Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080288158 | CONTROL FOR KNOCK SUPPRESSION FLUID SEPARATOR IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - A fuel system for an engine of a vehicle and a method of operating the fuel system are described. As a non-limiting example, the fuel system includes a fuel tank; a fuel separator configured to separate a fuel mixture received at an inlet into a first separated fuel at a first outlet and a second separated fuel at a second outlet, where the first separated fuel has a higher alcohol concentration than the second separated fuel; a first fuel return passage fluidly coupling a first separator outlet passage to the fuel tank via a first valve; a second fuel return passage fluidly coupling a second separator outlet passage to the fuel tank via a second valve; and a control system configured to operate the first and second fuel injector groups to deliver the first and second separated fuels to the engine in different ratios responsive to an operating condition. | 11-20-2008 |
20090070021 | Warm Up Strategy for Ethanol Direct Injection Plus Gasoline Port Fuel Injection - A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder of the engine; a first injector configured to inject a first substance to said cylinder; a second injector configured to inject a second substance to said cylinder; and a controller configured to commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder, where said fuel is injected by only one of said first and second injectors during said start and/or warm-up. | 03-12-2009 |
20090178654 | Ethanol Separation Using Air from Turbo Compressor - In an apparatus comprising a fuel tank, an internal combustion engine, and a separator positioned fluidically between the fuel tank and the internal combustion engine, a method of operating the apparatus is disclosed, wherein the method comprises inputting a mixed fuel containing a hydrocarbon component and an oxygenated component into the separator, separating the fuel in the separator into a hydrocarbon-enriched fuel fraction and an oxygenated fuel component-enriched fuel fraction, and controlling an amount of the hydrocarbon-enriched fuel fraction and an amount of the oxygenated fuel component-enriched fuel fraction provided to the engine based upon an engine operating condition. | 07-16-2009 |
20090205889 | HYBRID VEHICLE SYSTEM HAVING ENGINE WITH VARIABLE VALVE OPERATION - A system for a vehicle, comprising of an internal combustion engine coupled in the vehicle, the engine having at least one cylinder with an intake and exhaust valve, where the opening and closing timing of the intake valve is adjustably retardable and the opening and closing timing of the exhaust valve is adjustably retardable, during engine operation, and an energy conversion device coupled in the vehicle capable of selectively supplying and absorbing torque during vehicle operation. | 08-20-2009 |
20090276142 | ENGINE VALVE OPERATION - Various approaches are described for operating an engine in a vehicle having variable valve operation for an intake and/or exhaust valve of the cylinder. In one example, a method comprises delivering a first fuel to a cylinder of the engine from a first injector; delivering a second fuel to the cylinder of the engine from a second injector, where a composition of at least one of the first or second fuels varies; and adjusting the variable valve operation responsive to the varying composition and further based on variation in the delivery of the first or second fuel. | 11-05-2009 |
20090277418 | ON-BOARD WATER ADDITION FOR FUEL SEPARATION SYSTEM - A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a membrane dividing the fuel tank into at least a first and second portion, the membrane preferentially diffusing a substance from a mixture, the substance having an increased knock suppression relative to the mixture, and a controller adjusting delivery of condensed water to the tank responsive to an operating condition. | 11-12-2009 |
20090282810 | ENGINE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE REGULATION - In one example, a method of operating an engine in a vehicle is described. The method comprises delivering a first substance to a cylinder of the engine from a first injector; delivering a second substance to the cylinder of the engine from a second injector, where the second substance has a greater heat of vaporization than the first substance; and increasing injection of the second substance responsive to an exhaust over-temperature condition. | 11-19-2009 |
20090292442 | APPROACH FOR ENHANCING EMISSIONS CONTROL DEVICE WARMUP IN A DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE SYSTEM - A method of controlling fuel supplied to an engine of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a first fuel storage tank to store a first type of fuel, a second fuel storage tank to store a second type of fuel, and an emissions control device. The engine includes at least one cylinder having a direct injection fuel injector being selectively supplied with the first type of fuel from the first fuel storage tank and the second type of fuel from the second fuel storage tank. The method includes supplying the first type of fuel from the first fuel storage tank to the direct injection fuel injector in response an engine start condition of the vehicle, and supplying the second type of fuel from the second fuel storage tank to the direct injection fuel injector, in response to an increase in engine output exceeding a threshold increase or a temperature of the emissions control device exceeding a threshold temperature. | 11-26-2009 |
20100012072 | REDUCING NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS IN A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A method for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having one or more deactivatable cylinders, the method including controlling the stability of a vehicle in response to vehicle acceleration, and reactivating or deactivating combustion in at least a cylinder in response to vehicle acceleration. | 01-21-2010 |
