 may compare the new swirl magnitude with a new swirl magnitude threshold. The new swirl magnitude threshold may correspond to the new exhaust flow condition. At step 1106, the controller 110 may, responsive to the new swirl magnitude being less than the new swirl magnitude threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command. At step 1108, the controller 110 may transmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly 160 to move the valve plate 164 from the second position to a third position.|0116] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can reset the position of the valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 to return the valve plate 164 to the first position. For example, the controller 110 can determine the swirl magnitude is greater than the swirl magnitude threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the swirl magnitude being greater than the swirl magnitude threshold, generate an actuation command to cause the valve plate 164 to return to the first position.

[0117] FIG. 12 depicts a flow diagram of an example process 1200 for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system 105 of an aftertreatment system 120. Process 1200 can change a swirl magnitude of exhaust to adjust a mixing level of the exhaust by adjusting, by a controller 110, a position of the valve plate 164 based on a level of nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the exhaust. The position of the valve plate 164 can selectively increase or decrease the swirl magnitude when the NOx level is higher than a target level.

[0118] Process 1200 includes determining, by a controller 110, a NOx level (step 1202). In some embodiments, step 1202 may include the controller 110 receiving a signal from a sensor170 indicating the NOx level. The controller 110 may determine the NOx level based on the signal received from the sensor 170.|0119] In some embodiments, process 1200 may include determining, by a controller 110, an amount of nitrogen oxide removed from the exhaust (DeNOx level). For example, the controller 110 may compare an engine output NOx level with a component or system output NOx level to determine the DeNOx level. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may receive a first signal from a first sensor 170 indicating the engine output NOx level and a second signal from a second sensor 170 indicating the component or system output NOx level. The DeNOx level can be the different between the engine output NOx level and the component or system output NOx level.[01201 Process 1200 includes generating, by a controller 110, an actuation command (step 1204). The actuation command can cause a valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 of the aftertreatment system 120 to move. For example, the actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from a first position to a second position. An orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate 164 in the second position may be more closed than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the first position such that an outer edge of the valve plate 164 is closer to an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to create a smaller gap 210 with the valve plate 164 in the second position than in the first position. The second position may cause the exhaust flow swirl magnitude to increase, which may increase reductant decomposition and decrease the NOx level in the exhaust or increase the DeNOx level of the aftertreatment system 120.[01211 The controller 110 may generate the actuation command responsive to the NOx level being greater than a NOx threshold, or responsive to the DeNOx level being less than a DeNOx threshold. For example, process 1200 may include the controller 110 comparing the determined NOx level with a NOx threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the NOx level being greater than the NOx threshold, generate the actuation command. In some embodiments, process 1200 may include the controller 110 comparing the determined DeNOx level with a DeNOx threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the DeNOx level being less than theDeNOx threshold, generate the actuation command. The actuation command may cause movement of the valve plate 164 to increase the swirl magnitude or velocity of the exhaust to increase the reductant decomposition to decrease the NOx level or increase the DeNOx level to remove deposits or prevent deposits from forming in the exhaust conduit system 105. Responsive to the NOx level being less than or equal to the NOx threshold, process 1200 may end or may restart at step 1202. Responsive to the DeNOx level being greater than or equal to the DeNOx threshold, process 1200 may end or may restart at step 1202.|0122] Process 1200 includes transmitting, by a controller 110, the actuation command to the valve assembly 160 (step 1206). The actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from the first position to the second position.[012 [ Process 1200 may be an iterative or repetitive process. For example, after causing the valve plate 164 to move to the second position, process 1200 may restart. For example, at step 1202, the controller 110 may determine a new NOx level or a new DeNOx level with the valve plate 164 in the second position. The controller 110 may compare the NOx level with the NOx threshold or the new DeNOx level with the DeNOx threshold. At step 1204, the controller 110 may, responsive to the new NOx level being greater than the NOx threshold or the DeNOx level being less than the DeNOx threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command. The NOx threshold or the DeNOx threshold can correspond with the configuration of the aftertreatment system 120. The NOx threshold or the DeNOx threshold can remain the same throughout process 1200 since the configuration of the aftertreatment system 120 can remain the same. The NOx threshold or the DeNOx threshold may change if the configuration of the aftertreatment system 120 changes. At step 1206, the controller 110 may transmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly 160 to move the valve plate 164 from the second position to a third position.

