Inductive Heating Zoned PM Filter Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel particulate matter (PM) filters face challenges in regeneration due to high oxygen levels in diesel engines, which can lead to reduced fuel economy and durability issues with existing electrically heated systems.
Innovation Solution
A zoned particulate matter filter system with inductive heating elements, where a control module selectively activates heating elements to heat specific zones of the filter, using frequencies between 50-450 KHz to ignite soot and propagate exothermic reactions, reducing the need for continuous power and minimizing thermal stress on the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuel-based PM reduction systems are used for regeneration, then PM filter regeneration is achieved, but fuel economy decreases by approximately 5%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fuel-based thermal systems with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction heater uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the PM filter containing soot, eliminating the need for fuel combustion. This substitution achieves PM regeneration while avoiding the fuel economy penalty associated with fuel-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from chemical combustion to electromagnetic induction. By using electromagnetic fields at specific frequencies to induce eddy currents in the soot particles, the system achieves controlled heating without consuming additional fuel, thereby resolving the fuel economy issue while maintaining effective regeneration.
2Reliability
If resistive heating coils are used to heat the PM filter, then regeneration is achieved through conduction and convection, but the system complexity and durability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex resistive heating coil systems with a simpler electromagnetic induction heater. Instead of using physical contact heating elements that require thermal conduction and convection, the induction heater uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the soot-containing filter, reducing system complexity and improving durability.
3Reliability
If continuous heating is applied to regenerate the PM filter, then complete PM combustion is achieved, but thermal stress on the filter increases reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electromagnetic heating instead of continuous heating. The induction heater can be activated in cycles or pulses, allowing the filter to undergo thermal stress intermittently rather than continuously. This periodic action achieves complete PM combustion over time while reducing cumulative thermal stress and improving filter durability.
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 efficient regeneration of PM filters with reduced fuel economy penalties, increased durability, and lower thermal stresses, thereby extending the life of the filter while maintaining effective PM reduction.
Implementation Method 1
A control module selectively activates the heating element to inductively heat one of the zones
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter with an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas, a downstream end and zones. The system also includes a heating element. A control module selectively activates the heating element to inductively heat one of the zones.