WO2022168116A1

WO2022168116A1 - System and method for microwave based intermittent regeneration for particulate filter(s) of diesel engine

Info

Publication number: WO2022168116A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sunil Reddy Konatham; Vignesh B; Sanjay Kushwaha
Original assignee: Chakr Innovation Private Limited
Priority date: 2021-02-02
Filing date: 2022-02-01
Publication date: 2022-08-11

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system for regenerating particulate filter (PF) of a diesel engine and method thereof. The system comprising: at least one microwave generation unit configured to generate microwaves based on interaction of stream of electrons with a magnetic field; a waveguide structure comprising a first member and a second member, each first member and the second member defining a first hollow interior space for propagation of the microwaves inside the waveguide structure; and at least one horn antenna comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end defining a second hollow interior space for propagation of the microwaves inside the at least one horn antenna, such that the generated microwave propagates from the at least one microwave generation unit to the first hollow interior space and the second hollow interior space to facilitate regeneration process of the at least one PF.

Description

“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROWAVE BASED INTERMITTENT REGENERATION FOR PARTICULATE FILTER(S) OF DIESEL ENGINE”

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[1] The present disclosure generally relates to regeneration process of a particulate filter. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for microwave based intermittent regeneration process for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of diesel engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[2] Particulate filters (PF) are used in many industrial applications to prevent the release of potential pollutants such as carbon, hydrocarbons and metals generated from the combustion process. An important application of the PF is to use it in a Diesel Engine (DE). In such application, the major problem is the accumulation of carbon soot/particulate matter throughout the volume of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) over time. Due to the accumulation of carbon soot on the DPF, the exhaust gases from the diesel engine are not able to escape out into the outside environment due to which, backpressure on the engine keeps on increasing and ultimately might result in engine failure.

[3] Therefore, regeneration of the DPF by burning and oxidizing the accumulated soot is very important for the proper functioning of the diesel engine. Conventionally, several different solutions have been proposed for regenerating the carbon soot accumulated DPF. Two general approaches that have been used are continuous and intermittent regeneration technique/process. In continuous regeneration technique, a catalyst is provided upstream of the DPF to convert NO to NO2. NO2 can oxidize soot at typical diesel exhaust temperatures and regeneration can be continuous. A disadvantage of this approach is that it requires a large amount of expensive catalyst. Intermittent regeneration involves heating the carbon soot on the DPF to a temperature at which soot combustion is self-sustaining in a lean environment. Typically, the temperature ranges from about 400° C to about 600° C, depending on what type of catalyst coating has been applied to the DPF to lower the soot ignition temperature. A challenge in using this approach is that the temperature required for even catalyst supported regeneration is hard to be achieved in many instances for e.g., when engine is operated at lower loads or during ideal operation. Further, since most of the conventional intermittent regeneration process relies on exhaust temperature from engine to initiate the PF regeneration, the intermittent regeneration process cannot be performed in engine off condition.

[4] Therefore, there is a need for a regeneration process that overcomes the above- mentioned drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages of the conventional intermittent regeneration process and provides various advantages.

[5] The above-mentioned drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages of the prior arts and conventional techniques are explained just for exemplary purpose and this disclosure and description mentioned below would never limit its scope only such problem. Person skilled in the art may understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[6] The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior arts and conventional intermittent regeneration process and provides additional advantages discussed throughout the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure. [7] According to an aspect of present disclosure, a microwave -based intermittent regeneration system is disclosed. The system uses microwaves to initiate active regeneration process for DPF by introducing sufficient heat to the DPF. The microwaves may be directly applied to the DPF which accommodate the soot, thereby the system obtains a maximum impact on soot regeneration.

[8] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for regenerating at least one particulate filter (PF) of a DE is disclosed. The system comprises at least one microwave generation unit configured to generate microwaves based on interaction of stream of electrons with a magnetic field; a waveguide structure coupled to the at least one microwave generation unit, wherein the waveguide structure comprises a first member and a second member, each first member and the second member defining a first hollow interior space for propagation of the microwaves inside the waveguide structure; and at least one horn antenna comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end defining a second hollow interior space for propagation of the microwaves inside the at least one horn antenna, wherein the first end is mounted to the second member of the waveguide structure and the second end is mounted to the at least one PF, such that the generated microwave propagates from the at least one microwave generation unit to the first hollow interior space and then to the at least one PF through the second hollow interior space to facilitate regeneration process of the at least one PF.

[9] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the regeneration process is a process of converting carbon soot accumulated on the at least one PF to an exhaust gas (CO2) through a spontaneous reaction of the carbon soot with ambient oxygen (O2) at a temperature range from 400-600° C developed by uniformly applying heat to the carbon soot through the microwaves; and cleaning the at least one PF by escaping the exhaust gas from the at least one PF to an outside environment. [10] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a cross section of the first end of the at least one horn antenna is substantially similar to a cross section of the second member of the waveguide structure, and wherein a cross section of the second end of the at least one horn antenna is substantially similar to a cross section of the at least one PF.

[11] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein, the cross section of the second end of the at least one horn antenna is comparatively larger than the cross section of the first end of the at least one horn antenna in such a way that the second hollow interior space gradually increases from the first end to the second end of the at least one horn antenna.

[12] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein one of the at least one horn antenna is placed towards a parallel direction to the other.

[13] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member of the waveguide structure comprises a plurality of perforations.

[14] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the plurality of perforations extends only to a portion of the at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member.

[15] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the plurality of perforations extends throughout the at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member.

[16] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein one of the at least one horn antenna is placed in a mutually opposite direction to the other. [17] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first member is a first transverse elongated member, and the second member is a second longitudinal elongated member, and wherein the first transverse elongated member and the second longitudinal elongated member are attached to each other in a mutually perpendicular direction to define a substantially “T” like structure.

[18] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first member is a first transverse elongated member, and the second member is a second longitudinal elongated member, and wherein the first transverse elongated member and the second longitudinal elongated member are attached to each other in a mutually perpendicular and opposite direction to define a substantially “L” like structure.

[19] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a splitter disposed inside the second longitudinal elongated member, wherein the splitter is configured to split the microwaves in two opposite directions of the second longitudinal elongated member of the “T” shaped waveguide structure, wherein the dimension and position of the splitter decides the proportion of microwave to be splitted in one direction over the other direction of the second longitudinal elongated member, wherein the proportion of the microwave to be splitted in direction over the other direction is decided based on soot load of the at least one PF disposed in one direction over the other.

