CLIAMS:1. A particulate matter regeneration system (100) for an internal combustion engine (1), said system comprising:
an exhaust conduit (3) fluidly connected with an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine (1), wherein the exhaust conduit (3) is configured to route exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (1) to surroundings;
one or more particulate matter filters (101) positioned in the exhaust conduit (3), wherein the one or more particulate matter filters (101) are configured to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas; and
a fluid supply unit (2) fluidly connected in between an inlet of the internal combustion engine (1) and the one or more particulate filters (101), wherein the fluid supply unit (2) is configured to selectively route at least a portion of an inlet fluid through the one or more particulate matter filters (101) to the internal combustion engine (1).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more particulate matter filter (101) comprises of a first and a second particulate matter filter (5 and 6).

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid supply unit (2) is configured to receive intake fluid from a fluid supply source.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one differential pressure sensor, wherein said differential pressure sensor is configured to detect amount of capture of particulate matter in the one or more particulate matter filters (101).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of valves (102) are provided in between exhaust conduit (3), the one or more particulate matter filters (101), and the fluid supply unit (2) to selectively allow the flow of intake fluid and exhaust gas through the one or particulate matter filters (101).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of valves (102) are at least one of two-way valves and three-way valves.

7. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of valves (102) are configured to be controlled by a control unit.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a plurality of valves (102) are configured to selectively bypass the exhaust gas to surroundings.

9. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the valves (30, 31, 32 and 33) are open to pass the exhaust gas through the first and second particulate matter filter (5 and 6) to capture particulate matter and expel the exhaust gas to the surroundings.

10. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the valves (34 and 36) are open and valve (37) is closed to route at least a portion of the intake gas through the first particulate matter filter (5) to the internal combustion engine (1).

11. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the valves (35 and 37) are open and valve (36) is closed to route at least a portion of the intake gas through the second particulate matter filter (6) to the internal combustion engine (1).

12. A method for regenerating a particulate matter in an internal combustion engine (1), said method comprises acts of:
routing exhaust gas from exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine (1) through one or more particulate matter filters (101), wherein the one or more particulate matter filters (101) are configured to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas; and
routing selectively at least a portion of intake fluid from a fluid supply unit (2) through the one or more particulate matter filters (101);
wherein, the intake fluid routed to the one or particulate matter filters (101) transfers the captured particulate matter from the one or more particulate matter filters (101) to the internal combustion engine (1).

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein detecting capture of particulate matter in the one or more particulate matter filters (101) by a differential pressure sensor.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the control unit operates the plurality of valves (102) to route exhaust gas and the intake air selectively though the one or more particulate matter filters.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to exhaust treatment systems for an internal combustion engines. An embodiment of the disclosure discloses a particulate matter regeneration system for the internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
The exhaust gas emitted from an internal combustion engine such as but not limiting to diesel engines and some configurations of gasoline engines, is a heterogeneous mixture that may contain gaseous emissions such as carbon monoxide (“CO”), unburned hydrocarbons (“HC”) and oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”) as well as condensed phase materials (liquids and solids) that constitute particulate matter. Catalyst compositions typically disposed on catalyst supports or substrates are provided in an engine exhaust system to convert certain, or all of these exhaust constituents into non-regulated exhaust gas components. This is for the reason that, if the particulate matter is passed to the surroundings directly, there is a high risk of environmental and health problems.

Conventionally, there are various techniques such as combustion bowl optimisation, high pressure fuel injection, post injection etc., is known in the art to reduce the amount of particulate matter. Due to the aforementioned techniques, the combustion in the engine is improved thereby reducing the amount of unburnt fuel particles/particulate matter in the exhaust gas. Also, exhaust gas recirculation systems (“EGR”) can be employed for both gasoline and diesel fuelled engines for reducing the exhaust emission. The use of EGR generally supports the objective of achieving high fuel efficiency and economy and while meeting increasingly stringent engine-out exhaust gas emission requirements. The use of forced induction, particularly including exhaust gas driven turbochargers, is also frequently employed to increase the engine intake mass airflow and the power output of the engine by using waste energy derived from the exhaust gas.

However, a disadvantage to the use of increasingly larger volumes of EGR is that the re-circulated exhaust gas has already been combusted when it displaces combustion air (i.e. oxygen) in the intake charge. While the EGR chemically slows and cools the combustion process, thereby reducing the formation of NOx, the result is a reduction in the oxygen levels required to oxidize the CO and excess HC in the exhaust gas. Such a reduction in Oxygen (“O2”) may prevent desired level of combustion of the fuel-air mixture. In addition, reduced levels of O2 also significantly slow the burn rate of soot. Increased regeneration times reduce fuel economy and may increase emissions. Also, integrating these techniques to reduce particulate matter will inherently increase the cost of the vehicle.

