DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to exhaust treatment systems for an internal combustion engines, particularly but not exclusively embodiments of the disclosure disclose a particulate matter regeneration system for the internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
The exhaust gas emitted from an internal combustion engines 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., are known in the art to reduce the amount of particulate matter. With 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 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. However, in such conventional techniques oil dilution, deterioration of fuel economy and melting of trap due to spontaneous regeneration etc. are most common drawbacks o. Further, 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 caused by the accumulation of exhaust gas particulates, the Particulate matter Filter should be periodically cleaned or burnt by passing exhaust gas.

In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to develop a particulate matter regeneration system for the internal combustion engine to overcome 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 disclosed. The system comprises an exhaust conduit fluidly connected with an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust conduit is configured to route exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to surroundings through a turbocharger. Also, one or more particulate matter filters are provisioned in the exhaust conduit. Further, a plurality of valves is positioned in the exhaust conduit to selectively route at least a portion of the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger through either ends of the each of one or more particulate matter filters, wherein, each of the one or more particulate matter filters captures the particulate matter in the exhaust gas when the exhaust gas is routed from first end of the one or more particulate matter filters, and the exhaust gas carries the particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters to an inlet port through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit when the exhaust gas is routed from second end of the one or more particulate matter filters. The system also comprises at least one fluid pressurising unit provisioned in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit, wherein the fluid pressurising unit is configured to pressurise and transport the exhaust gas along with the particulate matter flowing from the each of the one or more particulate matter filters to the inlet port.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more particulate matter filter comprises of a first and a second particulate matter filter. Further, the one or more particulate matter filters comprises at least one differential pressure sensor configured to detect amount of particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of valves is controlled by a control unit.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust conduit is configured into a first section and a second section.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a set of valves of the plurality of valves are configured to route the exhaust gas through the first ends of each of a first and a second particulate matter filters of the one or more particulate matter filters. Further, another set of valves of a plurality of valves are configured to route at least a portion of exhaust gas through the second end of the first particulate matter filter and the second particulate matter filter (6).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for regenerating a particulate matter in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The method comprises acts of routing at least a portion of exhaust gas exiting a turbocharger selectively through either ends of each of the one or more particulate matter filters by a plurality of valves, wherein, each of the one or more particulate matter filters captures particulate matter in the exhaust gas when the exhaust gas is routed from first end of the one or more particulate matter filter, and the exhaust gas carries the particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters to an inlet port through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit, when the exhaust gas is routed from second end of the one or more particulate matter filter. Further, the method comprises step of transferring the exhaust gas along with the particulate matter flowing from each of the one or more particulate matter filter to inlet port of the internal combustion engine by a fluid pressurising unit.

The method as claimed in claim 9 comprises act of detecting amount of capture of particulate matter in the each of one or more particulate matter filters (101) by at least one differential pressure sensor.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of valves are operated by a control unit.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, another particulate matter regeneration system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system comprises an exhaust conduit fluidly connected with an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust conduit is configured to route exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to surroundings through a turbocharger. Also, one or more particulate matter filters is positioned in the exhaust conduit, wherein the each of the one or more particulate matter filters are configured to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger when the exhaust gas is routed through first end of each of the one or more particulate matter filters. Further, an exhaust gas by-pass conduit is provisioned in between the exhaust conduit and a second end of each of the one or more particulate matter filters wherein the exhaust gas by-pass conduit is configured to route at least a portion of the exhaust gas through the second end of the one or more particulate matter filters before entering the turbocharger. The system also comprises, a plurality of valves provisioned in the exhaust conduit and the exhaust gas by-pass conduit to selectively route the exhaust gas from the exhaust conduit though first end of each of the one or more particulate matter filters, and at least a portion of exhaust gas via the exhaust gas by-pass conduit through the second end of each of the one or more particulate matter filters, wherein, the portion of exhaust gas routed from the exhaust gas by-pass conduit through the second end of each of the one or more particulate matter filters carries the particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters to an inlet port through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for regenerating a particulate matter in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The method comprises acts of routing exhaust gas exiting a turbocharger through first end of each of one or more particulate matter filters to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas. The method further comprises acts of routing selectively at least a portion of exhaust gas before entering to the turbocharger through second end of each of the one or more particulate matter filters using an exhaust gas bypass conduit by plurality of valves provisioned in the exhaust conduit, wherein, the at least a portion of exhaust gas routed from the exhaust by-pass conduit through the second end of each of the one or more particulate matter filters carries the particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters to an inlet port of the internal combustion engine through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

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 in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates schematic representation of the particulate matter regeneration system of FIG. 1 with two particulate matter filters.

