Investigation and development of the diesel particulate filter autoselective regeneration system

This thesis discusses an investigation and initial development of a novel autoselective discharge system for the regeneration of diesel particulate filters. Numerous previous studies have indicated that diesel exhaust particulate aerosols can have significant health impacts on humans. These findings have led to legislation that limits the emission of combustion generated particulate matter (PM) and has spurred the widespread development of diesel particulate filters. These filters can reduce exhaust PM emissions by over 90% but they require regular cleaning or 'regeneration' to prevent the exhaust gas flow pressure drop increasing to the extent where it has detrimental effects on engine performance. The novel autoselective system investigated in this research uses an atmospheric pressure electric discharge to regenerate diesel filters by the efficient oxidation of the trapped PM within the filter. In this research the fundamental characteristics of the atmospheric pressure discharge were investigated to allow maximisation of regeneration rate whilst minimising energy consumption. [Continues.]