20100012099 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING FUEL VAPOR PURGING FOR AN ENGINE HAVING A COMPRESSOR - A system and method for storing and purging fuel vapors for an internal combustion engine comprising a compressor is presented. The system allows the canister to be purged even while the engine is operated at high engine load. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017096 | VEHICLE STABILITY AND SURGE CONTROL - In one example, a method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting dilution in the combustion chamber of the engine to reduce surge in response to the vehicle acceleration. The dilution may be adjusted by adjusting cam timing, for example. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017097 | FUEL BASED ENGINE OPERATION CONTROL - Methods are provided for operating an engine with a variable fuel blend in a cylinder, where the variable fuel blend varies a peak achievable engine torque for a given operating condition. One example method comprises selectively operating an engine actuator that affects engine torque and engine fuel economy at the given operating condition, and extending operation of the actuator to higher engine torques as a peak engine torque for the given operating condition increases. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017101 | VEHICLE SURGE AND SPARK TIMING CONTROL - A method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting spark timing in the combustion chamber of the engine in response to a knock indication, and further adjusting spark timing in response to the vehicle acceleration to reduce surge. | 01-21-2010 |
20100024772 | FUEL SYSTEM FOR MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - A fuel system and a method of operation of the fuel system are described in the context of a multi-fuel internal combustion engine. As a non-limiting example, the method includes: varying a composition of fuel supplied to an inlet of a fuel pump responsive to engine output; operating the fuel pump to provide pressurized fuel at an outlet of the fuel pump using the fuel received at the inlet of the fuel pump; supplying the pressurized fuel from the outlet of the fuel pump to the internal combustion engine and to a fuel separator; and varying a proportion of the pressurized fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine relative to the fuel separator responsive to the engine output. | 02-04-2010 |
20100170460 | ENGINE VALVE DURATION CONTROL - Systems and methods for controlling air flow in an engine including a turbocharger are provided. One example method includes during a first operating range, operating the engine with a first exhaust valve duration at a first exhaust valve timing, during a second operating range, operating the engine with a second exhaust valve duration at a second timing, and during a third operating range, operating the engine with the first exhaust valve duration at a third timing, where engine load of the second operating range is higher than engine load of the first operating range, which in turn is higher than engine load of the third operating range, and where the first exhaust valve duration is longer than the second exhaust valve duration, and where the first timing is retarded to a greater extent than either of the second and third timings. | 07-08-2010 |
20100217503 | APPROACH FOR ENHANCING EMISSIONS CONTROL DEVICE WARMUP IN A DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE SYSTEM - A method of controlling fuel supplied to an engine of a vehicle is provided. The method may improve engine starting during cold operating conditions. In one example, the type of fuel injected to the engine is changed in response to operating conditions. | 08-26-2010 |
20100224167 | Warm Up Strategy for Ethanol Direct Injection Plus Gasoline Port Fuel Injection - A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder of the engine; a first injector configured to inject a first substance to said cylinder; a second injector configured to inject a second substance to said cylinder; and a controller configured to commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder, where said fuel is injected by only one of said first and second injectors during said start and/or warm-up. | 09-09-2010 |
20100263636 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING FUEL VAPOR PURGING FOR AN ENGINE HAVING A COMPRESSOR - A system and method for storing and purging fuel vapors for an internal combustion engine comprising a compressor is presented. The system allows the canister to be purged even while the engine is operated at high engine load. | 10-21-2010 |
20100300781 | Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle - A vehicle propulsion system and a method of its operation are described. As one example, the vehicle propulsion system includes a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The method may include starting the engine responsive to different criteria, including criteria related to potential degradation effects that may occur due to excessive durations of engine off vehicle operation. | 12-02-2010 |
20100313847 | VEHICLE STABILITY AND SURGE CONTROL - In one example, a method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting dilution in the combustion chamber of the engine to reduce surge in response to the vehicle acceleration. The dilution may be adjusted by adjusting cam timing, for example. | 12-16-2010 |
20110072838 | ON-BOARD WATER ADDITION FOR FUEL SEPARATION SYSTEM - A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a membrane dividing the fuel tank into at least a first and second portion, the membrane preferentially diffusing a substance from a mixture, the substance having an increased knock suppression relative to the mixture, and a controller adjusting delivery of condensed water to the tank responsive to an operating condition. | 03-31-2011 |
