CLIAMS:1. A system (100) for regeneration of particulate matter in an internal combustion engine (1), the 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;
at least one particulate matter filter (101) positioned in the exhaust conduit (3), wherein the at least one particulate matter filter (101) is configured to filter the particulate matter in the exhaust gas exiting a turbocharger (107);
at least one collection unit (102) fluidly connected to the at least one particulate matter filter (101), wherein the at least one collection unit (102) is adapted to collect the particulate matter filtered by the at least one particulate matter filter (101); and
a fluid supply unit (2) fluidly connected to the at least one collection unit (102) to selectively route at least a portion of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit (102) for carrying the particulate matter to an inlet port of the internal combustion engine (1).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressurised fluid is at least one of intake air exiting from a compressor (6) and an exhaust air flowing through the exhaust conduit (3) before reaching the turbocharger (107).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one collection unit (102) is configured with the at least one particulate matter filter (101) to collect the particulate matter due to gravity.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a first valve (104) provisioned in between the at least one particulate matter filter (101) and the at least one collection unit (102).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one sensor configured to detect amount of the particulate matter collected in the at least one collection unit (102).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a second valve (103) provisioned in the fluid supply unit (2).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4 and 6, wherein the first valve (104) and the second valve (103) are controlled by a control unit.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second valve (103) is configured to regulate the flow of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit (102).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first valve (104) is configured to prevent the flow of particulate matter collected in the at least one particulate matter filter (101) during the flow of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit (102).

10. A method for regenerating a particulate matter in an internal combustion engine (1), the method comprises acts of:
routing exhaust gas exiting a turbocharger (107) of an internal combustion engine (1) through at least one particulate matter filter (101), wherein the at least one particulate matter filter (101) is configured to filter the particulate matter in the exhaust gas;
wherein, the particulate matter filtered in the at least one particulate matter filter (101) is collected in at least one collection unit (102); and
routing selectively at least a portion of pressurised fluid to at least one collection unit (102) through a fluid supply unit (2) to carry the particulate matter to an inlet port of the internal combustion engine (1).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10 comprises act of detecting the amount of particulate matter collected in the at least one collector unit (102) by the at least one sensor.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10 comprises act of operating the second valve (103) by a control unit to selectively route at least a portion of pressurised fluid selectively though the at least one collection unit (102).

13. The method as claimed in claim 10 comprises act of preventing the flow of particulate matter to the at least one collection unit (102) from the at least one particulate matter filter (101) by the first valve (104), during the flow of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit (102).

14. A vehicle comprising a system (100) for regeneration of particulate matter in an internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 1.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly but not exclusively the present disclosure discloses exhaust treatment systems for an internal combustion engines. Further, embodiments of the disclosure disclose a system and method for regeneration of particulate matters from exhaust gas of the internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
In internal combustion engines such as but not limiting to diesel engines and some configurations of gasoline engines, exhaust gas emitted is a heterogeneous mixture. Such exhaust gas 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. However, if the particulate matter is passed to the surroundings directly it harmful to the environment and also leads to health related problems to living beings.

Conventionally, there are various techniques such as combustion bowl optimisation, high pressure fuel injection, post injection etc., are known in the art to reduce 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, there are some disadvantage of using larger volumes of EGR, such disadvantages includes reduction in combustion air in the intake charge since the re-circulated exhaust gas has already been combusted when it displaces combustion air (i.e. oxygen). Also, the EGR chemically slows and cools the combustion process, thereby reducing the formation of NOx, the result is reduction in the oxygen levels required for oxidizing 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. The particulate matter filter is a physical structure for removing particulates from exhaust gas and it captures and accumulates 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 from the particulate matter filters. However, in such system accumulation of particulate matters in the particulate matter filter will create back pressure. 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. Also, oil dilution, deterioration of fuel economy and melting of trap due to spontaneous regeneration etc. are most common drawbacks of above regeneration systems.

In view of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to develop an improved system and method for regeneration of particulate matter in the internal combustion engine.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The one or more limitations of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the system and method 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 non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a system for regeneration of particulate matter in an internal combustion engine. 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. At least one particulate matter filter positioned in the exhaust conduit, wherein the at least one particulate matter filter is configured to filter the particulate matter in the exhaust gas exiting a turbocharger. Further the system comprises, at least one collection unit fluidly connected to the at least one particulate matter filter wherein the at least one collection unit is adapted to collect the particulate matter filtered by the at least one particulate matter filter. A fluid supply unit is provided in the system and is fluidly connected to the at least one collection unit to selectively route at least a portion of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit for carrying the particulate matter to an inlet port of the internal combustion engine.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pressurised fluid is at least one of intake air exiting from a compressor and an exhaust air flowing through the exhaust conduit before reaching the turbocharger.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one collection unit is configured with the at least one particulate matter filter to collect the particulate matter due to gravity.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system comprises a first valve provisioned in between the at least one particulate matter filter and the at least one collection unit. Further, the first valve is configured to prevent the flow of particulate matter collected in the at least one particulate matter filter during the flow of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system comprises at least one sensor configured to detect amount of the particulate matter collected in the at least one collection unit.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system comprises a second valve provisioned in the fluid supply unit, wherein a second valve is configured to regulate the flow of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit. Further, the first valve and the second valve are controlled by a control unit.

