Regeneration systems and methods for particulate filters using virtual brick temperature sensors

A regeneration system comprising:

• a temperature sensor that measures an outlet temperature of an exhaust gas downstream of a particulate filter;
• a temperature estimation module that estimates a highest temperature of the particulate filter based on the outlet temperature but not based on an inlet temperature of the exhaust gas upstream of the particulate filter, and further based on an exhaust mass flow rate, a brick mass of a catalyst brick of the particulate filter, a specific heat of the catalyst brick, a specific heat of the exhaust gas, and a heat transfer area between the exhaust gas and the particulate filter;
• and
• an exhaust condition adjustment module that controls regeneration based on the highest temperature of the particulate filter.

A method of regenerating a particulate filter comprising:

• measuring an outlet temperature of an exhaust gas downstream of the particulate filter;
• estimating a highest temperature of the particulate filter based on the outlet temperature but not based on an inlet temperature of the exhaust gas upstream of the particulate filter, and further based on an exhaust mass flow rate, a brick mass of a catalyst brick of the particulate filter, a specific heat of the catalyst brick, a specific heat of the exhaust gas, and a heat transfer area between the exhaust gas and the particulate filter;
• and
• controlling regeneration of the particulate filter based on the estimated highest temperature.