Abstract: An ECU for controlling an engine counts an unused time TIM of engine in a low-temperature environment. If the unused time TIM is shorter than a predetermined reference value, the ECU sets idle speed immediately after start of operation of the engine to a first idle speed, and if the unused time TIM is longer than the reference value, sets the idle speed to a second idle speed higher than the first idle speed. If duration of the second idle speed exceeds a reference period determined by state of driving of the vehicle, the ECU sets the idle speed to be lower than the second idle speed. In this manner, increased vibration in idling operation in a low-temperature environment can be prevented.

Abstract: An ECU for controlling an engine counts the continued period of stopping the engine in a low-temperature environment. The ECU sets the idle rotational speed at a first idle rotational speed when the stopped period is below a predetermined threshold value, and at a second idle rotational speed higher than the first idle rotational speed when the stopped period exceeds the reference value. Accordingly, resonance at the driving force transmission system during idle operation can be prevented even in the case where a mount employed for attaching the engine to the vehicle is hardened as a result of undergoing a low-temperature environment for a long period of time, and the resonant rotational speed of the driving force transmission system including the engine varies.

Abstract: A method for launching a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises, during operation with an idle engine speed prior to a pedal tip-in, increasing alternator and boost pressure while maintaining the idle engine speed, and decreasing alternator load responsive to the pedal tip-in. In this way, increased turbocharger output may be used to quickly accelerate the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an engine in a hydrostatically driven vehicle having high and economy modes may include monitoring one or more control inputs. When in the economy mode the engine may be operated: at a fixed propel neutral speed when a propel control input is in a neutral position; at a fixed propel drive speed when the propel control input is in a drive position and a propel pump displacement signal is less than a maximum displacement position of a propel pump; and at a variable drive speed when the propel control input is in the drive position and the propel pump displacement signal indicates a maximum displacement position. The economy mode conserves fuel while ensuring that sufficient engine power is maintained to operate the propel and any implement pumps provided on the vehicle.

Abstract: When an automobile is traveling on a road surface with a low friction coefficient upon a shift of an engine to idle operation in the process of stopping the automobile from traveling, a target engine speed of the engine is reduced by a value equivalent to a reduction in a drive request value for any auxiliary at a time point corresponding to start of reduction of the drive request value.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a stop-start initiation module and a load control module. The stop-start initiation module shuts down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The load control module, in response to the engine shutdown request, increases a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine. A method for an engine includes shutting down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The method further includes increasing, in response to the engine shutdown request, a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine.

Abstract: A road surface frictional coefficient estimating apparatus has a device for determining a first estimated value of a yaw moment Mnsp_estm generated at an NSP of a vehicle due to the resultant force of road surface reaction forces acting on each wheel by using, for example, a frictional coefficient estimated value that has been determined, and a device for determining a second estimated value of a yaw moment Mnsp_sens generated at the NSP from the observed value of motional state amounts defining an inertial force moment at the NSP. The increasing/decreasing manipulated variable of the frictional coefficient estimated value is sequentially determined on an error (Mnsp_sens?Mnsp_estm) such that the error is converged to zero, and the road surface frictional coefficient is updated on the basis of the increasing/decreasing manipulated variable.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a generator set coupled to supply electrical power to an external load. The control system may have an input device configured to receive input indicative of a desired adjustment to the external load, and a power control device operable to affect a power output of the generator set. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the input device and the power control device. The controller may be configured to determine a change in the power output of the generator set corresponding to the desired adjustment to the external load, and to operate the power control device to implement the change in power output of the generator set before the desired adjustment to the external load is initiated.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a deviation value calculation unit which calculates a deviation value from the normal boundary of the relationship between a power index associated with the driving power and the measured rotational speed of the fan, a clogging detection unit which detects, based on the deviation value, clogging in an air duct through which the fan takes in air outside the case and sends it to the radiator, and a deviation value correction unit which corrects the deviation value in accordance with aging of performance of the fan to compensate for deterioration of the clogging detection capability of the clogging detection unit caused by the aging.

