Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration via Navigation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exhaust gas aftertreatment systems for diesel vehicles face challenges in efficiently regenerating particulate filters, often requiring drivers to increase speed or visit a workshop, which can be inconvenient and lead to suboptimal regeneration timing, resulting in increased fuel consumption and potential odor issues.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a navigation device to communicate with a control unit to optimize regeneration timing by suggesting alternative routes that allow for increased exhaust gas temperature, thereby improving filter regeneration and reducing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inlet temperature of the exhaust gas is raised to reach the threshold temperature for oxidation, then the regeneration of the particle filter is enabled, but the fuel consumption increases and the driver experiences inconvenience due to speed requests or workshop visits
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit proactively monitors filter load and exhaust gas temperature conditions to determine optimal regeneration timing. By using navigation device data to predict upcoming route characteristics (highway sections, terrain), the system performs preliminary assessment and triggers regeneration at the most favorable moment before the driver needs to change behavior, rather than reacting after conditions become unfavorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters including differential pressure across the filter, exhaust gas temperature, and vehicle operating conditions. This feedback loop allows the control unit to assess real-time regeneration readiness and adjust timing based on predicted route information from the navigation device, optimizing the balance between filter maintenance and fuel consumption.
2Reliability
If regeneration is initiated when favorable conditions are not present, then the regeneration may fail to achieve desired success, but delaying regeneration may lead to filter overload or require workshop visits
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses navigation device data to predict upcoming route sections that are favorable for regeneration (highway driving, uphill sections) and proactively schedules regeneration to start before these sections are reached. This preliminary planning ensures regeneration begins under optimal conditions without requiring the driver to alter their travel plans or visit a workshop.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts regeneration timing based on real-time conditions and predicted route characteristics. Rather than following a fixed schedule or waiting for filter overload, the control unit continuously evaluates differential pressure, exhaust temperature, and upcoming route information to flexibly determine the optimal regeneration moment that balances success probability with minimal driver inconvenience.
3Reliability
If the driver is requested to increase speed or visit a workshop for regeneration, then the regeneration can be achieved, but the driver experience deteriorates and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs filter regeneration autonomously by automatically monitoring conditions, predicting optimal timing using navigation data, and controlling the regeneration process without driver intervention. The driver receives no warnings or speed requests, as the system independently manages the entire regeneration process to maintain both filter performance and driver comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit proactively determines optimal regeneration timing based on predicted route characteristics before the driver would need to be informed or take action. By planning regeneration in advance using navigation data about upcoming favorable sections, the system ensures completion without requiring workshop visits or speed requests, thereby maintaining driver convenience.
4Reliability
If regeneration is performed at unfavorable times such as before the end of a journey or in city traffic, then the filter can be maintained, but odor issues may occur and regeneration effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors differential pressure and exhaust gas temperature to assess filter load and regeneration readiness. This feedback is combined with navigation device data about upcoming route characteristics to predict the optimal moment when conditions will be favorable for complete combustion, thereby preventing odor issues associated with incomplete regeneration in unsuitable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively schedules regeneration to begin before predicted favorable route sections (highway driving, uphill sections) rather than waiting until the end of a journey or attempting regeneration in unsuitable city traffic conditions. This preliminary timing ensures complete combustion and prevents odor emission while maintaining filter performance.
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 approach optimizes the regeneration process, reducing fuel consumption and avoiding inconvenient regeneration timing, allowing for more efficient filter maintenance and minimizing odor issues by suggesting routes that facilitate higher speeds during regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
The particles can be combustible, and they can be based on carbon and can certainly exist as soot particles. The particle filters used today only have a finite absorption capacity and have to be regenerated again and again after a predetermined period of operation. This is done by oxidizing the embedded particles, with heat being released during this oxidation process.
Implementation Method 2
In modern vehicles, the drive motor, such as the internal combustion engine, is electronically controlled and/or regulated by means of an electronic control unit. This control and/or regulation has an influence, for example, on the power, the speed, the torque of the drive motor, but also on the exhaust gas, such as the amount of exhaust gas, its composition and the exhaust gas temperature.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device has a diesel soot particle filter (4) including a control unit (5) for controlling a drive motor (2) i.e. diesel internal combustion engine, and initiating regeneration of the filter. Signals or data concerning control of the regeneration are exchanged between the control unit and a position finding- and/or navigation device (6). The finding- and/or navigation device determines an actual position of a motor vehicle (1). The control unit and the finding- and/or navigation device are connected with a bus i.e. controller area network (CAN) bus. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling exhaust gas treatment of a motor vehicle.