Auxiliary DPF Regeneration Using Exhaust Fuel Combustion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Particulate filters in vehicles with diesel engines often fail to regenerate sufficiently due to fluctuations in driving conditions and reduced exhaust gas temperatures, leading to poor performance and potential engine shutdown, especially with high soot accumulation.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary standalone particulate filter regeneration system that combusts fuel in the exhaust pipe to raise temperatures sufficient for oxidizing particulates, using a system with supply lines and an igniter to regenerate the filter independently of the vehicle's onboard system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the vehicle's onboard regeneration system is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the exhaust gas temperature is insufficient to achieve effective regeneration under fluctuating driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vehicle's onboard regeneration system with an auxiliary standalone regeneration system. The auxiliary system includes a fuel dispenser and igniter that inject fuel directly into the exhaust stream, merging two separate regeneration approaches into a unified system that can operate independently or together based on conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary fuel dispenser and igniter as intermediary components between the exhaust system and the particulate filter. These components mediate the regeneration process by providing an additional heat source that supplements insufficient exhaust gas temperature, enabling effective regeneration under conditions where the onboard system alone would fail.
2Reliability
If thermal regeneration is attempted under normal driving conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but the regeneration is insufficient due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary regeneration system applies partial action by injecting fuel only into the exhaust stream when regeneration is needed but temperature is insufficient. Rather than continuously consuming energy, the system activates only under specific conditions where the onboard system fails to achieve adequate temperature, providing just enough additional energy to complete regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas by injecting and combusting auxiliary fuel. This chemical energy conversion directly increases the exhaust gas temperature to the threshold required for effective soot oxidation, transforming the thermal state of the exhaust stream to enable regeneration.
3Temperature
If the particulate filter is located far from the engine, then the filter can be positioned optimally in the exhaust system, but temperature losses increase due to long exhaust pipe length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of long exhaust pipe length and associated temperature losses into a beneficial opportunity. By positioning the auxiliary fuel injection point in the exhaust stream, the system uses the existing exhaust flow to transport and distribute the injected fuel along the exhaust path, ensuring adequate mixing and combustion even over long distances to the particulate filter.
4Reliability
If an auxiliary standalone regeneration system is added, then regeneration effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary regeneration system is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The fuel dispenser and igniter components can serve dual purposes: assisting the onboard regeneration system when temperature is insufficient, and potentially operating as a standalone regeneration system if needed. This universal design allows a single auxiliary system to handle multiple regeneration scenarios.
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
Effectively regenerates particulate filters by achieving the necessary temperature threshold to oxidize accumulated soot, improving filter performance and preventing engine shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
igniting the fuel thereby regenerating the particulate filter
Implementation Method 2
oxidize the particulates accumulated in the filter
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein methods can be used in particulate filter regeneration, such as particulate filters used for filtering the exhaust of an engine, e.g., a diesel engine. Systems herein can be configured to dispense combustion gas(es) into housing were a particulate filter is contained and to ignite the combustion gases. Methods for conducting a safety verification process of such systems are disclosed, as well as methods for regenerating the filters. Still other embodiments are described.