20110132283 | Ignition Control for Reformate Engine - During operation of a spark ignition engine, an ignition system produces an output (e.g., breakdown voltage, peak secondary coil current, and spark duration) used to combust a charge (e.g., mixture of air and fuel) in an engine cylinder. Ignition output is important to consider in engines including a second fuel with high ignitability, for example in engines with a fuel reformer system. Example methods, devices and systems are included for adjusting ignition output. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132284 | Method for Operating an Engine with Variable Charge Density - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH | 06-09-2011 |
20110132286 | Method for Operating a Charge Diluted Engine - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH | 06-09-2011 |
20110132287 | Pump Control for Reformate Fuel Storage Tank - Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132290 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL REFORMER - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132306 | Method for Operating an Engine with a Fuel Reformer - Methods for operating a flexible fuel engine with a fuel reformer which reforms a fuel into a gaseous fuel reformate are provided. Operating parameters of the fuel reformer and delivery of reformate to the engine are adjusted based on an alcohol content of the fuel. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132323 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING TRANSIENT ENGINE OPERATION - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The mixture of an engine cylinder may be diluted with EGR and a fraction of gaseous fuel may be increased relative to a fraction of liquid fuel injected to a cylinder in response to an operator tip-out. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132326 | Reformate Control via Accelerometer - Engine surge includes oscillations in engine torque resulting in bucking or jerking motion of a vehicle that may degrade driver experience. The present application relates to increasing reformate entering an example engine cylinder in response to engine surge. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137470 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE REFUELING - Methods and systems are provided for facilitating refueling operations in vehicles operating with multiple fuels. A vehicle operator may be assisted in refueling the multiple fuel tanks of the vehicle by being provided one or more refueling profiles that take into account the vehicle's future trip plans, the predicted environmental conditions along a planned route, and the operator's preferences. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137537 | OPERATING AN ENGINE WITH REFORMATE - The present description relates to operation and control of a fuel reformer. In one embodiment, an engine constituent is adjusted in response to limiting an amount of reformate supplied to the engine during a condition of reformer degradation. The approach can improve engine operation. | 06-09-2011 |
20110138774 | INTAKE AIR HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Intake air heating and exhaust cooling is provided by a double wall exhaust system serving as an exhaust-to-air heat exchanger, sourcing hot air to the intake manifold for intake stroke pumping benefit and cooling the exhaust system during high load operation by routing excess boost air through an interstitial space of the double wall. | 06-16-2011 |
20110138807 | EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY FOR ENGINE HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst. | 06-16-2011 |
20110174263 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 07-21-2011 |
20110174267 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fluid usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 07-21-2011 |
20110174268 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a knock control fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, and CMCV, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 07-21-2011 |
20110247574 | Reformate Control via Accelerometer - Engine surge includes oscillations in engine torque resulting in bucking or jerking motion of a vehicle that may degrade driver experience. The present application relates to increasing reformate entering an example engine cylinder in response to engine surge. | 10-13-2011 |
20110253072 | Pump Control for Reformate Fuel Storage Tank - Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system. | 10-20-2011 |
20110296815 | INTAKE AIR HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Intake air heating and exhaust cooling is provided by a double wall exhaust system serving as an exhaust-to-air heat exchanger, sourcing hot air to the intake manifold for intake stroke pumping benefit and cooling the exhaust system during high load operation by routing excess boost air through an interstitial space of the double wall. | 12-08-2011 |
20120024262 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a knock control fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, and CMCV, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 02-02-2012 |
20120024269 | FUEL BASED ENGINE OPERATION CONTROL - Methods are provided for operating an engine with a variable fuel blend in a cylinder, where the variable fuel blend varies a peak achievable engine torque for a given operating condition. One example method comprises selectively operating an engine actuator that affects engine torque and engine fuel economy at the given operating condition, and extending operation of the actuator to higher engine torques as a peak engine torque for the given operating condition increases. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029795 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 02-02-2012 |
20120067033 | ON-BOARD WATER ADDITION FOR FUEL SEPARATION SYSTEM - A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a membrane dividing the fuel tank into at least a first and second portion, the membrane preferentially diffusing a substance from a mixture, the substance having an increased knock suppression relative to the mixture, and a controller adjusting delivery of condensed water to the tank responsive to an operating condition. | 03-22-2012 |