[20] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises an alumina block disposed in the first hollow interior space of the first member to prevent entering of the exhaust gases into the at least one microwave generation unit.

[21] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the at least one horn antenna further comprises a plurality of slots formed on an at least one side wall of the at least one horn antenna, wherein each of the plurality of slots allow the exhaust gases to escape out from the at least one PF. [22] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may further comprise a circulator having an input port, an output port and a dummy port is fixed inside the interior hollow space of the first member in such a way that: the input port is connected to output of one of the at least one microwave generation unit, the output port fixed within the first member for passing the microwaves from the waveguide structure to the at least one PF though at least one horn antenna, and the dummy port connected to a dummy load to absorb reflected microwaves coming from the output port, wherein the circulator prevents reflected microwave from the output port to enter back into the microwave generation unit.

[23] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may further comprise a blower connected to the at least one PF, wherein the flow rate of air from the blower is adjusted to maintain escape flow of exhaust gas generated during the regeneration process to allow to the outside environment via the at least one horn antenna without reducing convection heat loss and to keep maintaining oxygen within the system for the regeneration of the at least one PF.

[24] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may further comprise a sensor for sensing a soot pressure developed at the at least one PF due to accumulation of the soot throughout volume of the at least one PF; a processor coupled to the sensor and the microwave generation unit, wherein the processor is configured to: switch ON the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined period of switching OFF the diesel engine when the soot pressure level reaches above a predetermined threshold value; and switch OFF the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined time period.

[25] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of regenerating at least one particulate filter (PF) of a Diesel engine (DE) is disclosed. The method comprises generating microwaves, by at least one microwave generation unit, based on interaction of stream of electrons with a magnetic field within the microwave generation unit; propagating the generated micro waves within a first hollow interior space of a waveguide structure to enter into at least one PF of the DE, wherein the waveguide structure coupled to the at least one microwave generation unit and wherein waveguide structure comprises a first member and a second member; and entering the microwaves into at least one PF from the first hollow interior space to a second hollow interior space of at least one horn antenna to facilitate regeneration process of the at least one PF.

[26] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein regeneration process comprises converting carbon soot accumulated in the at least one PF to an exhaust gas (CO2) through a spontaneous reaction of the carbon soot with ambient oxygen (O2) at a temperature range from 400-600° C developed by uniformly applying heat to the carbon soot through the microwaves; and escaping the exhaust gas from the at least one PF to the outside environment to clean the at least one PF.

[27] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the escaping the exhaust gas comprising simultaneously escaping the exhaust gas from each PF of the at least one PF to the outside environment.

[28] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein exhaust gas is escaped through a plurality of perforations on the exterior surface of the second member of the waveguide structure and through a plurality of slots on the at least one outer wall of the at least one horn antenna.

[29] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the escaping the exhaust gas comprising escaping the exhaust gas from the at least one PF in series manner, wherein exhaust gas is escaped through a plurality of slots on the at least one outer wall of the at least one horn antenna.

[30] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprising sensing a soot pressure developed at the at least one PF due to the accumulation of the soot throughout volume of the at least one PF; switching ON the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined period of switching OFF the diesel engine when the soot pressure level reaches above a first predetermined threshold value; and switching OFF the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined time period.

[31] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprises adjusting flow rate of air to maintain escape flow of exhaust gas generated during the regeneration process to allow to the outside environment via the at least one horn antenna without reducing convection heat loss and to keep maintaining oxygen within the system for the regeneration of the at least one PF.

[32] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[33] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a microwave-based intermittent regeneration system which is cost effective over the conventional intermittent regeneration system.

[34] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a microwave-based intermittent regeneration system which doesn’t rely on an engine operating temperature to initiate regeneration process.

[35] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a microwave-based regeneration system which provide uniform heating of a particulate filter (PF) for uniform regeneration.

[36] Another object of the present disclosure to provide a micro wave-based regeneration system which utilizes a T-junction/L-junction waveguide and at least one horn antenna to minimize losses of the microwave.

[37] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a microwave-based regeneration system which prevents exhaust flow to the components of the regeneration system and thereby provide higher component safety.

[38] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a microwave-based regeneration system which ensures human and component safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[39] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed embodiments. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[40] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for regeneration of a particulate filter of internal combustion (IC) engine in a parallel arrangement design, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[41] FIGs. 2a-2b, and 3 illustrate the various structural designs of a waveguide of the system, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. [42] FIGs. 4a-4f illustrate the structural designs of a horn antenna of the system, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[43] FIGs. 5-6 illustrate a system for regeneration of the at least one particulate filter of the internal combustion (IC) engine in a serial arrangement design, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[44] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a system for regenerating the at least one particulate filter (PF) of the internal combustion (IC) engine, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[45] FIG. 8 discloses a flowchart of a method of regenerating at least one particulate filter (PF) of an internal combustion (IC) engine, according to an embodiment of present disclosure.

[46] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[47] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROWAVE BASED INTERMITTENT REGENERATION FOR PARTICULATE FILTER(S) OF DIESEL ENGINE”. It is understood that the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms; specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It will be appreciated as the description proceeds that the disclosure may be realized in different embodiments. [48] In the present document, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[49] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[50] The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[51] The present disclosure provides a regeneration system (interchangeably used as microwave -based regeneration system or system) of the particulate filter of diesel engines that use microwaves to achieve desired temperature for e.g., 400-600° C temperature to facilitate or initiate intermittent regeneration process for the DPF and thus, helps in active and spontaneous regeneration of DPF without using costly catalyst. Due to applying a direct heat from the external source (microwave generation source) to the DPF in the proposed regeneration system, the regeneration process may even be initiated during engine OFF condition which would improve regeneration efficiency of the DPF as convective heat losses can be reduced during engine OFF condition. Thus, the present disclosure provides a highly economical and efficient regeneration system for the particulate filter.

[52] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[53] Figure 1 illustrates a structural design for a microwave-based regeneration system 100 (interchangeably referred to as “the system 100”) of parallel configuration, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 may include a magnetron 102, a waveguide 104 (also referred to as waveguide structure), a pair of horn antennas 106a, 106b and a pair of substrate cans or outer casing 108a, 108b (interchangeably referred to as “108”) enclosing the DPF.

