december2023 - 34

GUE ST EDITORIA L
through continuous monitoring of aftertreatment
sensors. By focusing on parameters such
as DEF fluid level, DPF soot level, and regeneration
status, fleets can proactively manage
DPF maintenance. This approach allows
for early detection of issues, providing fleet
managers and technicians with a strategic
window of opportunity for intervention before
derate events occur.
DPF regeneration modes
In order to achieve predictive maintenance
instead of reactive maintenance, it is crucial
to understand the intricacies of DPF regeneration
modes. These modes include passive
regeneration, active regeneration, parked
regeneration, and forced regeneration. By
leveraging data from these modes, aftertreatment
systems can track and predict the
need for regeneration events, offering valuable
insight into the overall condition of the
system and forming the basis of aftertreatment
system tracking.
With aftertreatment sensors, we can track
103146841 Peshkova | Dreamstime
Impact of predictive analytics
on DPF maintenance
By pairing predictive analytics with various DPF regeneration
modes, fleets can anticipate and respond to aftertreatment
issues before they're left with a derated vehicle.
In the pursuit of operational efficiency and
reduced downtime, forward-thinking fleets
are increasingly turning to the power of data
and predictive analytics. One crucial component
fleets monitor is the same that most say
is the biggest source of issues on the road: the
diesel particulate filter (DPF).
In a recent Pitstop survey taken by 200+ fleet
professionals, 51% pointed to the DPF or diesel
exhaust fluid as the main causes of breakdowns
in their fleets. But leveraging predictive
analytics can help fleets better understand and
anticipate issues related to DPFs, such as soot
buildup. With this technology, fleets can not
only streamline maintenance processes but
also enhance overall performance and adhere
to environmental regulations.
By Jessica Kim
HEAD OF MARKETING AND REVENUE OPERATIONS,
PITSTOP
Jessica is the head of Marketing and Revenue Operations
at Pitstop, an AI-powered predictive maintenance software
that harnesses available vehicle data to curb rising
maintenance expenses and enable data-driven decisions
to improve overall operation efficiency.
DPFs and predictive
maintenance
Diesel vehicles equipped with aftertreatment
systems face challenges related to the DPF,
which captures soot emitted by the engine.
To prevent clogging, the system must undergo
periodic regeneration to burn off the soot.
When soot levels exceed predefined thresholds,
vehicles enter a state of " derate. " That
leads to reduced power output, compromised
performance, and increased fuel consumption.
Beyond these operational challenges,
derates can result in longer routes, diminished
productivity, elevated maintenance costs, and
potential breakdowns.
The key to mitigating these challenges lies
in predicting and preventing derate events
34 Fleet Maintenance | December 2023
active regenerations and predict if and when
one will be necessary. We can also monitor the
success of completed active regenerations and
incomplete active regenerations, which signal
a worsening state of the DPF. Additionally,
active regeneration tracking data forecasts the
need for parked regeneration and its potential
for success.
Finally, combining aftertreatment sensors,
active and parked regeneration tracking, and
fault code information lets fleet managers
predict the likelihood of a vehicle derate and
the ensuing forced regeneration.
Proactive alerts and
intervention
To avoid derates and forced regens, fleets can
use predictive analytics and timely alerts so
that both managers and technicians can anticipate
potential derate events. This advanced
warning system empowers proactive maintenance
measures within a 24- to 72-hour
window, minimizing the impact of derates
on operational efficiency. Fleet stakeholders
can also address issues before they escalate,
resulting in improved efficiency, reduced
breakdowns, and better control over operational
costs.
Beyond addressing DPF concerns,
this
strategy can apply to several vehicle components
throughout the entire vehicle life cycle.
By adopting a holistic perspective, fleets can
enhance overall performance and foster efficiency,
safety, and profitability.
The integration of predictive analytics into
fleet maintenance represents a paradigm
shift in addressing real-world challenges in
the transportation industry. By focusing on
the predictive maintenance of DPFs, fleets can
navigate this evolving landscape and utilize
these strategies throughout their vehicle for
increased uptime.
december2023

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