[0124] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can reset the position of the valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 to return the valve plate 164 to the first position. For example, the controller 110 can determine the NOx level is less than the NOx threshold or the DeNOx level is greater than the DeNOx threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the NOx levelbeing less than the NOx threshold or the DeNOx level being greater than the DeNOx threshold, generate an actuation command to cause the valve plate 164 to return to the first position.|0125] FIG. 13 depicts a flow diagram of an example process 1300 for controlling reductant decomposition and deposit formation in an exhaust conduit system 105 of an aftertreatment system 120. Process 1300 can reduce or remove deposits from an exhaust conduit system 105 by actuating, by a controller 110, a valve assembly 160 to a target position with a dosing module 150 in operation, determining, by the controller 110, a backpressure of an engine 102 with the valve assembly 160 at the target position, and actuating, by the controller 110, the valve assembly 160 to an updated target position based on the backpressure of the engine 102. The target position of the valve assembly 160 is configured to increase velocity and temperature of the exhaust proximate to the inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to remove or prevent deposit formation, and the updated target position is to adjust the valve assembly 160 to decrease the velocity of the exhaust to improve efficiency of the engine 102 based on the backpressure. The controller 110 can consider both the operation of the dosing module 150 and the engine backpressure to determine the updated target position.

[0126] Process 1300 includes determining, by a controller 110, operation of a dosing module 150 (step 1302). Operation of the dosing module 150 may comprise whether the dosing module 150 is operating, or a duration of operation of the dosing module, among others. In some embodiments, step 1302 may include the controller 110 receiving a signal from a sensor 170 indicating the operation of dosing module 150. For example, the signal may indicate the dosing module 150 is operating (e.g., is turned on) or how long the dosing module 150 has been operating. The controller 110 may determine the operation of the dosing module based on the signal received from the sensor 170.|0127] Process 1300 includes transmitting, by a controller 110, a first actuation command (step 1304). The controller 110 may transmit the first actuation command to the valve actuator 162 of the valve assembly 160. The first actuation command can cause a valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 of the aftertreatment system 120 to move. For example, the actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from an initial position to a target position.The actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move in a first direction to position the valve plate in the first position. The target position can be a predetermined position. The target position may be stored in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. An orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate 164 in the target position may be more closed than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the initial position such that an outer edge of the valve plate 164 is closer to an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to create a smaller gap 210 with the valve plate 164 in the target position than in the initial position. The smaller gap 210 may cause a velocity of the exhaust to increase, which may increase the temperature of the exhaust.]0128| The controller 110 may transmit the first actuation command responsive to the operation of the dosing module meeting a dosing threshold. For example, process 1300 may include the controller 110 comparing the determined operation of the dosing module 150 with a dosing threshold. The dosing threshold may be a dosing frequency, a dosing rate, a dosing state (e.g., on or off), or a dosing duration, among others. The controller 110 may, responsive to the operation of the dosing module 150 meeting than the dosing threshold, transmit the first actuation command. Responsive to the operation of the dosing module 150 not meeting the dosing threshold, process 1300 may end or may restart at step 1302.|0129] Process 1300 includes determining, by a controller 110, an engine backpressure (step 1306). The engine backpressure can be a turbine out pressure out pressure or an exhaust manifold pressure, among others. In some embodiments, step 1306 may include the controller 110 receiving a signal from a sensor 170 indicating the backpressure. The controller 110 may determine the backpressure based on the signal received from the sensor 170.|0130] Process 1300 includes transmitting, by a controller 110, a second actuation command (step 1308). The controller 110 may transmit the second actuation command to the valve actuator 162 of the valve assembly 160. The second actuation command can cause a valve plate 164 of the valve assembly 160 of the aftertreatment system 120 to move. For example, the second actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to move from the target position to an updated target position. The second actuation command can cause the valve plate 164 to movein a second direction opposite the first direction to position the valve plate 164 in the updated target position. For example, movement of the valve plate 164 for may create too much backpressure in the exhaust conduit system 105 (e.g., the backpressure exceeds the backpressure threshold). Movement of the valve plate 164 to the updated target position can correct the initial movement to reduce the backpressure caused by the position of the valve plate 164 to create a backpressure that is less than the backpressure threshold.