In another non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a method for regenerating a particulate matter in an internal combustion engine. The method comprises acts of firstly routing exhaust gas exiting a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine through at least one particulate matter filter, wherein the at least one particulate matter filter is configured to filter the particulate matter in the exhaust gas. The particulate matter filtered in the at least one particulate matter filter is collected in at least one collection unit. Then, routing selectively at least a portion of pressurised fluid to at least one collection unit through a fluid supply unit to carry the particulate matter to an inlet port of the internal combustion engine.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method comprises act of detecting the amount of particulate matter collected in the at least one collector unit by the at least one sensor.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method comprises act of operating the second valve by a control unit to selectively route at least a portion of pressurised fluid selectively though the at least one collection unit. The method also comprises act of preventing the flow of particulate matter to the at least one collection unit from the at least one particulate matter filter by the first valve, during the flow of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit.

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 system for regeneration of particulate matter in an internal combustion engine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGURE. 2 illustrates schematic representation of the system for regeneration of particulate matter in an internal combustion engine according to 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
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 one or more problems stated in the background, the present disclosure provides a system for regeneration of 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 at least one particulate matter filters, and collection unit. 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 at least one particulate matter filter is positioned in the exhaust conduit and is configured to filter and separate the particulate matter present in the exhaust gas exiting from a turbocharger before passing the exhaust gas into the surroundings. Further, at least one collection unit is fluidly connected to the at least one particulate matter filter and is adapted to collect the particulate matter filtered by the at least one particulate matter filter. Further, a fluid supply unit is fluidly connected to the at least one collection unit to selectively route at least a portion of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit for carrying the particulate matter to an inlet port of the internal combustion engine.

During operation, the exhaust gas which is exiting the turbocharger from the engine is made to pass through the particulate matter filter. Upon passage of the exhaust gas into the filters, the particulate matter present in the exhaust gas gets trapped in the filters. The particulate matters collected in the filter will be collected in a collection unit due to gravity. The control unit upon detecting the accumulation of particulate matter in the collection unit operate a second valve provided in the fluid supply unit. At this stage, the second valve operates such that at least a portion of pressurised fluid is allowed to pass through the collection unit. This carries the particulate matter in the collection unit to the engine for combustion.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, 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.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of schematic drawings of the system for regeneration of particulate matter which are exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a system for regeneration of particulate matters in an internal combustion engine (1). 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 through a turbo charger (107). The exhaust gas which is passing through the exhaust conduit (3) will be at high pressure, and is supplied to the turbine (5) for driving the turbo charger (107). Rotation of the turbine (5) in the turbo charger (107) due to the pressure of the exhaust gas rotates the compressor for compressing the intake fluid. The exhaust gas after passing through the turbocharger (107) loses its pressure, and is made to pass to the surroundings through exhaust conduit (3).

Further, at least one particulate matter filter (101) is positioned in the exhaust conduit (3), and is configured to separate the particulate matter in the exhaust gas which is exiting the turbocharger (107). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the particulate matter filter (101) provided in the system (100) is at least one of but not limiting to ceramic honeycomb wall flow filters, wound or packed fiber filters, open cell foams, sintered metal fibers, cyclonic separator etc. The system (100) further comprises a collection unit (102) configured to collect the particulate matter separated in the at least one particulate matter filter (101) due to gravity. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the collection unit (102) is positioned in downstream of the at least one particulate matter filter (101). Also, the collection unit (102) is positioned inside or outside the exhaust conduit (3). Further, a first valve (104) is provisioned in between a collection unit (102) and the at least one particulate matter filter (101), and is operated by a control unit (not shown) to regulate the flow of particulate matters from the particulate matter filter (101) to the collection unit (102).