Further, in recent past particulate matter filters are used to mitigate the problem of passage of particulate matter directly into the surroundings. These filters effectively remove the particulate matter in the exhaust gas before passing it into the surroundings.

However, the particulate matter filter is a physical structure for removing particulates from exhaust gas and, as a result, the accumulation of filtered particulates. Different methods of regeneration systems such as late fuel injection, down pipe fuel injection, passive regeneration etc, are conventionally used for regeneration of trapped particulate matter. Oil dilution, deterioration of fuel economy and melting of trap due to spontaneous regeneration etc. are most common drawbacks of above regeneration systems. Accumulation of particulate matter will have the effect of increasing the exhaust system backpressure experienced by the engine. This is due to the clogging of the filters by accumulation of particulate matter. To address backpressure increases caused by the accumulation of exhaust gas particulates, the Particulate matter Filter is periodically cleaned or burnt by passing exhaust gas. The supply of exhaust gas already contains high levels of pollutants reduces the overall efficiency of the cleaning and burning process.

In view of the above, there is a need to develop a particulate matter regeneration system for the internal combustion engine which overcomes the limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The limitations of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a particulate matter regeneration system for an internal combustion engine is provided, said system comprising an exhaust conduit fluidly connected with an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine. The exhaust conduit is configured to route exhaust gas from the engine to surroundings. One or more particulate matter filters positioned in the exhaust conduit, wherein the one or more particulate matter filters are configured to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas. Further, a fluid supply unit fluidly connected in between an inlet of the internal combustion engine and the one or more particulate filters, wherein the fluid supply unit is configured to selectively route at least a portion of an inlet fluid through the one or more particulate matter filters to the internal combustion engine.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of valves are provided in between exhaust conduit, the one or more particulate matter filters, and the fluid supply unit to selectively allow the flow of intake fluid and exhaust gas through the one or particulate matter filters. Also, the plurality of valves is at least one of two-way valves and three-way valves. Further, the plurality of valves is configured to be controlled by a control unit.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid supply unit is configured to receive intake fluid from a fluid supply source.

Additionally, differential pressure sensors are provided, wherein said differential pressure sensors are configured to detect capture of particulate matter in the one or more particulate matter.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of valves are configured to selectively bypass the exhaust gas to surroundings.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more particulate matter filter comprises of a first and a second particulate matter filter.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for regenerating a particulate matter in an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises acts of routing exhaust gas from exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine through one or more particulate matter filters, wherein the one or more particulate matter filters are configured to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas. Routing selectively at least a portion of intake fluid from a fluid supply unit through the one or more particulate matter filters, wherein the intake fluid routed to the one or more particulate matter filters transfers the captured particulate matter from the one or more particulate matter filters to the internal combustion engine.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, capture of particulate matter in the one or more particulate matter is detected by differential pressure sensors.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit operates the plurality of valves to route exhaust gas and the intake air selectively though the one or more particulate matter filters.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates schematic representation of the particulate matter regenerating system for an internal combustion engine of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates schematic representation of the particulate matter regenerating system for an internal combustion engine of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

To overcome the problems stated in the background, the present disclosure provides a particulate matter regeneration system for regenerating particulate matter trapped in the exhaust conduit of an internal combustion engine. The system broadly comprises components such as but not limiting to a fluid supply unit and one or more particulate matter filters. The fluid supply unit is configured to supply intake fluid into the engine to facilitate combustion. An exhaust conduit is provided which extends from the exhaust valve of the engine, to outlet the exhaust gases from the engine to the surroundings. The one or more exhaust particulate matter filters are positioned in the exhaust conduit and are configured such that the filters separate the particulate matter present in the exhaust gas before passing the exhaust gas into the surroundings. A plurality of valves interfaced with a control unit, are provided in between the fluid supply unit, exhaust conduit and the one or more particulate matter filters to facilitate selective flow of exhaust gas and intake fluid in the system.

During operation, the exhaust gas from the engine is made to pass through the particulate matter filters via plurality of valves. Upon passage of the exhaust gas into the filters, the particulate matter present in the exhaust gas gets trapped in the filters. The control unit upon detecting the accumulation of particulate matter in the filters, operate the valves. At this stage, the valves operate such that at least a portion of the intake air from the fluid supply unit is passed to the filters to transfer the particulate matter in the filters to the engine for combustion. During transfer of particulate matter into the engine, the exhaust gas from the engine is routed over the filters to the surroundings, due to operation of the valves.

