Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling combustion stability in an engine driving a transmission. One example method comprises limiting airflow to the engine in response to a spark timing retarded beyond a spark retard threshold, the limiting airflow to the engine reducing engine torque output and compensating for the reduction in engine torque output by adjusting a transmission operating parameter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying and differentiating knock and pre-ignition using a plurality of knock sensors distributed along an engine block. By dynamically adjusting cylinder-specific assignment of the knock sensors for knock detection and pre-ignition detection based on operating conditions of each cylinder, knock and pre-ignition is more reliably identified and distinguished.

Abstract: A system for measuring an injection process in a combustion engine includes a tank configured to hold a fuel. A storage container is configured to hold a compressed fuel. At least one injection valve is arranged at the storage container. A fuel line in which a fuel conveying pump and a high-pressure fuel pump are arranged. The fuel conveying pump and the high-pressure fuel pump are configured to convey the fuel into the storage container. A first pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure in the storage container. A detection device is configured to detect control data of the at least one injection valve. A measuring device is arranged in the fuel line. The measuring device is configured to measure a temporally resolved volumetric or gravimetric flow process. A processor is connected to the measuring device and to the first pressure sensor via a data transmission line.

Abstract: A method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting spark timing in the combustion chamber of the engine in response to a knock indication, and further adjusting spark timing in response to the vehicle acceleration to reduce surge.

Abstract: Systems and methods useful for detecting a combustion fault in a combustion engine include determining cylinder power density values for cylinders present on the engine during its operation and determining cylinder imbalance parameters for the cylinders, based on the cylinder power density values. The cylinder imbalance parameters are compared with a provided diagnostic threshold value.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is operative in a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode. The operation includes monitoring engine operation, and globally adapting fueling for all the cylinders based upon an engine intake mass air flow and an air/fuel ratio. The fueling for each cylinder is individually adapted based upon states of a combustion parameter for all the cylinders.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine operatively connected to a second torque machine to transmit torque to an output member. A method for operating the hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining an output torque command based upon the operator torque request, commanding a transition between an engine-off state and an engine-on state, monitoring an engine crank angle, spinning the engine unfueled, estimating cylinder pressure based upon the engine crank angle during the spinning of the engine, predicting a cylinder pulse torque based upon the cylinder pressure, determining a cancellation torque for the second torque machine based upon the predicted cylinder pulse torque, and controlling motor torque output from the second torque machine based upon the cancellation torque and the output torque command.

Abstract: An ECU includes: a feedforward torque calculation unit for calculating a feedforward term of torque which reduces vibrations of a vehicle, by inputting a sum of a first requested driving force, which is identified as torque requested by a driver, and brake force into a vehicle model; a feedback torque calculation unit for calculating a feedback term of the torque which reduces vibrations of the vehicle, by inputting second requested driving force calculated from a revolution speed of wheels into the vehicle model; a second driving force calculation unit for calculating driving force to be achieved by an MG, by subtracting driving force to be achieved by an engine and an MG from a sum of the first requested driving force, the brake force, and the feedforward term and the feedback term of the torque which reduces vibrations of the vehicle; and an MG control unit for controlling MG to achieve the calculated driving force.

Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine is controlled by at least one drive variable, and an instantaneous torque output by the internal combustion engine is determined from a performance variable of the internal combustion engine that differs from the drive variable. To determine the instantaneous torque, an exhaust-gas temperature of the internal combustion engine is used as performance quantity that differs from the drive variable.

Abstract: A device dedicated to processing analog knock signals delivered by a sensor of an internal combustion engine coupled to an engine monitoring unit, includes processing elements for converting values of the analog signals acquired by the sensor at known instants into representative digital samples, then for temporarily storing the samples whose acquisition instants are contained in a chosen time window, and for applying chosen digital processing operations to these stored samples so as to deliver a digital output signal representative of the knock of the engine during this time window. The processing elements are responsible i) for applying a chosen digital preprocessing operation to the stored samples whose acquisition instants coincide with instants of occurrence, and ii) for adapting at least one of the digital processing operations according to the number of stored samples that are the subjects of a coincidence.

