Patents by Inventor Andrea Dutto

Andrea Dutto 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).

  • Patent number: 10883408
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes an internal combustion engine that combusts an air/fuel mixture thereby generating exhaust gas containing particulate matter, and an exhaust after-treatment component that collects the particulate matter. A regeneration system burns off the collected particulate matter thereby regenerating the exhaust after-treatment component. A controller obtains a model of the combustion that is based on a kinetic controlled combustion phase and a mixing controlled combustion phase, and determines a point on the model with respect to current engine conditions that indicates an amount of the particulate matter in the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David E. Edwards, Giorgio Sticchi, Andrea Dutto, Min Sun
  • Publication number: 20200063631
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes an internal combustion engine that combusts an air/fuel mixture thereby generating exhaust gas containing particulate matter, and an exhaust after-treatment component that collects the particulate matter. A regeneration system burns off the collected particulate matter thereby regenerating the exhaust after-treatment component. A controller obtains a model of the combustion that is based on a kinetic controlled combustion phase and a mixing controlled combustion phase, and determines a point on the model with respect to current engine conditions that indicates an amount of the particulate matter in the exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: David E. Edwards, Giorgio Sticchi, Andrea Dutto, Min Sun
  • Publication number: 20200063633
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods of treating diesel exhaust in a vehicle are disclosed. An example method includes providing an exhaust aftertreatment device in an exhaust tailpipe, and a first nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor upstream of the exhaust aftertreatment device, with the exhaust aftertreatment device configured to reduce NOx present in an exhaust flow through the exhaust aftertreatment device with a treatment fluid applied to the exhaust flow. This example method may also include measuring a concentration of NOx in the exhaust flow with the first sensor, determining an error in the measurement of the NOx concentration, and applying a learning corrective adjustment in a subsequent measurement of the NOx concentration in the exhaust flow in response to that determination. A first magnitude of the learning corrective adjustment may be based at least in part upon a second magnitude of the error in the measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Luca Lauritano, Luis Daniel Guerrero Cruz, Giuseppe Mazzara Bologna, Andrea Dutto, Sarah Funk
  • Publication number: 20190368435
    Abstract: A method to control an internal combustion engine including exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and an air charging system includes the following steps: (a) determining, via an engine controller, a first EGR mass flow rate using an orifice model; (b) determining, via the engine controller, a second EGR mass flow rate using a cylinder volumetric efficiency model; (c) determining, via the engine controller, a hybrid EGR mass flow rate based on the first EGR flow rate and the second EGR flow rate; and (d) controlling the air charging system based on the hybrid EGR flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicola Totaro, Andrea Dutto, Giorgio Sticchi
  • Patent number: 10393043
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the temperature in a vehicle after-treatment system is provided. The system includes one or more temperature sensors positioned in the vehicle after-treatment system and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured by programming instructions encoded in computer readable media to execute a method. The method includes monitoring the temperature presented by the one or more temperature sensors, executing a lower oxygen combustion strategy for a slower exothermic reaction when the temperature exceeds a first threshold level, and deactivating the lower oxygen combustion strategy when the temperature drops below a second threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Pannuzzo, Andrea Dutto, Luca Gatti, Cristian Taibi
  • Patent number: 10344642
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a valve for directing an exhaust gas stream through an exhaust duct having a first after treatment device and a second after treatment device in an exhaust system. The method includes receiving sensor signals from a sensor coupled to the second after treatment device. The method includes processing the sensor signals to determine a temperature of the second after treatment device, and determining a position for the valve based on whether the temperature exceeds a pre-defined threshold for the temperature of the second after treatment device. The method includes outputting a control signal to move the valve to a first position in which the exhaust gas stream flows through a first portion of the first after treatment device or a second position in which the exhaust gas stream flows through a second portion of the first after treatment device based on the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Giovanni Montinaro, Andrea Dutto, Claudio Ciaravino, Andrea Arnone, Stefano Cassani
  • Patent number: 10273857
    Abstract: A method for monitoring particulate filter disposed in an exhaust aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine includes determining, via a differential pressure sensor, a pressure differential across the particulate filter, and determining an initial parameter associated with soot loading on the particulate filter based upon the pressure differential. A first adjustment to the soot loading is determined based upon a passive regeneration effect, a second adjustment to the soot loading is determined based upon an off-engine temperature effect, and a third adjustment to the soot loading is determined based upon occurrence of an interrupted regeneration event. A final parameter associated with soot loading on the particulate filter is determined based upon the initial parameter and the first, second and third adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Pannuzzo, Andrea Dutto, Adele De Domenico
