DPF Backpressure Sensor Dual Use for Altitude-Based Power Limiting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport power systems lack effective methods to adjust power output limits based on altitude and diesel particulate filter (DPF) backpressure, leading to potential emissions violations and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an absolute pressure sensor to determine altitude and configure a DPF backpressure sensor as an altitude sensor, enabling a controller to adjust power usage and DPF fill level as a function of altitude, ensuring compliance with emissions regulations and optimizing system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single absolute pressure sensor is used as both DPF backpressure sensor and altitude sensor, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised due to dual-function usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by configuring a single absolute pressure sensor to serve dual purposes: measuring DPF backpressure when the prime mover is running and determining altitude when the prime mover is not running. This eliminates the need for separate sensors while the controller intelligently switches between functions based on operational state, maintaining measurement precision through context-aware processing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power output upper limit is adjusted based on altitude, then emissions compliance is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the power output upper limit of the prime mover based on altitude-derived atmospheric pressure data. The controller modifies operational parameters (power limits, DPF fill levels) according to environmental conditions, enabling emissions compliance across varying altitudes without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring absolute pressure to determine altitude, then using this information to adjust power output limits and DPF regeneration timing. This closed-loop approach ensures emissions compliance while optimizing performance based on real-time environmental conditions.
3Productivity
If DPF regeneration timing is optimized based on altitude, then system efficiency is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the dual-function pressure sensor to optimize DPF regeneration timing by considering altitude effects on atmospheric density and combustion characteristics. The controller adjusts regeneration thresholds and timing based on pressure-derived altitude data, improving system efficiency without requiring separate altitude sensing or complex measurement systems.
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 allows for dynamic power output adjustments and DPF regeneration timing, enhancing compliance with emissions regulations and improving system efficiency by optimizing power usage and DPF performance across varying altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
an absolute pressure sensor configured to sense an ambient absolute pressure and a controller programmed to determine an altitude of the transport power system based on the sensed ambient absolute pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A transport power system is provided. The transport power system includes a prime mover separate from another prime mover used for operating a vehicle, an absolute pressure sensor configured to sense an absolute pressure, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an altitude of the transport power system based on a first absolute pressure sensed during a start-up sequence of the transport power system prior to running of the prime mover, adjust a power output upper limit for the prime mover based on the determined altitude, and control an operation of the prime mover of the transport power system not to exceed the adjusted power output upper limit.