Particulate Filter Pre-Cycle Soot Loading for Emission Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct injection gasoline engines with particulate filters initially have low soot trapping efficiency, which can lead to higher soot emissions at retail sales or emissions testing, making the vehicle's long-term soot output capabilities unrepresentative.
Innovation Solution
A pre-cycle soot loading method is implemented by a controller to increase the efficiency of a green particulate filter to a predetermined soot loading level, ensuring the filter reaches desired efficiency before the vehicle is put into service or reaches a testing facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a green particulate filter is used initially, then the vehicle can be manufactured and delivered quickly, but the soot trapping efficiency is low causing high emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary soot loading action during vehicle manufacturing or transit by detecting engine operation cycles and introducing excess soot to the green particulate filter before the vehicle reaches the customer or emissions testing facility. This preliminary action ensures the filter achieves desired efficiency levels (e.g., 90% soot trapping) before service begins, resolving the contradiction between quick delivery and emission performance.
2Device complexity
If the particulate filter operates without pre-cycle soot loading, then the system is simple and requires no special procedures, but the filter takes too long to reach desired efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own engine operation to generate the soot needed for loading the particulate filter. By detecting engine cycles and operating conditions, the controller automatically manages the pre-cycle loading process without external intervention, equipment, or complex procedures. This self-service approach maintains system simplicity while dramatically reducing the time to reach desired efficiency.
3Reliability
If pre-cycle soot loading is performed continuously, then the filter maintains high efficiency, but unnecessary soot loading occurs after regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors particulate filter soot load levels and regeneration status through engine operation detection and controller feedback. When the filter undergoes regeneration or reaches sufficient soot loading, the system automatically discontinues pre-cycle loading. This feedback mechanism ensures the filter maintains high efficiency while preventing unnecessary soot loading after regeneration events.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine system and method for operating an engine that includes a particulate filter is described. In one example, soot loading of a green particulate filter is increased to improve efficiency of the green particulate filter. The soot loading of the green particulate filter may be expedited so that by the time a vehicle reaches a customer or testing facility, the green particulate filter may be operating at a desired efficiency level.