Abstract: An engine system utilizing a split flow exhaust system for distributing different portions of exhaust gases to a turbocharger and to an EGR system and methods of controlling the flow of the exhaust gases are provided. The split flow exhaust system includes a high-pressure exhaust valve in fluid communication with a turbine of a turbocharger and a high-pressure exhaust manifold interposed therebetween. Also, a low-pressure exhaust valve is in fluid communication with an intake system and a low-pressure exhaust manifold is interposed therebetween. Initial exhaust gases expelled from the engine are delivered to the turbine while secondary exhaust gases expelled from the engine are delivered as EGR to the intake system. The flow to the turbine and the intake system is controlled using the high-pressure exhaust valves and low-pressure exhaust valves of the engine rather than an EGR valve.

Abstract: A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode.

Abstract: A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode.

Abstract: A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell, and an end cap attached to the shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell and end cap. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the shell. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life.

Abstract: Method and system for managing a plurality of remote assets, such as a fleet mobile assets is provided. The method allows for collecting data regarding each of a plurality of remote assets. The collected data is used to develop historical information regarding actual usage of each remote asset. The information is distributed via a global information network.

Abstract: A system for cooling at least one gas turbine liquid fuel component located in a high temperature environment to eliminate coking in the component is disclosed. The system includes a sleeve surrounding the liquid fuel component, a device for providing a current of cool air, and a conduit connected between the cool air device and the sleeve to direct the current of cool air into the sleeve to cool the liquid fuel component. The system can also include a manifold connected to the conduit and a plurality of second conduits for connecting the manifold to a plurality of sleeves surrounding a plurality of liquid fuel components, each sleeve being connected to a corresponding second conduit. Each sleeve includes a plurality of spacing devices for centering the sleeve around the at least one liquid fuel component so as to form an annulus between the sleeve and the liquid fuel component through which the current of cool air flows.

Abstract: A system for cooling at least one gas turbine liquid fuel component located in a high temperature environment to eliminate coking in the component is disclosed. The system includes a sleeve surrounding the liquid fuel component, a device for providing a current of cool air, and a conduit connected between the cool air device and the sleeve to direct the current of cool air into the sleeve to cool the liquid fuel component. The system can also include a manifold connected to the conduit and a plurality of second conduits for connecting the manifold to a plurality of sleeves surrounding a plurality of liquid fuel components, each sleeve being connected to a corresponding second conduit. Each sleeve includes a plurality of spacing devices for centering the sleeve around the at least one liquid fuel component so as to form an annulus between the sleeve and the liquid fuel component through which the current of cool air flows.

Abstract: A system for cooling at least one gas turbine liquid fuel component located in a high temperature environment to eliminate coking in the component is disclosed. The system includes a sleeve surrounding the liquid fuel component, a device for providing a current of cool air, and a conduit connected between the cool air device and the sleeve to direct the current of cool air into the sleeve to cool the liquid fuel component. The system can also include a manifold connected to the conduit and a plurality of second conduits for connecting the manifold to a plurality of sleeves surrounding a plurality of liquid fuel components, each sleeve being connected to a corresponding second conduit. Each sleeve includes a plurality of spacing devices for centering the sleeve around the at least one liquid fuel component so as to form an annulus between the sleeve and the liquid fuel component through which the current of cool air flows.

Abstract: A method of lowering fuel consumption and NOx levels in a two-stroke diesel engine having at least one piston disposed in at least one combustion chamber comprises the steps of providing a compression ratio within the combustion chamber between about 16.5:1 to about 19:1, providing a ratio of peak pressure to compressed pressure within the combustion chamber below about 1.4; and providing a trapped air charge density within the combustion chamber of at least 2.77 kg/m3. Combustion within the diesel engine results in NOx levels in exhaust gases below a predetermined amount and fuel consumption below a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method of lowering fuel consumption and NOx levels in a two-stroke diesel engine having at least one piston disposed in at least one combustion chamber comprises the steps of providing a compression ratio within the combustion chamber between about 16.5:1 to about 19:1, providing a ratio of peak pressure to compressed pressure within the combustion chamber below about 1.4; and providing a trapped air charge density within the combustion chamber of at least 2.77 kg/m3 Combustion within the diesel engine results in NOx levels in exhaust gases below a predetermined amount and fuel consumption below a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for monitoring performance of a product. In a design phase, a design for six sigma process is used to design the product and generate a plurality of design for six sigma elements representing characteristics of the product. The design for six sigma elements are stored in a design for six sigma database. In a service phase, performance of the product is monitored based on the design for six sigma elements stored in the design for six sigma database.

Abstract: An auxiliary energy management system includes a power assist device connected to a turbocharger of a mobile power plant and operable in either electric motor or alternator modes to supply or receive rotary drive motion to or from the turbocharger, an energy storage device connected between the assist device and a main alternator of the plant and operable in either energy capture or supply modes to store electrical power or provide it to auxiliary power loads, and a control mechanism connected to the assist and storage devices and operable to convert the assist device between motor and alternator modes in response to sensing performance of the turbocharger and a diesel engine of the plant and operate the storage device in supply or capture modes.

Abstract: The method for turbocharging an engine of a locomotive in which the engine is operable at a plurality of discrete operating power levels includes controlling at least one of energy to a motor-assisted turbocharger at a plurality of discrete energy levels and air pressure from the motor-assisted turbocharger to the engine at a plurality of discrete air pressure levels above ambient air pressure based on at least some of the plurality of discrete operating power levels (e.g., low power levels) of the engine. Desirably, the method also includes controlling generation of electrical energy from the motor-assisted turbocharger at some of the plurality of discrete operating power levels (e.g., high power levels) of the engine. Apparatus for turbocharging a diesel engine of a locomotive incorporating the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and system for managing a plurality of remote assets, such as a fleet mobile assets is provided. The method allows for collecting data regarding each of a plurality of remote assets. The collected data is used to develop historical information regarding actual usage of each remote asset. The information is distributed via a global information network.

Abstract: A combustion enhancing insert for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine having a body shaped for insertion into the cylinder so as to partially occupy the squish area of the cylinder as well as the crevice area of the cylinder. The combustion enhancing insert also occupies part of the combustion area but does not interfere with valve flow. The combustion enhancing insert can be attached to the cylinder head, cylinder wall or made as part of the head gasket and can be formed as part of the cylinder inserted as a retrofit. The present invention will reduce the amount of unburned combustion gases collecting in the squish area and crevice area. Also, the compression ratio will be increased. This will result in better fuel efficiency with less deposits and emissions.