Particle Filter Cooling via Ambient Air Mass Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Particle filters in internal combustion engines face limitations in continuous operation due to absorption capacity and the risk of uncontrolled regeneration, which can lead to filter degradation and engine damage from spontaneous combustion, especially during high-speed long-distance driving and shutdown scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Supplying ambient air to the exhaust gas path at a rate dependent on measured mass airflow rate and filter temperature to control cooling and prevent uncontrolled regeneration, maintaining consistent engine behavior and emission control by ensuring a constant total mass flow rate through the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If regular controlled regeneration cycles are performed to restore filter absorption capacity, then filter continuous operation is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling action by introducing ambient air to the exhaust gas path before spontaneous combustion can occur. This preventive cooling extends the time between regeneration cycles, reducing the frequency of fuel-consuming regeneration events while maintaining filter functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the engine's own ambient air intake to provide cooling, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems or additional energy input. The ambient air is drawn in naturally based on engine operating conditions, providing self-regulating cooling that extends regeneration intervals without additional fuel consumption.
2Reliability
If the interval between two regenerations is kept below a threshold to prevent spontaneous combustion, then filter degradation is reduced, but regeneration frequency increases fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary cooling to the exhaust gas path using ambient air before the temperature reaches levels that would trigger spontaneous combustion. This preventive measure extends the safe operating interval between regenerations, maintaining filter reliability while reducing the frequency of fuel-consuming regeneration events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors engine operating conditions and ambient temperature to dynamically control the introduction of ambient air. This feedback mechanism ensures cooling is applied appropriately to extend regeneration intervals while preventing spontaneous combustion, optimizing the balance between filter reliability and fuel consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ambient air is supplied to cool the filter and extend regeneration intervals, then fuel consumption is reduced, but uncontrolled regeneration risk may increase if cooling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the amount of ambient air supplied based on real-time engine operating conditions, including load, speed, and ambient temperature. This dynamic control ensures adequate cooling to prevent spontaneous combustion while maximizing the extension of regeneration intervals, optimizing the balance between fuel consumption and uncontrolled regeneration risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of ambient air supply rate based on engine operating conditions. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves sufficient cooling to prevent spontaneous combustion while extending regeneration intervals, thereby reducing fuel consumption without compromising filter reliability.
4Productivity
If the particle filter absorbs more solid material before regeneration, then fewer regeneration cycles are needed, but the risk of spontaneous combustion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary cooling to the exhaust gas path before the accumulated solid material reaches levels that would trigger spontaneous combustion. This allows the filter to operate at higher absorption capacity utilization for longer periods while maintaining safety, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
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 extends the time between regenerations, reduces the risk of filter degradation, and maintains engine performance by controlling combustion temperatures and preventing excessive heat production during spontaneous ignition risks.
Implementation Method 1
In wall-flow particle filters, such as soot filters in internal combustion engines, solid material is filtered out of exhaust gas stored on the wall of the substrate of the particle filter
Implementation Method 2
During the regeneration of the particle filter, the solid material deposited in the particle filter is burned off
Implementation Method 3
the cooling of the filter may be controlled, particularly in situations that may contribute to spontaneous regeneration
Implementation Method 4
The combustion process may be initiated in a targeted manner by introducing within the exhaust system a rich fuel mixture in which air-to-fuel ratio is decreased so that exhaust gas contains still-unburned fuel after combustion
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods herein relate the operation of a particle filter which is arranged in an exhaust-gas path of an internal combustion engine, to a device for exhaust-gas aftertreatment which can be operated in accordance with the method that comprises determining a mass flow rate of an exhaust-gas flow flowing in the exhaust-gas path; and supplying ambient air into the exhaust-gas path as a function of the determined mass flow rate. By this method, the spontaneous regeneration of a particle filter within the exhaust system may be abated.