Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for treating exhaust gas condensates of an internal combustion engine, in which the exhaust gas condensates containing nitrogen oxides are delivered to an exhaust gas recirculation system and are cooled therein. The nitrogen oxides of the cooled exhaust gas condensates are converted to ammonia through electrolysis.

Abstract: A gas decomposition apparatus having any one of the following structures: 1) a structure wherein an anode and a cathode on a solid electrolyte layer each have extended regions; the extended regions of the anode and those of the cathode are alternately extended to have a gap between the anode and the cathode; the cathode is higher in electric resistance than the anode; and a cathode electroconductive region connected electroconductively to a power source and made of an electroconductive material is extended in a direction crossing the direction in which the extended regions of the cathode are extended, thereby connecting the extended regions of the cathode electroconductively to each other; and (2) a structure which has an electroconductor layer through which the negative electrode of a power source is electroconductively connected to a cathode; and which is a structure wherein the cathode is laminated on the electroconductor layer to contact the layer, laminates each composed of a solid electrolyte layer and

Abstract: A method for treating exhaust from an engine. The method includes activating an exhaust ionizer in receipt of the exhaust when temperature of a catalyst of a selective catalytic converter, which is in communication with the exhaust ionizer so as to receive exhaust from the exhaust ionizer, is equal to or above an effective temperature. The method further includes deactivating or maintaining the exhaust ionizer in a deactivated state when temperature of the catalyst is below the effective temperature.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention a method for controlling a speed of an internal combustion engine includes shutting off fuel flow into a cylinder to reduce the speed of the internal combustion engine. The method also includes providing an electrical load to an alternator of the internal combustion engine, further reducing the speed of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A particulate matter control system includes: an electrode that is provided in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine; a power supply that is connected to the electrode and that applies voltage; a particle number detecting unit that detects the particle number of particulate matter on a downstream side of the electrode; a calculation unit that calculates a reduction rate of the particle number at the time when voltage is applied on the basis of the particle number detected by the particle number detecting unit at the time when voltage is applied and the particle number detected by the particle number detecting unit at the time when no voltage is applied; and a determination unit that determines that there is a failure when the reduction rate of the particle number, calculated by the calculation unit, is smaller than a threshold.

Abstract: Provided is an after-treatment apparatus for exhaust gas right after a combustion chamber, which apparatus comprises a discharge device with an electrode exposed to an exhaust port installed in a cylinder head, an antenna installed on the back face of a valve head, an electromagnetic wave transmission line installed in a valve stem with one end connected to the antenna and the other end, covered with an insulator or dielectric and extending to and connected to a power-receiving portion, which is positioned at a location fitting into the guide hole or at a location farther from the valve head in the valve stem, and an electromagnetic wave generator for feeding electromagnetic waves to the power-receiving portion. The after-treatment apparatus is configured such that discharge is generated with the electrode of the discharge device and electromagnetic waves fed from the electromagnetic wave generator through the electromagnetic wave transmission line are radiated from the antenna.

Abstract: A method of detecting ash in an exhaust particulate filter system for an internal combustion engine includes transmitting electromagnetic energy through an exhaust particulate filter containing soot and ash, and sensing a strength of the transmitted electromagnetic energy after having been attenuated in response to the soot. The method further includes electronically storing a filter monitoring history responsive to a difference between the transmitted strength and the sensed strength of the electromagnetic energy, and detecting an amount of the ash based at least in part upon a pattern of electromagnetic energy attenuation defined by the stored filter monitoring history. An exhaust particulate filter system for implementing related methodology includes a microprocessor configured to determine a value indicative of an amount of ash contained within an exhaust particulate filter responsive to a pattern of electromagnetic energy attenuation defined by a stored filter monitoring history.

