Development of a Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filter Multi-zone Model for Simulation of Axial and Radial Substrate Temperature and Particulate Matter Distribution

The catalyzed particulate filter (CPF) is an important exhaust aftertreatment subsystem that is managed by the electronic control unit (ECU) of an engine. CPFs need periodic regeneration to avoid temperature exotherms and excess engine back pressure. To this end, a multi-zone particulate filter (MPF) model was developed in this research to serve as a simulation tool to provide on-board diagnostics (OBD) data for managing CPF active regeneration (AR). The MPF model runs in real time within the ECU to provide feedback on temperature and particulate matter (PM) loading distribution within each axial and radial zone of the filter substrate. The MPF model accounts for the internal and external heat transfer mechanisms, inlet temperature distribution using the fully developed boundary layer concept, and PM oxidation by thermal (O 2 )- and NO 2 -assisted oxidation mechanisms. A calibration procedure was developed to calibrate the PM kinetics and heat transfer coefficients of the MPF model. The model shows the good capability to predict temperature and PM loading distribution within the filter.