Reference will now be made to figures which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.

Figure 1 is one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a particulate matter regeneration system (100) with one particulate matter filter installed in the system. The system (100) comprises an exhaust conduit (3) fluidly connected with an exhaust valve (not shown) of the internal combustion engine (1). The exhaust conduit (3) is configured to route exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (1) to surroundings. Further, a particulate matter filter is (101) positioned in the exhaust conduit (3), and is configured to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas. The particulate matter filter (101) provided in the system (100) can be any one of ceramic honeycomb wall flow filters, wound or packed fiber filters, open cell foams, sintered metal fibers. etc. The system further comprises a fluid supply unit (2) connected to an inlet port of the engine (1).The fluid supply unit (2) is configured to supply intake fluid into the engine (1) for combustion. The intake fluid supplied by the fluid supply unit (2) can be air or air-fuel mixture depending upon type of engine (1) considered. In case of a diesel engine, air is supplied to the diesel engine via an intercooler (7). For a petrol engine, air-fuel mixture is passed directly into the petrol engine. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid supply unit (2) is selected from the group comprising compressors. The exhaust valve of the engine (1) is configured with an exhaust conduit (3) which facilitates outlet of the exhaust gas from the engine (1) to the surroundings. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a turbine (4) is positioned in the exhaust conduit (3) to convert the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas into useful mechanical power. Also, the fluid supply unit (2) can be coupled to the turbine (4) to utilise the power developed by the turbine (4). The fluid supply unit (2) is fluidly connected to the particulate matter filters (101), and is configured to selectively route at least a portion of an inlet fluid through particulate matter filters (101) to the internal combustion engine (1). The routing of the inlet fluid through the particulate matter filter (101) results in flushing of particulate matter collected in the Particulate Matter filter to the engine. Further, a plurality of valves (102) i.e. valves (38, 46, 47, 18, 48, 49) is provided in between the fluid supply unit (2), particulate matter filter (5) and the exhaust conduit (3) as shown. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of valves (102) is selected from the group comprising two way valves and three way valves. The valves (38, 46, 47, 18, 48, and 49) are interfaced with a control unit (not shown), hence operate upon receiving signals from the control unit. The valves (38, 46, 47, 18, 48, and 49) are configured to route intake and exhaust gas selectively to the particulate matter filter to achieve transfer of particulate matter into the engine (1). Additionally, a differential pressure sensor is provided in a particulate matter filter or placed proximal to the particulate matter filter to, and is configured to detect the amount of particulate matter collected in the filter (5) by calculating the pressure drop of the exhaust gas while passing through the filter (5). The differential pressure sensor (not shown) is interfaced with the control unit. Upon detecting a noticeable pressure drop in the flow of exhaust gas in the filter (5), the differential pressure sensor notifies the control unit and then to the valves (38, 46, 47, 18, 48, 49) by the control unit to route at least a portion of inlet fluid through the particulate matter filter to engine.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) system can be provided to the system (100) by a bypass in-between the exhaust conduit (3) and turbine (4) and then connecting the inlet of the engine (1) as shown. In between the bypass, an EGR cooler (8) is installed to cool the exhaust gas, before inletting to the engine (1). The EGR system is also operated by the control unit. The control unit based on the engine (1) operating conditions operates the EGR system to bypass the exhaust gas into the engine (1).

During operation of the system (100), the exhaust gas from the engine (1) is passed through the filter (5) via turbine (4) and valve (46). Upon passing the exhaust gas through the filter (5), the particulate matter in the exhaust gas is captured by the filter (5) and outlet the exhaust gas via valve (48) into the surroundings. This initial step of operation is called as normal mode. At this stage, valves (49 and 47) are closed to prevent flow of intake fluid from the compressor (2a). The differential pressure sensor upon detecting a noticeable pressure drop in the flow of exhaust gas through the filter (5), notifies the control unit. The control unit then operates the valves (38, 46, 47, 49, and 48) such that the valves (48 and 46) are closed, valves (47 and 49) are fully open and the valve 38 is partially closed. Due to this arrangement, the intake fluid from the compressor (2a) is passed through the filter (5) via valve (49). This step is called regeneration. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the intake fluid from the compressor (2a) is passed in the direction opposite to the flow of the exhaust gas. The intake fluid now collects and transfers the particulate matter accumulated in the filter (5) into the engine (1) via the valve (47), hence achieving regeneration of the particulate matter. During regeneration, the exhaust gas from the engine (1) due to combustion is passed to the surroundings via bypass of valve (46).