20120102925 | ENGINE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE REGULATION - In one example, a method of operating an engine in a vehicle is described. The method comprises delivering a first substance to a cylinder of the engine from a first injector; delivering a second substance to the cylinder of the engine from a second injector, where the second substance has a greater heat of vaporization than the first substance; and increasing injection of the second substance responsive to an exhaust over-temperature condition. | 05-03-2012 |
20120110995 | EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY FOR ENGINE HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst. | 05-10-2012 |
20120111304 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fluid usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 05-10-2012 |
20120123635 | POWERTRAIN THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A DRY-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling a flow regulator, such as a diverter valve, that is configured to guide air through a transmission housing before entering an engine intake manifold. In certain arrangements, the flow regulator operates according to predetermined conditions, e.g., meeting an engine intake manifold air temperature threshold. | 05-17-2012 |
20120130621 | Reformate Control via Accelerometer - Engine surge includes oscillations in engine torque resulting in bucking or jerking motion of a vehicle that may degrade driver experience. The present application relates to increasing reformate entering an example engine cylinder in response to engine surge. | 05-24-2012 |
20120158272 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a knock control fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, and CMCV, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 06-21-2012 |
20120191316 | REDUCING NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS IN A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A method for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having one or more deactivatable cylinders, the method including controlling the stability of a vehicle in response to vehicle acceleration, and reactivating or deactivating combustion in at least a cylinder in response to vehicle acceleration. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191324 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING TRANSIENT ENGINE OPERATION - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The mixture of an engine cylinder may be diluted with EGR and a fraction of gaseous fuel may be increased relative to a fraction of liquid fuel injected to a cylinder in response to an operator tip-out. | 07-26-2012 |
20120226404 | Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle - A vehicle propulsion system and a method of its operation are described. As one example, the vehicle propulsion system includes a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The method may include starting the engine responsive to different criteria, including criteria related to potential degradation effects that may occur due to excessive durations of engine off vehicle operation. | 09-06-2012 |
20120239277 | FUEL BASED ENGINE OPERATION CONTROL - Methods are provided for operating an engine with a variable fuel blend in a cylinder, where the variable fuel blend varies a peak achievable engine torque for a given operating condition. One example method comprises selectively operating an engine actuator that affects engine torque and engine fuel economy at the given operating condition, and extending operation of the actuator to higher engine torques as a peak engine torque for the given operating condition increases. | 09-20-2012 |
20120240872 | Ignition Control for Reformate Engine - During operation of a spark ignition engine, an ignition system produces an output (e.g., breakdown voltage, peak secondary coil current, and spark duration) used to combust a charge (e.g., mixture of air and fuel) in an engine cylinder. Ignition output is important to consider in engines including a second fuel with high ignitability, for example in engines with a fuel reformer system. Example methods, devices and systems are included for adjusting ignition output. | 09-27-2012 |
20120303235 | VEHICLE SURGE AND SPARK TIMING CONTROL - A method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting spark timing in the combustion chamber of the engine in response to a knock indication, and further adjusting spark timing in response to the vehicle acceleration to reduce surge. | 11-29-2012 |
20120312255 | OPERATING AN ENGINE WITH REFORMATE - The present description relates to operation and control of a fuel reformer. In one embodiment, an engine constituent is adjusted in response to limiting an amount of reformate supplied to the engine during a condition of reformer degradation. The approach can improve engine operation. In this way, consequences of reformate system degradation may be reduced by limiting use of the reformate system after degradation is detected. | 12-13-2012 |
20130000570 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL REFORMER - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank. | 01-03-2013 |
20130008410 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fluid usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013183 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE REFUELING - Methods and systems are provided for facilitating refueling operations in vehicles operating with multiple fuels. A vehicle operator may be assisted in refueling the multiple fuel tanks of the vehicle by being provided one or more refueling profiles that take into account the vehicle's future trip plans, the predicted environmental conditions along a planned route, and the operator's preferences. | 01-10-2013 |
