DE102021201975A1 - Arrangement and method for reducing particle emissions with this - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an arrangement for an internal combustion engine that can be placed in an operating state and in a switched-off state, comprising the following components: (i.) an intake manifold, the intake manifold having an inlet and an outlet, and with the intake manifold having a gas of the inlet is conveyable to the outlet; (ii.) a heating element, wherein the heating element can be put into an operating state and into a switched-off state, and wherein the heating element is arranged in such a way that the gas conveyed with the intake port can be heated with the heating element; (iii.) a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being arranged in such a way that the temperature sensor can be used to measure a gas temperature in the intake manifold; and (iv.) a time element, a heating time being measurable with the time element.

Description

technical field

WO 2014/051183 A1 discloses an intake manifold for a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine, which is an intake manifold connected to the homogeneous charge compression ignition engine for supplying an air-fuel mixture. The intake manifold includes: an air-fuel mixture inlet port for introducing the air-fuel mixture; an air-fuel mixture discharge port for discharging the air-fuel mixture; a main body having an air-fuel mixture flow passage for forming an air-fuel mixture passage between the air-fuel mixture inlet port and the air-fuel mixture outlet port; and a heating unit for supplying heat to the air-fuel mixture in the air-fuel mixture flow passage.

description

The reduction of particle emissions is particularly relevant for motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. In these, in particular at low temperatures, an operating state can occur in which particles, for example fine dust containing carbon, such as soot particles, are often formed during the combustion of the air-fuel mixture. These can be harmful to health and must therefore be prevented from being released into the environment. This can be done, for example, by means of particle filters, which become clogged with the particles as the operating time increases and thereby generate an ever greater exhaust gas back pressure. This also leads to ever lower efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

According to the present disclosure, an arrangement and a method for reducing particle emissions are to be specified with this, with which it is possible to heat gas before it enters the internal combustion engine and thereby reduce particle emissions.

One aspect of the disclosure relates to an arrangement for an internal combustion engine. Further aspects relate to a method for reducing particle emissions, a control unit for controlling an arrangement for an internal combustion engine and a map, a computer program product, a computer program and a signal sequence for carrying out a method for reducing particle emissions. The dependent claims form advantageous developments of the disclosure. The dependent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful manner. The description, in particular in connection with the figures, additionally characterizes and specifies the disclosure.

Accordingly, an arrangement is provided for an internal combustion engine that can be placed in an operating state and in a switched-off state, having the following components: (i.) an intake manifold, the intake manifold having an inlet and an outlet, and the intake manifold having a gas is conveyable from the inlet to the outlet; (ii.) a heating element, wherein the heating element can be put into an operating state and into a switched-off state, and wherein the heating element is arranged in such a way that the gas conveyed with the intake port can be heated with the heating element; (iii.) a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being arranged in such a way that the temperature sensor can be used to measure a gas temperature in the intake manifold; and (iv.) a time element, a heating time being measurable with the time element. The gas is preferably fresh gas, for example ambient air or a gas mixture of ambient air and fuel. The intake manifold or the intake manifold can be a component which is arranged on an engine block of an internal combustion engine in front of the cylinder heads and can be used to convey gas to the cylinders. The heating element can preferably be put into the operating state and into the switched-off state by means of an electrical control.

Accordingly, an arrangement is provided with which a method for reducing particle emissions can be carried out.

The arrangement can be arranged in particular in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. If such a motor vehicle has a particle filter, this arrangement can ensure that the particle filter does not become clogged so quickly. As a result, the exhaust back pressure of the internal combustion engine does not rise as quickly, which means that the engine's efficiency remains high even over longer periods of operation.

It is possible that the necessary heat output cannot be generated with the aid of a single heating element, for example because the gas to be heated is conveyed too quickly. In this case, it is possible to use additional heating elements so that additional heating and ultimately the necessary heat output can be generated.

In one embodiment, the heating element is arranged in the intake manifold.

