Particulate Filter Regeneration via Pre-Superheating Phase

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional particulate filter regeneration methods for motor vehicles face inefficiencies in regeneration speed, fuel consumption, and risk of engine stoppage due to long duration and high fuel dilution, with potential damage to downstream exhaust line components.

Innovation Solution

A two-phase regeneration method involving a pre-superheating phase with a target overheating temperature higher than the regeneration temperature, followed by a reduction in temperature to avoid damage and optimize fuel efficiency, with parameters adjusted based on vehicle conditions and soot mass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high target regeneration temperature is used to accelerate soot combustion, then regeneration efficiency improves, but downstream exhaust line components may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregeneration efficiencyVSAvoiddamage to downstream components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The regeneration process is divided into two distinct phases: a pre-superheating phase with high temperature (up to 650-700°C) to rapidly burn soot, followed by a controlled combustion phase with lower temperature (450-550°C) to complete regeneration safely. This temporal segmentation allows the system to achieve high regeneration efficiency while protecting downstream components from excessive temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the regeneration process duration is extended to ensure complete soot combustion, then regeneration effectiveness improves, but the risk of engine stoppage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregeneration effectivenessVSAvoidregeneration duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-superheating phase is performed before the main controlled combustion phase to rapidly raise the temperature and initiate soot combustion. This preliminary action reduces the total regeneration time by pre-conditioning the soot layer, making the subsequent combustion phase shorter and less likely to cause engine stoppage while ensuring complete regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the target regeneration temperature is increased to reduce regeneration time, then productivity improves, but fuel consumption for afterburner increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregeneration speedVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The target temperature is dynamically adjusted based on the regeneration phase: high temperature (650-700°C) during the pre-superheating phase to rapidly initiate combustion, then reduced to a lower controlled temperature (450-550°C) during the main combustion phase. This dynamic temperature control optimizes both regeneration speed and fuel consumption by using high temperature only when necessary for rapid heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If high temperature regeneration is used to speed up the process, then regeneration efficiency improves, but fuel dilution in oil increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregeneration speedVSAvoidfuel dilution in oil

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The regeneration process is segmented into a short pre-superheating phase with high temperature that uses minimal fuel, followed by a longer controlled combustion phase at lower temperature that completes the regeneration with optimized fuel consumption. This segmentation reduces overall fuel dilution in the oil by limiting the duration of high-temperature operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces regeneration duration, achieves high efficiency (>90%), minimizes fuel consumption, and protects downstream components, while maintaining effective particulate filter operation.

Implementation Method 1

a catalytic oxidation device suitable for allowing the catalytic oxidation of the unburnt material found in the exhaust gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalytic oxidation: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

said filter particles suitable for filtering the particles found in the exhaust gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

combustion of the soot occurring at high temperature generated by post-combustion downstream of the engine of a fuel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP2718552B1Method of regenerating a particulate filter for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.02.22 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of regenerating a particulate filter for a motor vehicle comprising a combustion engine, said method comprising a regeneration stage which is controlled using a target regeneration temperature. According to the invention, the method comprises a previous overheating stage, which is controlled using a target overheating temperature higher than the target regeneration temperature.