Thermoelectric Generator for Particle Filter Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for regenerating particulate filters in motor vehicles do not efficiently utilize the heat from exhaust gases for both electrical energy generation and filter regeneration without an external energy source.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a thermoelectric generator, capacitor, and resistive element, where the thermoelectric generator produces electric current from a temperature gradient, charging the capacitor to instantaneously heat exhaust gases and initiate pyrolysis of particles in the filter through a resistive element, thereby regenerating the filter without external energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a particle filter is used to treat exhaust gases, then toxic particle removal is improved, but the filter becomes clogged with retained particles requiring regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic regeneration of the particle filter by accumulating electrical energy from the thermoelectric generator over time and then discharging it through the resistive element to create periodic high-temperature pulses that burn off accumulated particles, restoring filter performance
2Reliability
If external energy source is used for filter regeneration, then regeneration effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to regenerate the filter by capturing electrical energy from the thermoelectric generator (which converts waste heat to electricity) and using that same energy through the resistive element to heat and burn off particles, creating a self-sufficient regeneration cycle without external energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the waste heat from exhaust gases, which would otherwise be discarded, into electrical energy through the thermoelectric generator, and then uses that electrical energy to power the resistive element for filter regeneration, turning a harmful waste product into a beneficial resource
3Power
If thermoelectric generator is positioned in exhaust system, then electrical energy generation is improved, but available temperature gradient for energy conversion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the thermoelectric generator occupies one section to generate electricity, while the resistive element is positioned upstream or in a separate location to provide localized heating for regeneration, allowing both functions to operate with their required temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the exhaust system are assigned different thermal characteristics - the thermoelectric generator section maintains a temperature gradient optimized for electricity generation, while the resistive element creates a localized high-temperature zone for particle combustion without requiring the entire exhaust system to be at high temperature
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 solution effectively regenerates particulate filters by using internally generated energy to raise the temperature of exhaust gases, reducing fuel consumption and enhancing toxic particle control, while ensuring efficient treatment of exhaust gases without additional fuel injection.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectric elements to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient between two opposite faces, according to the phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect
Implementation Method 2
said capacitor being designed to discharge through the resistive element so as to raise the temperature of a first fluid
Implementation Method 3
raise the temperature of a first fluid, upstream of the particle filter, so as to cause the pyrolysis of at least part of the particles retained in said filter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for regenerating a particulate filter (10), comprising a thermoelectric generator (20), a capacitor (30), and a resistive element (40). The generator (20) is capable of generating an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient in contact with a cold source on the one hand, and a hot source on the other. A portion of the electric current thus generated is intended to charge the capacitor (30). The capacitor (30) is designed to discharge through the resistive element (40) so as to raise the temperature of a first fluid, upstream of the particulate filter (10), thereby causing the pyrolysis of at least a portion of the particles retained in the filter (10). The first fluid constitutes the hot source of the thermoelectric generator (20). The invention also relates to an associated assembly.