Abstract: A carbon buildup removal device with protection function of vibration detection is provided for electrically connecting to an engine from which carbon buildup is to be removed. The carbon buildup removal device includes a gas output unit and a vibration detection unit. The gas output unit outputs a gas that is supplied to the engine. The vibration detection unit includes a vibration detector that detects vibration of the automobile and a controller that is electrically connected to the vibration detector and the gas output unit. By using the vibration detector in combination with the controller, when the engine stops operating or is operating abnormally, power supplied to the gas output unit is cut off so as to prevent excessive accumulation of gas and thus back fire or excessive pressure to thereby improve stability and safety of carbon buildup removal operation of the engine.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for detecting particles generated from engine component degradation within an engine system. In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises indicating engine degradation in response to a buildup of particles in a magnetic field, the magnetic field positioned in a flow of gas.

Abstract: A device for exhaust gas heat utilization in internal combustion engines of motor vehicles includes an exhaust gas line which in sections includes a first exhaust gas flow duct and a second exhaust gas flow duct connected in parallel. A valve flap is movable between a closed position and an open position, which can selectively close or at least partly clear a flow cross-section of the first or second exhaust gas flow duct. At least one thermoelectric generator module is thermally coupled with the second exhaust gas flow duct and with a cooling circuit. The device also includes an expansion material actuator for temperature-dependent actuation of the valve flap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment device of a diesel engine that is capable of increasing the concentration of PM in the EGR gas, wherein an exhaust gas separator 2 has electrodes 12 and 13 having different polarities from each other to allow the PM in the exhaust gas 3 to be charged to a given polarity by means of corona discharge between the electrodes 12 and 13 and thus to permit a peripheral wall 14 surrounding the exhaust gas swirl chamber 9 to have the electrode 13 having the opposite polarity to the charged PM, and the charged PM in the exhaust gas 3 swirling the exhaust gas swirl chamber 9 is localizedly positioned around the peripheral wall 14 of the exhaust gas swirl chamber 9 through a centrifugal force and an electrostatic force to allow the exhaust gas 3 containing the localizedly positioned PM to be separated as the EGR gas 4 and sent to a terminal end portion 15 of the exhaust gas swirl chamber 9, while the exhaust gas 3 around the central cylinder 7 is being separated a

Abstract: Detecting particulate matter in an exhaust filter includes receiving data indicative of a time delay between transmission and reception of electromagnetic energy propagated through trapped particulate matter, and outputting a signal indicative of an amount of the trapped particulate matter responsive to the data.

Abstract: A method for regulating an ionization device in an exhaust gas after-treatment device of an internal combustion engine, includes placing at least one cathode at a distance from an anode in the exhaust gas after-treatment device, applying a high voltage between the at least one cathode and the anode, predefining a first value for the high voltage, detecting a current generated by the high voltage between the at least one cathode and the anode and predefining a second value for the high voltage if the detected current exceeds a predefinable first current intensity for a predefinable number of times. A motor vehicle in which the method is carried out is also provided.

Abstract: A method for converting soot particles of an exhaust gas includes providing at least nitrogen dioxide or oxygen in the exhaust gas, ionizing soot particles with an electric field, depositing electrically charged soot particles on inner channel walls of at least one surface precipitator, and bringing at least nitrogen dioxide or oxygen into contact with the deposited soot particles on the inner channel walls of the at least one surface precipitator. A device for carrying out the method includes at least one surface precipitator having a plurality of channels through which the exhaust gas can flow and extending between an inlet region and an outlet region, and at least one deposit inhibitor for electrically charged soot particles provided in at least part of the inlet region, especially allowing the soot particles to be evenly deposited and the surface precipitator to be continuously regenerated.

Abstract: A mass damper method includes providing an electroactive polymer (7) and using the electroactive polymer (7) to manufacture a mass damper (6). The mass damper (6) for damping a vibrating system of a motor vehicle includes at least one of a damping body (10) forming a countervibrating mass with a damping spring (11) and a springy damping body (10) forming the countervibrating mass. The damping body (10) is indirectly or directly coupled with the vibrating system. The springy damping body (10) or the damping spring (11) includes an electroactive polymer (7). A motor vehicle exhaust system of an internal combustion engine is provided including an exhaust gas line (3) with an exhaust pipe (4), an exhaust gas-treating device (5) integrated in the exhaust pipe and the mass damper (6) coupled with the exhaust gas line.

