Patents by Inventor Goran Almkvist
Goran Almkvist has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11724686Abstract: A method of reducing cold start emissions in a series mode hybrid electric vehicle, including an internal combustion engine with an exhaust duct having a catalyst and a downstream oxygen sensor, an output of the combustion engine being connected to an electric generator with a power output of at least 10 kW that is connected to an electric motor which is coupled to a drive shaft of two or more wheels. The method includes detecting a cold start condition, injecting fuel into the engine such that combustion at a lambda value, ?, is achieved for which ?>1, running the engine at a speed of 1000 rpm or higher, determining if the efficiency of the catalyst reaches a first level, setting ? to about 1 after the predetermined efficiency level of the catalyst has been reached, and reducing the speed to working conditions when the catalyst efficiency reaches a second level.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Göran Almkvist, Markus Ekström
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Patent number: 11701945Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal control system for an electric vehicle comprising: a high voltage battery; a first heat exchanger adapted to be in contact with the ambient for circulating a heat exchange medium in thermal contact with the ambient; a second heat exchanger in thermal contact with the battery; a heat transport system for transporting the heat exchange medium from the first heat exchanger to an evaporator/condenser assembly that is in thermal contact with the second heat exchanger for transfer of heat to the battery and for transporting the heat exchange medium back to the first heat exchanger. At least one of the first and second heat exchangers is provided with a vibration device, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for releasing of ice formed on the at least one heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Göran Almkvist, Jonas Björkholtz
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Publication number: 20220396165Abstract: A method of charging an electric vehicle, including: providing an external charging unit and an external cooling unit; connecting a battery power inlet on the vehicle to the charging unit via a power cable; connecting a heat exchange connector of a heat exchanger of the vehicle to the external cooling unit via a heat exchange duct; supplying a cooling medium from a coolant tank of the external cooling unit to the vehicle while providing a high level power input via the power cable during a peak charging time interval tpc; and supplying a cooling medium via a heat pump to the heat exchange connector while providing a second level power input via the power cable that is lower than the first level during a subsequent charging time interval tsc following on the peak charging time interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Göran Almkvist, Jonas Björkholtz
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Publication number: 20220348186Abstract: A method of reducing cold start emissions in a series mode hybrid electric vehicle, including an internal combustion engine with an exhaust duct having a catalyst and a downstream oxygen sensor, an output of the combustion engine being connected to an electric generator with a power output of at least 10 kW that is connected to an electric motor which is coupled to a drive shaft of two or more wheels. The method includes detecting a cold start condition, injecting fuel into the engine such that combustion at a lambda value, ?, is achieved for which ?>1, running the engine at a speed of 1000 rpm or higher, determining if the efficiency of the catalyst reaches a first level, setting ? to about 1 after the predetermined efficiency level of the catalyst has been reached, and reducing the speed to working conditions when the catalyst efficiency reaches a second level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Göran Almkvist, Markus Ekström
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Publication number: 20220194380Abstract: A method for braking a hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle and a computer program element. The method includes actuating braking with a brake energy, starting to regenerate the brake energy and charging a battery system with the regenerated brake energy, receiving a state of charge of the battery system, redirecting the regenerated brake energy into an integrated starter generator in case of a full or limited charging of the battery system, and activating the integrated starter generator to rotate an internal combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Göran ALMKVIST, Jonas BJÖRKHOLTZ, Markus EKSTRÖM, Andreas ERIKSSON
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Publication number: 20220118817Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal control system for an electric vehicle comprising: a high voltage battery; a first heat exchanger adapted to be in contact with the ambient for circulating a heat exchange medium in thermal contact with the ambient; a second heat exchanger in thermal contact with the battery; a heat transport system for transporting the heat exchange medium from the first heat exchanger to an evaporator/condenser assembly that is in thermal contact with the second heat exchanger for transfer of heat to the battery and for transporting the heat exchange medium back to the first heat exchanger. At least one of the first and second heat exchangers is provided with a vibration device, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for releasing of ice formed on the at least one heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Göran Almkvist, Jonas Björkholtz