Hence, from the above description the method of regenerating particulate matter can be considered in two modes, a normal mode and a regeneration mode. In normal mode, the exhaust gas is passed through the filter (5) via turbine (4), valve (46) and outlet to surroundings via valve (48). In regeneration mode, the intake fluid is passed through the filter via compressor (2a), valve (49), valve (47) and then to engine (1) to regenerate the particulate matter. During regeneration mode, the exhaust gas from the engine (1) is passed though the tail pipe via turbine (4), bypass from valve (46) and then to the tail pipe.

Figure 2 in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a particulate matter regeneration system (100) with two particulate matter filter installed in the system. The two particulate matter filters i.e. first particulate matter filter (5) and a second particulate matter filter (6) are positioned in the exhaust conduit (3) by valves (30 and 32). The valves (30 and 32) are arranged such that the exhaust gas can pass through both the filters (5 and 6). Additional set of valves (31, 33, 34, 35 and 36) are integrated in between turbine (4), filters (5 and 6) and the tail pipe as shown. These additional set of valves (31, 33, 34, 35 and 36) operate based on the signal from the control unit, to facilitate selective passage of intake fluid and exhaust gas through the first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6).

During initial operation, the valves (30, 31, 32 and 33) are fully opened and the valves (34,35,36 and 37) are fully closed position to allow the exhaust gas from the turbine (4) to pass through the first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6) and exit by tail pipe. This enables the filters (5 and 6) to capture the particulate matter present in the exhaust gas. This step is called no-regeneration.

Upon detecting considerable amount of particulate matter accumulation in the filters (5 and 6) by the differential pressure sensor, the control unit fully closes the valves (30, 31, 35 and 37) and fully opens valves (32, 33, 34 and 36). The control unit then operates the valve (38) to partially close. This is done to achieve required amount of intake fluid to pass through the bypass. The intake fluid is then passed through the first particulate matter filter (5) via valve (34). At this stage, the particulate matter present in filter (5) mixes with the intake air and is then transferred to the engine (1) via the valve (36). Hence, regenerating the particulate matter accumulated in the first filter (5). This step is called regeneration in first filter (5).

The control unit upon noticing dissipation of the particulate matter in the first filter (5) operates the valves (32, 33, 34 and 36) to fully close, thereby restricting flow of intake fluid through the first filter (5). At the same time, the control unit fully opens the valves (30, 31, 35 and 37). Due to this arrangement, the exhaust gas passes through the first filter (5) via valve (30) and the intake fluid passes through the second filter (6) via valve (35). The Intake fluid upon passing through the second filter (6), transfers the particulate matter into the engine (1) for combustion, thereby regenerating the particulate matter in the second filter (6). This step is called as regeneration in second filter (6). This cycle repeats continuously during operation of the engine (1), thereby eliminating the possibility of passing particulate matter to the surroundings.

Hence, from the above description the method of regenerating particulate matter can be considered in three modes, no regeneration mode, regeneration mode for first filter (5) and regeneration mode for second filter (6). In no-regeneration mode, the exhaust gas is passed through both first and second filters (5 and 6) via valves (30 and 32) respectively. During no-regeneration, there will only be accumulation of the particulate matter in the filters (5 and 6). In regeneration mode for first filter (5), the exhaust gas is passed through the second filter (6) via turbine (4), valve (32) and outlet to surroundings via valve (33). Regeneration of the particulate matter in first filter (5) is achieved by passing intake fluid via the compressor (2a), valve (34 and 36) and then to the engine (1).In regeneration mode for second filter (6), the exhaust gas is passed through the first filter (5) via turbine (4), valve (30) and outlet to surroundings via valve (31). Regeneration of the particulate matter in second filter (6) is achieved by passing intake fluid via the compressor (2a), valve (35 and 37) and then to the engine (1).

As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS

Referral Numerals Description
100 Particulate matter regeneration system
101 One or more particulate matter filters
102 Plurality of valves
1 Engine
2 Fluid supply unit
2a Compressor
3 Exhaust conduit
4 Turbine
5 First particulate matter filter
6 Second particulate matter filter
7 Intercooler
8 EGR Cooler
38, 46, 47, 18, 48, 49, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36,30, 32,37
Valves