Abstract: A fire truck or rescue vehicle idle reduction system, including: a fire truck or rescue vehicle; an engine in the fire truck or rescue vehicle; a battery in the fire truck or rescue vehicle; an alternator connected to the engine for changing the battery; a generator in the fire truck or rescue vehicle; an alternator connected to the generator for charging the battery; a ventilation system in the fire truck or rescue vehicle, the ventilation system being powered by the battery; a lighting system in the fire truck or rescue vehicle, the lighting system being powered by the battery; a parking brake system in the rescue vehicle; a system for determining whether the parking brake is engaged; and a system for shutting off the engine and starting the generator when the parking brake is engaged.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the energy consumption of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and at least one vehicle electric system, to which at least a first electric consumer is connected. In order to achieve an efficient vehicle electric system with a reduced energy consumption, the internal combustion engine is operated in a first operating mode at a first speed. In a second operating mode, the internal combustion engine is operated at a second speed that is higher than the first speed. A driving situation detection device provided in the vehicle recognizes an imminent specific driving situation on the basis of the previous behavior of the driver in controlling the vehicle and/or the behavior of the vehicle in advance, and initiates a switch in the internal combustion engine from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

Abstract: When an automobile is traveling on a road surface with a low friction coefficient upon a shift of an engine to idle operation in the process of stopping the automobile from traveling, a target engine speed of the engine is reduced by a value equivalent to a reduction in a drive request value for any auxiliary at a time point corresponding to start of reduction of the drive request value.

Abstract: An engine idle control system is provided in a vehicle having an engine that drives an electric power generator arranged to selectively provide electric power to an electrical load of the vehicle and to selectively charge a battery of the vehicle. The engine idle control system includes: a sensor that detects a state of charge (SOC) of the battery; and a controller that controls an idle speed of the engine in response to the SOC detected by the sensor, wherein the controller is provisioned to skip at least one specific engine idle speed that has been identified as a cause of at least one of: unwanted noise in the vehicle; unwanted vibrations in the vehicle; undesirable emissions control; or undesirable driveline torque.

Abstract: Disclosed are an engine torque control apparatus and an engine torque control method that can stably control engine torque when a variation of a TPS signal converts from an idle state to a part load state or from the part load state to the idle state in an engine, in which an ISA is installed, thereby resolving a problem on drivability, such as a drop of an engine RPM and resolving a problem on drivability, such as flare of an engine RPM, and improving fuel consumption.

Abstract: An electric power generation control system has an electric power generation amount determining section for determining an electric power generation request amount of a vehicle alternator by monitoring vehicle conditions, an electric power generation amount increase judgment section for judging presence/absence of an electric power generation amount increase request to the vehicle alternator based on change of the electric power generation request amount in passage of time, an idle state judgment section for judging whether or not a vehicle engine falls in idle operation state, and an electric power generation amount suppressing control section for suppressing an electric power generation amount of the vehicle alternator. In the idle operation state of the vehicle engine and the presence of the electric power generation amount increase request, the electric power generation amount suppressing control section halts the control of suppressing the electric power generation of the vehicle alternator.

Abstract: When a vehicle power demand is less than a threshold value, which is set to or around a lower limit of a relatively efficient drive range of an engine and when an engine drive demand is set ON because of requirement for heating by an air conditioning system, the drive control of the invention sets the threshold value to an engine power demand and sets a higher level than a standard level to a maximum SOC (state of charge) of a battery. This drive control starts load operation of the engine with charge of the battery. The load operation of the engine desirably improves the fuel consumption of the vehicle, compared with independent operation of the engine.

Abstract: An electric power generation control system has an electric power generation amount determining section for determining an electric power generation request amount of a vehicle alternator by monitoring vehicle conditions, an electric power generation amount increase judgment section for judging presence/absence of an electric power generation amount increase request to the vehicle alternator based on change of the electric power generation request amount in passage of time, an idle state judgment section for judging whether or not a vehicle engine falls in idle operation state, and an electric power generation amount suppressing control section for suppressing an electric power generation amount of the vehicle alternator. In the idle operation state of the vehicle engine and the presence of the electric power generation amount increase request, the electric power generation amount suppressing control section halts the control of suppressing the electric power generation of the vehicle alternator.