Figure 3 illustrates schematic representation of the particulate matter regenerating system for an internal combustion engine in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates schematic representation of the particulate matter regeneration system of FIG. 3 with two particulate matter filters

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.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup system, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

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 an exhaust conduit, one or more particulate matter filters and plurality of valves. The exhaust conduit is connected an exhaust port of the internal combustion engine at one end and the other end is exposed to the surroundings. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the exhaust conduit is configured to pass the exhaust gas of the engine to the surroundings through a turbocharger. Further, in the exhaust conduit, the one or more particulate matter filters are also provisioned to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end of the one or more particulate matter filter is configured as inlet for exhaust gases for capturing the particulate matter, and the second end of the one or more particulate matter filter is configured as outlet for exiting the particulate matter along with the exhaust gas to the engine inlet port. Further, the system comprises a plurality of valves positioned in the exhaust conduit to selectively route at least a portion of the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger through either ends i.e. either first or second ends of the one or more particulate matter filters. The one or more particulate matter filters are configured to capture the particulate matter present in the exhaust gases when the exhaust gas is routed through the first end. Further, upon passing at least a portion of the exhaust gas through the second end of the one or more particulate matter filter, the exhaust gases carries the captured particulate matter in each of the one or more particulate matter filter to an inlet port of the internal combustion engine via an exhaust gas recirculation conduit. The system also comprises a fluid pressurising unit is configured in the exhaust gas recirculation unit to pressurise and transport the mixture of exhaust gas and particulate matter to the inlet port of the internal combustion engine. This is due to the fact that, the exhaust gas upon passing through the turbocharger will have less pressure energy, since considerable amount of pressure energy of the exhaust gas is utilised by the turbocharger. Hence, pressurising medium is used to transport the mixture of exhaust gas and particulate matter. Optionally, an exhaust gas bypass conduit is provisioned in the system, to route at least a portion of the exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger, to the second end of the one or more particulate matter filter to collect and transport captured particulate matter to inlet port of the internal combustion engine via the exhaust gas recirculation conduit.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one differential pressure sensor is provisioned proximal to the one or more particulate matter filter to detect the amount of particulate matter collected in each of the one or more particulate matter filter.

During operation of the system, the exhaust gas exited from the turbocharger is routed through first end of the one or more particulate matter filters to capture particulate matter in the exhaust gas. The at least one differential pressure sensor detects the amount of particulate matter captured in the one or more particulate matter filter. Upon reaching a predetermined amount, the differential pressure sensor communicates with the control unit and the control unit operates the plurality of valves. The plurality of valves operates such that at least a portion of the exhaust gas is passed through the one or more particulate matter filter at the second end of the one or more particulate matter filters. Thereby, carrying the captured particulate matter in the one or more particulate matter filter to the inlet port of the internal combustion engine via the exhaust gas recirculation conduit. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid pressurising unit provisioned in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit pressurises and transports the mixture of exhaust gas and particulate matter to the inlet port of the internal combustion engine. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger is passed through the second end of one or more particulate matter filter via exhaust gas bypass conduit to transport captured particulate matter to the inlet of the internal combustion engine via exhaust gas recirculation conduit.