As shown in FIG. 1 the system (100) comprises a fluid supply unit (2) connected in between to an inlet port of the engine (1), and a pressurised fluid flow path. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pressurised fluid flow path is a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust conduit (3) before reaching the turbocharger (107). The fluid supply unit (2) is configured to supply a portion of exhaust gas into the engine (1) for combustion through the collection unit (102). Further, the fluid supply unit (2) comprises at least one second valve (103) which is controlled by a control unit (not shown) to regulate the flow of pressurised exhaust gas to the engine. The routing of the pressurised exhaust gas through the collection unit (102) results in flushing of particulate matter collected in the collection unit (102) to the engine. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second valves (103 and 104) are check valves. The first and second valves (103 and 104) are interfaced with a control unit (not shown), hence operate upon receiving signals from the control unit. Additionally, a sensor is provided in the collection unit (102) or placed proximal to the collection unit (102), and is configured to detect the amount of particulate matter collected in the collection unit (102. The sensor (not shown) is interfaced with the control unit. Upon detecting a noticeable amount of particulate matters in the collection unit (102), the sensor notifies the control unit and signals the control unit to operate the first and second valve (103 and 104). At this time, the first valve (104) shuts off the flow of particulate matters from the filter (101) to the collection unit (102), and the second valve (103) route at least a portion of pressurised fluid through the at least one collection unit (102) for carrying the particulate matter to the inlet port of the internal combustion engine (1).

Referring now to Figure. 2 which is another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a system (100) for regeneration of particulate matters in the internal combustion engine (1). As shown in the Figure. 2 the internal combustion engine (1) will be supplied with the pressurised intake fluid for combustion through a pressurised fluid flow path (105). The intake fluid supplied by the pressurised flow path (105) 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 intake fluid is pressurised by a compressor (6) with the help of the turbine (5) of the turbocharger (107). 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 (5) is positioned in the exhaust conduit (3) to convert the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas into useful mechanical power. Since, the compressor is coupled to the coupled to the turbine (5) it rotates the compressor to compress the intake fluid.

In the system (100) as shown in the FIG. 2 the fluid supply unit (2) connected in between to an inlet port of the engine (1), and a pressurised fluid flow path. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pressurised fluid flow path is flow path (105) which carries an intake air exiting from the compressor (6). The fluid supply unit (2) is configured to supply a portion of compressed intake air into the engine (1) through the collection unit (102). Further, the fluid supply unit (2) comprises at least second valve (103) which is controlled by a control unit (not shown) to regulate the flow of compressed intake air. In addition, the compressed air flow path (105) is also provisioned with a valve (106) to facilitate the flow of compressed intake air through the fluid supply unit (2). The routing of the pressurised intake air (also referred as compressed intake air) through the collection unit (102) results in flushing of particulate matter collected in the collection unit (102) to the engine. The sensor is which is provided in the collection unit (102) or placed proximal to the collection unit (102), detects the amount of particulate matter collected in the collection unit (102). Upon detecting a noticeable amount of particulate matters in the collection unit (102), the sensor notifies the control unit and signals the control unit to operate the first and second valve. At this time, the first valve (104) shuts off the flow of particulate matters from the filter (101) to the collection unit (102), and the second valve (103) route at least a portion of compressed intake air through the at least one collection unit (102) for carrying the particulate matter to the inlet port of the internal combustion engine (1).

Further, the system (100) as shown in Figure 2 comprises an exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) system which bypasses a portion of exhaust gas to the intake manifold before reaching the turbocharger (107). In between the bypass, an EGR cooler (4) 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 operates a valve (105) for operating the EGR system to bypass the exhaust gas into the engine (1) based on the requirement.

During operation of the system (100), the exhaust gas from the engine (1) is passed through the at least one particulate matter filter (101) via turbine (5). Upon passing the exhaust gas through the at least one particulate matter filter (101) it separates particulate matter in the exhaust gas. The filtered particulate matters will flow to the collection unit (102) due to gravity. This initial step of operation is called as normal mode. At this stage, the first valve (104) is open, and the second valve (103) is closed. The sensor upon detecting a noticeable amount of collection of the particulate matter in the collection unit (102), notifies the control unit. At this stage the control unit then operates the first valve (104) to closed position and the second valve (103) to open position. The second valve (103) operates such that at least a portion of pressurised fluid which is at least one of compressed intake air and the exhaust air before reaching the turbine (5) is allowed to pass through the collection unit. This carries the particulate matter in the collection unit to the engine for combustion. This step is called regeneration.

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.

Advantages:
The present disclosure provides a system for regeneration of particulate matter in the internal combustion engine which effectively regenerates the particulate matter in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, and thereby reduces the emission of hazardous gases to the environment.
The present disclosure provides a system for regeneration of particulate matter in the internal combustion engine which has collection unit which collects the filtered particulate matter from the filter due to gravity, thereby reduces the back pressure in the exhaust conduit.

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 Particulate matter filter
102 Collection unit
103 Second valve
104 First valve
105 EGR control valve
106 Compressed gas control valve
107 Turbocharger
1 Engine
2 Fluid supply unit
3 Exhaust conduit
4 EGR cooler
5 Turbine
6 Compressor
7 Intercooler
8 EGR Cooler