Micro-organism Regeneration for Diesel Particle Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for regenerating particulate filters in combustion engines, such as using nitrogen dioxide or increasing exhaust gas temperature, are inefficient in partial-load operations and may not achieve the necessary regeneration temperatures, leading to soot accumulation and filter degradation, especially in vehicles used for short distances with unpredictable driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating micro-organisms like hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, fungi, and archaea into the particulate filter, which can break down carbon-laden soot at low temperatures, allowing for regeneration even when the engine is off and reducing the need for additional fuel or high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nitrogen dioxide is used for particle filter regeneration, then soot oxidation is achieved, but high temperatures and full-load operation are required which are not available in partial-load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter requirement by introducing a catalytic converter that enables soot oxidation at lower temperatures (below 250°C) compared to conventional thermal regeneration (600-800°C). This allows regeneration to proceed in partial-load operation conditions where high temperatures are not available.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces nitrogen dioxide as an intermediary substance that facilitates soot oxidation at low temperatures. The catalytic converter promotes the reaction between NO2 and soot, enabling regeneration without requiring high temperatures or full-load operation conditions.
2Temperature
If exhaust gas temperature is increased for particle filter regeneration, then regeneration temperature is achieved, but additional fuel consumption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal mechanism (heating exhaust gas to high temperatures) with a chemical-catalytic mechanism. The catalytic converter enables soot oxidation through chemical reactions with nitrogen dioxide at low temperatures, eliminating the need for additional fuel injection to raise exhaust gas temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high (600-800°C thermal regeneration) to low (below 250°C catalytic regeneration). This parameter change eliminates the need for additional fuel consumption while achieving effective particle filter regeneration.
3Reliability
If particle filter regeneration is performed frequently, then soot accumulation is prevented, but filter degradation and backpressure increase occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables frequent, low-intensity regeneration cycles using small amounts of nitrogen dioxide at low temperatures. This partial action approach prevents complete filter saturation and degradation by continuously removing soot in small increments rather than requiring occasional high-temperature regeneration events that stress the filter structure.
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 method enables effective particulate filter regeneration at lower temperatures, reducing soot accumulation and extending filter longevity, particularly in vehicles with short-distance usage, while minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining filter efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
micro-organisms that break down carbon-containing compounds contained in the soot
Implementation Method 2
uses nitrogen dioxide (NO2) contained in the exhaust gas for continuous oxidation of the soot to form carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen monoxide (NO)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system are provided for an arrangement having a combustion engine producing an exhaust gas flow, and an exhaust system connected to the combustion engine for receiving the exhaust gas flow, having a particle filter as exhaust gas aftertreatment device, and a feed device positioned to introduce a micro-organism capable of breaking down carbon-containing compounds directly to an exhaust passage receiving the exhaust gas flow.