Rapid pulsed electric discharge particulate filter regeneration system

Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) have been used for engine out Particulate Matter (PM) control for over a decade in diesel engine applications and are likely to see usage in future gasoline engine applications. However, reliability and cost effectiveness of regeneration systems still require improvement. To that end this research introduces a new, novel approach to particulate filter regeneration enabled by rapidly pulsed electric discharges. Presented is an experimental investigation into the regeneration technique, leading to a thorough understanding of its underlying processes. The regeneration system is shown to have three distinct regeneration phases, each with individual qualities. [Continues.]