Particle Filter Loading Determination via Exhaust Flow and Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the loading condition of a particle filter in an internal combustion engine's exhaust system require engine characteristics and space for air flow measurement, making them unsuitable for retrofit solutions or small series production, and are inefficient due to incomplete soot oxidation when triggered at low soot loads.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the particle filter's loading state by comparing exhaust gas volume flow and pressure before and after the filter, using sensors connected to a control unit, without needing engine characteristics, allowing for simultaneous measurement of volume flow and pressure to assess soot load independently of engine data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the soot oxidation process is triggered when the soot load in the particulate filter is too low, then the regeneration process can be initiated, but the soot oxidation becomes incomplete and exhaust gas back pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the loading state of the particulate filter through pressure differential sensors and engine operating parameters, using this feedback to determine the optimal timing for triggering soot oxidation. This ensures regeneration is initiated only when sufficient soot load is present, preventing incomplete oxidation while maintaining efficient regeneration cycles.
2Measurement precision
If engine characteristics and air flow measurement devices are used to determine particle filter loading, then accurate loading determination is achieved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors engine operating parameters, calculates air flow rates, determines particulate filter loading state, and controls regeneration processes. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit that utilizes existing sensor data, the system achieves accurate loading determination without requiring additional specialized measurement devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If air flow measurement devices are installed to determine particle filter loading, then loading determination is possible, but installation space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing engine operating parameter sensors (already installed for engine control) to indirectly measure air flow rates and determine particulate filter loading. Instead of requiring separate dedicated air flow measurement devices, the control unit processes data from existing sensors, allowing the system to serve its own measurement needs without consuming additional installation space.
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 accurate determination of particle filter loading without engine data, reducing installation space requirements and ensuring complete soot oxidation during regeneration, thus improving engine performance and economy.
Implementation Method 1
Particulate filters are installed in the exhaust system of diesel engines to collect solid particles, especially soot particles, transported in the exhaust gas flow
Implementation Method 2
In order to free the inflow-side surface of the particle filter from the accumulated soot particles, either a soot oxidation—a so-called soot burn-off—is actively triggered or this occurs automatically when suitable conditions are present
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method for determining the charge state of a particle filter installed in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine comprises the following steps: determining the exhaust gas volumetric flow in the flow direction of the exhaust gas downstream of the particle filter (2), detecting the pressure present in the exhaust gas line (1) in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas prior to the particle filter (2), comparing the exhaust gas volumetric flow determined hinter the particle filter (2) with the detected pressure present upstream of the particle filter (2) and evaluating the results of the comparison with consideration to the exhaust gas back pressure of the uncharged particle filter (2) and the exhaust gas back pressure caused by the particle filter charge, said pressure being higher than the uncharged filter. Further described is a corresponding device for reducing the particle emissions of an internal combustion engine.