[0131] The updated target position can correspond to a position of the valve plate 164 that correspond to a backpressure that is less than the backpressure threshold. The controller 110 can store the updated target position in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. For example, the controller 110 can store the updated target position in addition to the target position or can replace of the target position. The controller 110 can apply the stored updated target position to a subsequent process 1300. An orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate 164 in the updated target position may be less closed than an orientation of the valve assembly 160 with the valve plate 164 in the target position such that an outer edge of the valve plate 164 is further from an inner wall of the exhaust conduit 106 to create a larger gap 210 with the valve plate 164 in the updated target position than in the target position. The greater gap 210 may cause the backpressure to decrease.|0132] The controller 110 may transmit the second actuation command responsive to the backpressure being greater than a backpressure threshold. For example, process 1300 may include the controller 110 comparing the determined backpressure with a backpressure threshold. The controller 110 may, responsive to the backpressure being greater than the backpressure threshold, transmit the second actuation command. Responsive to the backpressure being less than or equal to the backpressure threshold, process 1300 may end or may restart at step 1302.[0133 j Process 1300, or portions thereof, may be an iterative or repetitive process. For example, after causing the valve plate 164 to move to the updated target position, process 1300 may return to step 1306. For example, at step 1306, the controller 110 may determine a new backpressure with the valve plate 164 in the updated target position. The controller 110 maycompare the new backpressure with the backpressure threshold. At step 1308, the controller 110 may, responsive to the new backpressure being greater than the backpressure threshold, generate a third actuation command. The controller 110 may transmit the third actuation command to the valve assembly 160 to move the valve plate 164 from the updated target position to a subsequent updated target position. The subsequent updated target position may be stored in the memory device 606 of the controller 110. The subsequent updated target position can be stored in addition to or in replace of the updated target position.VI. Configuration of Example Embodiments

[0001] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0002] As utilized herein, the terms “substantially,” “generally,” “approximately,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0003] The term “coupled” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, with the two components, or with the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

[0004] The terms “fluidly coupled to” and the like, as used herein, mean the two components or objects have a pathway formed between the two components or objects in which a fluid, such as air, reductant, an air-reductant mixture, exhaust, may flow, either with or without intervening components or objects. Examples of fluid couplings or configurations for enabling fluid communication may include piping, channels, or any other suitable components for enabling the flow of a fluid from one component or object to another.

[0005] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various systems shown in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and / or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary, and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language “a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0006] Also, the term “or” is used, in the context of a list of elements, in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0007] Additionally, the use of ranges of values (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) herein are inclusive of their maximum values and minimum values (e.g., W1 to W2 includes W1 and includes W2, etc.), unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, a range of values (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) does not necessarily require the inclusion of intermediate values within the range of values (e.g., W1 to W2 can include only W1 and W2, etc.), unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An aftertreatment system comprising: a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine; a valve assembly coupled to the conduit, the valve assembly comprising: a shaft, and a valve plate coupled to the shaft and disposed in the conduit, the valve plate configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit; a dosing module coupled with the conduit, the dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit; and a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and the dosing module, the controller comprising a processing circuit, the controller configured to: determine a temperature of the exhaust, responsive to determining that the temperature of the exhaust is below a temperature threshold, calculate a ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to an amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant, responsive to the ratio being less than a ratio threshold, generate an actuation command, and transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position.

2. The aftertreatment system of claim 1, wherein: the controller is further configured to: determine an exhaust flow condition comprising at least one of a NOx concentration of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, or a pressure of the exhaust, and determine a dosing rate for the reductant to be introduced into the exhaust based on the exhaust flow condition.