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Publication number: 20220032902Abstract: A system for controlling an operating point of a power source for a propulsive e-machine in a hybrid electric vehicle, including: a power train including a power source and at least one propulsive e-machine, wherein the power source includes an integrated starter generator and an internal combustion engine; at least one desired operating point for the power source including at least one characteristic parameter; an operating point component configured to query the at least one desired operating point and to selectively distribute the control of the at least one desired operating point to a control of the internal combustion engine or to a control of the integrated starter generator control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Andreas ERIKSSON, Markus EKSTRÖM, Göran ALMKVIST, Jonas BJÖRKHOLTZ
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Publication number: 20180266349Abstract: A method for preconditioning a vehicle comprising a combustion engine before start by using electricity from an external grid, comprising the step of heating the catalytic converter with an electrical heater mounted inside catalytic converter, where the heater is powered by the external grid. As a result, cold start emissions can be advantageously reduced, and the energy consumption and the exhaust emission of the vehicle can be minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventor: Goran Almkvist
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Patent number: 10060340Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a twin scroll turbocharger device for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber. The turbocharger device comprises a turbine portion comprising a turbine wheel; a first turbine scroll and a second turbine scroll; and a first turbine scroll valve for allowing control of a flow of exhaust gas through the first turbine scroll. The turbocharger device also comprises a compressor portion comprising a compressor inlet; a compressor outlet; and a compressor wheel for pressurizing air received from the compressor inlet and providing pressurized air to the at least one combustion chamber via the compressor outlet. The turbocharger device further comprises a container for storing pressurized gas; a container conduit fluid flow connecting the container and the turbine portion for controllably providing pressurized air from the container to a first container inlet located between the first turbine scroll valve and the turbine wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Goran Almkvist, Jonas J Bjorkholtz, Jonas Forssell, Oscar Garnemark
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Patent number: 9964028Abstract: A turbocharger system for a light or heavy duty vehicle, a maritime vehicle or a construction vehicle comprises a turbocharger device, an exhaust manifold conduit, a valve, a receptacle for compressed gas and a gas compressor for compressing gas. By opening the valve during a predetermined pulse duration time period, compressed gas may be provided from the receptacle to the exhaust manifold conduit for initial turbocharger compressor spin-up. The turbocharger system further comprises a cooling means configured to decrease temperature of compressed gas provided by the gas compressor, and a heating means configured to increase temperature of the gas pulse generated by opening of the valve. By decreasing the temperature of the compressed gas in the receptacle upstream of the valve and subsequently heating up the generated air pulse before being provided to the exhaust manifold conduit, the response time of the turbocharger device can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Goran Almkvist, Jonas Bjorkholtz, Stefan Brygard
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Patent number: 9890696Abstract: A turbocharger system and method for a vehicle, wherein the system comprises a high pressure turbocharger and a low pressure turbocharger. Both the high and low pressure turbochargers are driven by exhaust gas on an exhaust side of the turbochargers. The system further comprises a first bypass conduit that bypasses the low pressure turbocharger during set events.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Goran Almkvist, Jonas J. Bjorkholtz
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Patent number: 9874138Abstract: A twin scroll turbocharger device for an internal combustion engine includes a turbine and a compressor, wherein the turbine comprises a first turbine scroll and a second turbine scroll, and wherein at least the first turbine scroll is provided with a turbine scroll inlet valve such that the exhaust gas flow through the first turbine scroll is controllable. The twin scroll turbocharger device is further characterized in that a bypass conduit is provided between a compressor and at least the first turbine scroll. The bypass conduit is provided with a bypass conduit valve such that a flow through the bypass conduit is controllable.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventor: Goran Almkvist
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Patent number: 9797295Abstract: An engine cooling system in a vehicle comprises a first coolant circuit and a second coolant circuit connecting an engine to a radiator. A thermostat is arranged in the first coolant circuit and is arranged to be closed during engine warm-up, to prevent flow through the first coolant circuit. The cooling system further comprises a bypass circuit connecting the thermostat to the second coolant circuit and at least one parallel circuit. Each parallel circuit is connected to the second coolant circuit upstream of the bypass circuit, wherein a partial coolant flow is directed from the bypass circuit and upstream through the second coolant circuit into the at least one parallel circuit during engine warm-up. The disclosure further relates to a method for controlling such an engine cooling system.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Goran Almkvist, Jonas Bjorkholtz, Stefan Sundemo