20130066535 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SAMPLING INTAKE MANIFOLD PRESSURE - An engine system and method for improving sampling of a port throttle pressure sensor. In one example, the port throttle pressure sensor is sampled a plurality of times during a cylinder cycle and different engine operating conditions are determined from selected samples. The system and method may improve engine air-fuel control as well as engine diagnostics. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066539 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, engine port throttles are adjusted differently during automatic and operator initiated engine starts. The system and method may improve engine torque control during an engine start. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066540 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING PORT THROTTLES - An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, two engine cylinder port throttles are adjusted differently during engine starting. The system and method may improve engine torque control during an engine start. | 03-14-2013 |
20130091844 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN ENGINE - Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092125 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING AIRFLOW THROUGH A THROTTLE TURBINE GENERATOR - Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092126 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A THROTTLE TURBINE GENERATOR - Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator. | 04-18-2013 |
20130111901 | PULSATION ABSORPTION SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - A pulsation absorption system for a turbocharged engine is provided herein. The pulsation absorption system includes a pulsation absorption device coupled to an air passage at a position between a compressor and a turbine, wherein the pulsation absorption device is configured to selectively increase a volume of the air passage. In this way, it is possible to reduce surge while limiting increase in turbo lag. | 05-09-2013 |
20130118165 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 05-16-2013 |
20130152903 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, engine port throttles are adjusted to improve fuel vaporization of a fuel that includes alcohol. The system and method may improve engine starting and emissions. | 06-20-2013 |
20130167804 | ON-BOARD WATER ADDITION FOR FUEL SEPARATION SYSTEM - A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a membrane dividing the fuel tank into at least a first and second portion, the membrane preferentially diffusing a substance from a mixture, the substance having an increased knock suppression relative to the mixture, and a controller adjusting delivery of condensed water to the tank responsive to an operating condition. | 07-04-2013 |
20130180502 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a knock control fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, and CMCV, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 07-18-2013 |
20130218438 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE DILUTION CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine dilution control. One or more engine diluents are combined to provide a desired engine dilution, the various diluents selected based on their respective combustion stability limits. A ratio of the various diluents used is further adjusted based on engine operating limitations. | 08-22-2013 |
20130233287 | VENTURI FOR VAPOR PURGE - Systems and methods for an engine comprising a venturi coupled in an intake of the engine are provided. In one example approach, a method of controlling operation of an engine having a fuel vapor purging system comprises: directing intake air through a first throttle and a venturi disposed in a bypass conduit coupled around an intake of the engine upstream and downstream of a second throttle disposed in the intake; and in response to an operating condition, delivering fuel vapor flow from the fuel vapor purging system to an inlet of the venturi. | 09-12-2013 |
20130239930 | DUAL CRANKSHAFT ENGINE - A dual-crankshaft engine is presented. In one embodiment, the engine includes a first crankshaft and a second crankshaft. The second crankshaft is coupled with the first crankshaft such that the first crankshaft and the second crankshaft are horizontally coplanar. The engine further includes a first piston that is operable to reciprocate in a first horizontal cylinder via coupling with the first crankshaft, and a second piston that is operable to reciprocate in a second horizontal cylinder via coupling with the second crankshaft. The second horizontal cylinder is horizontally collinear with and opposing the first horizontal cylinder. | 09-19-2013 |
20130276756 | REDUCING INTAKE MANIFOLD PRESSURE DURING CRANKING - Embodiments for starting an engine are provided. In one embodiment, an engine control method comprises, during engine cranking, commencing fuel injection when intake manifold pressure drops below a threshold, the threshold based on fuel volatility. In this way, the stability of engine starts using low volatility fuels may be increased. | 10-24-2013 |
20130284145 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 10-31-2013 |
20130318966 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING ENGINE THROTTLES - An engine system and method for operating an engine including a central throttle and a port throttle is disclosed. In one example, the central throttle and port throttle are adjusted to improve air flow distribution to engine cylinders. The system and method may be particularly beneficial for turbocharged engines. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319371 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING ENGINE THROTTLES - An engine system and method for operating an engine including a central throttle and a port throttle is disclosed. In one example, the central throttle and port throttle are adjusted to improve transitions between throttle control modes. The approach may be particularly beneficial for turbocharged engines. | 12-05-2013 |