Abstract: A method for closed loop controlling the air system in an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel internal combustion engine with a first actuating element for recirculated exhaust gas in the exhaust gas recirculation tract and a second actuating element for air in the inlet tract, the two actuating elements being adjusted as a function of each other. In order to increase the quality of closed loop control, provision is made for each actuating element to be controlled separately by its own respective controller, each controller being optimally configured for the respective controlled system, and a target value being provided for each controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operating mode of an internal combustion engine (1) comprising several cylinders (3) and an injection system (4) with one injection unit (5) per cylinder (3). According to said method: a digital measuring signal, which characterizes the combustion of fuel (6) in the internal combustion engine (1), is first determined; said digital measuring signal is then transformed into a frequency range; a misfiring of the ignition is detected using the amplitude information of the transformed measuring signal and if a misfiring has occurred, the injection of the individual cylinders (3) is deactivated sequentially for a predefined period and for each cylinder the corresponding digital measuring signal that characterizes said cylinder is determined and transformed into the frequency range and a misfiring cylinder (3) is identified during the evaluation of the transformed measuring signal using the amplitude information.

Abstract: An engine damping system is disclosed. The engine damping system includes an actuating device that is hydraulically powered using a power steering system of a motor vehicle. The system also includes a steering position sensor to determine a steering mode of the motor vehicle. The system also includes an acceleration sensor to provide controlled feedback for the actuating device.

Abstract: A control device of an internal combustion engine includes: an air-fuel ratio modulator, performing modulation of an air-fuel ratio of an exhaust which flows in an exhaust purifier provided in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine; a fluctuation detector, detecting a fluctuation of the internal combustion engine due to the modulation of the air-fuel ratio performed by the air-fuel ratio modulator; a feed-back controller, performing feed-back control of a driving control parameter of the internal combustion engine so as to suppress the fluctuation detected by the fluctuation detector; a determiner, determining whether or not a driving state of the internal combustion engine is in an operating area of the feed-back controller; and an operator, setting a fluctuation suppression target value, which is a target value for suppressing the fluctuation of the internal combustion engine, to operate the feed-back controller based on the fluctuation suppression target value, when the determiner determines t

Abstract: Disclosed is a diagnostic control apparatus for internal combustion engines capable of accurately diagnosing the presence and extent of air/fuel ratio variations in engine cylinders, even when the system has no part for detecting the air/fuel ratio in each cylinder. The diagnostic control apparatus measures the time required for the crankshaft to rotate to a specified angle for each cylinder; and based on this measured, required time, derives the 0.5 order component as the rotation fluctuation component for each two rotations of the crankshaft per each cylinder or the 1.0 order component as the rotation fluctuation component for each single rotation of the crankshaft; and also counts the number of times the 0.5 order component or 1.0 order component deviates from the preset range in the period set for each cylinder, and diagnoses an error in the output or in the air/fuel ratio for a particular cylinder when that count value exceeds a specified value.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine is configured to be able to perform a selected cylinder operation in which combustion is stopped in some cylinders. The multi-cylinder engine includes an ignition-timing adjustment section. This ignition-timing adjustment section retards ignition timing of each operating cylinder when the number of operating cylinders is small or when the engine operates in a selected cylinder operation mode in which explosion occurs at irregular intervals. In such a case, the peak of cylinder internal pressure is lowered by ignition timing retard. Thus, vibration and noise can be suppressed effectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of methods and devices for reducing the difference between normalized air-fuel ratio of the various cylinders compared with a predetermined value between 0.7 and 1.1, of the normalized air-fuel ratio in an internal combustion engine. The method and devices utilize the signal of the ionization current produced by a suitable device, modifying the quantity of fuel on the basis of the signal determined by means of the method in question in the invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for addressing cylinder pre-ignition by adjusting a spray angle of fuel injected into a cylinder responsive to an indication of pre-ignition. A spray pattern of fuel injected in the cylinder is varied based on a cylinder pre-ignition count to reduce cylinder wall impingement of injected fuel while improving air-fuel mixing in the cylinder.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the normalized air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine, otherwise known, in technical terms, as Lambda. The present invention is based on the use of the ionization current released by a device positioned on each cylinder of the engine. This ionization current is measured by a Control Unit equipped with a low-pass filter and electronic means which implement the invention.

Abstract: In order to control an internal combustion engine with self-ignition of the air/fuel mixture, at least one injection parameter with respect to fuel metering is determined as a function of at least one operating variable, assuming a steady-state operating state. If a transient operating state is present, a target combustion chamber temperature is determined for the steady-state operating state as a function of at least one of the operating variables. An actual combustion chamber temperature is determined as a function of a physical model for the transient operation, depending on the target combustion chamber temperature and at least one of the operating variables. A correction value is determined for the at least one injection parameter as a function of the target and actual combustion chamber temperatures. The fuel valve is controlled as a function of the at least one injection parameter and the associated correction value.