Reference will now be made to figures which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration, and the same should not be construed as limitation to the present disclosure. 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 (5). The system (100) comprises an exhaust conduit (3) with one end fluidly connected with an exhaust valve (not shown) of the internal combustion engine (1) and the other end exposed to the surroundings. The exhaust conduit (3) is configured to route exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (1) to surroundings through a turbocharger (4). The exhaust conduit (3) is configured in two sections, wherein first section of the exhaust conduit (3) is connected in between the exhaust port and an inlet of the turbocharger, and the second section of the exhaust conduit is connected between outlet of the turbocharger to route the exhaust gases to the atmosphere. The turbocharger (4) utilises the pressure energy in the exhaust gas and converts it to useful mechanical work. Further, the system comprises a particulate matter filter (5) is positioned in the second section of the exhaust conduit (3), and the particulate matter filter (5) is configured with a first end (19) and a second end (20). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the particulate matter filter (5) provided in the system (100) is selected from group comprising but not limiting to ceramic honeycomb wall flow filters, wound or packed fiber filters, open cell foams, sintered metal fibers etc. The first end (19) is configured as the inlet of the particulate matter filter (5) and the second end (20) is configured as the outlet of the particulate matter filter (5). The second section of the exhaust conduit (3) is composed of a first fluid line connecting outlet of the turbocharger (4) and first end (19) of the particulate matter filter (5), an intermediary fluid line with one end bypassing the first line and the other end connecting the second end (20) of particulate matter filter (5) and a third fluid line with one end connecting the second end (20) of particulate matter filter (5) and the other end being exposed to the surroundings. Further, a plurality of valves (102) are positioned in the exhaust conduit (3) to selectively route exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) from either sides of the particulate matter filter (5). Upon passing the exhaust gas through the first end (19) of the particulate matter filter (5), the particulate matter filter (5) captures the particulate matter in the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4). Upon passing the exhaust gas through the second end (20) of the particulate matter filter (5), the captured particulate matter is carried by the exhaust gas and is routed via the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29) to the inlet port of the internal combustion engine (1). Further, the plurality of valves (102) are interfaced to a control unit (not shown) to route selectively the exhaust gas in the system (100). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of valves (102) is selected from group comprising but not limiting to two-way valves and three-way valves. Upon receiving signals from the control unit, the plurality of valves (102) operates. Also, the system (100) comprises at least one differential pressure sensor (not shown in figures) provisioned proximal to the particulate matter filter (101) to detect the amount of particulate matter collected in the particulate matter filter (5), upon passage of exhaust gas. Furthermore, a fluid pressurizing unit (12) is provisioned in the a exhaust gas recirculation unit (29) to pressurise and transport the mixture of exhaust gas and particulate matter to the inlet port of the internal combustion engine (1). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid pressurising device (12) is selected from group comprising pumps such as but not limiting to centrifugal pumps, hydraulic pumps to pressurise the fluid. The fluid pressurizing device (12) is used in the system (100) to increase the pressure of the exhaust gas circulating in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). This is due to the reason that, turbocharger (4) at the beginning of the exhaust conduit (3) utilises most of the pressure energy of the exhaust gas and hence, the exhaust gas will not be having sufficient pressure to recirculate again to the inlet port.

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 turbocharger (4) and then connecting to the inlet port as shown. In between the bypass, an EGR cooler (13) is installed to cool the exhaust gas, before inletting to the engine (1). The EGR system is also operated by the control unit based operating conditions of the engine. The control unit based on the engine (1) operating conditions operates the EGR system to bypass the exhaust gas into the engine (1). Also, the EGR cooler (13) is connected to the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29) to cool the mixture of exhaust gas and particulate matter before inletting the mixture into the inlet port.

During operation of the system (100), initially the valves (16 and 17) are open to route the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) from the first end (19) of the particulate matter filter (5). The particulate matter filter (5) collects the particulate matter in the exhaust gas. This mode of operation is called “normal mode”. When EGR is enabled in normal mode, the control unit operates valve (15) such that a part of the exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) is inlet into the inlet port via the EGR cooler (13). Upon detecting a predetermined amount of particulate matter in the particulate matter filter (5) by the differential pressure sensor (not shown), the control unit is notified. The control unit upon notification operates the valves (16, 17 and 15) of the plurality of valves (102) such that the valve (16) routes the exhaust gas through the bypass line, during such operation valve (17) is partially opened to create back pressure to the exhaust gas so that at least a portion of the exhaust gas flow through the second end (20) and valve (15) is fully opened. Due to this arrangement, the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) passes through the bypass route and at least a portion of the exhaust gas flows through the second end (20) of the particulate matter filter. Here, the exhaust gas collects the particulate matter in the particulate matter filter (5) and is inletted to the inlet port via the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). The fluid pressurizing unit (12) pressurises and transports the mixture of exhaust gas and particulate matter in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29) to the inlet port via the EGR cooler (13). The rest of the exhaust gas is outlet to the surroundings. This mode of operation of the system (100) is called regeneration. In case of EGR enabled conditions during regeneration mode, the exhaust gas passes exiting the turbocharger (4) is passed to the second end (20) of the particulate matter filter (5) through bypass of valve (16) and then to engine (1) via valves (15 and 18). Before the exhaust gas is inlet into the engine (1), the exhaust gas passes through the EGR cooler (13).