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Patent number: 9719438Abstract: A turbocharger system for a vehicle comprising a turbocharger, a tank for compressed gas and an exhaust manifold conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of the turbocharger. The tank is in fluid communication with the manifold conduit and is arranged and controlled to push compressed gas into the manifold conduit during a predetermined pulse duration time period for initial compressor spin up in the turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Goran Almkvist, Jonas J. Bjorkholtz, Erik Lindgren
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Publication number: 20160341115Abstract: A turbocharger system for a light or heavy duty vehicle, a maritime vehicle or a construction vehicle comprises a turbocharger device, an exhaust manifold conduit, a valve, a receptacle for compressed gas and a gas compressor for compressing gas. By opening the valve during a predetermined pulse duration time period, compressed gas may be provided from the receptacle to the exhaust manifold conduit for initial turbocharger compressor spin-up. The turbocharger system further comprises a cooling means configured to decrease temperature of compressed gas provided by the gas compressor, and a heating means configured to increase temperature of the gas pulse generated by opening of the valve. By decreasing the temperature of the compressed gas in the receptacle upstream of the valve and subsequently heating up the generated air pulse before being provided to the exhaust manifold conduit, the response time of the turbocharger device can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Goran ALMKVIST, Jonas BJORKHOLTZ, Stefan BRYGARD
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Publication number: 20160222874Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a twin scroll turbocharger device for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber. The turbocharger device comprises a turbine portion comprising a turbine wheel; a first turbine scroll and a second turbine scroll; and a first turbine scroll valve for allowing control of a flow of exhaust gas through the first turbine scroll. The turbocharger device also comprises a compressor portion comprising a compressor inlet; a compressor outlet; and a compressor wheel for pressurizing air received from the compressor inlet and providing pressurized air to the at least one combustion chamber via the compressor outlet. The turbocharger device further comprises a container for storing pressurized gas; a container conduit fluid flow connecting the container and the turbine portion for controllably providing pressurized air from the container to a first container inlet located between the first turbine scroll valve and the turbine wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Goran ALMKVIST, Jonas J. BJORKHOLTZ, Jonas FORSSELL, Oscar GARNEMARK
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Patent number: 9322322Abstract: A turbocharger system for a vehicle may include a turbocharger, a tank for compressed gas and an exhaust manifold conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of the turbocharger. The tank is in fluid communication with the manifold conduit and is arranged to push compressed gas into the manifold conduit during a predetermined pulse duration time period for initial compressor spin up in the turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Goran Almkvist, Jonas J Bjorkholtz
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Publication number: 20160090903Abstract: A twin scroll turbocharger device for an internal combustion engine comprises a turbine and a compressor, wherein the turbine comprises a first turbine scroll and a second turbine scroll, and wherein at least the first turbine scroll is provided with a turbine scroll inlet valve such that the exhaust gas flow through the first turbine scroll is controllable. The twin scroll turbocharger device is further characterized in that a bypass conduit is provided between a compressor and at least the first turbine scroll. The bypass conduit is provided with a bypass conduit valve such that a flow through the bypass conduit is controllable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventor: Goran ALMKVIST
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Publication number: 20160084146Abstract: An engine cooling system in a vehicle comprises a first coolant circuit and a second coolant circuit connecting an engine to a radiator. A thermostat is arranged in the first coolant circuit and is arranged to be closed during engine warm-up, to prevent flow through the first coolant circuit. The cooling system further comprises a bypass circuit connecting the thermostat to the second coolant circuit and at least one parallel circuit. Each parallel circuit is connected to the second coolant circuit upstream of the bypass circuit, wherein a partial coolant flow is directed from the bypass circuit and upstream through the second coolant circuit into the at least one parallel circuit during engine warm-up. The disclosure further relates to a method for controlling such an engine cooling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Goran ALMKVIST, Jonas BJORKHOLTZ, Stefan SUNDEMO
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Publication number: 20150377157Abstract: A turbocharger system for a vehicle comprising a turbocharger, a tank for compressed gas and an exhaust manifold conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of the turbocharger. The tank is in fluid communication with the manifold conduit and is arranged and controlled to push compressed gas into the manifold conduit during a predetermined pulse duration time period for initial compressor spin up in the turbocharger.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Goran ALMKVIST, Jonas J. BJORKHOLTZ, Erik LINDGREN