[54] The magnetron 102 may act as a source for generating microwaves and generates microwaves based on interaction of a stream of electrons with a magnetic field. While the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a magnetron 102 as a source of microwaves, other similar microwave sources such as but not limited to, a klystron, a travelling-wave tube (TWT), gyrotron and so forth also may be possible The magnetron 102 may be attached to the waveguide 104. Figure 1 depicts the exemplary embodiment wherein single magnetron 102 and two substrate cans or outer casings each enclosing or covering respective DPF within it may be used. However, this may not limit the scope of the invention and there may be various embodiment which may contain at least one magnetron and at least one substrate can or outer casing covering the DPF. [55] In this exemplary embodiment, the waveguide 104 is shown to have a substantially T-shape waveguide. While the other exemplary embodiments may have the structure of waveguide 104 in any other suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a L-junction (L-shape), and so forth. The waveguide 104 includes a first transverse elongated member 104a (interchangeably referred to as “the first member 104a”) and a second longitudinal elongated member 104b (interchangeably referred to as “the second member 104b”). In some embodiments, the first transverse elongated member and the second longitudinal elongated member are attached to each other in a mutually perpendicular direction to define a substantially “T” like structure. For example, in a preferable embodiment, the first member 104a may be perpendicularly attached to a center of the second member 104b to define the T-shape. However, in any other embodiments, the first member may be perpendicularly attached to any point of the second member to define the T-shape. Further, in some embodiments, the first transverse elongated member 104a and the second longitudinal elongated member 104b are attached to each other in a mutually perpendicular and opposite direction to define a substantially “L” like structure. In an embodiment, the first member 104a and the second member 104b may be integrally formed by any suitable manufacturing means such as, but not limited to, cast, cutting, and so forth. In alternative embodiment, the first and the second members 104a, 104b may be separately manufactured and attached to each other by any suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, fasteners, adhesive, welding and so forth.

[56] Further, each of the first member 104a and second member 104b may comprises a first hollow interior cuboidal space to allow propagation of microwaves inside the waveguide 104. In another embodiment, the shape of the first and second members may be cylindrical or any shape other than the rectangular shape as depicted in the Fig. 1 and therefore, its respective shape of the interior space may also vary accordingly. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the magnetron 102 may be attached at one end of the first member 104a. In some other embodiment, the magnetron 102 may be attached at a top surface of a top wall of the first member 104a. The magnetron 102 may be attached to the first member 104a by any suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, adhesive, fasteners, clips, or a combination thereof.

[57] In an exemplary embodiment, the microwaves generated by the magnetron 102 may propagate through the first member 104a of the waveguide 104 and may split at the “T” point along the two opposite ends of the second member 104b of the waveguide 104 to come out via two openings defined at two ends of the second member 104b. In an embodiment, a splitter may be used to evenly or unevenly split microwaves at two opposite ends of the second member 104b based on requirement. The T-shape of the waveguide 104 may enable one or more single magnetron to facilitate uniform heating of multiple Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) substrates (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the second member 104b may also include a bent at each end, which defines the openings (not shown in Fig. 1) of the waveguide. The openings may have a direction perpendicular to waveguide 104 as shown in Fig. 1.

[58] The waveguide 104 may also include a plurality of perforations 110 designed on at least one of the surfaces of the second member 104b. In an illustrated embodiment, the waveguide 104 may include perforations 110 on a top surface of the second member 104b. In some other embodiments, the waveguide 104 may include perforations 110 on a bottom surface of the second member 104b. In yet another embodiment, the waveguide 104 may include perforations 110 on side surfaces of the second member 104b. The at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member 104b of the waveguide structure comprises the plurality of perforations to allow exhaust gases to escape out to the outside environment and prevent back pressure on diesel engine. In some embodiments, the plurality of perforations may extend only to a portion of the at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member. In some embodiments, the plurality of perforations may extend throughout the at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member. [59] In an exemplary embodiment, the size of perforations 204 may be selected such that exhaust gases may be allowed to flow through the perforations 204 while the microwaves are blocked to pass through the perforations 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the perforations 204 may have a circular shape. However, embodiments of the present disclosure either covers or intends to cover any shape of the perforations 204 which may serve the similar purpose. In an embodiment, the perforations 204 may be uniformly disposed through-out the at least one surface of the second member 104b. The various structures and applications of the waveguide 104 have been explained in detail with reference to Figs. 2-4, below.

[60] The system 100 may also include the pair of horn antennas 106a, 106b (interchangeably referred to as “the horn antennas 106”). As shown in fig. 1, the one of the at least one horn antenna is placed towards a parallel direction to the other to define parallel configuration. The horn antennas 106 may have a shape similar to conventional horn antennas or may have some other suitable shape, for e.g., as depicted in Fig. 4b. Each of the horn antenna may comprise a first end 106al, 106bl and a second end 106a2, 106b2. The first end and the second end may define a second hollow interior space to for propagation of the microwaves inside the horn antenna 106. Further, the first end 106al, 106bl is mounted to the second member 104b of the waveguide structure and the second end 106a2, 106b2 is mounted to the at least one PF, such that the generated microwave propagates from the at least one microwave generation unit to the first hollow interior space and then to the at least one PF through the second hollow interior space to facilitate regeneration process of the at least one PF. The regeneration process may be defined as a process of converting carbon soot accumulated on the at least one PF to an exhaust gas (CO2) through a spontaneous reaction of the carbon soot with ambient oxygen (O2) at a temperature range from 400-600° C developed by uniformly applying heat to the carbon soot through the microwaves and cleaning the at least one PF by escaping the exhaust gases from the at least one PF to an outside environment. [61] The horn antenna may be designed in a manner that a cross section of the first end 106al of the at least one horn antenna is substantially similar to a cross section of the second member of the waveguide structure. Similarly, a cross section of the second end 106a2 of the at least one horn antenna is substantially similar to a cross section of the at least one PF so that microwaves interact with entire portion of the at least one PF.

[62] As clearly shown in fig. 1 , each of the horn antenna 106 may define a smaller opening at first end 106al, 106bl and a larger opening at second end 106a2, 106b2. In other words, the cross section of the second end 106a2, 106b2 of the at least one horn antenna is comparatively larger than the cross section of the first end 106al, 106bl of the at least one horn antenna in such a way that the second hollow interior space gradually increases from the first end to the second end of the at least one horn antenna. This would allow a gradual expansion of the microwaves from the waveguide to the at least one PF through the at least one horn antenna and thereby allows to reduce reflective loss that may occur during propagation of microwaves in different mediums inside the system.