Hence, from the above mentioned description the method of operation of the system (100) can be considered in two modes normal and regeneration mode. The normal mode, the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) is passed to the first end (19) of the particulate matter filter (5) through valve (16) and then to surroundings through valve (17). When EGR is enabled in the normal mode, the exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) is passed through to the inlet port via valve (15 and 18) and EGR cooler (13) in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). In regeneration mode, the exhaust gas is passed through the bypass route of valve (16) to second end of particulate matter filter (5) and then to the inlet port via fluid pressurizing unit (12), valve (15 and 18) and EGR cooler (13) in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29).

Figure 2 in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a particulate matter regeneration system (100) with two particulate matter filters (5 and 6) installed in the system (100) to the embodiment disclosed in Figure 1. The two particulate matter filters i.e. first particulate matter filter (5) and second particulate matter filter (6) are provisioned in the second section of the exhaust conduit (3). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first and second particulate matter filters are arranged parallel to each other. In the system valves (43 and 8) of the plurality of valves are arranged such that the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) passes through the first ends (19) of each of the first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6). Additionally, valves (9 and 10) are provisioned in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29) to allow the mixture of exhaust gas and particulate matter to inlet into the inlet port from each of the first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6) selectively based on signals from the control unit.

During initial operation, the valves (43, 8 and 17) are fully opened and the valves (9 and 10) are fully closed to allow flow of exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) into first ends (19) of first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6), to collect particulate matter. Upon passing through the first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6), the exhaust gas is routed to the surroundings by valve (17). This step is called no-regeneration mode.

Upon detecting considerable amount of particulate matter in the filters (5 and 6) by the differential pressure sensor, the control unit is notified. The control unit now operates the valves (43, 9 and 17) of plurality of valves (102) such that the valve (8 and 9) is closed, valve (17) is partially open. Due to this arrangement, the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) passes through the valve (43) to the first end (19) of second filter (6) to capture particulate matter. Due to partial opening of valve (17), at least a portion of the exhaust gas passes through second end (20) of the first filter (5) due to back pressure to collect particulate matter and inlet it to inlet port via valve (10), fluid pressurizing unit (12) and EGR cooler (13) in the exhaust recirculation conduit (29). The remaining exhaust gas is passed through valve (17) to the surroundings. This step is called regeneration in first filter (5).

The control unit upon dissipation of particulate matter in the first filter (5) operates and closes valves (43 and 10). At the same time the valves (8 and 9) are opened to allow the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) to pass through first end (19) of first filter (5) to collect particulate matter. Further, due to partial opening of the valve (17) at least a portion of exhaust gas passes through second end (20) of second filter (6) to collect the particulate matter and inlet it to inlet port via valve (9), fluid pressurizing unit (12) and EGR cooler (13) in the exhaust recirculation conduit (29). The remaining exhaust gas is passed through valve (17) to the surroundings. This step is called 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 first ends (19) of both first and second filters (5 and 6) via first valves (43 and 8) respectively. Also, this mode operates when there is no EGR requirement from the engine (1). The regeneration mode for first filter (5), is achieved by passing a portion of the exhaust gas from second end (20) of second filter (6) to second end (20) of first filter (5) and then to the inlet port via the valve (10) fluid pressurising unit (12) and EGR cooler (13) in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). In regeneration mode for second filter (6), the exhaust gas is passed through the first end (19) of first filter (5) through valve (8) and outlet to surroundings via valve (17). Regeneration of the particulate matter in second filter (6) is achieved by passing a portion of the exhaust gas passing from second end (20) of first filter (5) to second end (20) of second filter (6) and then to the inlet port via the valve (9), fluid pressurising unit (12) and EGR cooler (13) in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29).

