| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080196695 | EVENT-BASED DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE STARTING WITH A VARIABLE NUMBER OF INJECTIONS - A method for starting an internal combustion engine having direct fuel injection into a cylinder, comprising of only for a first combustion event under selected conditions during an engine start, directly injecting fuel to the cylinder at least twice, where each of said two injections at least partially occur during a compression stroke. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080223338 | System and Method for Exhaust Heat Generation Using Electrically Actuated Cylinder Valves and Variable Stroke Combustion Cycles - A method for operating an engine having at least a first and second cylinder, comprising operating the first cylinder with a spark timing more retarded than a spark timing of a second cylinder; and operating one of said first cylinder and second cylinders with a first number of strokes per cycle different from other cylinders of the engine for at least one combustion cycle, wherein said first cylinder operates with valve timing different from said second cylinder. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080276904 | Differential Torque Operation for Internal Combustion Engine - A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders including at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the method comprising firing the first cylinder and the second cylinder in an alternating sequence; during a first mode, adjusting an operating parameter of the engine to produce a first difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; during a second mode, adjusting the operating parameter of the engine to produce a second difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; and performing the first mode at a higher engine speed than the second mode; wherein the first difference is greater than the second difference. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080289318 | Low Temperature Emission Control - A method of controlling an engine having a lean NOx trap in the exhaust is described. The method comprises during a first mode, at a first temperature, storing NOx at a lean condition and then purging stored NOx from the NOx trap at a rich condition without concurrently supplying oxygen to the trap during the purging and during a second mode, at a second, lower temperature, storing NOx at a lean condition and then purging stored NOx from the NOx, where an exothermic reaction is generated to temporarily raise the temperature of the trap by supplying oxygen and reductants with an overall rich mixture to the trap during the purging. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090107142 | Compression System for Internal Combustion Engine Including a Rotationally Uncoupled Exhaust Gas Turbine - As one example, a vehicle propulsion system is provided. The system includes: an internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder; an intake valve operable to selectively admit at least intake air to the cylinder; an exhaust valve operable to selectively exhaust products of combustion from the cylinder; an intake air compressor communicating with the cylinder via the intake valve; an exhaust gas turbine communicating with the cylinder via the exhaust valve; and a control system configured to operate the compressor at a different speed than the turbine, at least under an operating condition, and to adjust an amount of opening overlap between the intake valve and the exhaust valve in response to a rotational speed of the compressor. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090107455 | Engine Idle Speed and Turbocharger Speed Control - Various methods are described for controlling engine operation for an engine having a turbocharger and direction injection. One example method includes performing at least a first and second injection during a cylinder cycle, the first injection generating a lean combustion and the second injection injected after combustion such that it exits the cylinder unburned into the exhaust upstream of a turbine of the turbocharger; and adjusting at least the first injection based on engine speed, where the at least first and second injection are performed responsive to turbocharger speed. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090107456 | ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND TURBOCHARGER SPEED CONTROL - Various methods are described for controlling engine operation for an engine having a turbocharger and direction injection. One example method includes performing at least a first and second injection in response to a driver action. The first and second injection may be performed during a cylinder cycle, the first injection generating a lean combustion and the second injection injected after combustion such that it exits the cylinder unburned into the exhaust upstream of a turbine of the turbocharger. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090107458 | DIFFERENTIAL TORQUE OPERATION FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders including at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the method comprising firing the first cylinder and the second cylinder in an alternating sequence; during a first mode, adjusting an operating parameter of the engine to produce a first difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; during a second mode, adjusting the operating parameter of the engine to produce a second difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; and performing the first mode at a higher engine speed than the second mode; wherein the first difference is greater than the second difference. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090126352 | EMISSION CONTROL DEVICE - A system comprising an engine having a first and second bank of cylinders, said first bank having a first and second group of cylinders, said second bank having a third and fourth group of cylinders; a first emission control device coupled to said first and second group for treating gasses from said first and second group separately; a second emission control device coupled to said third and fourth group for treating gasses from said third and fourth group separately; and a controller for operating said first and third group about stoichiometry and said second and fourth group to pump air without injected fuel. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090182488 | Temperature Sensor Diagnostics - A system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle includes an emission control device in an exhaust stream of the engine; an exhaust gas oxygen sensor coupled upstream of the emission control device; a temperature sensor coupled adjacent the emission control device; and a controller coupled to the exhaust gas oxygen sensor and the temperature sensor, the controller identifying degradation of the temperature sensor responsive to the exhaust gas oxygen sensor during lean operation, where the controller operates the exhaust gas oxygen sensor in a temperature sensing mode to identify the degradation of the temperature sensor. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090271090 | SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SELECTING FUEL TYPE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CAPABLE OF COMBUSTING A PLURALITY OF FUEL TYPES - A system and method for improving fuel usage of a dual fuel engine is described. Fuel type is delivered to engine cylinders in response to operating conditions. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090276141 | Feed-Forward Control in a Fuel Delivery System & Leak Detection Diagnostics - A method for operating a fuel delivery system with a first pressure pump fluidly coupled to a second higher pressure pump and a fuel rail including adjusting pump operation of at least one of the first and second pumps during engine starting, the variation based on engine starting conditions. When the pressure rise during the start is correlated to an expected response, further adjusting pump operation based on measured fuel pressure, and when pressure rise during the start is less than the expected response, further adjusting pump operation independent from measured fuel pressure. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090277434 | CONTROL STRATEGY FOR MULTI-STROKE ENGINE SYSTEM - An engine system and a method of operation are described. As one example, the method may include: during a first operating condition, operating a cylinder of the engine in a two stroke cycle to combust a first mixture of air and fuel, and adjusting an opening overlap between an intake poppet valve and an exhaust poppet valve of the cylinder to vary a composition of exhaust gases exhausted by the cylinder via the exhaust poppet valve; and during a second operating condition, operating a cylinder of the engine in a four stroke cycle to combust a second mixture of air and fuel, and adjusting a relative amount of fuel contained in the second mixture of air and fuel to vary the composition of exhaust gases exhausted by the cylinder via the exhaust poppet valve. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090325756 | MULTI-STROKE HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM - A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle and method of operation are described. The hybrid propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine that may be operated in a multi-stroke mode, whereby the engine may be selectively operated in one of a two stroke cycle and a four stroke cycle depending on operating conditions. As one example, the two stroke cycle may be utilized to provide increased engine torque when a recharging operation of the on-board energy storage device is requested. In some examples, a transition from the four stroke cycle to the two stroke cycle may be performed while maintaining the transmission in the previously selected gear ratio in response to a requested increase in charging or a requested increase in wheel torque as requested by the vehicle operator. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325761 | TRANSMISSION SCHEDULING FOR MULTI-STROKE ENGINE - A multi-mode internal combustion engine is described. As one example, the engine may be transitioned between a two stroke mode and a four stroke mode in coordination with a transmission shift by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios. Under select conditions, the number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle may be reduced while shifting the transmission from a higher gear ratio to a lower gear ratio. Under other conditions, the number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle may be increased while shifting the transmission from a lower gear ratio to a higher gear ratio. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325764 | TRANSMISSION SCHEDULING FOR MULTI-STROKE ENGINE - A multi-mode internal combustion engine is described. As one example, the engine may be transitioned between a two stroke mode and a four stroke mode in coordination with a transmission shift by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios. Under select conditions, the number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle may be reduced while shifting the transmission from a higher gear ratio to a lower gear ratio. Under other conditions, the number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle may be increased while shifting the transmission from a lower gear ratio to a higher gear ratio. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100011753 | ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAVING A THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND A HEAT PIPE - Systems and methods for converting engine heat energy to electricity using a thermoelectric conversion device are provided herein. One example system may include an engine heat source, a thermoelectric conversion device for converting heat into electricity, and a heat pipe having a first end and a second end and configured to transfer heat received at the first end to the second end, the first end interposed between the engine exhaust passage and the thermoelectric conversion device, the second end disposed in a heat sink. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100012053 | MULTI-STROKE VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, the method includes operating an engine to produce an engine output; transferring the engine output to one or more drive wheels of the vehicle via a transmission; responsive to a first condition, varying torque supplied to the drive wheels by adjusting a relative number of combusting cylinders and deactivated cylinders of the engine; and responsive to a second condition, varying the torque supplied to the drive wheels by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the combusting cylinders per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios. | 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 |
| 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 |
| 20100024771 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a valve including at least a first valve setting and a second valve setting; a first fuel storage tank fluidly coupled with a first fuel receiving end of the valve; a second fuel storage tank fluidly coupled with a second fuel receiving end of the valve; a port fuel injector fluidly coupled with a first fuel dispensing end of the valve, said port fuel injector configured to deliver fuel to a cylinder of the internal combustion engine; a direct fuel injector fluidly coupled with a second fuel dispensing end of the valve, said direct fuel injector configured to deliver fuel to the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and a control system configured to selected one of the first valve setting and the second valve setting in response to an operating condition. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100031645 | TRAP FOR EXHAUST SYSTEM - A system for trapping liquid exhaust during a cold start of an internal combustion engine is provided. As one example, a system includes, an exhaust inlet, an exchange area fluidly coupled downstream of said exhaust inlet, a trap coupled to said exchange area having a liquid exhaust chamber for collection of liquid exhaust, and a catalytic converter fluidly coupled downstream to said exchange area. In another example, a method includes condensing, at least partly, exhaust from the engine in an exchange area in an exhaust system into liquid exhaust, collecting liquid exhaust into a trap disposed in the exchange area, and evaporating the liquid exhaust into the exchange area after an evaporation temperature is reached in the trap. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100059015 | Multi-stroke internal combustion engine - An engine system and method of its operation are described. The method includes: operating the combustion chamber in a four stroke cycle by repeatedly opening a first exhaust valve of the combustion chamber once every four piston strokes while holding closed a second exhaust valve of the combustion chamber; after operating the combustion chamber in the four stroke cycle, operating the combustion chamber in a two stroke cycle by repeatedly opening the first exhaust valve once every four piston strokes and repeatedly opening the second exhaust valve once every four piston strokes during a different exhaust stroke than the first exhaust valve; and after operating the combustion chamber in the two stroke cycle, operating the combustion chamber in the four stroke cycle by repeatedly opening the second exhaust valve of the combustion chamber once every four piston strokes while holding closed the first exhaust valve of the combustion chamber. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063706 | Multi-Stroke Internal Combustion Engine - An internal combustion engine system and method of its operation are described. As one example, the method includes: repeatedly opening a first intake valve of a combustion chamber of the engine once every four piston strokes; transitioning operation of the combustion chamber from a four stroke cycle to a two stroke cycle by activating a second intake valve of the combustion chamber to repeatedly open once every four piston strokes during a different intake stroke than the first intake valve; and transitioning operation of the combustion chamber from the two stroke cycle to the four stroke cycle by deactivating the second intake valve in a closed position. In this way, the engine may be selectively operated in a two stroke cycle or a four stroke cycle by activating or deactivating or activating one of the intake valves while another of the intake valves continues to operate. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100108031 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method comprises: during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to before a peak torque timing, and retarding spark timing from the advanced timing toward the peak torque timing in response to decreased engine speed to maintain idling speed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100108032 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100108035 | ADDRESSING FUEL PRESSURE UNCERTAINTY DURING STARTUP OF A DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE - An engine system and a method of starting an internal combustion engine of the engine system are described. In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting a fuel pressure within a fuel rail to a first value; after the fuel pressure within the fuel rail attains the first value, initiating delivery of fuel to the internal combustion engine from the fuel rail by successively injecting fuel directly into combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine; and after at least a first fuel injection event, reducing the fuel pressure within the fuel rail from the first value to a second value over subsequent successive fuel injection events by adjusting an operating parameter of the high pressure fuel pump. The method may optionally include increasing an air-fuel ratio over subsequent successive fuel injection events after fuel delivery is initiated by varying an amount of fuel that is directly injected into the combustion chambers. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100139624 | HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP CONTROL FOR IDLE TICK REDUCTION - A method for controlling a mechanical solenoid valve of a high-pressure fuel pump to supply fuel to an engine is provided. The method includes: during an idle condition, adjusting a pull-in current of the mechanical solenoid valve utilized to control closing of the mechanical solenoid valve based on a fuel pressure downstream of the high-pressure fuel pump, wherein the pull-in current is reduced when possible while enabling the mechanical solenoid valve to close as indicated by an increase in the downstream fuel pressure. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100174468 | METHOD FOR DETECTION OF EMISSIONS LEVELS DURING EXTENDED ENGINE SPEED CONTROLLED OPERATION - A method for detection of emissions levels during extended engine speed controlled operation is provided. The method includes monitoring mass airflow passing through the engine while operating the engine. The method further includes adjusting mass airflow responsive to engine speed to maintain a desired engine speed. The method further includes shutting down the engine when engine mass airflow becomes higher than a predetermined mass airflow threshold. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174473 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100179743 | COLD-START RELIABILITY AND REDUCING HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS IN A GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE - A method for starting an engine of a motor vehicle, the engine having an intake manifold, an intake throttle controlling admission of air into the intake manifold, and a plurality of combustion chambers communicating with the intake manifold, the method comprising providing a reduced pressure of air in the intake manifold prior to delivering fuel or spark to the engine, the reduced pressure of air responsive to a temperature of the engine; delivering fuel to one or more of the plurality of combustion chambers in an amount based on the reduced pressure of air; and delivering spark to the one or more combustion chambers to start the engine. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100211288 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE STARTING - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions and selectively reactivated during engine restart conditions. One example method comprises, during an engine restart from an idle stop, performing a first combustion event in a cylinder with a piston at an engine crankshaft position that is after a crankshaft position at which said cylinder's exhaust valve opens, and before a crankshaft position at which the cylinder's intake valve closes, during a cycle of said cylinder. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100223984 | FUEL VAPOR PURGING DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, said fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system. | 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 |
| 20100263639 | Engine Control Method and System - Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle engine including an intake and an exhaust, the engine further including a boosting device configured to provide a boosted air charge to the engine intake. One example method comprises, during an engine cold start, operating the engine with positive intake to exhaust valve overlap, driving a compressor of the boosting device at least partially via a motor to generate blow-through air flow into the engine exhaust through cylinders of the engine, and exothermically reacting a reductant with the blow-through air flow in the exhaust. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100282208 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100294236 | Fuel-Based Injection Control - Systems and methods of operating an engine, the engine including an injector configured to directly inject fuel into an engine cylinder. One example method comprises, during an engine cold start, performing compression direct fuel injection, and retarding a timing of the compression injection as a fuel alcohol content of the fuel increases. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100300383 | Methods and Systems for Engine Control - Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the method includes transitioning from operating a cylinder with a first number of strokes per combustion cycle to a second, lesser, number of strokes per combustion cycle in response to boost pressure rising above a threshold boost value. In additional examples, the method includes boosting intake air delivered to the cylinder, operating the cylinder with four strokes per combustion cycle—during at least the operation with four strokes per combustion cycle, adjusting boost of the intake air responsive to operating condition—transitioning from the operation with four strokes per combustion cycle to two strokes per combustion cycle in response to a selected condition only when a boost is greater than a threshold boost amount and when cylinder peak combustion pressure is greater than a threshold peak cylinder pressure, adjusting throttling, spark timing, and the boost during the transition from the operation with four strokes per combustion cycle to two strokes per combustion cycle and transitioning from the operation with two strokes per combustion cycle to four strokes per combustion cycle based on engine speed and torque requested. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300405 | Approach for Controlling a Vehicle Engine That Includes an Electric Boosting Device - A method of operating a vehicle including an engine is provided The engine may include at least one cylinder, a boosting device to boost intake air to the at least one cylinder, a fuel tank, a fuel vapor canister to store fuel vapors vented from the fuel tank, and an emission control device to treat exhaust gas from the engine. The boosting device includes a compressor at least partially driven by an electric motor. The method includes during an engine cold start condition, operating the electric motor of the boost device to boost intake air, directing the boosted intake air through the fuel vapor canister to release a fuel vapor stored in the fuel vapor canister, directing the fuel vapor from the fuel vapor canister to the engine, and performing combustion in the at least one cylinder using the fuel vapor during the engine starting. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300414 | Methods and Systems for Engine Control - Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the engine has at least a cylinder and a compression device coupled to an intake of the engine, and the method includes, during engine re-start operation of an engine idle-stop condition, commencing combustion in the cylinder from a non-combusting condition, the combustion in a two-stroke combustion cycle of the cylinder. However, in some examples, at least partially electrically powered boosting operation may also be used to extend the two-stroke operation during a start. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100318284 | MULTI-FUEL ENGINE STARTING CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various example approaches are described, one of which includes a method for controlling injection of gaseous and liquid fuel to a cylinder during engine starting. Specifically, gaseous fuel is injected during or before an intake stroke of the cycle to form a well-mixed overall lean air-fuel mixture, and then liquid fuel is directly injected to the cylinder at least during one of a compression and expansion stroke of the engine cycle to form a rich air-fuel cloud near the spark plug, where a spark initiates combustion of the injected fuels. In one example, the rich cloud enables additional spark retard, and thus faster catalyst light-off, while maintain acceptable combustion stability of the gaseous fuel. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20110053735 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE DURING A RESTART - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission and adjusting engine torque control actuators. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054765 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESTARTING AN ENGINE - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission to assist in spinning-up of the engine from rest while the vehicle is traveling. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110077839 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO OPERATE A FUEL CELL IN THE EXHAUST OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A system for a vehicle having an engine with an exhaust comprises a fuel cell coupled in the engine exhaust wherein the fuel cell has an output circuit; a battery coupled with the fuel cell; and a controller receiving a signal indicative of an electric output of the fuel cell output circuit, and adjusting one of the fuel amount and the air amount supplied to the engine in response to said signal to affect air-fuel ratio of the exhaust of the engine. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110088669 | Compression System for Internal Combustion Engine Including a Rotationally Uncoupled Exhaust Gas Turbine - As one example, a vehicle propulsion system is provided. The system includes: an engine with an intake air compressor and an exhaust gas turbine. Further, a control is provided to operate the compressor at a different speed than the turbine, at least under an operating condition, and to adjust an amount of opening overlap between engine valves in response to a rotational speed of the compressor. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110107740 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO OPERATE FUEL CELL IN THE EXHAUST OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for operating an international combustion engine, the engine also includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an exhaust system, and a fuel cell in the exhaust system. The method comprises operating the first cylinder lean to provide air to the fuel cell during at least one condition; and operating the second cylinder rich or stoichiometric to provide torque output and fuel to the fuel cell. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110131957 | Methods and Systems for Emission System Control - Methods and systems are provided for operating a turbocharged engine including a particulate filter positioned upstream of a turbocharger turbine, a catalyst positioned downstream of the turbine, and an EGR passage coupled between an engine exhaust and engine intake. In one example, the method comprises, diverting exhaust gas from downstream of the filter to the engine intake via the EGR passage, and adjusting an amount of diverted exhaust gas based on filter operating conditions. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132289 | Selectively Storing Reformate - Systems and methods are provided for selectively storing gaseous reformate output by a fuel reformer for fueling an engine. Carbon monoxide produced by a fuel reformer may be continuously combusted in the engine and/or engine exhaust rather than being stored. | 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 |