[63] Further, each of the horn antenna 106 may comprise a plurality of slots formed on an at least one side wall of the at least one horn antenna and each of the plurality of slots allow the exhaust gases to escape out from the at least one PF. In an exemplary embodiment, the horn antenna may comprise at least four walls extending outwardly from the small openings to the larger openings. In some embodiments, each of the horn antenna may comprise a circular shape wall extending outwardly from the small opening to the larger openings. However, the description should not be taken in a limiting sense. In some embodiments, at least one of the four walls may include slots 105 to allow exhaust gases to flow out to the outside environment and prevent back pressure on the diesel engine. In an exemplary embodiment, two walls of the antennas 106 may include the slots 105. In an embodiment, the slots 105 may be rectangular in shape. In alternative embodiment, the slots 105 may have any suitable shape required to perform the desired objective. The slots 105 may be uniformly distributed throughout the wall of the antennas 106.

[64] The smaller openings of each of the horn antennas 106 are attached to the openings defined by the second member 104b of the waveguide 104 by any suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, adhesive, fasteners, clips, welding or a combination thereof. The larger openings of the horn antennas 106 may be attached to the substrate cans 108a, 108b (interchangeably referred to as “the substrate can 108”). The substrate can 108 may be tightly attached to the horn antenna 106 by any attachment means such as, but not limited to, adhesive, fasteners, clips, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the tight attachment of the substrate can 108 and the horn antenna 106 may prevent leakage of microwave and/or exhaust gas, thereby the system 100 may provide high efficiency and prevent damage to the diesel engine. In an illustrated embodiment, the substrate can 108 may have a circular ring, coupled to a cylindrical portion which is attached to a cuboidal structure. The substrate can 108 may be configured to hold the DPF substrate (not shown). The substrate can 108 may hold the DPF substrate in such a way that a side of DPF substrate having accumulated soot particles is directly exposed to the microwaves flowing through horn antenna 106. In some embodiments, as shown in figure 6 the horn antenna may be directly disposed to the particulate filter 607 where the substrate cans have been removed to make the system more simple, compact, and easy to use.

[65] In an embodiment, the magnetron 102 may be isolated from the exhaust flow by placing an alumina block 603 (as shown in fig. 6) made of a material that is transparent to microwaves but blocks the exhaust flow to pass through. Thus, the alumina block may prevent exhaust flow from getting in contact with the magnetron 102. In one embodiment, the block may comprise a mica block. The alumina block may be placed inside the first hollow interior space (or cavity) of the first member of the waveguide 104 thereby preventing the entry of the exhaust gases into the at least one microwave generation unit (also referred to as magnetron 102). In some embodiments, the alumina block 603 may be placed in such a way that it is sandwiched between two waveguide sections with the help of bolts and nuts. This is made to ensure that the conductivity between the different bolted sections of the waveguide is maintained, which further helps in reducing the electromagnetic (EM) wave or microwave losses.

[66] In an embodiment, in parallel configuration the system 100 may comprise at least one blower (not shown) connected to the at least one PF. For example, if two filters are placed parallel to each other, a blower may be used for each of the two filters. The blower may be configured to adjust flow rate of air to maintain escape flow of exhaust gases to allow to the outside environment via the at least one horn antenna without reducing convection heat loss and to keep maintaining oxygen within the system for the regeneration of the at least one PF. In some embodiments, the regeneration process may be done when the diesel engine is in OFF state so as to avoid the convective heat losses that could occur because of the high exhaust flow rates. To avoid this issue the flow rate of the blower is set in such a way that there is enough flow to avoid thermal run down or damage/melting of the filter and to avoid convective heat losses. In some embodiments, the blower may be configured to provide required amount of oxygen for the carbon (soot) combustion process which further increases the carbon combustion rate.

[67] Figs. 2-3 illustrate various structural designs of the waveguides, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[68] Fig. 2a illustrate a waveguide 200, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The waveguide 200 is similar to the waveguide 104 (illustrated in Fig. 1). Therefore, the detailed explanation of similar components has been avoided for sake of brevity. The waveguide 200 may include a first elongated member 202 and a second elongated member 204. The first elongated member 202 may be placed in a transverse direction and the second elongated member 204 may be placed in a longitudinal direction. The first and the second elongated member 202, 204 may have a hollow cuboidal structural to allow the microwave to propagate through. The first elongated member 202 may be connected to the second elongated member 204 at a center (also referred to as “the T-junction”) such as the first and the second elongated members 202, 204 define a T-shape. In some embodiments, the first elongated member 202 and the second elongated member 204 may be orthogonally placed on at least one end of the second elongated members 202, 204 to define L-shape. The first elongated member 202 may define a first opening 206 and the second elongated member 204 may define a second opening 208 and a third opening 210.

[69] In an exemplary embodiment, the second elongated member 204 may include bent portions 204al, 204a2 and therefore, the second opening 208 and the third opening 210 may have a direction perpendicular to a direction of the first opening 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide 200 may also include a plurality of perforations 212 on a top surface of the second elongated member 204. The perforations 212 may extend throughout the top surface of the second elongated member 204. In some embodiments, the perforations 212 may also extend to a portion of the first elongated member 202 which is adjacent to a center of the second elongated member 204.

[70] In an exemplary embodiment, the microwaves generated by the magnetron 102 (shown in Fig. 1) enters the waveguide from the first opening 206 and splits into two and exits the waveguide 200 from the second and third openings 208, 210. The exhaust gases may enter the waveguide from the second and third openings 208, 210, and escape out to an outside environment through the perforations 212. Therefore, the perforations 212 may reduce the back pressure on engine which may be created by the exhaust gases. The waveguide 200 may be simple and compact.

[71] Fig. 2b illustrates a waveguide 200, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The waveguide 200 may be used in place of the waveguide 104 of the system 100 (shown in Fig. 1). The components of the waveguide 200 which are similar to the waveguide 104 have been provided with similar reference numerals. Further, a detail description of similar components has been omitted for sake of brevity. The waveguide 200 includes a first elongated member 202 and a second elongated member 204.

[72] While the most of structural elements of the waveguide 200 is similar to the waveguide 104, the waveguide 200 may include a plurality of protrusions 212a extending outwardly from a top surface of the second elongated member 204, instead of perforations 212 of the waveguide 200 as shown in fig. 2a. The protrusions 212a may serve similar purpose as served by the perforation 212 of the waveguide 200 as shown in fig. 2a. The protrusions 212a may be cylindrical in shape and may provide direction flow of exhaust gases coming out from the system 100. The waveguide 300 may provide higher efficiency in term of exhaust flow and avoid microwave leakage.