Abstract: To reduce the complexity of an indicating system 6 on an internal combustion engine for determining a parameter, the invention provides that on the basis of the measured variable a computing unit 8 for the indicating system 6 computes crank angle information, and on the basis of the crank angle information thus computed and the measured variable determines an engine parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an internal combustion power train, whereby the values of various operating parameters of the power train are measured by means of a number of sensors, and operation of the engine is monitored by means of at least one control unit, which is physically separate from the engine block and connected to the sensors; at least one pressure sensor is housed in the control unit, is physically separate from the engine block, and determines the intensity of pressure waves generated by the power train; and the control unit determines the value of at least one operating parameter of the power train as a function of the intensity of the pressure waves generated by the power train.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine includes: providing a setpoint value of at least one combustion attribute on the basis of a setpoint value characteristics map; determining from a control variable characteristics map a value of a characteristics-map-based control variable for controlling the engine; ascertaining with the aid of a data-based model a value of a modified control variable for controlling the engine, the data-based model specifying a predicted combustion attribute as a function of a real value of the combustion attribute of the preceding combustion, and the value of the modified control variable for controlling the engine being ascertained from the predicted combustion attribute; and providing a real control variable set to a value that is a function of the value of the characteristics-map-based control variable and/or the value of the modified control variable.

Abstract: A control system for an engine having a cylinder is disclosed having an engine valve movable to regulate a fluid flow of the cylinder and an actuator associated with the engine valve. The control system also has a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of an air/fuel mixture remaining within the cylinder after completion of a first combustion event and a controller in communication with the actuator and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare the amount with a desired amount, and to selectively regulate the actuator to adjust a timing of the engine valve associated with a subsequent combustion event based on the comparison.

Abstract: A control module and method for controlling an engine operation includes a runtime module that determines a previous run period, a fuel mass module that determines a fuel mass during the previous run period, a spark fouling condition estimation module that determines a spark fouling condition based on the fuel mass during the previous run period and an engine operation module that controls the engine in response to the spark fouling condition.

Abstract: The internal combustion engine system makes detection on the occurrence or the non-occurrence of a misfire by comparing the 240-degree difference TD240 of the 30-degree rotation time T30 (CA) with the tentative detection reference value A1 and comparing the detection base difference ratios J1 and J5 with the ranges of the respective reference values B11, B12, B51 and B52 when the exhaust gas recirculation is performed, in addition to the methodology in the non-performance of the exhaust gas recirculation, that is, in addition to the methodology of comparing the 360-degree difference TD360 of the 30-degree rotation time T30 (CA) with the tentative detection reference value A1 and comparing the detection base difference ratios J0, J2 and J4 with the ranges of the respective reference values B01, B02, B21, B22, B41 and B42 (S410, S440). This arrangement enables to detect a misfire in any of cylinders of the engine 22 accurately even when the exhaust gas recirculation is performed or not performed.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: calculating a knock magnitude N by dividing an integrated value lpkknk obtained by integrating the magnitude of vibration in the knock detection gate by BGL; controlling ignition timing according to a result of comparison between knock magnitude N and a determination value VJ; stopping updating of a standard deviation ? when it is determined that determination value VJ to be compared with knock magnitude N is to be changed; updating a median value VM by increasing an update amount of median value VM; and updating BGL according to median value VM and standard deviation ?.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine operable with a first cylinder firing frequency and a second cylinder firing frequency to reduce or eliminate transmission of torsional vibrations associated with the second cylinder firing frequency to reduce or eliminate constraints on reduced displacement mode operation using a closely coupled drive train component rotating in an opposite direction relative to rotating components of the engine. A close coupling device allows the inertia of the counter-rotating elements to reduce or eliminate the torque reaction of the drivetrain associated with acceleration and deceleration of the engine crankshaft in response to the second cylinder firing frequency in the reduced displacement mode.

