GPF Regeneration via Cloud Navigation Low-Load Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for gasoline particulate filter (GPF) regeneration struggle to efficiently oxidize soot at low engine loads and speeds, potentially leading to undesirable engine knock and incomplete regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize cloud navigation data to estimate the duration of low engine power states, allowing for full or partial GPF regeneration by adjusting engine operations, such as cutting off fuel injection to one cylinder and enriching the air-fuel ratio, to achieve sufficient temperatures for regeneration without compromising engine power demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If engine operations are adjusted to raise exhaust temperature for GPF regeneration at low engine loads, then regeneration efficiency is improved, but engine knock risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cloud navigation data to predict future low-load periods in advance, allowing the controller to prepare and execute regeneration operations during these predetermined time windows before the vehicle actually enters low-load conditions, thus avoiding the need for aggressive spark retard that causes knock
Solution Approach 2:
The regeneration strategy is dynamically adjusted based on predicted duration of low-load periods. The controller performs full regeneration when long durations are predicted, partial regeneration when shorter durations are predicted, and may skip regeneration when durations are too short, optimizing the balance between regeneration efficiency and engine safety
2Productivity
If aggressive spark retard is used to quickly reach regeneration temperatures at low load, then regeneration speed is improved, but engine power output deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By predicting low-load periods using cloud navigation data before they occur, the system can initiate regeneration operations during these pre-identified time windows when power demand is naturally low, eliminating the need for aggressive spark retard that would compromise power output
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (spark timing, fuel injection) based on the predicted duration of low-load periods. For long predicted durations, full regeneration with significant parameter changes is performed; for shorter durations, partial regeneration with more conservative parameter changes is performed, maintaining the balance between regeneration speed and power output
3Temperature
If GPF regeneration is performed during high-speed, high-load operation, then regeneration temperature is achieved quickly, but vehicle performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to reach high temperatures during high-load operation (the conventional approach), the system inverts the strategy by performing regeneration during predicted low-load periods when temperatures are naturally lower, using the extended time availability to achieve complete regeneration without compromising vehicle performance
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
Enables effective GPF regeneration at low engine loads and speeds, maintaining engine power quality and reducing fuel consumption by synchronizing regeneration with prolonged idle periods, thereby extending the regeneration process over multiple partial cycles if necessary.
Implementation Method 1
The retained particulates stored may then be oxidized to produce CO2 in a regeneration process that reduces the soot load
Implementation Method 2
GPF regeneration may be performed at high temperatures (e.g., 600° C. and above) to combust the particulates quickly
Implementation Method 3
One method to enhance the regeneration process and more efficiently oxidize the soot is to enlean the exhaust gas entering the particulate filter by, for example, adjusting engine operations to introduce oxygen rich air to the inlet of the GPF
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for coordinating the regeneration of a gasoline particulate filter to a time duration when engine output falls below a predetermined load threshold selected to indicate a low power state of the engine. In one particular example, the engine is configured to adjust engine operations to regenerate the particulate filter responsive to engine output falling below a predetermined low power threshold, the regeneration further based on an estimated duration that the output falls continuously below the low power threshold. The system and methods described advantageously allow for either full or partial regeneration events to be performed based on the estimated duration of the engine output below the low power threshold.