Engine Control System for Urban DPF Regeneration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines with diesel particulate filters face challenges in urban driving modes where higher engine speed gradients, lower vehicle speeds, and lower aftertreatment temperatures lead to DPF overburden and shortened component life due to infrequent regeneration.
Innovation Solution
An Engine Control System with sensors and a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that detects drive cycles and applies a multiplier to miles driven, time, and fuel consumption to adjust regeneration intervals and lower the DOC light-off temperature, shortening regeneration intervals and extending DPF life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DPF operates with standard regeneration intervals in urban driving conditions, then fuel economy is optimized and component life is extended, but the DPF becomes overburdened with soot and PM leading to frequent light-off temperature drops and shortened component life
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of urban driving conditions using sensors to monitor engine speed gradients, vehicle speed, and aftertreatment temperatures. When urban conditions are detected, the controller proactively applies a multiplier to regeneration calculations and lowers the DOC light-off temperature threshold before the DPF becomes overburdened, preventing the need for frequent high-temperature regeneration cycles and extending component life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters including applying a multiplier (e.g., 1.25) to miles driven, time duration, and fuel consumed calculations. It also modifies the DOC light-off temperature threshold from standard values to a lower threshold (e.g., 275°C) when urban driving conditions are detected, enabling more frequent and efficient DPF regeneration at lower temperatures to prevent soot accumulation.
2Productivity
If the DOC light-off temperature threshold is maintained at programmed levels, then regeneration efficiency is optimized, but the DPF cannot regenerate efficiently during extended idle modes and urban driving with lower temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the DOC light-off temperature threshold based on detected driving conditions. During urban driving or extended idle modes with lower temperatures, the controller lowers the threshold (e.g., to 275°C) to enable efficient regeneration at these temperatures. During highway conditions, the threshold returns to programmed levels, optimizing regeneration efficiency across varying operating conditions.
3Loss of energy
If standard regeneration intervals are used during urban driving, then fuel consumption is minimized, but the DPF accumulates excessive soot and PM leading to overburdening and shortened component life
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors engine speed gradients, vehicle speed, and aftertreatment temperatures to detect urban driving conditions. This feedback triggers the controller to apply a multiplier to regeneration calculations and lower the DOC light-off temperature threshold, ensuring the DPF regenerates frequently enough to prevent excessive soot and PM accumulation while optimizing fuel consumption through efficient, lower-temperature regeneration cycles.
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 more frequent and efficient DPF regeneration during urban driving, extending component life and improving fuel economy by simulating higher mileage and fuel consumption to initiate regeneration at lower temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)... utilize lower DOC light off temperature threshold to regenerate said DPF
Implementation Method 2
exhaust systems include diesel particulate filters to trap soot and PM and hold it for disposal during Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration cycles
Implementation Method 3
the light off temperature of any Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) may be lower than the engine controller is programmed to accept to initiate a regeneration of the DPF
Data Source
AI summary
A method to detect drive cycles of a vehicle and modify engine operation according to the detected drive cycles to effect regeneration of exhaust components, particularly the Diesel Particulate Filter.