METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXHAUST PARTICULATE MATTER SENSING

摘要

Methods and systems are provided sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a method may include increasing an inlet opening of the particulate matter sensor when an exhaust flow rate falls below a threshold to allow more particulates to enter the particulate matter sensor and further includes decreasing the inlet opening when the exhaust flow rate rises above the threshold to reduce the particulates entering the sensor. By adjusting the amount of particulates entering the sensor based on the exhaust rate, and further including a plurality of flow redirectors inside the sensor, the rate of deposition of the sensor and hence the sensitivity of the senor to the exhaust flow rate may be maintained at a desired level, and independent of the exhaust flow rate.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
adjusting an amount of opening of an inlet to a particulate matter sensor positioned in an exhaust flow in response to an exhaust flow rate of the exhaust flow upstream of the particulate matter sensor; and flowing exhaust past a plurality of flow plates towards a particulate matter sensor element positioned proximate to the plurality of flow plates.