[73] Fig. 3 illustrates a waveguide 300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. This waveguide may be used in place of the waveguide 104 of the system 100 (shown in Fig. 1). The waveguide 300 includes a first elongated member 302, second elongated member 304, and third elongated member (interchangeably used as third member) 306 respectively. Each of the first, second and third elongated member 302, 304, 306 may be perpendicular attached to each other. Each elongated member 302, 304, and 306 of the waveguide 300 may have hollow rectangular structure and define a respective opening.

[74] In an embodiment, the first elongated member 302 may act similar to the first member 104a of the waveguide 104, the second elongated member 304 may act similar to the second member 104b of the waveguide 104, therefore, a detailed description of said components has been omitted for sake of brevity. The third elongated member 306 may be disposed in a center of a top surface of the second elongated member 304 and may serve the purpose as served by the perforations 110 (shown in Fig. 1), 212 (shown in Fig. 2a) and the protrusions 212a (shown in Fig. 2b). In some embodiments, the third elongated member may comprise a hollow cavity through which the exhaust gases flow to an outside environment. The waveguide 300 may be easy to manufacture and/or assemble.

[75] The use of waveguide as illustrated in Figs 2-3 provides safety to the engine components by reducing the backpressure that may arise if the exhaust is not able to escape out of the engine.

[76] Fig. 4a-4f illustrates various types of horn antenna 400, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly, fig 4a shows that the horn antenna 400 may be similar to the horn antennas 106 (shown in Fig. 1) and may have a pyramidal shape. In some embodiments, the horn antenna may have conical horn antenna 416 with rectangular to circular waveguide transition 414 attached to a particulate filter 418 as shown in fig. 4b. The horn antenna has a square cross-section, and the particulate filter has a circular face. To ensure that the whole face of the particulate filter is exposed to microwaves, a conical horn antenna with a circular opening matches the cross section of the particulate filter. In some embodiments, the horn antenna and the particulate filter may be attached by any suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, adhesive, fasteners, clip, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a small gap may be provided between the horn antenna and the particulate filter so that the exhaust gases can exit from the small gap also which further reduces the back pressure created by the exhaust flow. However, the description should not be taken into limiting sense and may include any other configuration to achieve the desired objective of the present invention.

[77] The description of the components of the horn antenna is explained in conjunction with fig. 4a and fig. 4b. The horn antenna 400 may include a first end 402, a second end 404 and at least four walls 406 extending from the first end 402 to the second end 404. The horn antenna 400 may be attached to the waveguide 104, 200, 300, (shown in Figs. 1-3) at the first end 402 and may be attached to the substrate can 108 at the second end 404. In some embodiments, the first end 402 may be mounted to the second member of the waveguide structure and the second end is mounted to the at least one PF. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the first end 402 of the at least one horn antenna may be similar to a cross-section of the second member of the waveguide structure 104. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the second end of the at least one horn antenna is similar to a cross-section of the at least one PF. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the second end of the at least one horn antenna is comparatively larger than the first end of the at least one horn antenna such that the at least one horn antenna allows an expansion of the microwaves to interact with an entire portion of the at least one PF.

[78] Further, the walls 406 may extend increasing such that the walls 406 may define a smaller opening 408 at the first end 402 and define a larger opening 410 at the second end 404. The microwaves may enter the horn antenna 400 via the waveguide and may be uniformly spread to on the DPF substrate disposed in the substrate can 108. In an illustrated embodiment, a pair of walls 406 may include a plurality of slots 412 which may be configured to allow the excess exhaust gas to escape out to the outside environment. The size of slots 412 may be selected in such a way that the microwave may be blocked, and exhaust gases may escape out. While, the illustrated embodiment, only illustrate two of the walls 406 includes slots 412, the embodiments intend to cover or otherwise cover any number of walls includes any number of slots as per the requirements. The horn antenna 400 may help in reducing reflective losses during the propagation of microwaves.

[79] In some embodiments, split horn antennas are designed to accommodate multiple waveguides so as to increase the amount of microwave power being supplied to the particulate filter. For example, as shown in fig. 4c, the regeneration system may include a split horn antenna comprising a double split 420. Further, as shown in fig. 4d, the regeneration system may include a split horn antenna comprising a triple split 422. While, the illustrated embodiment, only illustrate double split and triple split, the embodiments intend to cover or otherwise cover any number of splits with any suitable shape of the horn antenna as per the requirements. [80] Fig. 4c -4f illustrates various configurations of the regeneration system. For example, in some embodiments, the regeneration system may include a double split horn antenna 420 (similar to fig. 4c), two magnetrons (424a, 424b), and one particulate filter 418 as shown in fig. 4e. The two magnetrons as shown in fig 4e may be similar to the magnetron 102 (shown in Fig. 1). In some embodiments, the regeneration system may include two double split horn antennas 420a, 420b, two magnetrons 424a, 424b and two particulate filters 418a, 418b as shown in fig. 4f. While the exemplary embodiments of figs. 4c-4f of the present disclosure, shows one double split horn antenna, two double split horn antenna, one triple split horn antenna, two magnetrons, one filter or two filter, but description should not be taken into limiting sense and may include any number of horn antennas, filter, or magnetrons to achieve the desired objective of the invention. In some embodiments, the number of magnetrons may be used depending on power requirement of the regeneration system. The use of multiple lower powered magnetrons may be advantageous in terms such that there are multiple hot spots or heat source regions that are formed on the particulate filter which increases the uniformity of regeneration and using multiple lower powered magnetrons is also cost efficient. The detail description of similar components has been omitted for sake of brevity.

[81] Fig. 5 illustrates a serial configuration of a regeneration system 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 500 may include similar components as illustrated for the system 100 (shown in Fig. 1), therefore the components have been provided with similar reference numerals and the description has been omitted for sake of brevity. The system 500 includes a waveguide 504 having a first member 504a and a second member 504b. The horn antennas 506a, 506b and the substrate cans 508a, 508b may be connected serially inline with the second member 504b. In the illustrated series configuration of the system 500, one of the at least one horn antenna 506a, 506b is placed in a mutually opposite direction to the other. Further, the exhaust and the microwaves may propagate in parallel and opposite or same direction to each other via the substrate cans 508a, 508b, the horn antennas 506a, 506b and the second member 504b. Accordingly, the system 106 may not require the waveguide 504 to be perforated as the exhaust may flow across the substrate cans 508a, 508b. In some embodiments, the exhaust gases may flow from left to right or vice versa depending on the assembly of the system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the waveguide 504 may be placed inside a casing (not shown). However, the description should not be taken into limiting sense.