In this way, the gas can be heated while it is being conveyed to the combustion engine.

In one configuration, the heating element is designed in such a way that the gas can be moved through the heating element.

In this way, the gas can be continuously heated while it is being conveyed to the combustion engine.

In one configuration, the temperature sensor is arranged behind the heating element along a direction running from the inlet to the outlet.

This allows the temperature of the gas to be measured after it has been heated.

It is also possible for the arrangement to have more than one temperature sensor. A further temperature sensor can then be arranged in front of the heating element, for example along a direction running from the inlet to the outlet. This means that the temperature of the gas can also be measured before it is heated and, if necessary, the heating output can be adjusted to this temperature.

In one embodiment, the arrangement also has an additional fan and the additional fan is arranged in such a way that gas can be conveyed in the direction of the heating element with the additional fan. The additional fan can preferably be set in an operating state and in a switched-off state.

In this way, the gas flow can be directed in such a way that the largest possible amount of gas is heated with the aid of the heating element and the smallest possible amount of gas flows past the heating element without being heated.

It is also possible to arrange the additional fan in such a way that the gas coming from the heating element can be conveyed in the direction of the outlet. A steady flow of the gas can thus be promoted. In addition, it is also possible for the arrangement to have a number of additional fans. These can be arranged both in such a way that the gas can be conveyed in the direction of the heating element and in such a way that the gas can be conveyed in the direction of the outlet. It is also possible to arrange several additional fans in the same way in order to additionally strengthen the corresponding flow.

In one embodiment, the arrangement also has a valve, the valve can be set in an open and in a closed state and the valve is arranged in such a way that the valve can be used to control the flow of gas coming from the heating element and going in the direction of the outlet .

It is advantageous for this if the intake manifold has a secondary area and the heating element is arranged in the secondary area. The secondary area can be arranged separately from the main area of the intake manifold, which is located between the inlet and the outlet, by means of the valve. In this case, it is possible, if necessary, to put the valve in the open state and deliver heated gas towards the outlet. If heated gas is no longer required, the valve can be switched back to the closed state. The valve is preferably electrically adjustable.

A further aspect relates to a method for reducing particulate emissions with an arrangement for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and a heating element, the intake manifold having an inlet and an outlet, the internal combustion engine being able to be put into an operating state and into a switched-off state, and wherein the heating element can be put into an operating state and into a switched-off state, comprising the following steps: (i.) conveying a gas by means of the intake manifold from the inlet to the outlet; (ii.) guiding the gas along the heating element; (iii.) measuring a gas temperature; (iv.) measuring a heating time, the heating time being measured as the time during which the heating element is in the operating state, and then the following step is carried out: (v.) either placing the heating element in the switched-off state if a first target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or a first maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time, or putting the heating element into the operating state if the first target temperature is greater than the gas temperature and the first maximum time is greater than the heating time.

Accordingly, a method is provided with which particle emissions can be reduced. The heating element can preferably be put into the operating state and into the switched-off state by means of an electrical control. Step (i.) is preferably carried out while the internal combustion engine is in the operating state. The gas can thus be conveyed with the aid of a flow generated by the internal combustion engine. The gas is preferably fresh gas, for example ambient air or a gas mixture of ambient air and fuel. The intake manifold or the intake manifold can be a component which is arranged on an engine block of an internal combustion engine in front of the cylinder heads and can be used to convey gas to the cylinders. The outlet can lead to an internal combustion engine, respectively be directed towards the internal combustion engine. If the heating element is in the operating state during step (ii.), the gas is heated in the process. The guidance of the gas can be favored by additional fans and/or appropriate valves. The first target temperature can be variable and dependent on the temperature of the internal combustion engine, the oil temperature, the cooling water temperature or other temperatures relevant to the operation of an internal combustion engine. It is also possible to put the heating element in the switched-off state during step (v.) when other critical conditions arise in order to overcome them. For example, the water temperature can be too high, the oil temperature too high or - if the heating element is battery-powered - the battery charge level is too low.