3. The aftertreatment system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:compare a first new ratio to the ratio threshold with the valve plate at the second position, responsive to the first new ratio being less than the ratio threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command, transmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from the second position to a third position, compare a second new ratio to the ratio threshold with the valve plate at the third position, and responsive to the second new ratio meeting or exceeding the ratio threshold, maintain a position of the valve plate in the third position, wherein moving the valve plate to the third position increases the amount of energy in the exhaust to meet or exceed the amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant.

4. The aftertreatment system of claim 1, wherein an orientation of the valve assembly when in the second position is more closed than an orientation of the valve assembly in the first position, such that an outer edge of the valve plate is closer to an inner wall of the conduit to create a smaller gap in the second position than in the first position, wherein the smaller gap causes a velocity of the exhaust to increase.

5. The aftertreatment system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: compare a new ratio to the ratio threshold with the valve plate at the second position, responsive to the new ratio being greater than the ratio threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command, and transmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from the second position to a third position, wherein an orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate in the third position is more open than an orientation of the valve assembly with the valve plate in the second position, such that an outer edge of the valve plate is further away from an inner wall of the conduit to create a larger gap in the third position than in the second position, wherein the larger gap causes a velocity of the exhaust to decrease.

6. An aftertreatment system comprising: a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine; a valve assembly coupled with the conduit, the valve assembly comprising: a shaft, and a valve plate coupled to the shaft and disposed in the conduit, the valve plate configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit; a dosing module coupled with the conduit, the dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit; and a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly, the controller comprising a processing circuit, the controller configured to: calculate a ratio of an amount of energy in the exhaust to an amount of energy needed to decompose the reductant, responsive to the ratio being below a ratio threshold, initiate a timer to determine how long the ratio remains below the ratio threshold, responsive to the ratio remaining below the ratio threshold for a target length of time, determine a temperature of the exhaust, responsive to the temperature being less than a temperature threshold, generate an actuation command, and transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position, the second position to increase the temperature of the exhaust.

7. The aftertreatment system of claim 6, wherein: the controller is further configured to: determine an exhaust flow condition comprising at least one of a NOx concentration of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, a flow rate of the exhaust, or a pressure of the exhaust, and select the target length of time based on the determined exhaust flow condition.

8. An aftertreatment system comprising: a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine; a valve assembly coupled with the conduit, the valve assembly comprising: a shaft, and a valve plate coupled to the shaft and disposed in the conduit, the valve plate configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit; a dosing module coupled with the conduit, the dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit; and a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly, the controller comprising a processing circuit, the controller configured to: determine an exhaust flow condition comprising at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration in the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, or a flow rate of the exhaust, determine an engine backpressure, responsive to the engine backpressure exceeding a backpressure threshold, generate an actuation command, wherein the backpressure threshold corresponds to the exhaust flow condition, and transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position.

9. The aftertreatment system of claim 8, wherein: the controller is further configured to: select the backpressure threshold based on the exhaust flow condition; compare the engine backpressure with the backpressure threshold; and determine the engine backpressure is greater than the backpressure threshold.

10. An aftertreatment system comprising: a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine; a valve assembly coupled with the conduit, the valve assembly comprising: a shaft, anda valve plate coupled to the shaft and disposed in the conduit, the valve plate configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit; a dosing module coupled with the conduit, the dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit; and a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and the dosing module, the controller comprising a processing circuit, the controller configured to: determine an exhaust flow condition comprising at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration in the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust ,or a flow rate of the exhaust, actuate the dosing module to inject the reductant into the exhaust at a dosing rate, determine an engine backpressure, responsive to the engine backpressure exceeding a backpressure threshold, generate a first actuation command to cause the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position, wherein the backpressure threshold corresponds to the exhaust flow condition, and responsive to the dosing rate exceeding a dosing rate threshold, generate a second actuation command to cause the dosing module to reduce the dosing rate of the reductant.