| 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 |
| 20110132335 | Stored Compressed Air Management for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132342 | FUEL ALCOHOL CONTENT DETECTION VIA AN EXHAUST GAS SENSOR - Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during selected engine fueling conditions, alternating between applying different voltages to the sensor; and identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on sensor outputs at the different voltages. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136620 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. | 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 |
| 20110139133 | COOLED EGR SYSTEM FOR COOLANT HEATING DURING COLD ENGINE START - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle during a cold start are described. In one example, thermal efficiency of the engine is improved by heating engine coolant via a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (HP-EGR) system. For example, after light-off of an exhaust catalyst, exhaust gas is routed through the HP-EGR system which includes a HP-EGR cooler. Heat from the exhaust gas is then used to warm the engine coolant via the HP-EGR cooler. One or more engine operating parameters are adjusted in response to the HP-EGR entering the engine during the cold start in order to maintain combustion stability. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144881 | ENGINE CONTROL USING SPARK RESTRIKE/MULTI-STRIKE - Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include determining presence of charge dilution and selecting a spark restrike mode to provide multiple spark events during a single combustion cycle. Charge dilution may be determined based on commanded air/fuel ratio and exhaust gas recirculation, for example. Multiple spark events may be controlled using time-based restrike or current-based restrike in response to one or more operating parameters or conditions. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110146267 | Methods and Systems for Emission System Control - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an emission control system, the emission control system comprising a catalyst downstream of a turbine of a boosting device and a reductant injector upstream of the turbine. In one example, the method comprises injecting reductant into exhaust upstream of the turbine, mixing the injected reductant with exhaust gas via the turbine, and delivering the mixed reductant to the catalyst. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146268 | Methods and Systems for Emission System Control - Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine having a turbocharger, and a particulate filter upstream of a turbocharger turbine. In one example, the method comprises, under selected boosted operating conditions, injecting a reductant upstream of the filter during an exhaust stroke to generate an exothermic reaction at the filter. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146269 | Methods and Systems for Emission System Control - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an SCR catalyst downstream of an exhaust turbine and a particulate filter upstream of the turbine. In one example, the method comprises, adjusting a turbine wastegate to adjust a catalyst temperature to a desired catalyst temperature. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110168143 | Dual Throttle for Improved Tip-Out Stability in Boosted Engine System - A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle includes forming a mixture of fresh air and treated exhaust, and compressing the mixture upstream of a first throttle valve coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. The method further includes, during a higher engine-load condition, admitting the mixture to the intake manifold via the first throttle valve, and, during a lower engine-load condition, admitting fresh air to the intake manifold via a second throttle valve. | 07-14-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110184629 | FUEL-BASED INJECTION CONTROL - Systems and methods of operating an engine with a varying fuel composition. In one example, a split injection is performed during engine cranking with at least some fuel injected in the intake stroke and some fuel injected in the compression stroke. Further, a split ratio of the injection is adjusted based on the alcohol content of the injected fuel. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110226215 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method comprises: during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to before a peak torque timing, and retarding spark timing from the advanced timing toward the peak torque timing in response to decreased engine speed to maintain idling speed. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110239963 | MULTI-STROKE VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110239997 | COMBUSTION STABILITY ENHANCEMENT VIA INTERNAL EGR CONTROL - A method for controlling combustion in a cylinder of a turbocharged engine in which intake air is reserved upstream of the cylinder. The method comprises decreasing an internal EGR rate in the cylinder during a tip-out condition if the temperature of the intake air is above a threshold, and increasing the internal EGR rate in the cylinder during a tip-out condition if the temperature of the intake air is below the threshold. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110252785 | Stored Compressed Air Management for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253073 | Multi-Stroke Internal Combustion Engine - An internal combustion engine system and method of its operation are described. As one example, the method includes: repeatedly opening a first intake valve of a combustion chamber of the engine once every four piston strokes; transitioning operation of the combustion chamber from a four stroke cycle to a two stroke cycle by activating a second intake valve of the combustion chamber to repeatedly open once every four piston strokes during a different intake stroke than the first intake valve; and transitioning operation of the combustion chamber from the two stroke cycle to the four stroke cycle by deactivating the second intake valve in a closed position. In this way, the engine may be selectively operated in a two stroke cycle or a four stroke cycle by activating or deactivating or activating one of the intake valves while another of the intake valves continues to operate. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110283699 | EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM - Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system coupled to an engine in a vehicle. One example method comprises, calculating an EGR mass flow from a difference between measurements of clean air mass flow and total mass flow, and correcting for a transient mass flow error. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288713 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110290223 | COOLED EGR SYSTEM FOR COOLANT HEATING DURING COLD ENGINE START - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle during a cold start are described. In one example, thermal efficiency of the engine is improved by heating engine coolant via a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (HP-EGR) system. For example, after light-off of an exhaust catalyst, exhaust gas is routed through the HP-EGR system which includes a HP-EGR cooler. Heat from the exhaust gas is then used to warm the engine coolant via the HP-EGR cooler. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110296832 | AVOIDANCE OF COOLANT OVERHEATING IN EXHAUST-TO-COOLANT HEAT EXCHANGERS - A method for operating an engine system comprises charging a cylinder of the engine system with exhaust from upstream of an exhaust turbine at a first rate. The method further comprises charging the cylinder with exhaust from downstream of the turbine at a second rate. The exhaust from downstream of the turbine is routed to the cylinder via a low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation path. The method further comprises increasing the second rate relative to the first rate in response to a coolant-overheating condition. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20120017870 | METHOD FOR DETECTION OF EMISSIONS LEVELS DURING EXTENDED ENGINE SPEED CONTROLLED OPERATION - A method for detection of emissions levels during extended engine speed controlled operation is provided. The method includes monitoring mass airflow passing through the engine while operating the engine. The method further includes adjusting mass airflow responsive to engine speed to maintain a desired engine speed. The method further includes shutting down the engine when engine mass airflow becomes higher than a predetermined mass airflow threshold. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120024267 | Stored Compressed Air Management for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold. | 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 |
