GPF Regeneration via Speed Controller Soot Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for regenerating gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) in vehicles operating in automatic speed control mode often increase emissions and reduce fuel efficiency, as they require operating with a lean air-fuel ratio or providing air to the exhaust gas aftertreatment system.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a spark ignited engine and a controller that adjusts automatic vehicle speed controller parameters based on the amount of soot stored in the particulate filter, increasing the likelihood of deceleration fuel shut-off mode to passively regenerate the filter, thereby reducing the need for active regeneration and enhancing fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the engine is operated with a lean air-fuel ratio or air is provided to the exhaust gas aftertreatment system to regenerate the GPF, then the soot stored in the GPF is combusted and reduced, but vehicle emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vehicle's own deceleration events and existing exhaust conditions to passively regenerate the GPF, rather than requiring separate active regeneration processes. The controller monitors soot load and automatically adjusts speed control parameters to create optimal conditions for passive regeneration during normal driving cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes speed control parameters including desired vehicle speed, upper and lower vehicle speed limits, and controller gains based on the amount of soot stored in the GPF. When soot exceeds a threshold, the system adjusts these parameters to increase the frequency and duration of deceleration fuel shut-off events, thereby increasing passive regeneration opportunities without requiring active regeneration modes.
2Reliability
If active regeneration is performed by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio, then the GPF is regenerated, but fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts what would normally be wasted deceleration events into beneficial regeneration opportunities. By monitoring soot load and adjusting speed control parameters, the system increases the frequency of deceleration fuel shut-off events, transforming ordinary braking moments into effective passive regeneration events that reduce soot without additional fuel consumption.
3Productivity
If the vehicle speed controller parameters are adjusted to increase the possibility of deceleration fuel shut-off mode, then passive regeneration frequency increases, but vehicle speed control precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts speed control parameters based on real-time soot load conditions. When soot exceeds the threshold, the controller modifies desired vehicle speed, expands the acceptable speed range between upper and lower limits, and adjusts controller gains to increase deceleration fuel shut-off frequency. When soot is below the threshold, parameters return to base values for normal precise speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller periodically monitors soot load in the GPF and adjusts speed control parameters accordingly. This creates a cyclic pattern where parameters are modified to increase passive regeneration when needed, then return to base values when soot levels are acceptable, thereby balancing regeneration frequency with speed control precision over time.
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 increases the frequency and effectiveness of particulate filter regeneration during deceleration fuel shut-off mode, reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency by allowing more frequent engine torque changes and longer engine torque reductions, thus preparing the filter for regeneration without increasing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The GPF may store carbonaceous soot produced by the direct injection engine
Implementation Method 2
The excess oxygen may help to combust soot stored in the GPF, thereby reducing the amount of soot stored in the GPF
Implementation Method 3
The excess oxygen may help to combust soot stored in the GPF
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are presented for regenerating a particulate filter. In one example, vehicle speed control mode parameters may be adjusted in response to an amount of soot stored in a particulate filter being greater than a first threshold. The vehicle speed control parameters may be returned to base values in response to the amount of soot stored in the particulate filter being less than a second threshold.