Diesel Exhaust Filter Passive Regeneration via Engine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diesel engine exhaust systems face challenges in passively regenerating particulate filters, catalyzed soot filters, and NOx adsorber catalysts due to space constraints in on-highway vehicles and inefficiencies in generating high temperatures during rest periods, which affect fuel economy and regeneration effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an integrated starter, alternator, flywheel, and retarder with an engine control module that adjusts engine operating parameters, such as fueling strategy and timing, to promote passive regeneration of filters and catalysts by sensing conditions and generating signals for initiating regeneration cycles, including altering the air/fuel ratio and activating a warning light for operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the catalyst components are located close to the engine turbocharger turbine outlet to maintain high temperatures, then regeneration effectiveness is improved, but space constraints in on-highway vehicles make this approach impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the exhaust gas by controlling engine operating conditions (fuel injection timing, air/fuel ratio, EGR rate) to raise exhaust temperature to the required 400-500°C range, eliminating the need for proximity to the turbine outlet for heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust system components perform self-regeneration by utilizing the exhaust gas heat itself, combined with controlled engine operating parameters that generate sufficient heat locally at the filter/catalyst position, without requiring external heating or specific proximity to the turbine
2Reliability
If active regeneration is performed by loading the engine while the vehicle is at rest, then regeneration effectiveness is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates due to negligible loads available during rest periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic regeneration cycles during normal vehicle operation rather than requiring dedicated rest periods, utilizing brief intervals during driving when engine load naturally increases to perform regeneration without extended idle loading
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous capability for regeneration during normal driving operation, eliminating the need to stop the vehicle or maintain idle loading, thereby keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range while still achieving regeneration
3Reliability
If engine operating parameters are adjusted to increase exhaust temperature for passive regeneration, then regeneration effectiveness is improved, but fuel economy may be penalized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial adjustments to engine parameters only when and where needed for regeneration, rather than continuously modifying all parameters, thereby achieving sufficient temperature increase (400-500°C) with minimal impact on overall fuel economy
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts engine parameters (fuel injection timing, air/fuel ratio, EGR rate) only during regeneration events, returning to optimal fuel-efficient settings during normal operation, thus achieving regeneration without sustained fuel economy penalty
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient passive regeneration of diesel engine exhaust system components without compromising fuel economy, ensuring effective cleaning of filters and catalysts by increasing exhaust temperatures during vehicle motion and adjusting engine parameters to achieve necessary regeneration temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
passive regeneration of compression ignition engine exhaust system filters and catalysts
Implementation Method 2
catalyst soot filters, and NOx adsorber catalysts that clean exhaust and reduce engine emissions
Implementation Method 3
Regeneration of diesel particulate filters requires heating the filters to temperatures of approximately 500° C. for a period of about 10 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for passively regenerating particulate filters, catalyze soot filters and NOx adsorber catalysts for a vehicle having a compression ignition engine having an engine control module (ECM) including an integrated engine and emission system map, and an integrated starter/alternator/flywheel/retarder assembly, comprising sensing the condition of the particulate filters, catalyzed soot filters, and NOx adsorber catalysts and generating an initiate cleaning cycle signal upon sensing that the filters and catalysts require cleaning, monitoring operation of the engine and vehicle to determine the engine speed and vehicle speed and generating an engine speed/vehicle speed operating signal, receiving the initiate passive cleaning engine cycle signal and the engine speed vehicle speed operating signal, and initiating engine control parameter adjustments to modify engine operation to promote passive regeneration of the filters.