Abstract: A control system for an engine that drives an alternator includes a first module that reduces an alternator load when the engine is cranked. A second module determines a desired exhaust energy rate (EER) of the engine. The first module regulates the alternator load based on the EER during an idle period to reduce engine emissions during a cold start period.

Abstract: An controller detects a change in a load generation state of an accessory device that generates a load on the internal combustion engine during operation, and the controller in turn controls a variable valve mechanism to change at least one of an operation angle and a valve lift of an intake valve of the internal combustion engine, as well as changing an amount of an intake air drawn into the internal combustion engine, in response to the detected change in the load generation state of the accessory device.

Abstract: A method for improving vehicle battery state-of-charge (SOC) for initial vehicle customer delivery is disclosed. The method is focused on vehicle assembly plant practices and ensuring that battery discharge is minimized or eliminated during the vehicle assembly process. The method includes determining the available maximum percentage of duty cycle voltage output from the vehicle alternator and determining a minimum idle boost speed necessary to provide minimum discharge or positive charge to the battery when the vehicle's accessories are in the “on” state during vehicle assembly. The method further includes programming the vehicle's controllers to force the maximum percentage of duty cycle voltage output available and the minimum idle speed necessary to provide minimum battery discharge or positive charge during the earliest part of the vehicle life.

Abstract: A positioning pin is knocked onto a crankshaft of an engine and a key way is formed in a boss of a first flywheel. When an outer rotor type generator is connected with the engine, the boss of the first flywheel is fitted over the crankshaft so as to adjust the positioning pin to the key way. When an inner rotor type generator is connected with the engine, a rotor shaft on which a rotor of a generator is mounted is fitted to a second flywheel so as to adjust the positioning pin to a key way formed in the second flywheel. The ignition angle of the engine is determined by fitting the positioning pin to the key way.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to maintain stable air-fuel ratio on a venturi type fuel supply device, irrespective of the external load such as air-conditioner and electrical load, and to provide stable engine speed on idling state. A venturi type fuel supply device comprises a venturi chamber located in the upstream of a throttle valve and a passage for supplying air-fuel mixture gas into the venturi chamber. The passage is further equipped with a variable air bleeder valve for taking in air. When the operating state of the external load of the engine changes, the opening of the air bleeder valve is adjusted in accordance with the change so as to control the air-fuel mixture ratio of the mixture gas incoming from the passage into the venturi chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relate to idle control in an internal combustion engine and particularly to the control of the air supply to the engine during engine idling. An engine control unit (ECU) monitors the operation of ancillary consumer units to calculate an engine demand depending at least partly on the operation of these units. The ECU also monitors the engine idling speed to determine if the expected engine demand can be met at this engine idling speed. When the engine demand exceeds that available at the idling speed, the ECU determines a desired degree of opening of an air inlet valve to meet the expected engine demand. The ECU is arranged first to open the air inlet valve to a position at which the steady state airflow would exceed that necessary to meet the expected engine demand, and then closes the air inlet valve towards the calculated desired opening.

Abstract: Multi-cylinder stationary internal combustion engine (1)—in particular a gas otto engine—with at least one throttle valve (13) and with at least one compressor (15)—in particular turbo-supercharger—for driving at least one generator (3) for the production of electric current or for driving at least one other consumer of mechanical energy, the internal combustion engine (1) containing a regulator (10) which, for the shedding of load, sets the throttle valve (13) to a permissible minimum-closure position which differs from the completely closed position and disconnects at least one cylinder (9) in order to prevent overspeed.

Abstract: A control apparatus, a control method, and an engine control unit for a variable cylinder internal combustion engine are provided for appropriately performing any of an idling rotational speed control, a deceleration fuel-cut control, and an auxiliary machinery driving control irrespective of whether or not a cylinder pausing mechanism fails. The control apparatus for the variable cylinder internal combustion engine switchably operated in a full cylinder operation mode and a partial cylinder operation mode comprises an ECU. The ECU determines whether or not the cylinder pause mechanism fails, and sets a target idling rotational speed for use in the idling rotational speed control to a normal operation value when the cylinder pausing mechanism is normal and to a faulty operation value higher than the normal operation value when the cylinder pausing mechanism is faulty.

