GPF Temperature Control via Exhaust Gas Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust purifier systems for internal combustion engines primarily focus on controlling exhaust gas temperature based on the three-way catalyst, neglecting the temperature control of other catalysts like the gasoline particulate filter (GPF), which affects the efficiency of particulate matter collection and emission reduction.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control method that increases the exhaust gas temperature when the GPF temperature is below a preset point, using various manipulated variables such as ignition timing retard, secondary air supply, wastegate valve opening, and engine speed to quickly activate the GPF and reduce particulate matter emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If exhaust gas temperature is increased to activate the GPF quickly, then the GPF collection efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption and risk of overheating increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGPF collection efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device changes exhaust gas temperature parameters dynamically by adjusting engine operating conditions (ignition timing, injection timing, load) to achieve GPF activation while preventing excessive temperature rise. The system monitors GPF temperature and adjusts parameters in real-time to maintain optimal temperature range for particulate collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses feedback from GPF temperature sensors and engine operating condition sensors to continuously adjust exhaust gas temperature control strategies. When GPF temperature approaches target activation temperature, the control device modifies engine parameters to prevent overheating while ensuring adequate activation, creating a closed-loop control system that balances efficiency and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If exhaust gas temperature is increased using engine parameter adjustments, then the GPF is activated quickly, but the engine performance and emissions may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGPF activation speedVSAvoidengine emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device applies partial engine parameter adjustments (such as moderate ignition timing retard or controlled secondary air injection) rather than extreme modifications. This partial action is sufficient to raise exhaust temperature for GPF activation without excessively compromising engine performance or creating additional harmful emissions from the engine itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system carefully selects and adjusts engine parameters (ignition timing, injection timing, air-fuel ratio, load) to achieve the minimum necessary temperature increase for GPF activation. By optimizing these parameter changes, the system activates the GPF effectively while minimizing negative impacts on engine emissions and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the control system monitors and manages multiple parameters for GPF temperature control, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device integrates multiple functions into a single control unit that simultaneously manages GPF temperature control, engine operation, and emission monitoring. By making the control device multi-functional, the system achieves precise temperature control through coordinated parameter management without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device combines GPF temperature monitoring, engine parameter monitoring, and control execution functions into an integrated system. This merging of functions allows the system to achieve precise temperature control through coordinated management of multiple parameters while avoiding the complexity that would result from separate independent control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively increases the GPF temperature to the target point, enhancing its collection efficiency and reducing particulate emissions by activating it quickly, thereby improving overall exhaust purifier performance.

Implementation Method 1

performs a predetermined exhaust gas temperature increase control to increase temperature of the exhaust gas, thereby quickly activating the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3786423B1Method of controlling temperature of exhaust purification device of internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine control device
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3786423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3786423B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3786423B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A control unit (8) calculates a temperature difference (ΔTg). The temperature difference (ΔTg) is a value obtained by subtracting the temperature (Tg) of a GPF (22) from a target GPF temperature (Tgt). If the temperature difference (ΔTg) is less than or equal to zero, the control unit (8) implements a fuel economy-oriented conventional control. If the temperature difference (ΔTg) is greater than zero, the control unit (8) implements a filter temperature-increasing control. The filter temperature-increasing control causes the exhaust temperature to be increased so that the temperature (Tg) of the GPF (22) becomes greater than or equal to the target GPF temperature (Tgt).