Plasma Burner DPF Regeneration via Fuel Preheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems face challenges in efficiently oxidizing and removing particulate matter (PM) from exhaust gases, particularly due to high power consumption of electric heaters and difficulties in controlling oxygen levels for burners, as well as the need for additional throttling devices.
Innovation Solution
A plasma burner is integrated within the exhaust conduit, preheating fuel and mixing it with exhaust gas to generate a flame through plasma discharge, effectively oxidizing PMs while maximizing space usage and eliminating the need for fresh air supply, thus simplifying the system and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric heater is used for compulsive reproduction of DPF, then PM oxidation can be achieved, but electric power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric heater system with a plasma burner system that uses chemical energy from fuel combustion instead of electrical energy. The plasma discharge ignites the fuel-air mixture, creating a flame that heats the exhaust gas and oxidizes PM without requiring significant electric power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the energy source parameter from electrical energy to chemical energy. By introducing fuel injection and plasma discharge mechanisms, the system transforms the heating method from resistive heating to combustion-based heating, fundamentally altering the energy consumption profile.
2Reliability
If a burner is used for compulsive reproduction of DPF, then PM oxidation can be achieved, but operation control becomes difficult due to changing oxygen conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma burner system automatically adapts to changing exhaust gas conditions by using plasma discharge to ignite the fuel-air mixture. The plasma provides a reliable ignition source that maintains stable combustion across varying oxygen concentrations in the exhaust, eliminating the need for complex manual control adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates oxygen sensors and control mechanisms that monitor exhaust gas composition and adjust fuel injection and plasma discharge parameters accordingly, maintaining optimal combustion conditions despite varying operating states.
3Temperature
If throttling is used for compulsive reproduction of DPF, then oxidation temperature can be reduced, but additional devices for air inflow and outflow conduits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and the exhaust gas treatment function into a single integrated plasma burner unit. The flame generated by plasma discharge directly heats the exhaust gas passing through the DPF, eliminating the need for separate throttling devices and air conduits required in traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma burner serves multiple functions simultaneously: it ignites the fuel for heating, creates the flame for PM oxidation, and directly heats the exhaust gas flow. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components including throttles, additional air supplies, and heating elements.
4Volume of moving object
If a plasma burner is integrated within the exhaust conduit, then space around the exhaust conduit can be maximized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma burner is nested within the existing exhaust conduit structure. The fuel injection system, plasma discharge electrodes, and flame chamber are arranged concentrically within the exhaust pipe, allowing the system to utilize the available space without requiring additional external components or increasing overall vehicle space requirements.
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
The plasma burner efficiently oxidizes PMs within exhaust gases, extends the lifespan of DPFs, and simplifies operation by eliminating the need for an air compressor, leading to cost savings and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction furnace that projects a flame generated in a mixed gas by a plasma discharge between the electrode and the internal wall to the flame vent
Implementation Method 2
an electrode that mixes and heats fuel and air that are injected from the fuel inlet and the ejecting air inlet in a mixed gas state in the heat-absorbing chamber
Implementation Method 3
an oxidation catalyst for primarily oxidizing PMs that are included in exhaust gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A plasma burner (100) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) trap (80) that can effectively oxidize and remove a particulate material (PM) within an exhaust gas by preheating fuel and mixing the fuel with the exhaust gas are provided. The DPF (80) includes: a filter that is connected to an exhaust conduit at a side opposite to that of an engine (20); a plasma burner (100) that is provided within the exhaust conduit between the engine (20) and the filter (80), and that includes a fuel inlet (122) that supplies fuel and a flame vent (128) that projects a flame by a plasma discharge, and that heats exhaust gas; and a fuel inflow conduit (112) that connects the fuel inlet (122) and a fuel tank (30).