Particle filter assembly

Abstract

A particle filter assembly adapted to be mounted in an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine. The particle filter assembly includes a wire mesh filter or sinter metal filter having a mesh size sufficiently small to prevent the passage of carbonaceous particles above a predetermined size through the mesh. The filter is positioned in series with the exhaust gas stream from the engine. A source of electrical power is electrically connected to the filter to heat the filter to a temperature sufficient to oxidize the carbonaceous material in the filter to carbon dioxide.

1 . A particle filter assembly adapted to be mounted in an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine comprising:
 an electrically conductive filter having a mesh size sufficiently small to prevent the passage of carbonaceous particles above a predetermined size through the mesh, said filter being positioned in series with the exhaust gas stream from the engine,   a source of electric power,   a control circuit which electrically connects said electric power source to said filter at spaced time intervals and for a sufficient time during each connection of the electric power to heat said filter to a temperature sufficient to oxidize the carbonaceous material in at least a portion of the filter to carbon dioxide.   
   
   
       2 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said filter comprises stainless steel. 
   
   
       3 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said filter comprises copper. 
   
   
       4 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said control circuit sequentially electrically connects the electric power source to different portions of the filter. 
   
   
       5 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said control circuit is microprocessor based. 
   
   
       6 . In combination with a vehicle having an internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas stream, a particle filter assembly comprising:
 a filter having a mesh size sufficiently small to prevent the passage of carbonaceous particles above a predetermined size through the filter, said filter being positioned in series with the exhaust gas stream from the engine,   a source of electric power which includes an electric generator mechanically coupled to a mechanical output from the internal combustion engine, said electric power source being electrically connected to at least one electrical system of the vehicle,   a control circuit which electrically connects said electrical power source to said filter at spaced time intervals and for a sufficient time during each connection of the electric power to heat said filter to a temperature sufficient to oxidize the carbonaceous material in the filter to carbon dioxide.   
   
   
       7 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  wherein said filter comprises stainless steel. 
   
   
       8 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  wherein said filter comprises copper. 
   
   
       9 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  wherein said control circuit electrically connects said electric power source to said filter whenever the electrical power output from said generator exceeds the electrical power needs of said at least one electrical system. 
   
   
       10 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  wherein said vehicle is a train. 
   
   
       11 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  wherein said control circuit electrically connects said electric power source to said filter when the vehicle is in a boost status. 
   
   
       12 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  wherein said control circuit sequentially electrically connects the electric power source to different portions of the filter. 
   
   
       13 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  wherein said control circuit is microprocessor based. 
   
   
       14 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  wherein a controller is implemented having incorporated an estimation tool to decide whether regeneration of said filter or parts of said filter will be conducted or not based on an overall efficiency of the vehicle. 
   
   
       15 . A method for regenerating a particle filter assembly mounted in an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of:
 positioning an electrically conductive filter having a mesh size sufficiently small to prevent the passage of carbonaceous particles above a predetermined size through the mesh in series with the exhaust gas stream from the engine,   electrically connecting an electric power source to said filter at spaced time intervals and for a sufficient time during each connection of the electric power to heat said filter to a temperature sufficient to oxidize at least a portion of the carbonaceous material in the filter to carbon dioxide.   
   
   
       16 . The method as defined in  claim 15  and comprising the step of sequentially electrically connecting the power source to different portions of the filter. 
   
   
       17 . The method as defined in  claim 15  wherein the step of sequentially electrically connecting the power source to different portions of the filter comprises the step of sequentially electrically connecting the power source to different portions of the filter during different regeneration cycles.