Abstract: A vehicle according to the present invention has an internal combustion engine that is controlled by an engine-control computer that is operable, when the vehicle is parked, to operate in an idle-management mode to automatically start and stop idling operation of the internal combustion engine in order to maintain desirable electrical system energy levels, maintain desirable fluid temperatures of the internal combustion engine, and/or enable maintenance of comfortable occupant cabin temperatures. Each vehicle according to the present invention has a unique configuration of safety-interlock provisions that affect when and if an idle-management mode of operation of the engine-control computer is initiated and/or maintained.

Abstract: An engine system includes an engine, an alternator, a load, and a controller that communicates with the engine, the alternator, and the load. The controller signals the engine to drive the alternator when the engine idles. When a load increase on the engine is detected, the controller reduces an alternator load on the engine in response to the load increase. Air flow into the engine is adjusted to compensate for the load increase, and concurrently the alternator load is increased. When a load decrease is detected, the alternator load is increased, and the air flow is subsequently adjusted while decreasing the alternator load. In another embodiment, spark timing of the engine is adjusted to compensate for the load decrease.

Abstract: A method is directed to controlling idle speed for an internal combustion engine. The method provides for monitoring a plurality of vehicle system signal inputs, determining a baseline load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining a maximum load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining an anticipated load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining an idle speed control signal based on the baseline control signal and the anticipated control signal, modifying the idle speed control signal based on vehicle system signal inputs, and controlling the idle speed based on the modified idle speed control signal.

Abstract: A response time constant of an A/F ratio control system is calculated in accordance with an engine operating condition. A control gain is calculated based on the response time constant. A degradation index of a response of an A/F sensor is calculated, so as to be used as a parameter representing a model error or aging degree of the A/F control system. The control gain is corrected with a correction coefficient corresponding to the model error. An A/F feedback correcting amount is calculated using the response time constant, the control gain and a deviation between a detected A/F and a target A/F, so as to decrease the deviation. Thus, the A/F control system is prevented from a degradation caused by aging.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine calculates a target indicated torque and determines operating degree for engine control actuators such as an air system, a fuel system and an ignition system. The target indicated torque for an idling condition of the engine is calculated based on a constant target indicated power, e.g. the constant target indicated power has a value that corresponds to or slightly overcomes internal and external loss when the engine is in the idling. Although an idling speed control with a feedback control method is inhibited during a transient condition of the engine, the constant target indicated power provides a self-stabilizing to maintain the engine speed constant. As a result, the apparatus maintain the engine speed constant during the idling even external disturbance is applied to the engine.

Abstract: A method is directed to controlling idle speed for an internal combustion engine. The method provides for monitoring a plurality of vehicle system signal inputs, determining a baseline load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining a maximum load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining an anticipated load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining an idle speed control signal based on the baseline control signal and the anticipated control signal, modifying the idle speed control signal based on vehicle system signal inputs, and controlling the idle speed based on the modified idle speed control signal.