20140034013 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a knock control fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, and CMCV, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039781 | NOX CONTROL DURING ENGINE IDLE-STOP OPERATIONS - Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated. | 02-06-2014 |
20140069080 | CATALYST HEATING WITH EXHAUST BACK-PRESSURE - Embodiments for controlling an exhaust back-pressure valve are provided. In one example, a method for operating an engine comprises closing an exhaust back-pressure valve in response to a component temperature, and adjusting intake and/or exhaust valve operation in response to closing the exhaust back-pressure valve to reduce cylinder internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In this way, combustion stability may be maintained while the exhaust back-pressure valve is closed. | 03-13-2014 |
20140069380 | CATALYST HEATING WITH EXHAUST BACK-PRESSURE - Embodiments for controlling an exhaust back-pressure valve are provided. In one example, a method for operating an engine comprises closing an exhaust back-pressure valve in response to a component temperature, adjusting intake and/or exhaust valve operation in response to closing the exhaust back-pressure valve to reduce cylinder internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and while the exhaust back-pressure valve is closing, indicating degradation of an exhaust back-pressure system if a designated engine operating parameter remains constant. In this way, degradation of the exhaust back-pressure system may be diagnosed while maintaining combustion stability. | 03-13-2014 |
20140144125 | SCR CATALYST DIAGNOSTICS - In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises operating the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating rich, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating lean, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with the upstream exhaust sensor indicating rich and the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors each indicating lean, and indicating degradation of an SCR catalyst based on when the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors switch from lean to rich. | 05-29-2014 |
20140157775 | EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY FOR ENGINE HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst. | 06-12-2014 |
20140158096 | INTERCOOLER CONDENSATE TO SUMP OR POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION FLOW - Methods and systems are provided for removing condensate from a charge air cooler. Condensate may be drained from the charge air cooler and introduced into a positive crankcase ventilation flow or an engine oil sump. Introducing condensate into the engine oil sump may be controlled based on conditions of the engine oil sump and stored condensate. | 06-12-2014 |
20140196454 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CATALYST TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR. | 07-17-2014 |
20140196699 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VACUUM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR. | 07-17-2014 |
20140202434 | LIQUID INJECTION FOR SCAVENGING - Methods are provided for controlling an engine. One method may include boosting engine intake air to a cylinder; and injecting an amount of a scavenging fluid into the cylinder based on an amount of cylinder residual exhaust gas. A scavenging fluid, such as water or windshield washer fluid evaporates on contact with the hot exhaust gases and hot metal components and the expanded volume of the vapor displaces the residual exhaust gas, thereby improving engine scavenging. | 07-24-2014 |
20140244136 | REDUCING ENGINE MISFIRE DUE TO CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATE USING IN-CYLINDER ENRICHMENT AND A POSITIVE VALVE OVERLAP - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting combustion parameters to increase combustion stability during conditions when condensate formed in a charge air cooler may enter cylinders of an engine. In response to increased mass air flow and a condensate level in the charge air cooler, the engine may combust a rich air-fuel ratio while increasing a positive valve overlap. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249732 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN ENGINE - Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator. | 09-04-2014 |
20140261301 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VACUUM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a fuel injection split between a direct injection and a port injection based on engine vacuum demand. When more intake manifold vacuum is required, relatively more direct injection is used to take advantage of the associated throttling for generating vacuum. The vacuum may then be used for canister purging, crankcase ventilation, or actuating an engine vacuum consumption device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140288809 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING PORT THROTTLES - An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, two engine cylinder port throttles are adjusted differently during engine starting. The system and method may improve engine torque control during an engine start. | 09-25-2014 |
20140303878 | REDUCING ENRICHMENT DUE TO MINIMUM PULSE WIDTH CONSTRAINT - Methods and systems are provided for maintaining stoichiometry of an exhaust gas during operation of a fuel injector at a threshold pulse width. In response to operation of a fuel injector at the threshold pulse width and a rich exhaust gas air-fuel ratio, airflow is increased to the intake manifold. Engine actuators may also be adjusted to maintain torque during the increased airflow while operating the fuel injectors at the threshold pulse width. | 10-09-2014 |
