Soot Combustion Rate Estimation in Particulate Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for estimating soot combustion rate in particulate filters often result in over-combustion during oxygen stability phases, leading to prolonged regeneration and increased fuel consumption and engine oil dilution.

Innovation Solution

A method that modifies the soot combustion rate estimation by weighting the standard Arrhenius model with a gain based on detected oxygen concentration stabilization, allowing for accurate determination of regeneration time and reducing fuel overconsumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the standard Arrhenius model is used to estimate soot combustion rate, then the estimation is simple and follows conventional practice, but the actual combustion rate is overestimated during oxygen stability phases leading to prolonged regeneration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of estimation modelVSAvoidaccuracy of soot combustion rate estimation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the Arrhenius model by introducing a dynamic correction factor that changes the combustion rate calculation based on oxygen concentration stability. When oxygen concentration is stable, a correction factor is applied to reduce the estimated combustion rate, otherwise the standard model is used. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining model simplicity while improving estimation accuracy under specific conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the oxygen concentration measurement is continuously monitored and used to adjust the soot combustion rate estimation. The system detects when oxygen concentration is stable and automatically applies a correction to the combustion rate calculation, creating a closed-loop control that improves accuracy without requiring complete model redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If regeneration is prolonged to ensure complete soot combustion, then combustion completeness is improved, but fuel consumption and engine oil dilution increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of soot combustionVSAvoidfuel consumption during regeneration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses oxygen concentration as a feedback parameter to determine when soot combustion is sufficient. By monitoring oxygen levels and detecting stability phases, the system can accurately assess combustion progress and terminate regeneration when appropriate, preventing excessive fuel consumption while ensuring adequate soot removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the regeneration control parameter from time-based to oxygen-concentration-based decision making. By using the corrected combustion rate estimation that accounts for oxygen stability, the system determines regeneration duration dynamically rather than following a fixed prolonged schedule, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If fuel injection is increased to provide surplus energy for regeneration, then regeneration capability is improved, but engine oil lubrication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregeneration energy availabilityVSAvoidengine oil dilution
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the energy management parameter by using the corrected soot combustion rate to calculate the exact fuel amount needed for regeneration. This prevents excessive fuel injection that would occur with the standard model, thereby maintaining engine oil lubrication efficiency while providing sufficient energy for complete soot combustion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Optimizes soot combustion estimation, limiting fuel overconsumption and accurately assessing particulate filter temperature for degradation assessment during severe regenerations.

Implementation Method 1

the filter is heated in order to burn off the trapped particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heating the filter using the exhaust gases by raising the temperature of these gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

estimating a combustion rate of the soot according to a standard estimation model called the Arrhenius model

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArrhenius equation:

Data Source

PatentEP3482052B1Method for adapting the estimation of the soot combustion rate in a filter of an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3482052B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3482052B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3482052B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention mainly relates to a process for adapting an estimate of a combustion rate of the soot (V ( suies/o 2 -N ) of a particulate filter in an exhaust line of a thermal engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, characterised in that, during a regeneration phase of the particulate filter, said process comprises: - a step of estimating a combustion rate of the soot in accordance with a standard estimation model, - a step of detecting a stabilisation of an oxygen concentration in exhaust gasses, and – a step of modifying the standard estimation model by weighting the combustion rate of the soot by a gain (gain stab O 2 ) following the detection of the stabilisation of the oxygen concentration.