Abstract: A driveline with a shaft and a vibration damper coupled to the shaft. The damper includes a hub, a first mass, a first resilient coupling, a second mass, and a second resilient coupling. The first mass is disposed concentrically about the hub. The first resilient coupling resiliently couples the first mass to the hub. The first resilient coupling has a first spring constant. The second mass is disposed concentrically about the first mass. The second resilient coupling resiliently couples the second mass directly to the first mass. The second resilient coupling has a second spring constant that is less than the first spring constant. The first mass and the first resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a first frequency. The second mass and the second resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a second frequency. The second frequency is lower than the first frequency.

Abstract: An environment control device, an environment control method, an environment control program, and a computer-readable recording medium containing the environment control program for enabling the user to actually have a comfortable feeling in a reliable manner and further to maintain such a comfortable state, are provided. A biological information measuring portion acquires time-series data of the biological information of the user. A chaos analysis portion calculates a parameter about the biological information through chaos analysis of the time-series data acquired by the biological information measuring portion. A state inferring portion infers a comfortable feeling of the user on the basis of the parameter calculated by the chaos analysis portion. A device control portion controls generation of a stimulus to be given to the user on the basis of the result of inference made by the state inferring portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for regulating active damping in a hybrid vehicle powertrain. The method includes: monitoring the damping command sent to the active damping system; determining a mean reference point, which may be a filtered value of the damping torque command; determining if the unfiltered damping torque command value switches from one side to the other of the mean reference point; if a switch is detected, determining if the size of the switch exceeds a predetermined minimum; if it does, then increasing a total number of switches; determining if the total number of switches exceeds a switch threshold; if the total number of switches exceeds the switch threshold, determining if the current damping torque exceeds a damping torque threshold; and decreasing the damping torque if the total number of switches exceeds the switch threshold and the current damping torque exceeds the damping torque threshold.

Abstract: An engine control system for a homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine includes a fuel injector temperature determination module and a fuel injector control module. The fuel injector temperature determination module determines a temperature of a tip of a fuel injector based on a first temperature model when the HCCI engine is operating in an HCCI combustion mode, and determines the temperature of the tip of the fuel injector based on a second temperature model when the HCCI engine is operating in a spark ignition (SI) combustion mode. The fuel injector control module controls a fuel injector pulse width based on the determined temperature and a predetermined temperature threshold, wherein the fuel injector pulse width increases when the determined temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: A misfire detecting device is provided for a water jet propulsion watercraft in which a propulsion unit operates through an operation of an engine to propel the water jet propulsion watercraft. The misfire detecting device includes injectors arranged to inject fuel into the engine under a fuel injection amount adjusting control implemented by an electric control device, ignition plugs arranged to ignite the fuel injected into the engine from the injectors to operate the engine, an oxygen sensor arranged to detect that a misfire occurs in the engine, a warning lamp and buzzer arranged to inform that the misfire occurs, etc. The misfire detecting device prevents the warning lamp and the buzzer from informing the warning if the misfire is caused through the control by the electric control device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.

Abstract: Methods for ascertaining the combustion noises of an internal combustion engine need only a structure-borne noise sensor and may be carried out using little computing power.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of changing an active cylinder count of an engine may include determining a vehicle vibration limit and a vehicle vibration level. The cylinder count may be modified (increased or decreased) based upon the vehicle vibration limit and the vehicle vibration level. The vehicle vibration limit may be based upon a vehicle speed, and a coolant temperature of the engine. The vehicle vibration level may be based upon at least one of a desired torque of the engine and a number of active cylinders of the engine. According to other features, the vehicle vibration level may be based upon a measured vibration level of a vehicle component.

Abstract: Engine surge includes oscillations in engine torque resulting in bucking or jerking motion of a vehicle that may degrade driver experience. The present application relates to increasing reformate entering an example engine cylinder in response to engine surge.

Abstract: The method comprises operating an engine and collecting a real-time accelerometer signal from an accelerometer sensor. The real-time accelerometer signal is digitized and filtered to isolate data in a frequency range associated with combustion to produce a filtered signal data set. The filtered signal data set is integrated to produce an integrated signal data set, and misfire is detected by comparing the integrated signal data set with a predetermined reference data set associated with the same operating point. The apparatus is a control system for an engine that comprises an accelerometer sensor mounted to the engine; a look-up table in which is stored predetermined reference data sets, in association with predetermined operating conditions; and an electronic controller programmed to carry out the foregoing method.