In one embodiment, the following step is carried out before step (v): (pre.i) putting the internal combustion engine into the operating state if a second target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or a second maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time. This ensures that the internal combustion engine is put into operation when it is as warm as possible. On the other hand, the comparison of the heating time with the second maximum time ensures that the internal combustion engine is also put into the operating state when the gas temperature is not greater than or equal to the second target temperature. This can occur in particular when the heat output of the heating element is insufficient, for example because the ambient temperature is too low.

In one embodiment, the following step is carried out before step (v.): (pre.ii) either putting the heating element into the operating state if a second target temperature is greater than the gas temperature and a second maximum time is greater than the heating time, or displacing the heating element to the off state when the second target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or the second maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time. Preferably, step (pre.ii) is performed before step (pre.i). In this way it is achieved that the gas can be heated by means of the heating element before the internal combustion engine is put into operation.

A control unit for controlling an arrangement for an internal combustion engine is provided for carrying out the method, the control unit being able to be connected to the arrangement in terms of signals in such a way that the heating element, the temperature sensor and the timing element can be controlled with the control unit, and the control unit having program modules in to which it is stored how the heating element, the temperature sensor and the timer element are controlled to carry out individual methods for reducing particle emissions. The control unit can be part of a higher-level control unit, for example the control unit of a motor vehicle.

Accordingly, automated and possibly central control can take place.

A map is provided for carrying out the method, with operating data stored in the map, on the basis of which the method is carried out, and with the operating data being retrieved from the map depending on the gas temperature and the heating time, in particular by a control unit.

With the help of the map, target values can be derived based on input values, such as the gas temperature and the heating time, with which particle emissions can then be reduced.

One embodiment relates to a computer program product with program code means that are stored on a computer-readable data carrier in order to carry out the method described above when the computer program product is executed on a computer, in particular in control electronics of a control unit. The control unit can be designed and developed as described above. The characteristics map described above can be used to operate the computer program product.

One embodiment relates to a computer program with encoded instructions for carrying out the method described above when the computer program is executed on a computer, in particular on control electronics of a control unit. The control unit can be designed and developed as described above. The computer program can be stored in particular on the computer program product described above, for example a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, memory, a processor unit connected to the Internet. The computer program can in particular be in the form of a compiled or not yet compiled data sequence, which is preferably based on a higher, in particular object-based, computer language. The characteristics map described above can be used to operate the computer program.

One embodiment relates to a signal sequence with computer-readable instructions for carrying out the method described above when the signal sequence is generated by a computer, in particular an electronic control unit of a control unit is processed. The control unit can be designed and developed as described above. The signal sequence can be generated in particular with the aid of the computer program described above and/or with the aid of the computer program product described above. The signal sequence can be provided wirelessly or wired as electrical pulses and/or electromagnetic waves and/or optical pulses.

A means for implementing the method steps within the meaning of the present disclosure can be designed in terms of hardware and/or software, in particular a processing unit, in particular a digital processing unit, in particular a control unit with microprocessors, preferably connected to a memory and/or bus system for data or signals ( CPU) and/or one or more programs or program modules. The CPU can be designed to process commands that are implemented as a program, to detect input signals from a data bus and/or to emit output signals to a data bus. The program can be stored on a storage system. The storage system can have one or more, in particular different, storage media, in particular optical, magnetic, solid and/or other non-volatile media. The program may be arranged to embody or be capable of performing the methods described herein such that the CPU can perform the steps of such methods. In one embodiment, one or more, in particular all, steps of the method can be carried out fully or partially automatically, in particular by the controller or its means.

character list

• 1a: eine Anordnung 200 für einen Verbrennungsmotor mit einem Motorblock 220 und einer Steuereinheit 260 sowie mit einem Zusatzlüfter 232 und einem Ventil 234;
• 1b: eine Anordnung 200 für einen Verbrennungsmotor mit einem Motorblock 220 und einer Steuereinheit 260;
• 2a: ein Verfahren zur Reduktion von Partikelemissionen 100 mit den Schritten (i.) 101 bis (v.) 107 im Überblick; und
• 2b: ein Verfahren zur Reduktion von Partikelemissionen 100 mit den Schritten (pre.ii) 105 bis (v.) 107 im Detail.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Show it:

• 1a 1: an arrangement 200 for an internal combustion engine with an engine block 220 and a control unit 260 as well as with an additional fan 232 and a valve 234;
• 1b Figure 2: an arrangement 200 for an internal combustion engine with an engine block 220 and a control unit 260;
• 2a : an overview of a method for reducing particle emissions 100 with steps (i.) 101 to (v.) 107; and
• 2 B : a method for reducing particle emissions 100 with the steps (pre.ii) 105 to (v.) 107 in detail.

The following description is merely illustrative in nature. For the sake of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to designate similar elements. It should be appreciated that some steps within a method may be performed in a different order without changing the principles of the present disclosure.

1a shows schematically an arrangement 200 for an internal combustion engine with an engine block 220 and a control unit 260 and with an additional fan 232 and a valve 234. The arrangement 200 also has an intake manifold 210. The intake port 210 has an inlet 212 and an outlet 214 , a gas being conveyable from the inlet 212 to the outlet 214 with the intake port 210 .

In addition to the main area, which extends directly from the inlet 212 to the outlet 214, the intake manifold 210 has an ancillary area. This secondary area is arranged at an angle to the side. The gas to be heated can be conveyed to the outlet 214 via the adjacent area.

Furthermore, the arrangement 200 has a heating element 230 . The heating element 230 is connected to the control unit 260 and can be put into an operating state and into a switched-off state with the latter. The heating element 230 is arranged in the intake port 210 in such a way that the gas conveyed with the intake port 210 can be heated with the heating element 230 . The heating element 230 is arranged partially over the entire cross section of the subsidiary area and is configured such that the gas can be moved through the heating element 230 .

Furthermore, the auxiliary fan 232 is arranged in the subordinate area of the intake manifold 210 . Here the additional fan 232 is arranged in front of the heating element 230 along the flow direction of the gas in such a way that gas can be conveyed in the direction of the heating element 230 with the additional fan 232 . The additional fan 232 is connected to the control unit 260 and can be controlled with it, in particular if required it can be switched to an operating state and to a switched-off state.

Furthermore, the valve 234 is arranged in the subsidiary area of the intake manifold 210 . Here the valve 234 is arranged along the flow direction of the gas behind the heating element 230 such that the valve 234 can be used to control the flow of gas coming from the heating element 230 and going in the direction of the outlet 214 . The valve 234 is connected to the control unit 260 and can be controlled with it, in particular in an open and a closed state. Thus, if heated gas is required, the valve 234 can be placed in the open condition and if no more heated gas is required, the valve 234 can be placed in the closed condition.

Furthermore, the arrangement 200 has a temperature sensor 240 . The temperature sensor 240 is arranged in the intake manifold 210 in such a way that a gas temperature in the intake manifold 210 can be measured with the temperature sensor 240 . The temperature sensor 240 is arranged behind the heating element 230 along the conveying direction of the gas. The temperature sensor 240 is connected to the control unit 260 and can be controlled with it.

Furthermore, the arrangement 200 has a time element 250 . A heating time can be measured with the time element 250 . The timing element 250 is connected to the control unit 260 and can be controlled with it.

The intake manifold 210 is arranged in front of an engine block 220 and in the case shown here directly in front of the cylinder heads. The gas can thus be conveyed directly to the cylinders by means of the intake manifold 210 .

1b shows schematically an arrangement 200 for an internal combustion engine with an engine block 220 and a control unit 260. The arrangement 200 also has an intake manifold 210. FIG. The intake port 210 has an inlet 212 and an outlet 214 , a gas being conveyable from the inlet 212 to the outlet 214 with the intake port 210 .