Abstract: A diesel locomotive includes a number of auxiliary subsystems operating in conjunction with the locomotive diesel engine and deriving their energy, from the diesel engine. Included among the subsystems are various cooling systems, the battery charging system, and the electrical generation system, comprising one or more alternators drivingly coupled to the engine shaft. Each of the subsystems includes a component that is activated when one or more operational conditions associated with the subsystem are met. For instance, an engine cooling system fan motor is activated when the coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined value. Similarly, a battery charger is activated when the battery voltage falls below a predetermined value, and an alternator blower is activated when the main or auxiliary alternator temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An intake air volume flowing into an intake passage is controlled by a throttle opening. When the engine speed decreases, a valve timing of an intake valve and an exhaust valve is corrected so as to increase the torque of an internal combustion engine. The throttle opening is corrected so as to increase the intake air volume when the engine speed falls below a desired speed while an intake line pressure is equal to, or less than, a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An intake air volume flowing into an intake passage is controlled by a throttle opening. When the engine speed decreases, a valve timing of an intake valve and an exhaust valve is corrected so as to increase the torque of an internal combustion engine. The throttle opening is corrected so as to increase the intake air volume when the engine speed falls below a desired speed while an intake line pressure is equal to, or less than, a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling idle speed of an engine in an engine idle control system including a battery voltage sensor, a coolant temperature sensor, a sensor for detecting an amount of alternator generation, an engine speed sensor, an ISC controlling an amount of air supplied to the engine in an idle state, and an ECU that is supplied with detected values from the sensors and outputs a control signal to the ISC based on the detected value being supplied, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether a time elapsed after starting is within a predetermined range; and (b) performing feedback control of engine speed in a state of stopping ISC control according to the amount of alternator generation when the time elapsed after starting is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A motor drive-control device drive-controls a plurality of auxiliary devices with a single motor while securing a necessary capacity of the auxiliary devices side in correspondence with usage conditions. As such, in an air-conditioning system, necessary speeds of auxiliary devices such as a compressor and a warm water pump are calculated based on a necessary cooling capacity and a necessary heating capacity. The higher of these two necessary speeds is set as the motor speed for driving the auxiliary devices. The motor is thus controlled to this speed. Therefore, even if the air-conditioning heat load varies greatly due to changes in the usage environment, cooling and heating capacities necessary for air-conditioning temperature control can be obtained at all times.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle including a continuously variable is constructed: such that a target output of a prime mover for achieving a target driving force is determined on the basis of the target driving force; such that a target output speed is determined on the basis of the target output; such that a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is controlled so that an output speed of the prime mover may be the target output speed; such that a target output torque of the prime mover for achieving the target driving force is determined on the basis of the target driving force; and such that a load of the prime mover is controlled on the basis of the target output torque. The control system further comprises a corrector for correcting a control quantity to control the load of the prime mover so that the output torque of the prime mover may have the sum of the target output torque and an output torque for keeping the idle run of the prime mover.

Abstract: An electric power generation system is disclosed, which includes a back-up electric power generator driven by a four-cycle internal combustion engine. The engine includes a plurality of reciprocating cylinders each rotatably coupled to a crankshaft, which drives the electric power generator. The engine also includes a compressor along an intake pathway to deliver pressurized air to the cylinders and a turbine along an exhaust pathway to power the compressor when driven by exhaust discharged from the cylinders. The engine is prepared to accept a generator load by increasing boost pressure provided by the compressor. This increase is accomplished by skip-firing the cylinders in a selected pattern, retarding ignition timing for the cylinders, or a combination of these techniques. A unique skip-fueling control pattern is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided having a crankshaft which rotates in an actual crankshaft speed. An accessory drive is driven by the crankshaft and includes an accessory drive component, such as an alternator, which produces a load on the crankshaft. A speed sensor senses an engine speed associated with the actual crankshaft speed and produces a speed signal. A controller sends a control signal to the accessory drive component in response to the speed signal to change the load of the accessory drive component and maintain the actual crankshaft speed at a target crankshaft speed. If sufficient control of the engine speed is not possible by changing the load of the accessory drive component alone, the throttle may also be changed to overcome the load fluctuations of the engine and assist the control provided by the accessory drive component.

Abstract: There is provided an engine control apparatus with electromagnetically driven intake and exhaust valves which can widen the dynamic range of engine brake torque. The valve open timing of the electromagnetic exhaust valve during fuel cut is made to be variable between the initial stage of expansion stroke and the late stage thereof so as to control the magnitude of engine brake torque.

Abstract: A computer-implemented apparatus and method for inferring power steering load and for controlling airflow to an engine of a vehicle having an engine speed. A sensor which is connected to the engine senses the engine speed of the engine. An engine speed reference data table stores at least one engine reference speed, and a reference comparator module which is connected to the sensor and to the reference data table performs a comparison between the sensed engine speed and the engine reference speed. The airflow to the engine is controlled based upon the comparison.