11. The aftertreatment system of claim 10, wherein: the controller is further configured to: select the backpressure threshold and the dosing rate threshold based on the exhaust flow condition.

12. An aftertreatment system, comprising: a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine; a valve assembly coupled with the conduit, the valve assembly comprising: a shaft, anda valve plate coupled to the shaft and disposed in the conduit, the valve plate configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit; a dosing module coupled with the conduit, the dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit; a sensor disposed in the conduit, the sensor configured to determine a magnitude of a swirl of the exhaust; and a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and the sensor, the controller comprising a processing circuit, the controller configured to: determine an exhaust flow condition comprising at least one of a temperature of the exhaust, a NOx concentration in the exhaust, a pressure of the exhaust, a velocity of the exhaust, or a flow rate of the exhaust, determine a swirl magnitude of the exhaust based on a signal received from the sensor, responsive to the swirl magnitude being below a swirl magnitude threshold, generate an actuation command, wherein the swirl magnitude threshold corresponds to the exhaust flow condition, and transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position.

13. The aftertreatment system of claim 12, wherein: the controller is further configured to: determine a new exhaust flow condition and a new swirl magnitude of the exhaust with the valve plate in the second position; responsive to the new swirl magnitude being less than a new swirl magnitude threshold, wherein the new swirl magnitude threshold corresponds to the new exhaust flow condition, generate a subsequent actuation command to move the valve plate form the second position to a third position.

14. An aftertreatment system, comprising: a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine;a valve assembly coupled with the conduit, the valve assembly comprising: a shaft, and a valve plate coupled to the shaft and disposed in the conduit, the valve plate configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit; a dosing module coupled with the conduit, the dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit; and a controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly, the controller comprising a processing circuit, the controller configured to: determine a nitrogen oxide (NOx) level of the aftertreatment system, responsive to the NOx level being greater than a NOx threshold, generate an actuation command, and transmit the actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from a first position to a second position.

15. The aftertreatment system of claim 14, wherein: the controller is further configured to: determine a new NOx level with the valve plate in the second position, responsive to the new NOx level bring greater than the NOx threshold, generate a subsequent actuation command, and transmit the subsequent actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from the second position to a third position.

16. An aftertreatment system, comprising: a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine; a valve assembly coupled with the conduit, the valve assembly comprising: a shaft, and a valve plate coupled to the shaft and disposed in the conduit, the valve plate configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit; a dosing module coupled with the conduit, the dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit; anda controller communicably coupled with the valve assembly and the dosing module, the controller comprising a processing circuit, the controller configured to: determine operation of the dosing module, responsive to the operation of the dosing module meeting a dosing threshold, transmit a first actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate to a target position, determine a backpressure of the aftertreatment system, and responsive to the backpressure exceeding a backpressure threshold, transmit a second actuation command to the valve assembly to move the valve plate from the target position to an updated target position, the updated target position corresponding to a position of the valve plate that corresponds with the backpressure being less than the backpressure threshold.

17. The aftertreatment system of claim 16, wherein the target position is stored in a memory device of the controller, wherein the controller is further configured to: replace the target position stored in the memory device with the updated target position.

18. An aftertreatment system, comprising: a conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine; a dosing module coupled with the conduit, the dosing module configured to introduce a reductant into the exhaust in the conduit, the dosing module defining a dosing axis; and a valve assembly coupled with the conduit, the valve assembly comprising: a shaft defining a valve axis, and a valve plate coupled with the shaft and disposed in the conduit, the valve plate configured to facilitate control of a flow of the exhaust through the conduit; wherein the valve axis is angled relative to the dosing axis.

19. The aftertreatment system of claim 18, wherein:a position of an edge of the valve plate relative to an inner wall of the conduit defines a gap for the exhaust to flow; and the dosing axis is perpendicular to the valve axis such that the flow of the exhaust through the gap is coincident with the flow of the reductant.

20. The aftertreatment system of claim 19, wherein: the valve assembly is disposed downstream from the dosing module; and wherein the exhaust and the reductant flow through the gap defined by the edge of the valve plate and the inner wall of the conduit.

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