Furthermore, the arrangement 200 has a heating element 230 . The heating element 230 is connected to the control unit 260 and can be put into an operating state and into a switched-off state with the latter. The heating element 230 is arranged in the intake port 210 in such a way that the gas conveyed with the intake port 210 can be heated with the heating element 230 . The heating element 230 is arranged partially over the entire cross section of the intake manifold 210 and is designed in such a way that the gas can be moved through the heating element 230 .

Furthermore, the arrangement 200 has a temperature sensor 240 . The temperature sensor 240 is arranged in the intake manifold 210 in such a way that a gas temperature in the intake manifold 210 can be measured with the temperature sensor 240 . The temperature sensor 240 is arranged behind the heating element 230 along the conveying direction of the gas. The temperature sensor 240 is connected to the control unit 260 and can be controlled with it.

Furthermore, the arrangement 200 has a time element 250 . A heating time can be measured with the time element 250 . The timing element 250 is connected to the control unit 260 and can be controlled with it.

The intake manifold 210 is arranged in front of an engine block 220 and here directly in front of the cylinder heads. The gas can thus be conveyed directly to the cylinders by means of the intake manifold 210 .

2a shows an overview of a method for reducing particulate emissions 100 with steps (i.) 101 to (v.) 107. The method for reducing particulate emissions 100 begins with step (i.) 101: conveying a gas by means of the intake manifold 210 from the Inlet 212 to the outlet 214. Step (ii.) 102 follows: guiding the gas along the heating element 230. This is followed by step (iii.) 103: measuring a gas temperature. This is followed by step (iv.) 104: measuring a heating time, the heating time being measured as the time during which the heating element 230 is in the operating state. This is followed by step (pre.ii) 105: putting the internal combustion engine into the operating state if a second target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or a second maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time. This is followed by step (pre.i) 106: putting the internal combustion engine into the operating state if a second target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or a second maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time. Finally, step (v.) 107 follows: either setting the heating element 230 to the off state if a first target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or a first maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time, or setting the heating element 230 to the Operating state when the first target temperature is greater than the gas temperature and the first maximum time is greater than the heating time.

2 B shows a method for reducing particle emissions 100 with the steps (pre.ii) 105 to (v.) 107 in detail. First, during step (pre.ii) 105 it is checked whether the second target temperature is greater than the gas temperature and whether the second maximum time is greater than the heating time. If both can be answered in the affirmative, the heating element 230 is switched to the operating state. If one of the two conditions is not met or is denied, the heating element 230 is switched to the switched-off state. Thereafter, during step (pre.i.) 106 it is checked whether the second target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or whether the second maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time. Can this be affirmed or is one of the two conditions is met, the internal combustion engine is switched to the operating state. Finally, during step (v.) 107 it is checked whether the first target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or whether the first maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time. If one of the two conditions is met or affirmed, the heating element 230 is switched to the switched-off state. If neither of the two conditions is met or affirmed, the heating element 230 is switched to the operating state.

Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing description as well as the description of the figures, it should be recognized that a large number of variations exist. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the embodiment(s) are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or precise configuration in any way. Rather, the description and the description of the figures provide a person skilled in the art with useful instructions for implementing at least one embodiment. It should be understood that various changes in form and function in the features described can be made without departing from the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Reference List

100

Process for reducing particle emissions

101

Step

102

Step

103

Step

104

Step

105

Step

106

Step

107

Step

200

arrangement

210

intake manifold

212

inlet

214

outlet

220

engine block

230

heating element

232

auxiliary fan

234

Valve

240

temperature sensor

250

time element

260

control unit

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• WO 2014/051183 A1 [0001]

Claims (15)

