Particle Filter Regeneration via Segmented Sulfur Desorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for regenerating particle filters in internal combustion engines are inefficient due to imprecise desorption of sulfur compounds, leading to increased fuel consumption and white smoke formation, especially when the sulfur content of fuels is unknown or variable.
Innovation Solution
A method using an electrostatic particle mass sensor to monitor and regulate exhaust-gas temperature, ensuring desorption of sulfur compounds only when necessary, thereby preventing white smoke formation, by setting the temperature to a desorption range of 300° C. to 500° C. and subsequently to a regeneration range of 550° C. to 750° C. for burning off particle loading, as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the exhaust-gas temperature is increased to a high value (above 500°C) to regenerate the particle filter by burning off soot, then the particle filter regeneration is effective, but sulfur compounds accumulate and form white smoke due to rapid desorption and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The regeneration process is divided into two sequential stages: first a desorption phase at moderate temperature (300-500°C) to release sulfur compounds gradually, then a regeneration phase at high temperature (above 500°C) to burn off soot particles. This segmentation prevents simultaneous sulfur release and soot burning, eliminating white smoke formation while maintaining regeneration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The desorption of sulfur compounds is performed as a preliminary action before the main regeneration process. By conducting desorption at moderate temperature first, the sulfur compounds are released and removed from the exhaust stream before the high-temperature regeneration begins, preventing their condensation into visible white smoke.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the exhaust-gas temperature is increased to desorb sulfur compounds at a moderate temperature (300-500°C) over an extended period, then white smoke formation is avoided, but fuel consumption increases due to prolonged high-temperature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic monitoring of particle mass by the electrostatic sensor to trigger desorption only when necessary. Instead of continuous moderate-temperature operation, the system alternates between normal operation and targeted desorption/regeneration cycles, reducing overall fuel consumption while preventing white smoke formation during critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic particle mass sensor provides real-time feedback on particle mass in the exhaust stream. This feedback enables the control system to activate desorption and regeneration only when particle mass exceeds thresholds, optimizing the timing and duration of high-temperature operations to minimize fuel consumption while effectively preventing white smoke.
3Loss of time
If the exhaust-gas temperature is rapidly increased to high values for particle filter regeneration, then regeneration time is reduced, but sulfur compounds rapidly desorb and form visible white smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The regeneration process is segmented into distinct phases with controlled temperature transitions. The desorption phase at moderate temperature prepares the system by releasing sulfur compounds, followed by the regeneration phase at high temperature that quickly burns off soot. This segmentation allows for time-efficient regeneration without triggering white smoke formation.
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 targeted and energy-efficient regeneration of particle filters, reducing fuel consumption and avoiding white smoke, regardless of fuel sulfur content, by accurately monitoring and controlling the desorption and regeneration processes.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring the particle mass contained in the exhaust-gas flow downstream of the particle filter by means of an electrostatic particle mass sensor (ePM-S) arranged in the exhaust-gas flow downstream of the particle filter
Implementation Method 2
the desorption, that is to say the release of the sulfur compounds, is realized in a temperature range of 300° C. to 500° C.
Implementation Method 3
the particles which have accumulated in the particle filter are generally burned in the particle filter as a result of a corresponding increase in temperature of the exhaust gas to temperatures between 500° C. and 700° C.
Implementation Method 4
particles which have accumulated in the particle filter are generally burned in the particle filter
Implementation Method 5
accumulation of sulfur-containing compounds in the particle filter and, if appropriate, also in the oxidation catalytic converter occurs at the same time
Implementation Method 6
an aerosol, which is visible as dense white smoke, so-called 'white smoke', is formed
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments may include a method for regenerating a particle filter comprising: increasing a measured exhaust-gas temperature from a normal operation level to above a desorption start temperature defined by initiating release of sulfur compounds accumulated in the particle filter; monitoring a particle mass in the exhaust-gas flow downstream of the particle filter; comparing the particle mass to a predefined threshold value above which the formation of white smoke can be expected; if the threshold value is exceeded, setting the exhaust-gas temperature to a desorption temperature for release of sulfur compounds until the particle mass falls below the threshold; if the particle mass threshold value is not exceeded, setting the exhaust-gas temperature to a regeneration temperature for burning-off of the particle loading of the particle filter for a predetermined time period; and after the time period has elapsed, ending the regeneration by lowering the temperature to the normal operation level.