Method for controlling the regeneration of an electrostatic particle filter

Abstract

A method for controlling regeneration of a particle filter by electrically heating the particle filter. According to the method, the regeneration is triggered by a calculator according to a loading level and temperature of the particle filter. The calculator simultaneously uses parameters relating to the operation of the vehicle so as to take into account the fuel consumption driven by the electrical heating of the filter.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter by electrically heating the particulate filter, according to which the regeneration is triggered by a computer on the basis of a level of loading and temperature of the particulate filter, wherein the computer uses simultaneously parameters linked to an operation of the vehicle so as to take into account fuel consumption caused by electrical heating of the particulate filter. 
   
   
       13 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the parameters include a brake pedal position. 
   
   
       14 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the computer activates the regeneration of the particulate filter:
 if the level of loading is higher than a first preset threshold;   and if the brake pedal position is active.   
   
   
       15 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the first preset threshold is higher than a threshold below which regeneration is not necessary. 
   
   
       16 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the computer activates the regeneration of the particulate filter:
 if the level of loading is higher than a second preset threshold which is higher than the first preset threshold;   and if the brake pedal position is not active;   and if an efficiency of the engine, calculated using selected parameters, is lower than an efficiency of the engine that would be obtained with a regeneration of the particulate filter.   
   
   
       17 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 16 , where the second preset threshold is lower than a threshold at which regeneration is compulsory. 
   
   
       18 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the parameters include a gear engaged. 
   
   
       19 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the parameters include a gas pedal position. 
   
   
       20 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the parameters include vehicle speed. 
   
   
       21 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the parameters include engine speed. 
   
   
       22 . The method for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the parameters include engine torque.