Abstract: A method for operating an international combustion engine, the engine also includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an exhaust system, and a fuel cell in the exhaust system. The method comprises operating the first cylinder lean to provide air to the fuel cell during at least one condition; and operating the second cylinder rich or stoichiometric to provide torque output and fuel to the fuel cell.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is that after return from fuel cut, an oxygen storage amount in a catalyst in an exhaust path and an oxygen storage amount in a catalyst in an exhaust gas recirculating path are promptly adjusted to be in appropriate states, respectively. A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present invention controls the internal combustion engine including a recirculating gas generating cylinder and a recirculating gas nongenerating cylinder. The control apparatus includes: an exhaust gas recirculating path for connecting the exhaust path through which exhaust gas only in the recirculating gas generating cylinder is delivered and an intake system; a recirculating catalyst provided on the exhaust gas recirculating path; and rich control means that performs rich control for controlling an air-fuel ratio to be temporarily richer than a theoretical air-fuel ratio when fuel injection is restarted after return from the fuel cut.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for an exhaust gas treatment system. In one example, a system includes an exhaust gas treatment device and a wire wrapped around an exterior circumference of the exhaust gas treatment device. Continuity of the wire is monitored such that degradation of the wire due to degradation of the exhaust gas treatment device is indicated.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a waste heat recovery apparatus including an exhaust tube having a cylindrical outer shell configured to contain a flow of exhaust fluid; a first heat exchanger extending through a first region of the exhaust tube, the first heat exchanger in thermal communication with the cylindrical outer shell; a second region of the exhaust tube extending through the exhaust tube, the second region having a low exhaust fluid pressure drop; an exhaust valve operatively disposed within the second region and configured to allow exhaust fluid to flow through the second region only when a flow rate of the exhaust fluid becomes great enough to result in back pressure beyond an allowable limit; and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with an outer surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: There is provided a fine particle sensor for detecting fine particles in exhaust gas, including an ion generating unit for generating ions by corona discharge, a charging unit for charging the fine particles by some of the generated ions, an ion trapping unit for trapping a remainder of the generated ions and a casing for accommodating therein the charging unit and the ion trapping unit in a given arrangement direction. The casing has a gas inlet hole and a gas outlet hole formed in a circumferential wall thereof so that the exhaust gas flows in the charging unit through the gas inlet hole and flows out of the ion trapping unit through the gas outlet hole. The gas inlet hole and the gas outlet hole are arranged in such a manner as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the given arrangement direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas particulate treatment system and may include a gas filter and a gas filter performance monitor downstream of the gas filter. The gas filter performance monitor includes a particulate trap operable to collect particulates passing through the gas filter, and a sensing apparatus associated with the gas filter performance monitor that operates to sense particulate collection in the gas filter performance monitor.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device includes at least a first at least partially electrically conductive honeycomb body having a first front side and a first rear side, a second at least partially electrically conductive honeycomb body having a second front side and a second rear side, an intermediate space between the first honeycomb body and the second honeycomb body, a power supply for the formation of an electric potential between the first honeycomb body and the second honeycomb body, and a multiplicity of electrodes fastened to the first honeycomb body, extending beyond the first rear side over a first length into the intermediate space and positioned at a first distance from the second front side of the second honeycomb body. A method for treating motor vehicle exhaust gas containing particles and a motor vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: Aggregation of particulate matter is facilitated. Provision is made for an electrode arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, a power supply connected to the electrode for applying a voltage thereto, an air fuel ratio detection device to detect or estimate an air fuel ratio of an exhaust gas which flows through the exhaust passage, and an electric power control device to make electric power supplied to the electrode from the power supply larger in cases where the air fuel ratio detected or estimated by the air fuel ratio detection device is a rich air fuel ratio than in cases where it is a stoichiometric air fuel ratio or a lean air fuel ratio.