  • Patent number: 10190521
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a turbocharger for pressurizing an intake airflow and an after-treatment (AT) system including an AT device for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOX) concentration in the engine exhaust gas. The method includes operating the engine with a variable high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and low-pressure EGR split in the intake airflow. The method also includes determining the NOX concentration in the exhaust gas and determining a current high-pressure EGR to low-pressure EGR split in the intake airflow. The method additionally includes determining an EGR corrective factor using the determined current high-pressure EGR to low-pressure EGR split and applying the determined EGR corrective factor to the determined NOX concentration to generate a corrected NOX concentration. Furthermore, the method includes regulating operation of the AT system to treat the exhaust gas via the AT device in response to the generated corrected NOX concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Giorgio Sticchi, Francesco Castorina, Andrea Dutto
  • Publication number: 20190010883
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the temperature in a vehicle after-treatment system is provided. The system includes one or more temperature sensors positioned in the vehicle after-treatment system and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured by programming instructions encoded in computer readable media to execute a method. The method includes monitoring the temperature presented by the one or more temperature sensors, executing a lower oxygen combustion strategy for a slower exothermic reaction when the temperature exceeds a first threshold level, and deactivating the lower oxygen combustion strategy when the temperature drops below a second threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrea PANNUZZO, Andrea DUTTO, Luca GATTI, Cristian TAIBI
  • Patent number: 10156174
    Abstract: Methods for mitigating over-temperature during an exhaust gas system particulate filter device regeneration are provided. The exhaust gas system can include an exhaust gas stream supplied by an exhaust gas source to a particulate filter device through an exhaust gas conduit. The methods can include detecting an over-temperature during a particulate filter regeneration, initiating one or more first mitigation strategies, and shutting down the exhaust gas source. The one or more first mitigation strategies can include inhibiting the particulate filter device regeneration, altering the exhaust gas source operating parameters, and activating a cooling fan. The exhaust gas source can include an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle, and the operating parameters can be altered by a torque limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventors: Andrea Pannuzzo, Adele De Domenico, Andrea Dutto, Francesco Siano, Cristian Taibi
  • Publication number: 20180347495
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a turbocharger for pressurizing an intake airflow and an after-treatment (AT) system including an AT device for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOX) concentration in the engine exhaust gas. The method includes operating the engine with a variable high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and low-pressure EGR split in the intake airflow. The method also includes determining the NOX concentration in the exhaust gas and determining a current high-pressure EGR to low-pressure EGR split in the intake airflow. The method additionally includes determining an EGR corrective factor using the determined current high-pressure EGR to low-pressure EGR split and applying the determined EGR corrective factor to the determined NOX concentration to generate a corrected NOX concentration. Furthermore, the method includes regulating operation of the AT system to treat the exhaust gas via the AT device in response to the generated corrected NOX concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Giorgio Sticchi, Francesco Castorina, Andrea Dutto
  • Publication number: 20180347432
    Abstract: A control apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine of a vehicle provides regeneration of an after-treatment device associated with the internal combustion engine. A sensor is operably associated with the after-treatment device and provides data indicative of a regeneration requirement of the after-treatment device. An operator interface is configured to provide a regeneration indication to the operator and to accept a regeneration command from the operator. A processor with an associated memory is configured to determine the after-treatment device requires regeneration based upon the data, to assess an operating condition of the vehicle, and to initiate regeneration of the after-treatment device responsive to a regeneration command from the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrea DUTTO, Lucrece Urielle MEKOGUE DONGUE, Giuseppe GIORDANO, Cristian TAIBI
  • Publication number: 20180347433
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a valve for directing an exhaust gas stream through an exhaust duct having a first after treatment device and a second after treatment device in an exhaust system. The method includes receiving sensor signals from a sensor coupled to the second after treatment device. The method includes processing the sensor signals to determine a temperature of the second after treatment device, and determining a position for the valve based on whether the temperature exceeds a pre-defined threshold for the temperature of the second after treatment device. The method includes outputting a control signal to move the valve to a first position in which the exhaust gas stream flows through a first portion of the first after treatment device or a second position in which the exhaust gas stream flows through a second portion of the first after treatment device based on the temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Giovanni MONTINARO, Andrea DUTTO, Claudio CIARAVINO, Andrea ARNONE, Stefano CASSANI
