Particulate Filter Regeneration Control via Pressure and Temperature Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current regeneration methods for particulate filters in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines, lead to filter clogging and oil dilution due to post-injection strategies, which can damage engines and increase fuel consumption, as they are not effectively controlled by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A method that manages regeneration cycles by monitoring differential pressure and outlet temperature, allowing for forced interruption of the regeneration process when specific conditions are met, thereby reducing the duration and frequency of regeneration and minimizing oil dilution and fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If post-injection strategy is used to induce high temperatures in ATS for regeneration, then regeneration effectiveness is improved, but engine oil deterioration and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregeneration effectivenessVSAvoidengine oil deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors differential pressure across the DPF and outlet temperature to detect regeneration completion in real-time. When the temperature derivative falls below a threshold or differential pressure stabilizes, the system automatically interrupts the post-injection, preventing excessive fuel injection and oil dilution while ensuring complete regeneration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The regeneration control system dynamically adjusts the post-injection duration based on real-time sensor feedback rather than using a fixed predetermined duration. This allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and interrupt regeneration at the optimal moment, balancing regeneration effectiveness with fuel economy and oil protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed predetermined duration is used for regeneration process, then implementation simplicity is improved, but regeneration completeness and fuel efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and differential pressure sensors to determine when regeneration is complete. This feedback mechanism replaces fixed timing with adaptive control, allowing the system to interrupt regeneration as soon as completion criteria are met, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel injection and improving fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/simple fixed-timer approach with an electronic control system that processes sensor signals and implements intelligent decision-making. This substitution enables precise control of regeneration duration based on actual combustion chamber conditions, optimizing the balance between simplicity and fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If post-injection is used to clear accumulated particulate, then filter clogging is prevented, but engine damage risk and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter clogging preventionVSAvoidengine damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors differential pressure across the DPF to detect particulate accumulation levels. When pressure differential indicates sufficient accumulation, regeneration is initiated with post-injection. The system continues monitoring during regeneration and interrupts when completion criteria are met, preventing both filter clogging and excessive fuel injection that could cause engine damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust gas recirculation system utilizes the engine's own exhaust heat to facilitate particulate combustion during regeneration, reducing the amount of additional fuel needed for the process. This self-service approach minimizes fuel consumption and associated engine damage risks while effectively clearing the filter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 limits the negative impacts of regeneration on engine oil and fuel efficiency by intelligently controlling regeneration processes based on real-time monitoring of pressure and temperature, extending oil change intervals and reducing fuel consumption.

Implementation Method 1

These many channels are made of porous ceramic material retaining the particulate contained in the gas passing through them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Such regeneration cycles are carried out by injecting fuel into the combustion chambers during the exhaust phase in order to enter the unburnt fuel directly into the device for the after-treatment of exhaust gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

a second checking process of a second condition determining interruption of said regeneration process, as function of a temperature measured at the outlet of the particulate filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Implementation Method 4

a first checking process of a first condition determining interruption of a regeneration process, as function of a differential pressure calculated between said inlet and said outlet of the particulate filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3230565B1Method and system for managing a regeneration of a particulate filter
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 FPT IND SPA
  • EP3230565B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3230565B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3230565B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for managing a regeneration of a particulate filter (DPF), particulate filter comprising an inlet and an outlet, the method comprising a first checking process of a first condition, a function of a differential pressure calculated between said inlet and said outlet of the particulate filter, and a second checking process of a second condition, a function of a temperature measurement at the outlet of the particulate filter, and wherein the method provides to interrupt said regeneration process when one of said first and/or second checking process gives a positive outcome.