Abstract: A method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit is described. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for the heat transfer between a tubular body suitable for conducting a fluid and a contact body that is in contact with said tubular body, wherein the contact body comprises a contact side facing the tubular body, with which the contact body is in contact with an outside of the tubular body facing the contact body, wherein in a tensioned state of the arrangement a preload force presses the contact body against the tubular body in a preload direction.

Abstract: A regeneration apparatus comprises a heater 2 which heats a catalyst 1 at the time of stopping fuel supply to an engine, a pump 4 which supplies an oxidizing gas or a reducing gas to the heated catalyst 1 and a switching valve 3. In the oxidizing step, catalytic poisons, for example hydrocarbon, which are absorbed on a noble metal are oxidized and removed. The particles of the noble metal become oxidized particles as pure oxide and the like. After the oxidizing step, the reducing step is carried out. In the reducing step, particles of the noble metal are reduced and re-dispersed on the support simultaneously and as a result, the particles of the noble metal become fine. Thus, a deteriorated catalyst can be regenerated without interrupting the use of catalyst and also without deteriorating the drivability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treatment of a heated exhaust gas including hydrocarbons are provided. A method includes providing a first gas including a gaseous mixture of vaporized diesel fuel and steam and treating the first gas using at least one corona discharge including a combination of streamers to transform the first gas into a second gas including volatile partially oxidized hydrocarbons (PO—HC) and hydrogen gas (H2), the combination of streamers including primarily surface streamers. The method also includes extracting at least a portion of vaporized diesel fuel and steam from the second gas to form a third gas and directing a combination of the third gas and the exhaust gas into a nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduction reactor.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst control system and method for an engine is disclosed. Urea injection to an SCR catalyst is determined based on an SCR catalyst model, which determines a value of stored NH3 in the SCR catalyst based on the NOx engine emission value, the SCR catalyst temperature, the quantity of urea supplied to the SCR catalyst and a pre-determined efficiency of conversion of NOx gases. A target value of stored NH3 and the value of stored NH3 in the SCR catalyst is then used to determine a stored NH3 differential, which is then used to calculate urea injection.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering automobile exhaust gas includes a case, front and rear support flanges mounted inside the case, and the filter member mounted between the front and rear support flanges. The front and rear support flanges are fixed vertically to the front and rear end portions of the filter member, respectively. The filter member includes a laminated or rolled-up metallic foam filter and a metallic mat or a jacket wrapping around the metallic foam filter. The porous pipe mounted inside the filter member is formed with a plurality of holes. The porous pipe is structured such that the width thereof decreases gradually towards the rear end portion or increase gradually towards the rear end portion, or the holes in the rear end portion are smaller, or a conical member is inserted in the inside space, or a pyramidal member is inserted in the inside space.

Abstract: A method for producing ammonia suitable for use as a reductant in a combustion exhaust gas treatment system is provided that includes the electrolytic hydrolysis of urea under mild conditions. The ammonia generator, which includes an electrolysis apparatus including an electrolytic flow cell, an alkaline electrolyte composition, and a recirculation system, may be operatively coupled to an exhaust gas treatment system to provide an apparatus for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or particulate in exhaust gases.

Abstract: An exhaust system, may include a trapping filter, a nitrogen oxide purification catalyst to eliminate nitrogen oxide of the exhaust gas, an injector that selectively injects fuel in the exhaust line, a fuel cracking catalyst that is disposed between the injector and the trapping filter at the exhaust line, transforms the injected fuel to a reducing agent, and a control portion that controls the injector to inject a predetermined amount of the fuel for a predetermined time period so as to raise the temperature of the trapping filter to a predetermined regeneration temperature and eliminate the particulate material trapped in the trapping filter, wherein the control portion detects a degradation rate of the fuel cracking catalyst, and varies the predetermined regeneration temperature of the trapping filter depending on the degradation rate.

Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A device for treating exhaust gas containing soot particles includes at least one ionization element for ionizing soot particles, at least one filter element having at least one section to which an electric potential can be applied and at least one agglomeration unit for at least partial agglomeration of electrically charged soot particles. The agglomeration unit is disposed between the ionization element and the filter element and the agglomeration unit has at least one outer pipe and at least one inner element. The filtering power of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine is therefore increased by an increase in the agglomeration rate of the soot particles. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically stimulated catalytic converter for treating engine exhaust from a vehicle engine. The electrically stimulated catalytic converter includes an exhaust conduit having one end thereof adapted to be connected to an exhaust pipe, and the other end thereof opened to the atmosphere outside the vehicle or connected to a reduced-size catalytic converter; and a corona charger apparatus operatively connected to the exhaust conduit. The corona charger apparatus is housed with a housing unit disposed between the ends the exhaust conduit. The corona charger is intrusively or non-intrusively associated with a main flow path defined by the exhaust conduit. The corona charger includes at least one electrode which may be recessed away from the main flow path. A plurality of corona chargers may be used in various combinations. The electrically stimulated catalytic converter is adapted to reduce exhaust pollution.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination. An alternating current is applied to a catalyst layer and a polarization impedance of the catalyst layer is monitored. The polarization impedance may be controlled by varying the asymmetrical alternating current. At least one of water, oxygen, steam and heat may be provided to the catalyst layer to enhance an oxidation reaction for soot elimination and/or to regenerate the catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power system that may be housed inside a single ISO shipping container having standard outside dimensions. The system may include a power source and an internally integrated aftertreatment module that is removable as a unit and that comprises, for example, Particle Filters (PF), and/or Oxidation Catalysts (OC), and/or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. The power system may include other removable modules such as a power module comprising a generator, pump, chipper, chiller, or other power equipment, a container module for fuel, and a container module for reductant, both of which may be non-rectangular in cross-section. A system is also disclosed for providing on-site power in the absence of shore power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank ventilation device (1) for a motor vehicle, with at least one storage device (2) for storing hydrocarbon gas, the tank connection (9) of which is connected via a ventilation line (12) to a fuel tank (5) of a vehicle, the engine connection (10) of which is connected via a regeneration line (13) to a fresh gas system (6) of an internal combustion engine (4) of the vehicle, and the environment connection (11) of which communicates via an environment line (15) with the environment (7) of the vehicle. In order to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, at least one conversion device (3) can be provided, which is used for materially converting hydrocarbon gas and is connected directly or indirectly to the fuel tank (5) via a feed line (18) on the input side.

Abstract: A method for operating a sensor element, in particular a lambda sensor, for determining the concentration of a gas component of a gas mixture, in which the gas component is removed from a measuring gas chamber by applying a pump voltage and the concentration of the gas component in the gas mixture is inferred therefrom. Oscillations of the pump current caused by dynamic pressure variations are taken into consideration for a correction of the sensor signal in that a frequency analysis of the pump current is carried out.

Abstract: A configuration for purifying or cleaning an exhaust-gas flow of an internal combustion engine includes at least an ionization device, an agglomeration device, and a (catalytically active) radial honeycomb body around a duct. The exhaust-gas is diverted from the duct into the radial honeycomb body, while the agglomerated particles are caught in a particle separator of the duct. A method for purifying or cleaning an exhaust-gas flow of an internal combustion engine and a motor vehicle including an exhaust system having the configuration, are also provided.

Abstract: A device and process for storing hydrocarbons as part of an exhaust emission control system and diagnosing the state of said device based on the incorporation of reactive metal species within the porous microstructure of the associated hydrocarbon adsorbent.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device is provided. The device includes: in an exhaust gas passage for a combustion exhaust gas containing a nitrogen oxide, a hydrocarbon, and an oxygen in a larger amount than a theoretical reaction amount with respect to the hydrocarbon to flow therethrough, in order from upstream, a first catalyst part for selectively reducing a nitrogen oxide; a plasma discharge part for generating a plasma; a second catalyst part for selectively reducing a nitrogen oxide; and a purifying catalyst part for purifying a reducing agent.

