Method for activation of the regeneration of a particulate filter based on an estimate of the quantity of particulate accumulated in the particulate filter

Abstract

Method for activation of the regeneration of a particulate filter for a motor vehicle engine, comprising the steps of calculating an estimated value (x) of a quantity of particulate accumulated in the particulate filter; comparing () the estimated value (x) with a threshold value (m) corresponding to a predetermined maximum quantity of particulate; and activating the regeneration () if the estimated value (x) exceeds the threshold value (m). The step of calculating an estimated value (x) comprises the steps of estimating a first quantity of particulate (x) accumulated in the particulate filter by means of a statistical model () based on experimental data; estimating a second quantity of particulate (x) accumulated in the particulate filter by means of a physical model () using physical quantities measured; determining a field of admissibility on the basis of the first quantity of particulate (x); comparing the estimated value (x) with the second quantity of particulate (x) if the second quantity of particulate (x) is within the field of admissibility; and limiting the estimated value (x) if the second quantity of particulate (x) is outside the field of admissibility.