Two-stage regeneration of diesel particulate filter

Abstract

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and methods for regeneration of a filter, particularly a diesel particulate filter. In one exemplary embodiment, a method of regeneration of a particulate matter filter is provided. The method includes providing a heat source for regeneration of a particulate matter filter. The heat source is disposed proximate or upstream from the particulate matter filter. The method also includes activating the heat source to generate a first temperature profile of the heat source, the first temperature profile including a first temperature average. The method further includes increasing the temperature of the heat source to generate a second temperature profile of the heat source, the second temperature profile including a second temperature average, wherein the second temperature average is greater than the first temperature average.

1 . A method for regeneration of a particulate matter filter, comprising:
 providing a heat source for regeneration of a particulate matter filter, the heat source being disposed upstream from the particulate matter filter;   activating the heat source to generate a first temperature profile of the heat source, the first temperature profile including a first temperature average; and   increasing the temperature of the heat source to generate a second temperature profile of the heat source, the second temperature profile including a second temperature average, wherein the second temperature average is greater than the first temperature average.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first temperature profile includes a generally constant temperature, the second temperature profile includes a generally constant temperature or both the first and second temperature profiles include generally constant temperatures. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first temperature profile includes a varying temperature, the second temperature profile includes a varying temperature or both the first and the second temperature profiles are varying in temperature. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source comprises an electric heater disposed proximate to the particulate matter filter. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source comprises oxidation of fuel within a diesel oxidation catalyst disposed upstream from the particulate matter filter. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein more than two temperature profiles are generated with the heat source. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a temperature of an exhaust gas is measured upstream from the heat source with a first temperature sensor, and wherein the temperature of the exhaust gas is measured downstream from the heat source with a second temperature sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein a control unit is provided for causing generation of the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the control unit is in communication with the first and second temperature sensor, and wherein the first and second temperature profiles are based upon measurements taken from the first and second temperature sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the control unit is in further communication with a third temperature sensor located downstream from the exhaust treatment device, and wherein the first and second temperature profiles are further based upon measurements from the first temperature sensor, third temperature sensor or both. 
     
     
         11 . A method for regeneration of a particulate matter filter, comprising:
 providing a heat source for regeneration of a particulate matter filter, the heat source being disposed upstream from the particulate matter filter;   activating the heat source to generate a temperature profile of the particulate matter filter, the temperature profile being suitable for causing regeneration of the particulate matter filter; and   adjusting the temperature of the heat source to maintain the temperature profile of the particulate matter filter within a predetermined range during regeneration of the particulate matter filter.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein a temperature of an exhaust gas is measured downstream from the particulate matter filter with a temperature sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a control unit is provided for activating the heat source to form the temperature profile of the particulate matter filter. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the control unit is in communication with the temperature sensor, and wherein the temperature profiles are based upon measurements from the temperature sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the heat source comprises an electric heater disposed proximate to the particulate matter filter. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the heat source comprises oxidation of fuel within a diesel oxidation catalyst disposed upstream from the particulate matter filter. 
     
     
         17 . A method for regeneration of a particulate matter filter, comprising:
 balancing a high exothermic reaction of a particulate matter filter by generating a first temperature profile with a heat source; and   balancing a low exothermic reaction of the particulate matter filter by generating a second temperature profile with the heat source,   wherein the first temperature profile of the heat source is lower than the second temperature profile of the heat source.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein balancing of the high and low exothermic reaction is performed by a controller. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the controller is in signal communication with a temperature sensor located downstream from the particulate matter sensor. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile each include a generally constant temperature.