Abstract: A method of controlling an HCCI engine-based power system may include receiving performance information relating to a desired operating state for the HCCI engine-based power system, evaluating operational information associated with a current operating state of the HCCI engine-based power system, and determining one or more control parameter values based on the performance information and the operational information. The method may further include predicting a response of the HCCI engine-based power system based on the one or more control parameter values and determining whether the response satisfies one or more desired performance characteristics associated with the HCCI engine-based power system. If the response satisfies the one or more desired performance characteristics, control of at least one component of the HCCI engine-based power system may be enabled based on the one or more control parameter values.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) module that compares MAP of an engine to a predetermined MAP and an air/spark module that decreases flow of air and that advances ignition spark when the MAP module indicates that the MAP is greater than a predetermined MAP.

Abstract: Knocking control is performed using a data group of serial segments each including a predetermined number of values obtained by A/D-converting a signal that appears within a knocking detection window and a data group consisting of serial segments each including the predetermined number of values. The starting timing is shifted and a time-frequency analysis is applied to the data groups in a plurality of frequency bandwidths. Peak values and integration values of spectrums, within the knocking detection window, outputted after the time-frequency analysis in each of the frequency bandwidths are calculated. A P/H method is performed based on the peak value in each of the frequency bandwidths and an integration method is performed based on the integration value in each of the frequency bandwidths for a knocking determination. If knocking is detected through at least one of the methods, the ignition timing is delayed in order to avoid the knocking.

Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of fuel reforming in an internal combustion engine configured to selectively operate in a homogeneous charge compression-ignition combustion mode with an exhaust recompression strategy includes monitoring in-cylinder pressures during a current combustion cycle, utilizing the monitored in-cylinder pressures to project reforming required in a next combustion cycle, and controlling the next combustion cycle based on the projected reforming required in the next combustion cycle.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an injection control module, a processing module, and a malfunction detection module. The injection control module commands a fuel injector to operate in a split injection mode. The processing module that measures engine vibration during a period after commanding the split injection mode. The malfunction detection module detects a malfunction of the fuel injector based on a comparison between the measured engine vibration and expected engine vibration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for addressing cylinder-to-cylinder imbalances in the incidence of pre-ignition and/or knock. Engine cylinders are fueled based on each cylinder's pre-ignition count to balance the incidence of pre-ignition in each cylinder. The fueling is adjusted to maintain engine exhaust at stoichiometry.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.

Abstract: The invention is an abnormal combustion detection method for spark-ignition internal-combustion engines. For each engine cycle, a parameter characterizing a distribution of N combustion indicator values, CA10 for example, acquired over N cycles preceding the cycle in progress, is determined while ignoring extreme values. A threshold is defined from this parameter for the combustion indicator. The start of an abnormal combustion is then detected by comparing the combustion indicator with this threshold and the course of the abnormal combustion detected in the combustion chamber is controlled.

Abstract: This control apparatus estimates a full combustion correspondence period CP, which is the period from an ignition timing SA to a combustion completion time CAe, and controls a VVT advancement amount (burnt gas quantity, overlap period, intake valve open timing) such that the estimated full combustion correspondence period CP coincides with a constant target full combustion correspondence period CPtgt. The full combustion correspondence period CP substantially maintains a one-to-one relation with the VVT advancement amount at which HC, CO2, etc. start to increase, even when the ignition timing SA changes. Thus, even when the ignition timing changes, the burnt gas quantity (overlap period) can be properly controlled. As a result, without increasing the discharge quantities of HC and CO, the discharge quantity of NOX can be reduced. In addition, pumping loss can be reduced, whereby fuel consumption can be improved.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring for a misfire event in an internal combustion engine signals representative of engine speed are monitored for successive engine revolutions subsequent to each firing event. The monitored signals are stored (e.g., in a buffer) and processed to detect changes in the monitored speed signals. Changes in monitored speed signals that are indicative of an actual misfire event are detected and a misfire count is changed in response thereto.

Abstract: An output signal of a knock sensor is filtered with a plurality of band-pass filters to extract vibration waveform components of a plurality of frequency bands (f1-f4). Weighting coefficients (G1-G4) which multiply the vibration waveform component of each frequency band are established in such a manner as to be a small value as a noise intensity of each frequency band becomes larger. Thereby, the vibration waveform component of a plurality of frequency bands is synthesized by weighting according to an influence of a noise intensity of each frequency band. Even when the noise is superimposed on the vibration waveform component of any of the frequency bands, it becomes possible to reduce the influence of the noise and to synthesize the vibration waveform component of each frequency band, and an accurate knock determination can be performed based on the composite vibration waveform.