| 20120090574 | HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP CONTROL FOR IDLE TICK REDUCTION - A method for controlling a mechanical solenoid valve of a high-pressure fuel pump to supply fuel to an engine is provided. In one example, current supplied to the mechanical solenoid valve is adjusted according to a pressure downstream of the fuel pump. The method can reduce current used to operate the mechanical solenoid valve as well as pump noise, at least during some conditions. | 04-19-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120111305 | Methods and Systems for Engine Control - Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the engine has at least a cylinder and a compression device coupled to an intake of the engine, and the method includes, during engine re-start operation of an engine idle-stop condition, commencing combustion in the cylinder from a non-combusting condition, the combustion in a two-stroke combustion cycle of the cylinder. However, in some examples, at least partially electrically powered boosting operation may also be used to extend the two-stroke operation during a start. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120117963 | Methods and Systems for Emission System Control - Methods and systems are provided for operating a turbocharged engine including a particulate filter positioned upstream of a turbocharger turbine, a catalyst positioned downstream of the turbine, and an EGR passage coupled between an engine exhaust and engine intake. In one example, the method comprises, diverting exhaust gas from downstream of the filter to the engine intake via the EGR passage, and adjusting an amount of diverted exhaust gas based on filter operating conditions. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120145124 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method comprises: during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to before a peak torque timing, and retarding spark timing from the advanced timing toward the peak torque timing in response to decreased engine speed to maintain idling speed. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120150420 | Engine Idle Speed and Turbocharger Speed Control - Various methods are described for controlling engine operation for an engine having a turbocharger and direct injection. One example method includes performing a first and second injection during a cylinder cycle, the first injection generating a lean combustion and the second injection exiting the cylinder unburned into the exhaust upstream of a turbine of the turbocharger. | 06-14-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120165155 | TRANSMISSION SCHEDULING FOR MULTI-STROKE ENGINE - A multi-mode internal combustion engine is described. As one example, the engine may be transitioned between a two stroke mode and a four stroke mode in coordination with a transmission shift by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120167841 | CONTROL STRATEGY FOR MULTI-STROKE ENGINE SYSTEM - An engine system and a method of operation are described. The engine may be operating in two-stroke and four-stroke modes while still maintaining a target exhaust air-fuel ratio. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120167859 | FUEL SYSTEM FOR A MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine fuel system including a low pressure pump and a high pressure pump. During conditions when direct injection is not requested, a fuel rail pressure is maintained by the low pressure pump and fuel is port injected. Further, a stroke amount of the high pressure pump is adjusted to maintain an outlet pressure of the high pressure pump just below the fuel rail pressure. By maintaining fuel flow within the high pressure pump when high pressure pump operation is not required, and without flowing fuel from the high pressure pump outlet into the fuel rail, the high pressure pump may be cooled and lubricated without affecting the fuel rail pressure. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120173123 | Engine Idle Speed and Turbocharger Speed Control - Various methods are described for controlling engine operation for an engine having a turbocharger and direction injection. One example method includes performing at least a first and second injection in response to a driver action. The first and second injection may be performed during a cylinder cycle, the first injection generating a lean combustion and the second injection injected after combustion such that it exits the cylinder unburned into the exhaust upstream of a turbine of the turbocharger. | 07-05-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120203443 | Fuel-Based Injection Control - Systems and methods of operating an engine, the engine including an injector configured to directly inject fuel into an engine cylinder. One example method comprises, during an engine cold start, performing compression direct fuel injection, and retarding a timing of the compression injection as a fuel alcohol content of the fuel increases. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120227714 | Method and System for Humidity Sensor Diagnostics - Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on a change in intake air relative humidity as compared to a change in intake air temperature or pressure, under selected conditions. An amount of exhaust gas recirculated to an engine intake is adjusted differently based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120227719 | Method and System for Humidity Sensor Diagnostics - Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on a change in intake air relative humidity as compared to a change in intake air temperature or pressure, under selected conditions. An amount of exhaust gas recirculated to an engine intake is adjusted differently based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120238405 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. | 09-20-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120247408 | MULTI-STROKE HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM - A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle and method of operation are described. In one example, the engine may operate in a two stroke cycle to provide increased engine torque when a recharging operation of the on-board energy storage device is requested. Further, a transition from a four stroke cycle to the two stroke cycle may be performed while maintaining the transmission in the previously selected gear ratio in response to a requested increase in charging or a requested increase in wheel torque as requested by the vehicle operator. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120291721 | Selectively Storing Reformate - Systems and methods are provided for selectively storing gaseous reformate output by a fuel reformer for fueling an engine. Carbon monoxide produced by a fuel reformer may be continuously combusted in the engine and/or engine exhaust rather than being stored. In one example, reformate components produced by a fuel reformer, e.g., H2 and CH4, may be stored and buffered for use by an engine. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120316753 | EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM - Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system coupled to an engine in a vehicle. One example method comprises, controlling an amount of EGR according to a minimum of a first EGR amount corresponding to a temperature of a first location and a second EGR amount corresponding to a condensate formation of a second location. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120328452 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LUBRICATING A FUEL PUMP - Systems and methods for diagnosing and operating an engine with a fuel pump that supplies fuel to a fuel injector that may be temporarily deactivated are described. In one example, injection of fuel may commence in response to a level of lubrication of a fuel pump. The system and methods may extend fuel pump life in systems where fuel injection may be deactivated. | 12-27-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20130006507 | Approach for Controlling a Vehicle Engine That Includes an Electric Boosting Device - A method of operating a vehicle including an engine is provided. The engine may include at least one cylinder, a boosting device to boost intake air to the at least one cylinder, a fuel tank, a fuel vapor canister to store fuel vapors vented from the fuel tank, and an emission control device to treat exhaust gas from the engine. The boosting device includes a compressor at least partially driven by an electric motor. The method includes during an engine cold start condition, operating the electric motor of the boost device to boost intake air, directing the boosted intake air through the fuel vapor canister to release a fuel vapor stored in the fuel vapor canister, directing the fuel vapor from the fuel vapor canister to the engine, and performing combustion in the at least one cylinder using the fuel vapor during the engine starting. | 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 |