[82] The waveguide 504 may also include a splitter 510. The splitter 510 may be configured to split the microwaves in the second portion 504b of the waveguide 504 based on the requirement. The splitter 510 may be configured to split the microwave evenly or unevenly. For instance, the splitter 510 may split 70% of the microwave energy on one substrate and 30% on the other substrate. In some embodiments, the proportion of microwave split may depend on height and position of the splitter. For example, the dimension and position of the splitter decides the proportion of microwave to be splitted in one direction over the other direction of the second longitudinal elongated member. In some embodiments, the proportion of the microwaves to be splitted in one direction over the other direction is decided based on soot load of the at least one PF disposed in one direction over the other. In some embodiments, the height and position of the splitter may be fixed according to the needs for achieving the desired objective of the invention. In some embodiments, the splitter 510 may also be perforated, to allow exhaust to flow through it and minimize the back pressure. It may be worth noted that though the splitter is defined in the serial configuration, but it is present in the parallel configuration of the system 100 too.

[83] Fig. 6 illustrates a microwave circulator 600 (shown in rectangular box), according to an embodiment of present disclosure. This circulator is implemented in all the above-mentioned various designs of the system. The circulator 600 may be placed at a T-junction of the waveguides, discussed above. In an embodiment, the circular 600 may have extended arms and the circulator 600 may act as an independent waveguide. The circulator may include three ports namely input port 601, output port 603, and a dummy port 605 fixed inside the interior hollow space of the first member of the waveguide structure. The input port may be connected to the input port is connected to output of one of the at least one microwave generation unit. The output port 603 may be the output port fixed within the first member for passing the microwaves from the waveguide structure to the at least one PF though at least one horn antenna. The third port 605 may be the dummy port connected to a dummy load to absorb reflected microwaves coming from the output port 603. In some embodiments, the input port, output port and dummy port may be selected based on the placement of the microwave circulator 600. The circulator prevents reflected microwave from the output port to enter back into the microwave generation unit. It may be worth noted that though the microwave circulator is defined in the serial configuration, but it is present in the parallel configuration of the system 100 too.

[84] Fig. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a system 701 for regenerating at least one particulate filter (PF) of an internal combustion (IC) engine according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The foregoing description of fig. 7 will be explained in conjunctions with figs 1-6. The detailed explanation of fig. 7 is provided below.

[85] The system 701 may comprise a sensor 703, a processor 705, at least on microwave generation unit 707, a memory 709, and I/O interface unit 711. The sensor 703 may be coupled to the processor 705. In some embodiments, the sensor 703 may comprise a pressure sensor, temperature sensor and so on. Further, the processor 705 may be coupled to the at least one microwave generation unit 707, memory 709, and I/O interface unit 711. The memory 709 may store information not limited to, back pressure data exerted on the engine, etc. The I/O interface unit 711 and the microwave generation unit 707 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 705. The I/O interface unit 711 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, input device, output device and the like.

[86] In an embodiment, the memory 709 may be a computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random- access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or nonvolatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

[87] In an embodiment, the information may be stored within the memory 709 in the form of various data structures. Additionally, the information stored in memory may be organized using data models, such as relational or hierarchical data models or lookup tables. The memory may also store other data such as temporary data and temporary files, generated by the various units for performing the various functions of the system 701.

[88] In an embodiment, the information may be processed by the processor 705 of the system 701. As used herein, the term ‘unit’ refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. In an embodiment, the other units may be used to perform various miscellaneous functionalities of the processor 705. It will be appreciated that such units may be represented as a single unit or a combination of different units.

[89] In as aspect of the disclosure, the sensor 703 may be configured to sense a soot pressure developed due to accumulation of the soot throughout volume of the at least one PF. Once the sensed pressure reaches above a predetermined threshold, the sensor 703 may be configured to trigger the processor 705 to perform the desired functionalities to attain the objective of the invention. For example, the processor 705 may be configured to switch ON the at least one microwave generation unit 707 after a predetermined period of switching OFF the diesel engine when the soot pressure level reaches above the predetermined threshold value. This would allow to initiate regeneration process only during the engine OFF condition which has the advantage of reducing convective heat losses that otherwise will develop while performing regeneration process in the engine ON condition. In some embodiments, the processor 705 may be configured to switch ON the at least microwave generation unit 707 when the engine is in running condition. In this embodiment, blower may or may not be required. Further, when the at least one microwave generation unit 707 is switched ON, said at least one microwave generation unit 707 may be configured to generate microwaves using interaction of stream of electrons with a magnetic field within the at least one microwave generation unit 707. The generated microwaves propagate from the at least one microwave generation unit 707 to the first hollow interior space and then to the at least one PF through the second hollow interior space to facilitate regeneration process of the at least one PF. Once the microwaves reach into the at least one PF, the same is get absorbed by the soot particulate (e.g., carbon soot) accumulated onto the PF as the carbon is good absorber of microwaves. This would generate and burn carbon soot to an exhaust gas (CO2) through a spontaneous reaction of the carbon soot with ambient oxygen (O2) at temperature range from 400- 600° C. Then the exhaust gas gets escaped from the at least one PF to the outside environment due to flow of the blower. This cleans the filter and thereby ends the regeneration process. In some embodiments, the exhaust gases may be escaped from the at least one PF to the outside environment without blower when the diesel engine is switched ON. In parallel configuration, the exhaust gases flow from the at least one PF to the outer environment through the plurality of slots of the at least one horn antenna and through the plurality of the perforations of the second member of the waveguide. On other hand, in series configuration, the exhaust gases flow from one of at least one PF placed at the engine side to the other of the at least one PF through horn antenna and its slots, where the other of the at least one PF placed at the opposite side is exposed to the outside environment. Further, apart from the exhaust flow path in both the configurations (series and parallel), functionalities of the components remain substantially the same and the repetition of the same is avoided for the sake of brevity.

