Abstract: Systems and methods to determine conditions of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) based on correlation between predicted and actual thermal data of the fluid exiting a DPF are provided. Soot loading, ash loading, and/or DPF damage may be detected, and DPF operational models may be calibrated in accordance with such systems and methods. Further, initiation of regeneration may also be effected in accordance with such systems and methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine when regeneration of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) are presented. Such determination is made by indirectly determining soot accumulation in the DPF by monitoring soot accumulation on a regeneration burner spark plug based on the correlation between spark plug fouling and DPF soot loading. An ion current sensing circuit is used during periods of no flame to determine soot loading on the spark plug. When soot loading on the spark plug approaches an amount that could cause fouling of the spark plug, the ignition controller initiates a hot spark to burn the soot off the spark plug. The number of such cleaning events is tracked and used to determine when the DPF soot loading is at a level that regeneration should be initiated. Temperature rise across the DPF is monitored and used to adjust the number spark plug cleaning events needed before initiating regeneration.

Abstract: The invention combines the features of a supercharger, a turbocharger and turbo-compounding into one system, utilizing a hydraulic or mechanical continuously variable transmission to drive the turbocharger up to a specific speed or intake manifold pressure and then holding the ideal speed to keep it at the right boost pressure for the engine condition. The benefits of a supercharger, which is primarily good for high torque at low speed, and a turbocharger, which is usually only good for high horsepower at high speeds are merged. Once the exhaust energy begins to provide more work than it takes to drive the intake compressor, the invention recovers that excess energy and uses it to add torque to the crankshaft. As a result, the invention provides the benefits of low speed with high torque and the added value of high speed with higher horsepower or better fuel economy all from one system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to sense the onset of combustion stability is presented. An electrode is positioned in a turbine combustion chamber such that the electrode is exposed to gases in the combustion chamber. The electrode may be integrated with an igniter. A control module applies a voltage potential to the electrode and detects a combustion ionization signal and determines if there is an oscillation in the combustion ionization signal indicative of the occurrence of combustion stability or the onset of combustion instability. The control module broadcasts a notice if the parameters indicate the combustion process is at the onset of combustion instability or broadcasts an alarm signal if the parameters indicate the combustion process is instable. Combustion parameters are adjusted to drive the combustion process towards stability.