Arrangement (200) for an internal combustion engine that can be placed in an operating state and in a switched-off state, having the following components: i. an intake manifold (210), wherein the intake manifold (210) has an inlet (212) and an outlet (214), and wherein a gas can be conveyed from the inlet (212) to the outlet (214) with the intake manifold (210); ii. a heating element (230), wherein the heating element (230) can be put into an operating state and into a switched-off state, and wherein the heating element (230) is arranged in such a way that the gas conveyed with the intake port (210) is heated with the heating element (230). is heatable; iii. a temperature sensor (240), the temperature sensor (240) being arranged in such a way that the temperature sensor (240) can be used to measure a gas temperature in the intake manifold (210); and IV. a time element (250), with the time element (250) being able to measure a heating time. arrangement (200) after claim 1 , wherein the heating element (230) is arranged in the intake manifold (210). Arrangement (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (230) is designed such that the gas can be moved through the heating element (230). Arrangement (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature sensor (240) is arranged along a direction running from the inlet (212) to the outlet (214) behind the heating element (230). Arrangement (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement (200) also has an additional fan (232) and the additional fan (232) is arranged in such a way that gas can be conveyed in the direction of the heating element (230) with the additional fan (232). . Arrangement (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement (200) further comprises a valve (234), the valve (234) can be placed in an open and in a closed state and the valve (234) is arranged such that the valve (234) can be used to control the flow of gas coming from the heating element (230) and going in the direction of the outlet (214). Method for reducing particulate emissions (100) with an arrangement (200) for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold (210) and a heating element (230), the intake manifold (210) having an inlet (212) and an outlet (214), wherein the internal combustion engine can be placed in an operating state and in a switched-off state, and wherein the heating element (230) can be placed in an operating state and in a switched-off state, comprising the following steps: i. conveying a gas by means of the intake manifold (210) from the inlet (212) to the outlet (214); ii. guiding the gas along the heating element (230); iii. measuring a gas temperature; IV. measuring a heating time, the heating time being measured as the time during which the heating element (230) is in the operating state, and the following step is then carried out: v. either placing the heating element (230) in the off state when a first target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or a first maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time, or placing the heating element (230) in the operating state when the first target temperature is greater than the gas temperature and the first maximum time is greater than the heating time. Method (100) according to claim 7 , where the following step is performed before step v: pre.i. Putting the internal combustion engine into the operating state if a second target temperature is less than or equal to the gas temperature and/or a second maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time. Method (100) according to any one of Claims 7 or 8th , where the following step is performed before step v: pre.ii. either placing the heating element (230) in the operating state if a second target temperature is greater than the gas temperature and a second maximum time is greater than the heating time, or placing the heating element (230) in the off state if the second target temperature is less than or equal to Gas temperature is and / or the second maximum time is less than or equal to the heating time. Process (100) according to claims 8 and 9 , where before step v first step pre.ii. and then step pre.i. is performed. Control unit (260) for controlling an arrangement (200) for an internal combustion engine according to one of Claims 1 - 6 , wherein the control unit (260) can be connected in terms of signals to the arrangement (200) in such a way that the heating element (230), the temperature sensor (240) and the timing element (250) can be controlled with the control unit (260), and wherein the control unit ( 260) has program modules in which it is stored how to carry out individual methods for reducing particle emissions sions (100), the heating element (230), the temperature sensor (240) and the timing element (250) are controlled. Characteristic field, in which operating data are stored in the characteristic field, on the basis of which the method (100) according to one of Claims 7 - 10 is carried out, and wherein depending on the gas temperature and the heating time, the operating data in particular by a control unit (260). claim 11 be retrieved from the map. Computer program product with program code means, which are stored on a computer-readable data carrier, to implement the method (100) according to one of Claims 7 - 10 carried out if the computer program product on a computer, in particular a control unit (260). claim 11 is performed. Computer program with encoded instructions for carrying out the method (100) according to one of Claims 7 - 10 , if the computer program on a computer, in particular a computer in a control unit (260). claim 11 is performed. Signal sequence with computer-readable instructions for performing the method (100) according to any one of Claims 7 - 10 , if the signal sequence from a computer, in particular a control unit (260). claim 11 is processed.

Images