[90] After a predetermined time period when the regeneration process is completed, the processor 705 may be configured to switch OFF the at least one microwave generation unit 707. In exemplary embodiment, predetermined time period may include, but not limited to, at least 60 minutes. In some embodiments, the predetermined time period may depend on various parameters such as size of the at least one filter, soot accumulated on the filter, power of at least one microwave generation unit 102 or magnetron. In some embodiments, the regeneration of the at least one PF 418 is facilitated by converting the soot accumulated at the at least one PF 418 to exhaust gases by providing desired heat through the microwaves generated by the at least one microwave generation unit 707. The oxidation of diesel soot, represented here as carbon, by oxygen can be described by one of the following reactions:

C (soot/carbon) + O2

gas)

where C (carbon) represents the combustible portion of soot and carbon dioxide is the preferred product. The exhaust gases may escape out to an outside environment once the diesel engine is switched ON. In some embodiments, the exhaust gages are escaped out to the outside environment with the help of the blower connected to the at least PF which creates the pressure on the exhaust gases to flow to the outside environment. In some embodiments, the exhaust gases may be replaced with the fresh air with the help of blower and left to the outside environment. However, the description should not be taken into limiting sense.

[91] FIG. 8 discloses a flowchart of a method 800 for regenerating at least one particulate filter (PF) of a diesel engine, according to an embodiment of present disclosure. The detail explanation of the method 800 is further explained in conjunction with figs. 1-7. It may be worth noted that the method 800 may be performed by individual units as described in above paragraphs or with the help of processor or any other equivalent hardware limitations.

[92] The method 800 starts at block 801 by generating microwaves based on interaction of stream electrons with a magnetic field within the microwave generation unit. The method may be performed by the at least one microwave generation unit 707. In some embodiments, the at least one microwave generation unit may be referred to as magnetron or any other equivalent source capable of generating microwaves.

[93] At block 803, the method 800 may describe propagating the generated microwaves within a first hollow interior space of a waveguide structure to enter into at least one PF of the DE. The method further describes that the waveguide may be coupled to the at least one microwave generation unit and comprises a first member and a second member.

[94] At block 805, the method 800 may describe entering the microwaves into at least one PF from the first hollow interior space to a second hollow interior space of at least one horn antenna to facilitate regeneration process of the at least one PF. In other words, the entire portion of the at least one PF is uniformly heated with the help of generated microwaves and the soot accumulated on the at least one PF is converted into exhaust gases. In some embodiments, the regeneration process may comprise converting carbon soot accumulated on the at least one PF to an exhaust gas (CO2) through a spontaneous reaction of the carbon soot with ambient oxygen (O2) at a temperature range from 400-600° C developed by uniformly applying heat to the carbon soot through the microwaves.

[95] The method may describe escaping the exhaust gas from the at least one PF to the outside environment to clean the at least one PF. In some embodiments, escaping the exhaust gas further comprises simultaneously escaping the exhaust gas from each PF of the at least one PF to the environment. For example, as shown in fig. 1 in parallel configuration, the plurality of perforations may be present on the second member of the waveguide to allow the exhaust gases to escape to the outside environment. However, the description should not be taken into limiting sense and may include any number of blowers to achieve the desired objective. [96] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise allowing to escape the exhaust gases from the at least one PF via a plurality of slots defined on at least one wall of the at least one horn antenna. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sensing a soot pressure developed a the least one PF due to the accumulation of the soot throughout volume of the at last one PF. As discussed in above paragraphs, the sensor unit 703 may be configured to sense the soot pressure developed at the at least one PF.

[97] In some embodiments, the method may describe that the exhaust gases are escaped through a plurality of perforations on the exterior surface of the second member of the waveguide and through a plurality of slots on the at least one outer wall of the at least one horn antenna. In some embodiments, the method may describe escaping the exhaust gases from the at least one PF in series manner, wherein exhaust gas is escaped through a plurality of slots on the at least one outer wall of the at least one horn antenna. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise allowing to escape the exhaust gases from the at least one PF through another particulate filter present in series configuration as shown in fig. 5. In some embodiments, in series configuration one of the at least one PF is placed between engine and the at least one horn antenna and another of the at least one PF is placed between the at least one horn antenna and the outside environment. Furthermore, in series configuration, a single blower may be placed at one of the at least one PF to allow the exhaust gases to escape from the one of the at least one PF to the other of the at least one PF.

[98] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise switching ON the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined period of switching OFF the diesel engine when the soot pressure level reaches above a first predetermined threshold value. In some embodiments, the method may comprise switching OFF the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may depend on the size of the filter, soot accumulated on the PF, power of the magnetron, and so on. In some embodiments, the predetermined time period for which the regeneration will take place may be at least 60 minutes after switching ON the at least one microwave generation unit.

[99] In some embodiments, the method may comprise adjusting flow rate of air to maintain escape flow of exhaust gas to allow to the outside environment via the at least one horn antenna without reducing convection heat loss and to keep maintaining oxygen within the system for the regeneration of the at least one PF. The flow rate of air may be adjusted with the help of a blower connected to the at least one PF. In some embodiments, the blower may be configured to provide required amount of oxygen for the carbon (soot) combustion process which further increases the carbon combustion rate.

[100] Thus, from the above, it may be worth noted that the above-mentioned paragraphs provide various technical effects or advantages. For example, this disclosure provides technical effect or advancement of providing a microwave-based intermittent regeneration system and method thereof which is cost effective and has economic significance over the conventional intermittent regeneration system. This is cost effective because, the present system or process eliminates use of costly catalysts as generally be used in the conventional systems and processes. Further, in an aspect, this disclosure provides technical effect or advancement of providing a system and a method thereof which doesn’t rely on an engine operating temperature to initiate regeneration process. This is because, the instant system and process uses microwave -based heating mechanisms to raise the elevated temperature required to initiate the regeneration process. Further, as mentioned above, this disclosure provides various designs and/or embodiments and/or aspect of the intermittent regeneration system and method thereof which improves the DPF cleaning. Further, magnetron safety is achieved by placing a mica or alumina block in the path of the microwaves to isolate the magnetron from the exhaust heat and flow, thereby preventing any damage to the magnetron. Moreover, engine safety is achieved by placing the horn antenna and the waveguide with openings/slots/perforations to allow the exhaust flow to escape out thereby minimizing the backpressure of the exhaust gases that may damage the engine components.

[101] Moreover, the proposed system may further comprise one or more processors with various PLC logics to detect any current leakage and switch OFF the microwave system or keep the microwave system from switching ON if it detects a failure. In some embodiments, the proposed microwave system may comprise an earthing system which should ground any leakage current to ensure safety. In some embodiments, the system may be provided with a fail-safe mechanism where it keeps the system in OFF state if it detects a fault in the earthing line.

[102] The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[103] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer- readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer- readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer- readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., are non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.

