Particle Filter Temperature Control via Inlet Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature regulation methods for particle filters in vehicles are inefficient due to high thermal inertia, leading to uncontrollable temperature rises during regeneration, which can damage the filter and downstream components.

Innovation Solution

Regulating the inlet temperature of the particle filter based on the relationship between the inlet temperature and the actual filter temperature, accounting for the amount of unburnt fuel that burns within the filter, thereby maintaining a constant filter temperature and reducing thermal inertia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fuel is added to exhaust gases for active regeneration, then soot particles are converted to carbon dioxide and water, but uncontrolled temperature rise occurs which can melt the filter structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter structure integrityVSAvoidparticle filter temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the particle filter temperature with a temperature sensor and adjusting the fuel injection rate based on the measured temperature. The control unit compares the measured temperature against a maximum permissible temperature threshold and reduces fuel injection when the temperature approaches this threshold, preventing uncontrolled temperature rise and filter structure damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the fuel injection rate parameter based on temperature conditions. By adjusting the amount of fuel added to the exhaust gases according to real-time temperature measurements, the system maintains effective regeneration while preventing temperature from exceeding the maximum permissible level that could damage the filter structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the particle filter temperature is kept at a uniform level, then the combustion rate remains controlled, but the response time for temperature regulation is delayed due to high thermal inertia

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion controlVSAvoidtemperature regulation response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively reducing the fuel injection rate before the temperature reaches dangerous levels. The control system monitors temperature trends and adjusts fuel injection in advance, compensating for the thermal inertia delay and preventing temperature overshoot before it occurs, thus maintaining both control reliability and faster effective response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly shortens the response time and maintains a stable temperature within the filter during regeneration, ensuring effective soot combustion while preventing excessive temperature increases, thus protecting the filter and downstream components.

Implementation Method 1

fuel is added to the exhaust gases and is intended to burn up in an oxidation catalyst situated upstream from the particle filter. In active regeneration, carbon is converted by oxygen to carbon dioxide and water.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

the exhaust flow is led through a filter structure whereby soot particles are captured from the passing exhaust flow and are stored in the particle filter.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

Regeneration involves the soot particles, which mainly consist of carbon particles, being converted to carbon dioxide and/or carbon monoxide in one or more chemical processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction:

Implementation Method 4

heat is generated during the combustion of the fuel both in the oxidation catalyst and in the particle filter by the chemical reaction involved in the combustion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP2612002B1Method and system for exhaust emission control
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP2612002B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2612002B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2612002B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a system for regulating a temperature T DPF in a particle filter which is situated downstream of an oxidation catalyst in an exhaust cleaning system and has an inlet temperature T in_DPF which is determined at a point between said oxidation catalyst and said particle filter. According to the present invention, a relationship is defined between said inlet temperature T in_DPF to said particle filter and said temperature T DPF in said particle filter and depends on an amount of fuel which passes unburnt through said oxidation catalyst. Said inlet temperature T in_DPF to said particle filter is then regulated on the basis of said relationship so that said temperature T DPF in the particle filter is kept substantially around a predetermined target level for a defined period of time.