| 20130042846 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMPENSATING FOR ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION IN FUEL - An engine system for determining an alcohol concentration in fuel is disclosed. In one example, engine throttle position, fuel pulse width, and air-fuel ratio form a basis for determining alcohol concentration of a fuel combusted in an engine. The system and its related method may improve engine operation in conjunction with detecting an alcohol concentration of a fuel. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130074589 | FUEL VAPOR PURGING DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, the fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130118162 | Methods and Systems for Emission System Control - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an emission control system, the emission control system comprising a catalyst downstream of a turbine of a boosting device and a reductant injector upstream of the turbine. In one example, the method comprises injecting reductant into exhaust upstream of the turbine, mixing the injected reductant with exhaust gas via the turbine, and delivering the mixed reductant to the catalyst. | 05-16-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130124067 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE STARTING - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions and selectively reactivated during engine restart conditions. One example method comprises, during an engine restart from an idle stop, performing a first combustion event in a cylinder with a piston at an engine crankshaft position that is after a crankshaft position at which said cylinder's exhaust valve opens, and before a crankshaft position at which the cylinder's intake valve closes, during a cycle of said cylinder. In this way, inaccuracies in cylinder aircharge estimation may be reduced, thereby also reducing air-fuel ratio errors and improving the quality and repeatability of engine restarts. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130131963 | Engine Idle Speed and Turbocharger Speed Control - Various methods are described for controlling engine operation for an engine having a turbocharger and direction injection. One example method includes performing at least a first and second injection during a cylinder cycle, the first injection generating a lean combustion and the second injection injected after combustion such that it exits the cylinder unburned into the exhaust upstream of a turbine of the turbocharger; and adjusting at least the first injection based on engine speed, where the at least first and second injection are performed responsive to turbocharger speed. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130139776 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine. | 06-06-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130191008 | METHOD FOR INJECTING FUEL - Embodiments for adjusting fuel injection are provided. In one example, a method comprises adjusting fuel injection based on fuel concentration in an engine intake manifold, and during idle and when EGR is disabled, adjusting fuel injection based on the fuel concentration and a fuel pushback amount. In this way, fuel injection may be adjusted based on fuel concentration in the intake manifold. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130199497 | AIR INJECTION TIMED WITH EXHAUST RELEASE - Embodiments for injecting air into exhaust ports of an engine are provided. In one example, a multi-cylinder engine method comprises combusting a rich air-fuel mixture, injecting air into a first cylinder's exhaust port and not into a second cylinder's exhaust port during the first cylinder's exhaust stroke, and injecting air into the second cylinder's exhaust port and not into the first cylinder's exhaust port during the second cylinder's exhaust stroke. In this way, injection into each exhaust port may be timed with exhaust release into each exhaust port. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130211698 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESTARTING AN ENGINE - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission to assist in spinning-up of the engine from rest while the vehicle is traveling. In this manner, vehicle inertia can be used to assist in spinning-up the engine from rest when the vehicle is moving. | 08-15-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130253803 | FUEL-BASED INJECTION CONTROL - Systems and methods of operating an engine with a varying fuel composition. In one example, a split injection is performed during engine cranking with at least some fuel injected in the intake stroke and some fuel injected in the compression stroke. Further, a split ratio of the injection is adjusted based on the alcohol content of the injected fuel. | 09-26-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130311073 | FUEL ALCOHOL CONTENT DETECTION VIA AN EXHAUST GAS SENSOR - Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during selected engine fueling conditions, alternating between applying different voltages to the sensor; and identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on sensor outputs at the different voltages. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130312407 | EXHAUST AIR INJECTION - Embodiments for controlling exhaust air-fuel ratio are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises adjusting upstream exhaust air-fuel ratio to maintain a first emission control device at or below a threshold temperature, and when the upstream exhaust air-fuel ratio is below a threshold, injecting air into an exhaust passage between the first emission control device and a second emission control device to maintain downstream exhaust at a different, higher air-fuel ratio. In this way, excess emissions may be converted while maintain the emission control devices below a maximum temperature. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130319350 | MULTI-STROKE VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130333677 | HUMIDITY AND FUEL ALCOHOL CONTENT ESTIMATION - Methods and systems for an engine system including an exhaust gas sensor are disclosed. In one example, under a first engine fueling condition, an air-fuel ratio correction factor is determined based on an expected air-fuel ratio and an actual air-fuel ratio. During a second engine fueling condition and a third engine non-fueling condition, fuel alcohol content and ambient humidity, respectively, are determined based on the exhaust gas sensor and corrected based on the air-fuel ratio correction factor. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140000242 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EMISSION SYSTEM CONTROL | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140041639 | MAGNETIZED FUEL INJECTOR VALVE AND VALVE SEAT - Systems and methods for a permanently magnetized valve mechanism and/or valve mechanism seat for a fuel injector are disclosed. In one example approach, a fuel injector comprises a valve mechanism and a valve mechanism seat, wherein at least one of the valve mechanism and the valve mechanism seat is permanently magnetized; an injector driver circuit for actuating the valve mechanism; and a spring biasing the valve mechanism in a closed position against the valve mechanism seat. For example, a first amount of current may be supplied in a first direction to the injector driver to lift a permanently magnetized injector valve mechanism from the injector valve mechanism seat, and a second amount of current may be supplied in a second direction to the injector driver to close the permanently magnetized injector valve mechanism onto the injector valve mechanism seat. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140057754 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140069385 | FUEL SYSTEM FOR A MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine fuel system including fuels of different fuel types. A first fuel type is delivered for port injection upon circulation through a high pressure pump when direct injection of a fuel is not requested to cool and/or lubricate the high pressure pump. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140076289 | CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATION DISPERSION ELEMENT - Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, a charge air cooler comprises an inlet to admit charge air, a plurality of heat exchange passages to remove heat from the charge air, an outlet configured to discharge the charge air from the heat exchange passages to an intake passage upstream of an intake manifold of an engine, and a dispersion element extending at least partially across the outlet. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140109846 | ENGINE COOLING FAN TO REDUCE CHARGE AIR COOLER CORROSION - Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to condensate forming in a charge air cooler, engine cooling fan operation is adjusted. Engine cooling fan operation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140109870 | ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for purging condensate from a charge air cooler to an engine intake while reducing misfire events related to the water ingestion. During the purging, a spark timing is adjusted based on the amount of condensate purged per cycle. The spark timing is adjusted differently when the condensate is purged during a tip-in versus a pro-active clean-out routine. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140109880 | CHARGE AIR COOLER (CAC) CORROSION REDUCTION UTILIZING GRILLE SHUTTERS - Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to a condensate forming region in a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140110488 | ENGINE CONTROL COORDINATION WITH GRILLE SHUTTER ADJUSTMENT AND AMBIENT CONDITIONS - Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to a condensate forming region in a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140120820 | CONDENSATION CONTROL IN A CHARGE AIR COOLER BY CONTROLLING CHARGE AIR COOLER TEMPERATURE - Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and reducing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to charge air cooler outlet temperature, electric fan operation and grille shutter opening is adjusted. Electric fan operation and grille shutter opening may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140121940 | EXHAUST-GAS REGENERATION UNDER RICH CONDITIONS TO IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY - A method for operating a boosted gasoline engine. The method includes diluting an intake air charge of the engine to a first level of dilution when operating at a stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio. The method also includes, in response to a condition of excessive exhaust temperature downstream of the engine, diluting the intake air charge of the engine to a second, greater level of dilution while operating at an enriched air-to-fuel ratio. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140144408 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140150760 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A GAS CONSTITUENT SENSOR - Various systems and methods are described for an engine system with an exhaust gas recirculation system. In one example method, a correction for a gas constituent sensor is determined based on output from the gas constituent sensor and output from a pressure sensor over a range of boost pressure. The gas constituent sensor output is adjusted based on the correction, and an amount of exhaust gas recirculation is adjusted based on the adjusted gas constituent sensor output. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140156172 | EXHAUST HUMIDITY SENSOR - Embodiments for adjusting engine operating parameters based on output from an exhaust humidity sensor are provided. One example method for an engine comprises based on a dew point of exhaust gas, adjusting an exhaust gas sensor heater configured to heat an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine, the dew point based on output from a humidity sensor disposed in the exhaust passage. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140172275 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting an injection profile for fuel injected into an engine cylinder from a plurality of fuel injectors during engine start and crank. By splitting injection of fuel during start so that a portion of fuel is port injected and a remaining portion is direct injected as one or multiple injections, the soot load of the engine can be reduced and fuel economy can be improved. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140188370 | ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND TURBOCHARGER SPEED CONTROL - Various methods are described for controlling engine operation for an engine having a turbocharger and direction injection. One example method includes performing at least a first and second injection during a cylinder cycle, the first injection generating a lean combustion and the second injection injected after combustion such that it exits the cylinder unburned into the exhaust upstream of a turbine of the turbocharger; and adjusting at least the first injection based on engine speed, where the at least first and second injection are performed responsive to turbocharger speed. | 07-03-2014 |
| 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 |
| 20140200796 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for use of a windshield wiper fluid having a reformulated composition including one or more non-ionic surfactants. The fluid is delivered to the windshield in response to an operator demand for wiping the windshield. The same fluid is also delivered to a cylinder in response to an indication of abnormal cylinder combustion. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140202135 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HUMIDITY DETECTION VIA AN EXHAUST GAS SENSOR - Various methods and system are described for determining ambient humidity via an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust system of an engine. In one example, a reference voltage of the sensor is modulated between a first and second voltage during non-fueling conditions of the engine. The ambient humidity is determined based on an average change in pumping current while the voltage is modulated. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140202426 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HUMIDITY DETECTION VIA AN EXHAUST GAS SENSOR - Various methods and system are described for determining ambient humidity via an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust system of a variable displacement engine. A reference voltage of a sensor coupled to an inactive engine bank is modulated between a first and second voltage to estimate ambient humidity. Concurrently, a reference voltage of a sensor coupled to an active engine bank is modulated between the first and second voltage, or at the first voltage, to estimate fuel alcohol content, or exhaust air-fuel ratio, respectively. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140202435 | LOW-PRESSURE EGR CONTROL DURING COMPRESSOR BYPASS VALVE OPERATION - A turbocharged engine system including a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and an intake oxygen sensor is described, along with methods for its operation. The system includes a compressor bypass valve arranged in a passage bypassing a turbocharger compressor, and an EGR valve arranged in an EGR system which may be adjusted to adjust an amount of exhaust gas recirculated to the engine intake. In one example method, over-dilution of an engine intake charge may be reduced by reducing EGR upon opening of the compressor bypass valve, and then increasing the EGR only after measurements from an intake oxygen sensor indicate that intake air dilution has decreased below a threshold. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140202437 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HUMIDITY AND PCV FLOW DETECTION VIA AN EXHAUST GAS SENSOR - Methods and systems are provided for estimating a PCV flow to an engine based on the output of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. During DFSO conditions, a reference voltage of the sensor is modulated initially with an intake throttle open and then with the intake throttle closed. PCV flow leaking past the piston valves in an aging engine, as well as an ambient humidity estimate, are inferred based on the outputs of the sensor during the modulating with the intake throttle open and closed. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140230794 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A FUEL SYSTEM - Various methods and system are described for a fuel system which includes a fuel composition sensor and a fuel lift pump disposed upstream of the sensor. The system may be operated in each of three different modes of operation. In each of the modes, a fuel lift pump voltage is adjusted responsive to a fuel capacitance output by the sensor, while a variable such as sensor temperature or fuel pump pressure is maintained depending on the mode of operation. | 08-21-2014 |
| 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 |
| 20140244138 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE DURING A RESTART - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission and adjusting engine torque control actuators. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140248995 | MULTI-STROKE VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140251285 | INTAKE AIR OXYGEN COMPENSATION FOR EGR - A method may comprise correcting an intake oxygen concentration based on fuel canister vapor purge only during boosted conditions, and adjusting exhaust gas recirculation responsive to the intake oxygen concentration. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257672 | EJECTOR FLOW RATE COMPUTATION FOR GAS CONSTITUENT SENSOR COMPENSATION - Methods and systems are provided for computing the flow rate at a suction port of an ejector arranged in series with an outlet of an engine system such as a fuel vapor purge system during certain conditions. In one example, the need for a sensor at an ejector suction port may be reduced by adjusting exhaust gas recirculation based on a flow rate at the ejector suction port, the flow rate based on a flow characteristic of the ejector and a flow characteristic of an engine system. The flow rate and a reductant concentration of gases from the engine system may then be used as a basis for compensation of a diluent concentration measurement taken by a gas constituent sensor arranged downstream of the ejector outlet in an engine intake passage, e.g. to improve adjustment of exhaust gas recirculation based on the compensated diluent concentration measurement. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140297159 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting an injection profile for different fuels injected into an engine cylinder from different fuel injectors during engine start and crank. By splitting fuel injection during start and cranking so that fuel of lower alcohol content is port injected and fuel of higher alcohol content is direct injected as one or multiple injections, the soot load of the engine can be reduced and fuel economy can be improved. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140297162 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting an injection profile for fuel injected into an engine cylinder from a plurality of fuel injectors during engine start and crank. By splitting injection of fuel during start so that a portion of fuel is port injected and a remaining portion is direct injected as one or multiple injections, the soot load of the engine can be reduced and fuel economy can be improved. The injections are adjusted based on the alcohol content of the injected fuel to take advantage of the charge cooling properties of the fuel. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140311447 | HUMIDITY AND FUEL ALCOHOL CONTENT ESTIMATION - Methods and systems for an engine system including an exhaust gas sensor are disclosed. In one example, under a first engine fueling condition, an air-fuel ratio correction factor is determined based on an expected air-fuel ratio and an actual air-fuel ratio. During a second engine fueling condition and a third engine non-fueling condition, fuel alcohol content and ambient humidity, respectively, are determined based on the exhaust gas sensor and corrected based on the air-fuel ratio correction factor. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316675 | PRESERVING COMBUSTION STABILITY DURING COMPRESSOR-SURGE CONDITIONS - A method to avoid over-dilution of an intake-air charge of an engine includes, during a first condition, applying at least some feedback control to the opening and closure of a valve that adjustably admits exhaust to the intake-air charge. During a second condition predictive of compressor surge, no feedback control is applied to the opening or the closure of the valve. Rather, feedforward control is applied to the closure of the valve so that stability in the engine is maintained even during surge conditions. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140331642 | DIRECT INJECTION OF DILUENTS OR SECONDARY FUELS IN GASEOUS FUEL ENGINES - A method for a turbocharged engine, comprising: during high load conditions, in response to an elevated engine temperature, after port injecting a first quantity of a first gaseous fuel, direct injecting a second quantity of a second, liquid fuel at a first timing that is a function of a desired air-fuel ratio. In this way, engine power may be maximized while simultaneously decreasing the maximum combustion temperature and mitigating engine knock. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140331970 | DIRECT INJECTION OF DILUENTS OR SECONDARY FUELS IN GASEOUS FUEL ENGINES - A method for operating an engine, comprising port injecting a first quantity of a first gaseous fuel in a cylinder cycle and direct injecting a second quantity of a secondary injectant in the cylinder cycle as a function of a desired air-to-fuel ratio (AFR), the desired AFR based on a temperature of an engine cylinder valve. The desired AFR may be outside the AFR range available during natural gas combustion alone and thus allows for cooler engine operation. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140352669 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING TRANSIENT TORQUE RESPONSE - A method and system for providing a suitable engine torque response during a transient condition is presented. In one example, when a desired inlet manifold pressure is greater than a throttle inlet pressure of a first throttle, a second throttle positioned upstream from the first throttle is opened to increase the throttle inlet pressure. The method may provide an appropriate torque response while minimizing impact on fuel economy. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352670 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE - A method for operating an engine is disclosed. In one example, internal EGR is increased during conditions where cooled EGR is at a higher concentration during a decreasing engine load so that homogeneous compression ignition may be initiated at lower engine loads. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20150027103 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HUMIDITY DETECTION VIA AN EXHAUST GAS SENSOR - Various methods and system are described for determining ambient humidity via an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust system of an engine. In one example, a reference voltage of the sensor is modulated between a first and second voltage during non-fueling conditions of the engine. The ambient humidity is determined based on an average change in pumping current while the voltage is modulated. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150047603 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATION STORAGE AND/OR RELEASE WITH AN INTAKE OXYGEN SENSOR - Methods and systems are provided for estimating water storage in a charge air cooler (CAC). In one example, an amount of water in charge air exiting the CAC may be based on an output of an oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the CAC. Further, engine actuators may be adjusted to increase combustion stability and/or reduce condensate formation based on the amount of water exiting the CAC. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150053177 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR KNOCK CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150053186 | LEARNING OF EGR VALVE LIFT AND EGR VALVE FLOW TRANSFER FUNCTION - Methods and systems are provided for improving accuracy of delta pressure over valve (DPOV) based EGR flow measurement during low valve lift conditions by learning errors in EGR valve lift and/or EGR valve flow transfer function. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057910 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INDICATING WATER AT AN OXYGEN SENSOR BASED ON SENSOR HEATER POWER CONSUMPTION - Methods and systems are provided for indicating water at an oxygen sensor based on power consumption of a heating element of the oxygen sensor. In one example, water may be indicated at an oxygen sensor positioned in an intake of an engine responsive to power consumption of the heating element of the oxygen sensor increasing above a baseline level. Engine operating parameters may then be adjusted based on the water indication and the power consumption. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057911 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED DILUTION TOLERANCE - Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150059686 | ENGINE CONTROL FOR A LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS FUELED ENGINE - A method for an engine, comprising: during a first condition comprising a high engine temperature, injecting a first quantity of liquid petroleum gas into a first engine cylinder at a first timing during an intake stroke; and injecting a second quantity of liquid petroleum gas into the first engine cylinder at a second timing during a compression stroke following the intake stroke. In this way, combustion knock and cylinder pre-ignition may be mitigated without retarding spark ignition and/or limiting engine load, thereby allowing for maximum engine performance. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150059687 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL PRESSURE FOR A LPG ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a phase of gaseous fuel delivered to fuel injectors of a fuel delivery system. In one example, a method may include adjusting a fuel pressure in a fuel delivery system to deliver fuel in each of a liquid and a gaseous phase during different engine operating conditions. The fuel pressure may be based on a temperature, composition, and desired phase of the fuel. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066334 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS - Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on a change in intake air relative humidity as compared to a change in intake air temperature or pressure, under selected conditions. An amount of exhaust gas recirculated to an engine intake is adjusted differently based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150075502 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN INTAKE OXYGEN SENSOR - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a reference voltage for an intake manifold oxygen sensor based on ingestion of hydrocarbons from a fuel system canister and/or an engine crankcase. During conditions when purge or crankcase ventilation hydrocarbons are ingested in the intake aircharge, the intake oxygen sensor is transitioned from operating at a lower reference voltage to a higher reference voltage where the effects of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensor output are nullified. An EGR dilution of the intake aircharge is estimated based on the output of the sensor at the higher reference voltage while an amount of hydrocarbons ingested is estimated based on a difference between sensor outputs at the higher and lower reference voltages. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075503 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN INTAKE OXYGEN SENSOR - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a reference voltage for an intake manifold oxygen sensor based on ingestion of hydrocarbons from a fuel system canister and/or an engine crankcase. During conditions when purge or crankcase ventilation hydrocarbons are ingested in the intake aircharge, the intake oxygen sensor is transitioned from operating at a lower reference voltage to a higher reference voltage where the effects of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensor output are nullified. An EGR dilution of the intake aircharge is estimated based on the output of the sensor at the higher reference voltage while an amount of hydrocarbons ingested is estimated based on a difference between sensor outputs at the higher and lower reference voltages. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150076134 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING HEATER POWER OF AN OXYGEN SENSOR TO REDUCE DEGRADATION FROM WATER - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting heater power of an oxygen sensor. In one example, a method for an engine includes adjusting heater power of a heating element of the oxygen sensor when the heater power increases by a threshold amount. The method includes subsequently increasing heater power back to a baseline power level responsive to a temperature of the heating element. | 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 |
| 20150083081 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN INTAKE HUMIDITY SENSOR - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an engine operating parameter based on an output of a humidity sensor during a compressor bypass valve event. When the compressor bypass valve is closed, a current output of the sensor is used for the adjustments. When the compressor bypass valve is opened, such as to mitigate surge, an output of the sensor stored from before the opening of the bypass valve is used for the adjustments. | 03-26-2015 |