  • Publication number: 20180202342
    Abstract: A method for monitoring particulate filter disposed in an exhaust aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine includes determining, via a differential pressure sensor, a pressure differential across the particulate filter, and determining an initial parameter associated with soot loading on the particulate filter based upon the pressure differential. A first adjustment to the soot loading is determined based upon a passive regeneration effect, a second adjustment to the soot loading is determined based upon an off-engine temperature effect, and a third adjustment to the soot loading is determined based upon occurrence of an interrupted regeneration event. A final parameter associated with soot loading on the particulate filter is determined based upon the initial parameter and the first, second and third adjustments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Pannuzzo, Andrea Dutto, Adele De Domenico
  • Publication number: 20180156099
    Abstract: A method of measuring exhaust gas temperatures in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A value of a mass flow rate of exhaust gasses flowing into the exhaust pipe is determined. A signal yielded by a temperature sensor located in a first point of the exhaust pipe is sampled and applied as input to a first computational module that yields a corresponding first output signal. A value of the temperature of the exhaust gasses flowing in the first point of the exhaust pipe is calculated on the basis of a value of the first output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrea DUTTO, Giorgio STICCHI, Michele ROSMARINO
  • Publication number: 20180142599
    Abstract: Methods for mitigating over-temperature during an exhaust gas system particulate filter device regeneration are provided. The exhaust gas system can include an exhaust gas stream supplied by an exhaust gas source to a particulate filter device through an exhaust gas conduit. The methods can include detecting an over-temperature during a particulate filter regeneration, initiating one or more first mitigation strategies, and shutting down the exhaust gas source. The one or more first mitigation strategies can include inhibiting the particulate filter device regeneration, altering the exhaust gas source operating parameters, and activating a cooling fan. The exhaust gas source can include an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle, and the operating parameters can be altered by a torque limiter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Andrea Pannuzzo, Adele De Domenico, Andrea Dutto, Francesco Siano, Cristian Taibi
  • Patent number: 9784165
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an aftertreatment system having a diesel particulate filter of an internal combustion engine of an automotive system. A regeneration event of the diesel particulate filter is started. The presence of an object ahead of the automotive system is detected. A value of a deceleration that the automotive system should perform in order to avoid a collision with the object is determined. A temperature of the diesel particulate filter is reduced if the value of the deceleration is greater than a first predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Andrea Dutto
  • Publication number: 20170218827
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an aftertreatment system having a diesel particulate filter of an internal combustion engine of an automotive system. A regeneration event of the diesel particulate filter is started. The presence of an object ahead of the automotive system is detected. A value of a deceleration that the automotive system should perform in order to avoid a collision with the object is determined. A temperature of the diesel particulate filter is reduced if the value of the deceleration is greater than a first predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Andrea DUTTO
  • Patent number: 9683504
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an aftertreatment device, an injector for injecting fuel into a cylinder and an Electronic Control Unit configured to perform a regeneration process of the aftertreatment device. The regeneration process includes determining a nominal fuel quantity to be injected by an after-injection; monitoring a temperature value of the aftertreatment device; determining a fuel quantity correction value, as a function of a difference between the monitored temperature value and a target temperature value of the aftertreatment device; correcting the nominal fuel quantity value, using the fuel quantity correction value, in order to determine a corrected fuel quantity value; performing a fuel injection cycle including a plurality of after-injections; and injecting the corrected fuel quantity value into the cylinder during one of the after-injections of the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Dutto, Giorgio Nati, Andrea De Filippo, Cristian Taibi, Adele De Domenico
  • Publication number: 20160252028
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an aftertreatment device, an injector for injecting fuel into a cylinder and an Electronic Control Unit configured to perform a regeneration process of the aftertreatment device. The regeneration process includes determining a nominal fuel quantity to be injected by an after-injection; monitoring a temperature value of the aftertreatment device; determining a fuel quantity correction value, as a function of a difference between the monitored temperature value and a target temperature value of the aftertreatment device; correcting the nominal fuel quantity value, using the fuel quantity correction value, in order to determine a corrected fuel quantity value; performing a fuel injection cycle including a plurality of after-injections; and injecting the corrected fuel quantity value into the cylinder during one of the after-injections of the cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrea DUTTO, Giorgio NATI, Andrea DE FILIPPO, Cristian TAIBI, Adele DE DOMENICO