Figure 2 shows particulate matter regeneration system with two particulate matter filter as an example. One skilled in the art can extend the model to more filers without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Figure 3 is yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a particulate matter regeneration system (200) with one particulate matter filter (201) installed in the system (200). The system (200) comprises a particulate matter filter (5) provisioned in the exhaust conduit (3) and controlled by a valve (39) of a plurality of valves (202). Additionally, valves (41 and 42) are provisioned in the exhaust conduit (3) to selectively route exhaust gas from either sides of the filter (5). These additional valves (39, 41 and 42) are interfaced with the control unit. Further, in the system (200) an exhaust gas bypass conduit (30) is provided, wherein the exhaust gas by-pass conduit is configured in between exhaust conduit and second end of the particulate matter filter (5). This exhaust gas bypass conduit (30) ensures that at least a portion of exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) is passed through the second end (20) of the filter (5) to collect particulate matter and inlet to the inlet port. Additionally, in the second section of the exhaust conduit (3), a bypass route is configured which connects one end to the valve (39) and other end is exposed to the surroundings.

During operation of the system (200) the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) is passed through the filter (5) via valve (39) to the first end (19) of the filter (5) to collect particulate matter and then outlet to the surroundings. This mode is called normal mode. In case of EGR enabled conditions a portion of exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) is passed into the inlet port via valve (41 and 18) and EGR cooler (13) in exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). Upon detecting considerable amount of particulate matter in the filter (5) by the differential pressure sensor, the control unit is notified. The control unit now operates the valves (39, 17 and 41) of plurality of valves (202) such that valve (39) opens the bypass route for the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) directly to surroundings. When EGR is enabled, the portion of exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) is passed through the second end (20) of filter (5) and to the inlet port via valve (42 and 18) and EGR cooler in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). Here, since the portion of exhaust gas is utilised before passing through the turbocharger (4), there is no requirement of the fluid pressurizing unit (12) (shown in figure 1 and 2) as the pressure of the exhaust gas is sufficient to flow in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). This mode is called regeneration mode.

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 exiting the turbocharger (4) is passed through the filter (5), via valve (39) and is outlet to surroundings via valve (17) to capture particulate matter. In regeneration mode, a portion of exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) is passed through the filter (5) via valve (41) and then to inlet port through valve (42 and 18) to regenerate the particulate matter. During regeneration mode, the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) is passed to the surroundings through a bypass route of the valve (39) and valve (17) is closed.

Figure 4 in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a particulate matter regeneration system (200) with two particulate matter filters. As shown in Figure 4 the two particulate matter filters i.e. first particulate matter filter (5) and a second particulate matter filter (6) are positioned in the second section of the exhaust conduit (3). Valves (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28) of the plurality of valves (202) are provided in the system (200) to selectively allow the passage of exhaust gas from either sides of first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6) respectively. The valves (21 and 22) are arranged such that the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) can pass through both the filters (5 and 6) respectively to capture particulate matter. The valves (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28) operate based on the signal from the control unit, to facilitate selective passage of exhaust gas on either ends of first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6).

During initial operation, the valves (21, 22, 23 and 24) are fully opened and the valves (25, 26, 27 and 28) are fully closed position to allow the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) to pass through the first ends (19) of first and second particulate matter filters (5 and 6), and then to the surroundings. 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 operates the valves (21, 23, 26 and 28) to closed position and the valves (22, 24, 25 and 27) are fully open position. At this stage, a portion of the exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) passes through the second end (20) of the filter (5) via the exhaust gas bypass conduit (30) and is then transferred to the inlet port via valve (18) and EGR cooler (13) in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). Hence, regenerating the particulate matter accumulated in the first filter (5). This step is called regeneration in first filter (5). During regeneration of first filter (5), the remaining exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) is then passed to the surroundings via valve (22), second filter (6) and valve (24). At this stage, the second filter (6) will be collecting particulate matter from the exhaust gas passing through it.

The control unit upon noticing dissipation of the particulate matter in the first filter (5) operates the valves (22, 24, 25 and 27) to fully closed condition. At the same time, the control unit fully opens valves (21, 23, 26 and 28). Due to this arrangement, a portion of the exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) passes through the second end (20) of second filter (6) via the exhaust gas bypass conduit (30) and is then transferred to the inlet port via the EGR valve (18) and EGR cooler (13). Hence, regenerating the particulate matter accumulated in the second filter (5). This step is called regeneration in second filter (6). During regeneration of second filter (6), the remaining exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) is routed to the surroundings via valve (21), first filter (5) and valve (23).