20140311443 | ENGINE CONTROL FOR CATALYST REGENERATION - Methods and systems are provided for injecting water during an engine cylinder deactivation event so as to reduce an exhaust catalyst regeneration requirement following the cylinder deactivation. In one example, water is injected at one or more deactivated engine cylinders to reduce oxidation of the exhaust catalyst. Then, during engine cylinder reactivation, a degree of richness of a combustion air-to-fuel ratio may be reduced to decrease fuel penalty to the engine while reducing NOx emission. | 10-23-2014 |
20140366508 | WATER INJECTION FOR CATALYST OXYGEN REDUCTION AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL DURING TRANSIENT EVENTS - Methods and systems are provided for injecting water based on duration of cylinder deactivation, and exhaust catalyst temperature during an engine cylinder deactivation event so as to reduce an exhaust catalyst regeneration requirement following the cylinder deactivation, and to prevent catalyst degradation. | 12-18-2014 |
20150027107 | NOX CONTROL DURING ENGINE IDLE-STOP OPERATIONS - Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated. | 01-29-2015 |
20150052876 | OCTANE SEPARATION SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD - An engine method, comprising delivering high octane fuel to a high octane fuel tank and delivering low octane fuel to a low octane fuel tank and injecting atmospheric air into an exhaust system for secondary air injection in response to delivering low octane fuel to an engine. | 02-26-2015 |
20150052877 | OCTANE SEPARATION SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD - An engine system, comprising an externally filled fuel tank with an external fill port; a separator for separation of fuel based on octane level, the separator having a high octane outlet and a low octane outlet; a secondary fuel tank with an amount of fuel located therein and a return line, the secondary fuel tank fluidically coupled to the low octane outlet of the separator and the return line fluidically coupling the externally filled fuel tank to the high octane outlet of the separator or the secondary fuel tank fluidically coupled to the high octane outlet of the separator and the return line fluidically coupling the externally filled fuel tank to the low octane outlet of the separator. | 02-26-2015 |
20150053189 | OCTANE SEPARATION SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD - An engine method, comprising delivering fuel with an octane level above a threshold to a first fuel tank and delivering fuel with an octane level below a threshold to a second fuel tank; monitoring a staleness of fuel within first fuel tank and the second fuel tank; delivering fuel with an octane level above the threshold to an engine in response to the staleness of fuel of the first fuel tank; and delivering fuel with an octane level below the threshold to the engine in response the staleness of fuel of the second fuel tank. | 02-26-2015 |
20150059700 | VAPOR PURGING OCTANE SEPARATION SYSTEM - A method for controlling an engine supplied with multiple fuels in which the vapor purge flow into the engine from multiple vapor storage devices each coupled to a respective, but equal number of multiple fuel tanks controlled to have the same proportion of total vapors purged as a proportion of liquid fuel delivered to the engine from said respective one of the said multiple fuel tanks. The method includes increasing the delivery of fuel from one of the multiple fuel tanks containing fuel with the highest-octane rating of all the fuel tanks when the vapor storage canister coupled to the fuel tank with the highest-octane fuel is not being purged of its fuel vapors. Additionally, the method further comprises a feedback control responsive to an exhaust gas oxygen sensor to adjust said fuel delivered from said multiple fuel tanks to the engine to maintain engine air-fuel ratio around stoichiometry. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066332 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENGINE CONTROL BASED ON ENGINE OIL VISCOSITY - A method, comprising: setting an engine intake airflow parameter based on an engine oil viscosity index. In this way, engine operating conditions that depend on engine friction and engine intake airflow, such as engine idling speed and engine friction torque, may be determined and implemented with an increased consistency. This in turn may decrease the possibility of engine stalls and improve engine performance, particularly at low temperatures. | 03-05-2015 |
20150073933 | VEHICLE POWERTRAIN SELECTOR - Vehicle data concerning characteristics of one or more types of vehicle is obtained. Vehicle usage data concerning operation of one or more vehicles is also obtained. A value is predicted for at least one datum for at least one characteristic of the type of vehicle for the user. The at least one datum is used to generate at least one powertrain recommendation for at least one type of vehicle. | 03-12-2015 |
20150075941 | TRANSMISSION WITH DURABILITY ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES - The present disclosure relates to durability enhancement techniques for a dry-clutch vehicle transmission. A cooling system that provides a direct convective cooling path to friction surfaces is disclosed. Also disclosed is a continuously variable clutch wear compensation assembly configured to adjust the position of clutch assembly components on-demand or as needed. | 03-19-2015 |
20150083080 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING ENGINE SPARK TIMING - Systems and methods for providing spark to an engine are described. In one example, engine knock limited spark timing is expressed as a straight line that is determined in response to engine knock, spark timing, and engine load. The method and system described herein may be performed without extensive engine calibration and mapping. | 03-26-2015 |
20150083086 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, engine port throttles are adjusted to improve fuel vaporization of a fuel that includes alcohol. The system and method may improve engine starting and emissions. | 03-26-2015 |