Abstract: A method for adjusting the timing of an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and a camshaft to manage the thermal load on the engine. The method includes the step of altering the timing of the camshaft with respect to the timing of the crankshaft to reduce thermal load on the engine. Preferably, the step of altering the timing of the camshaft is accomplished with a variable camshaft phaser.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 19, 2001
Date of Patent:
September 14, 2004
Assignee:
General Motors Corporation
Inventors:
Edward R. Romblom, Jay Tolsma, Jason T. Davis
Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring hydrogen and optionally a non-hydrogen gas including carbon monoxide. The apparatus includes a sensor assembly consisting of a plurality of electrochemical cells sequentially arranged in a path of the hydrogen-containing gas stream. Reaction and consumption of hydrogen at catalytically reactive surface areas of the cells generates a current which is proportional to the amount of hydrogen in the gas stream entering the sensor.
Abstract: A venting methodology and pressure sensing and vent valving arrangement for monitoring anode bypass valve operating during the normal shutdown of a fuel cell apparatus of the type used in vehicle propulsion systems. During a normal shutdown routine, the pressure differential between the anode inlet and anode outlet is monitored in real time in a period corresponding to the normal closing speed of the anode bypass valve and the pressure differential at the end of the closing cycle of the anode bypass valve is compared to the pressure differential at the beginning of the closing cycle. If the difference in pressure differential at the beginning and end of the anode bypass closing cycle indicates that the anode bypass valve has not properly closed, a system controller switches from a normal shutdown mode to a rapid shutdown mode in which the anode inlet is instantaneously vented by rapid vents.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 22, 2000
Date of Patent:
July 2, 2002
Assignee:
General Motors Corporation
Inventors:
Bruce J. Clingerman, Tien M. Doan, Donald H. Keskula