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 ends (19) of first and second filters (5 and 6) via valves (21 and 22) respectively. During no-regeneration, there will only be accumulation of the particulate matter in the filters (5 and 6). Regeneration of the particulate matter in first filter (5) is achieved by passing a portion of the exhaust gas before passing through the turbocharger (4) to the first filter (5) the exhaust gas bypass conduit (30), and then to the inlet port (1) via EGR valve (18) in exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). In regeneration mode for first filter (5), the remaining exhaust gas is passed through the turbocharger (4), through the second filter (6) via valve (22) and outlet to surroundings via valve (24). Regeneration of the particulate matter in second filter (6) is achieved by passing a portion of the exhaust gas before passing through the turbo charger (4) to the second filter (6) via the exhaust gas bypass conduit (30), and then to the engine (1) via EGR valve (18) in exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29). In regeneration mode for second filter (6), the remaining portion of exhaust gas is passed through the first filter (5), via turbo charger (4) valve (21) and outlet to surroundings via valve (23).

Figure 4 shows particulate matter regeneration system with two particulate matter filter as an example. One skilled in the art can extend the model to more filers without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

It should be understood that the number particulate matter filters i.e.one or two shown in figures and explained above are for the purpose of illustration. One skilled in the art may provide any number of particulate matter filters and arrange the flow of exhaust gas through the same for regenerating the particulate matter.

One should note that 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.

Additionally, advantages of present disclosure are illustrated herein.
The present disclosure provides a particulate matter regeneration system for an internal combustion engine, in which the particulate matter is transferred to the inlet port efficiently by utilising exhaust gas from the engine from the exhaust gas recirculation conduit. Also, exhaust gas bypass conduit the particulate matter is transferred to inlet port without utilising a fluid pressurizing medium. Further, due to incorporation of exhaust gas recirculation conduit, the particulate matter is selectively routed continuously from a two particulate matter filter system.

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 in one embodiment.
200 Particulate matter regeneration system in another embodiment.
101 One or more particulate matter filters in particulate matter regeneration system (100)
201 One or more particulate matter filters in particulate matter regeneration system (200)
102 Plurality of valves in particulate matter regeneration system (100)
202 Plurality of valves in particulate matter regeneration system (200)
1 Engine
2 Fluid supply unit
3 Exhaust conduit
4 Turbocharger
5 First particulate matter filter
6 Second particulate matter filter
7 Intercooler
12 Fluid Pressurizing Unit
13 EGR Cooler
19 First end of one or more particulate matter filters (101 and 201)
20 Second end of one or more particulate matter filters (101 and 201)
29 Exhaust gas recirculation conduit
30 Exhaust gas bypass conduit
8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 39, 41, 42, 43
Valves

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A particulate matter regeneration system (100) for an internal combustion engine (1), said system (100) 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 through a turbocharger (4);
one or more particulate matter filters (101) provisioned in the exhaust conduit (3);
a plurality of valves (102) positioned in the exhaust conduit (3) to selectively route at least a portion of the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) through either ends of the each of one or more particulate matter filters (101), wherein, each of the one or more particulate matter filters (101) captures the particulate matter in the exhaust gas when the exhaust gas is routed from first end (19) of the one or more particulate matter filters (101), and the exhaust gas carries the particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters (101) to an inlet port through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29) when the exhaust gas is routed from second end (20) of the one or more particulate matter filters (101); and
at least one fluid pressurising unit (12) provisioned in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29), wherein the fluid pressurising unit (12) is configured to pressurise and transport the exhaust gas along with the particulate matter flowing from the each of the one or more particulate matter filters (101) to the inlet port.

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 (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more particulate matter filters (101) comprises at least one differential pressure sensor configured to detect amount of particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters (101).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of valves (102) is controlled by a control unit.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exhaust conduit (3) is configured into a first section and a second section.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein valves (43, 8, and 17) of the plurality of valves are configured to route the exhaust gas through the first ends (19) of each of a first and a second particulate matter filters (5 and 6) of the one or more particulate matter filters (101),.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein valves (8 and 17) of a plurality of valves (102) are configured to route at least a portion of exhaust gas through the second end (20) of the first particulate matter filter (5).

8. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein valves (43 and 17 ) of a plurality of valves (102) are configured to route at least a portion of exhaust gas through the second end (20) of the second particulate matter filter (6).

9. A method for regenerating a particulate matter in an internal combustion engine (1), said method comprises acts of:
routing at least a portion of exhaust gas exiting a turbocharger (4) selectively through the one or more particulate matter filters (101) by a plurality of valves (102),
wherein, each of the one or more particulate matter filters (101) captures particulate matter in the exhaust gas when the exhaust gas is routed from a first end (19) of the one or more particulate matter filter (101), and the exhaust gas carries the particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters (101) to an inlet port through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29), when the exhaust gas is routed from a second end (20) of the one or more particulate matter filter (101); and
transferring the exhaust gas along with the particulate matter flowing from each of the one or more particulate matter filter (101) to inlet port of the internal combustion engine (1) by a fluid pressurising unit (12).

10. The method as claimed in claim 9 comprises act of detecting amount of capture of particulate matter in the each of one or more particulate matter filters (101) by at least one differential pressure sensor.

11. The method as claimed in claim 9 comprises acts of operating the plurality of valves (102) by a control unit.

12. A particulate matter regeneration system (200) for an internal combustion engine (1), said system (200) 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 through a turbocharger (4);
one or more particulate matter filters (201) positioned in the exhaust conduit (3), wherein the each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201) are configured to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharger (4) when the exhaust gas is routed through first end (19) of each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201);
an exhaust gas by-pass conduit (30) provisioned in between the exhaust conduit (3) and a second end (20) of each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201), wherein the exhaust gas by-pass conduit (30) is configured to route at least a portion of the exhaust gas through the second end (20) of the one or more particulate matter filters (201) before entering the turbocharger (4);
a plurality of valves (202) provisioned in the exhaust conduit (3) and the exhaust gas by-pass conduit (30) to selectively route the exhaust gas from the exhaust conduit (3) though first end (19) of each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201), and at least a portion of exhaust gas via the exhaust gas by-pass conduit (30) through the second end (20) of each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201);
wherein, the portion of exhaust gas routed from the exhaust gas by-pass conduit (30) through the second end (20) of each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201) carries the particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201) to an inlet port through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29).

13. The system (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more particulate matter filter (201) comprises of a first and a second particulate matter filter (5 and 6).

14. The system (200) as claimed in claim 12 comprises at least one differential pressure sensor, wherein the at least one differential pressure sensor is configured to detect amount of the particulate matter captured in the one or more particulate matter filters (201).

15. The system (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of valves (202) are configured to be controlled by a control unit.

16. The system (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the exhaust conduit (3) is configured into a first section and a second section.

17. The system (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the valves (21, 22, 23 and 24) of the plurality of valves (202) are configured to route the exhaust gas through the first ends (19) of each of a first and a second particulate matter filters (5 and 6) of the one or more particulate matter filters (201).

18. The system (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the valves (23 and 25) of the plurality of valves (202) are configured to route at least a portion of the exhaust gas through the second end (20) of a first particulate matter filter (5).

19. The system (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the valves (24 and 26) of the plurality of valves (202) are configured to route at least a portion of the exhaust gas through the second end (20) of a second particulate matter filter (6).

20. A method for regenerating a particulate matter in an internal combustion engine (1), said method comprises acts of:
routing exhaust gas exiting a turbocharger (4) through first end (19) of each of one or more particulate matter filters (201) to capture the particulate matter in the exhaust gas; and
routing selectively at least a portion of exhaust gas before entering to the turbocharger (4) through second end (20) of each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201) using an exhaust gas bypass conduit (30) by plurality of valves (202) provisioned in the exhaust conduit (3);
wherein, the at least a portion of exhaust gas routed from the exhaust by-pass conduit (30) through the second end (20) of each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201) carries the particulate matter captured in each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201) to an inlet port of the internal combustion engine (1) through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit (29).

21. The method as claimed in claim 20 comprises acts of detecting amount of capture of particulate matter in each of the one or more particulate matter filters (201) by at least one differential pressure sensor.

22. The method as claimed in claim 20 comprises acts of operating the plurality of valves (202) by a control unit.