[104] Suitable processors include, by way of example, a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and/or a state machine.

[105] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative blocks, units, modules and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[106] While the present disclosure has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. [107] Reference Numerals:

Claims

37 THE CLAIMS:

1. A system for regenerating at least one particulate filter (PF) of a diesel engine, the system comprising: at least one microwave generation unit configured to generate microwaves; a waveguide structure coupled to the at least one microwave generation unit, wherein the waveguide structure comprises a first member and a second member, each first member and the second member defining a first hollow interior space for propagation of the microwaves inside the waveguide; and at least one horn antenna comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end defining a second hollow interior space for propagation of the microwaves inside the at least one horn antenna, wherein the first end is mounted to the second member of the waveguide structure and the second end is mounted to the at least one PF, such that the generated microwave propagates from the at least one microwave generation unit to the first hollow interior space and then to the at least one PF through the second hollow interior space to facilitate regeneration process of the at least one PF.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the regeneration process is a process of: converting carbon soot accumulated in the at least one PF to an exhaust gas (CO2) through a spontaneous reaction of the carbon soot with ambient oxygen (O2) at a temperature range from 400-600° C developed by uniformly applying heat to the carbon soot through the microwaves; and cleaning the at least one PF by escaping the exhaust gas from the at least one PF to an outside environment.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cross section of the first end of the at least one horn antenna is substantially similar to a cross section of the second member 38 of the waveguide structure, and wherein a cross section of the second end of the at least one horn antenna is substantially similar to a cross section of the at least one PF.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the cross section of the second end of the at least one horn antenna is comparatively larger than the cross section of the first end of the at least one horn antenna in such a way that the second hollow interior space gradually increases from the first end to the second end of the at least one horn antenna.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the at least one horn antenna is placed towards a parallel direction to the other.

6. The system as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member of the waveguide structure comprises a plurality of perforations.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of perforations extends only to a portion of the at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member.

8. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of perforations extends throughout the at least one of the top, bottom, and side exterior surface of the second member.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the at least one horn antenna is placed in a mutually opposite direction to the other.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member is a first transverse elongated member and the second member is a second longitudinal elongated member, and wherein the first transverse elongated member and the second longitudinal elongated member are attached to each other in a mutually perpendicular direction to define a substantially “T” like structure.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first member is a first transverse elongated member and the second member is a second longitudinal elongated member, and wherein the first transverse elongated member and the second longitudinal elongated member are attached to each other in a mutually perpendicular and opposite direction to define a substantially “L” like structure.

12. The system as claimed in claim 10, comprises a splitter disposed inside the second longitudinal elongated member, wherein the splitter is configured to split the microwaves in two opposite directions of the second longitudinal elongated member of the “T” shaped waveguide, wherein the dimension and position of the splitter decides the proportion of microwave to be splitted in one direction over the other opposite direction of the second longitudinal elongated member, wherein the proportion of the microwave to be splitted in direction over the other direction is decided based on soot load of the at least one PF disposed in one direction over the other.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprises an alumina block disposed in the first hollow interior space of the first member to prevent entering of the exhaust gases into the at least one microwave generation unit.

14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one horn antenna further comprises a plurality of slots formed on an at least one side wall of the at least one horn antenna, wherein each of the plurality of slots allow the exhaust gases to escape out from the at least one PF.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a circulator having an input port, an output port and a dummy port is fixed inside the interior hollow space of the first member in such a way that: the input port is connected to output of one of the at least one microwave generation unit, the output port fixed within the first member for passing the microwaves from the waveguide structure to the at least one PF though at least one horn antenna, and the dummy port connected to a dummy load to absorb reflected microwaves coming from the output port, wherein the circulator prevents reflected microwave from the output port to enter back into the waveguide generation unit.

16. The system as claimed in clam 1 , comprises a blower connected to the at least one PF, wherein the flow rate of air from the blower is adjusted to maintain escape flow of exhaust gas generated during the regeneration process to allow to the atmosphere via the at least one horn antenna without reducing convection heat loss and to keep maintaining oxygen within the system for the regeneration of the at least one PF, wherein the blower disposed between DE and at least one PF.

17. The system as claimed in clam 1, further comprising: a sensor for sensing a soot pressure developed at the at least one PF due to accumulation of the soot throughout volume of the at least one PF; a processor coupled to the sensor and the microwave generation unit, wherein the processor is configured to: switch ON the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined period of switching OFF the diesel engine when the soot pressure level reaches above a predetermined threshold value; and switch OFF the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined time period.

18. A method of regenerating at least one particulate filter (PF) of a Diesel Engine (DE), the method comprising: generating microwaves, by at least one microwave generation unit, based on interaction of stream of electrons with a magnetic field within the microwave generation unit; propagating the generated microwaves within a first hollow interior space of a waveguide structure to enter into at least one PF of the DE, wherein the waveguide coupled to the at least one microwave generation unit and wherein waveguide comprises a first member and a second member; entering the microwaves into at least one PF from the first hollow interior space to a second hollow interior space of at least one horn antenna to facilitate regeneration process of the at least one PF.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein regeneration process comprises: converting carbon soot accumulated on the at least one PF to an exhaust gas (CO2) through a spontaneous reaction of the carbon soot with ambient oxygen (O2) at a temperature range from 400-600° C developed by uniformly applying heat to the carbon soot through the microwaves; and escaping the exhaust gas from the at least one PF to the atmosphere to clean the at least one PF.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the escaping the exhaust gas comprising: simultaneously escaping the exhaust gas from each PF of the at least one PF to the outside environment.

21. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein exhaust gas is escaped through a plurality of perforations on the exterior surface of the second member of the waveguide and through a plurality of slots on the at least one outer wall of the at least one horn antenna.

22. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the escaping the exhaust gas comprising: 42 escaping the exhaust gas from the at least one PF in series manner, wherein exhaust gas is escaped through a plurality of slots on the at least one outer wall of the at least one horn antenna.

23. The method as claimed in clam 18, further comprising: sensing a soot pressure developed at the at least one PF due to the accumulation of the soot throughout volume of the at least one PF ; switching ON the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined period of switching OFF the diesel engine when the soot pressure level reaches above a first predetermined threshold value; and switching OFF the at least one microwave generation unit after a predetermined time period.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising adjusting flow rate of air to maintain escape flow of exhaust gas generated during the regeneration process to allow to the outside environment via the at least one horn antenna without reducing convection heat loss and to keep maintaining oxygen within the system for the regeneration of the at least one PF.