Exhaust Filter Pressure Drop Normalization for Backpressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust aftertreatment systems face challenges in efficiently controlling particulate levels in filters, leading to varying filtration capacity and increased backpressure, which can cause engine malfunctions and require frequent filter replacement or regeneration.

Innovation Solution

A method that normalizes the measured pressure drop to a predetermined level, using a pressure drop model to compare and adjust the pressure drop, thereby reducing the impact of temperature variations and improving filter efficiency by controlling particulate combustion through temperature and fuel injection management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filter stores particulates to improve filtration efficiency, then the filtration capacity increases, but the backpressure across the filter increases leading to engine malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidbackpressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs cyclic regeneration by periodically increasing exhaust gas temperature to burn accumulated particulates in the filter. This periodic action converts the filter from a continuously degrading system to one that cycles between high-efficiency states, maintaining reliable filtration while preventing excessive backpressure buildup that would cause engine malfunction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of the exhaust gas to control particulate combustion in the filter. By adjusting temperature as a control parameter, the system can transition the filter between accumulation mode (normal operation) and regeneration mode (particulate burning), thereby managing the trade-off between filtration efficiency and backpressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the filter is regenerated frequently to reduce backpressure, then engine performance is maintained, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine performanceVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses pressure sensors to continuously monitor backpressure across the filter and feeds this information back to the control unit. This feedback enables the system to determine the optimal regeneration timing based on actual filter state, triggering regeneration only when necessary to maintain engine performance, thereby minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption associated with frequent regeneration cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the regeneration strategy based on real-time operating conditions and filter state. Rather than following a fixed regeneration schedule, the system adapts regeneration timing and intensity to actual needs, optimizing the balance between maintaining engine performance and minimizing fuel consumption penalties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the filter efficiency is maximized by storing more particulates, then filtration capacity improves, but the filter requires more frequent replacement or regeneration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidfilter service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic regeneration cycles that restore filter capacity before complete saturation occurs. This periodic restoration extends the overall service life of the filter by maintaining it in a high-efficiency state over extended periods, reducing the frequency of replacement while preserving filtration capacity during operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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 allows for improved fuel consumption, filter durability, and filtration efficiency by maintaining the filter within a narrower efficiency window, reducing the need for frequent regeneration and minimizing engine malfunctions.

Implementation Method 1

increasing the temperature of the exhaust gas or injecting fuel into the exhaust gas enables combustion of the particulates in the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

normalizing the measured pressure drop to a predetermined level, using a pressure drop model to compare and adjust the pressure drop, thereby reducing the impact of temperature variations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure drop normalization:

Data Source

PatentEP3578773B1A method for controlling filtering efficiency of a filter for an exhaust aftertreatment system
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP3578773B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3578773B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3578773B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for controlling a filtering efficiency of a filter comprising a filtering area (102) between an inflow area and an outflow area. Determining (S102) a present exhaust mass flow into the filter. Determining (S104) a pressure drop across the filter from the inflow area and the outflow area of the filter. Normalizing (S106) the measured pressure drop to provide a normalized pressure drop according to a predetermined normalization pressure level at a predetermined temperature for a model filter. Comparing (S108) the normalized pressure drop to a pressure drop model (312) comprising a relation between the pressure drop across a filter and exhaust mass flow to the filter. Determining (S110) a pressure deviation between the normalized pressure drop and a pressure drop value calculated based on the pressure drop model and the present exhaust gas flow. Controlling (S112) the pressure drop across the filter for reducing the pressure deviation.