Abstract: A system for the monitoring and/or controlling emission levels of nitrogen oxide and a reductant from a stream of combustion exhaust, wherein the internal combustion engine includes a SCR unit disposed in the stream of combustion exhaust between an upstream conduit and a downstream conduit, the SCR unit having a catalyst that is configured to catalytically reduce nitrogen oxides contained in the combustion exhaust to elemental nitrogen in the presence of a reductant and oxygen, and wherein the internal combustion engine further includes a reductant injector; the system comprising: a laser absorption spectroscopy unit that is disposed in the downstream conduit and configured to measure the concentration level of at least nitrogen oxide and the reductant in the exhaust; and a control unit.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided with a vehicle-mounted solar cell array capable of generating electrical power. The solar cell array and other elements, including a metal substrate catalytic convertor form a system for reducing exhaust gas emissions from the vehicle in which the power from the array is applied to minimize exhaust emissions. A primary application of the solar cell array-generated power is to preheat the catalytic convertor to a preferred operating temperature prior to engine start. But the power from the solar cells, directed by a controller, may also be applied to charge the battery or to power electric power receiving devices, for example, to control cabin temperatures. The preferred allocation of the solar power available depends on a number of factors including the state of charge of the batteries, and the time of anticipated next use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing ammonia suitable for use as a reductant in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), or a flue gas conditioning system is provided. A method for treating combustion exhaust gas with ammonia is provided that includes the electrolytic hydrolysis of urea under mild conditions. The electrolysis apparatus includes an electrolytic cell, which may be operatively coupled to an exhaust gas treatment system to provide an apparatus for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or particulate in exhaust gases.

Abstract: An arrangement for removal of particulates in a gas flow includes at least one gas passage that is at least partly surrounded by a porous material. An arrangement for exposing the gas passage to sound that induces gas movements in a direction towards the porous material is provided. A method for removal of particulates in a gas flow is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a particulate matter retaining system having at least a first and a second filter, coupled to an engine intake. One example method comprises, during a first condition, operating in a first mode with the first filter storing particulate matter and the second filter releasing stored particulate matter. The method further comprises, operating in a second mode with the first filter releasing stored particulate matter and the second filter storing particulate matter, the exhaust gas flowing in an opposite direction as compared to the first mode. The method further comprises, operating in a third mode with both the first and the second filter storing particulate matter. During the modes, at least some tailpipe gas is drawn from between the first and second filters for expulsion to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A PM sensor is provided having high responsiveness and capable of long term detection. A PM sensor includes a sensor element that has particulate collection electrodes to which a particulate collection voltage for causing particulate matter contained in exhaust to adhere to a sensor element is applied, and measurement electrodes to which a measurement voltage for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sensor element is applied, in which, after a particulate collection voltage is applied to the particulate collection electrodes application of the particulate collection voltage is stopped in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied, the measurement voltage is applied to the measurement electrodes and the electrical characteristic of the sensor element is measured.

Abstract: A system and method for determining loading of a filter having a first dielectric constant with a material having a different dielectric constant, is disclosed. The filter is contained within a metallic container forming a microwave cavity, and microwave or RF energy is created within the cavity and changes in the cavity microwave response are monitored. The changes in cavity microwave response are related to filter loading. In a preferred embodiment, the microwave energy includes multiple cavity modes thereby allowing determination of spatial distribution of the contaminant material loading. In one embodiment, the microwave cavity response includes a shift in frequency of a resonant mode. Alternatively, the microwave cavity response includes a shift in quality factor Q of a resonant mode. The microwave cavity response may include a shift in amplitude or peak width of the microwave's signal at resonance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure to heat a reducing agent generation system of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine by combustion of fuel, whereby the reducing agent is produced for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine in the intermittently operated reducing agent generation system, whereby the reducing agent generation system consists of a plasma burner, a mixing chamber located downstream or upstream from the plasma chamber, an oxidation reformation unit as well as a nitrogen oxide storage/ammonia production unit and whereby nitrogen oxide is produced in a plasma in the plasma burner. The invention concerns additionally a corresponding device. The task of the invention concerning the procedure is thereby solved, in that the combustion of the fuel is ignited by the plasma.