Abstract: Embodiments for a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises during a first mode, decreasing a volume of a charge air cooler in response to a compressor operation upstream of the charge air cooler. In this way, compressor surge may be prevented.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating noise generated by a compressor operating at low flow rates. A swirl device with two concentric flow passages upstream of the compressor directs intake air flow to the compressor through two different flow paths, depending on air flow rates. Angled swirl vanes at an outlet of the swirl device pre-whirl the air flowing to the compressor to reduce noise generation at low air flow rates.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting light-off of a catalyst during engine cold-start conditions by inhibiting rotation of the turbocharger shaft. In one example, a method may include inhibiting rotation of the turbocharger shaft during engine cold-start conditions until the catalyst is operating at a desired efficiency. The rotation of the shaft may be inhibited via either a passive or an active shaft locking mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept allows an underlying component requiring servicing to be serviced without removing the heat shield entirely. The heat shield has two ends and an intermediate bendable area that allows it to flex, thereby giving the service technician access to the underlying component when only some of the fasteners are removed. The intermediate area of the heat shield is formed from a series of parallel and alternating ridges and grooves. The intermediate area of the heat shield is nominally flat and straight while the bellows are formed in the straight area by a process such as stamping. This combination of a flat and bellow enables the heat shield to be bent out of position and then restored to the original position after service. The heat shield may be entirely formed from a metal or the intermediate bendable area may be composed of a polymerized material such as rubber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating noise generated by a compressor operating at low flow rates. A swirl device with two concentric flow passages upstream of the compressor directs intake air flow to the compressor through two different flow paths, depending on air flow rates. Angled swirl vanes at an outlet of the swirl device pre-whirl the air flowing to the compressor to reduce noise generation at low air flow rates.

Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on echo times of an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Engine power is limited differently based on distinct coolant level states determined based on a change in level of coolant in the reservoir over a duration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on echo times of an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Engine power is limited differently based on distinct coolant level states determined based on a change in level of coolant in the reservoir over a duration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a collar welded to a runner to manage stress in an exhaust manifold. In one example, a system may include welding a collar to a runner and a flange with an air gap located between the collar, the runner, and the flange.

Abstract: Methods and a system are provided for powering a coolant pump to drive a coolant flow through a charge air cooler using exhaust gas-driven rotations of a turbocharger. In one example, a method may include adjusting a coolant flow through a charge air cooler with a coolant pump, the coolant pump mechanically driven by rotative power from a turbocharger. As such, coolant flow may increase with increasing turbocharger speed and the method may further include adjusting a wastegate of a turbocharger turbine to adjust power provided to the coolant pump.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a collar welded to a runner to manage stress in an exhaust manifold. In one example, a system may include welding a collar to a runner and a flange with an air gap located between the collar, the runner, and the flange.

Abstract: A frame portion is provided for the upper deck of a fifth wheel travel trailer, wherein the side wall or perimeter beams are placed at the same elevation as the intermediate floor beams, preferably formed from the same dimension beams. Where additional reinforcing is needed along the frame perimeter, horizontally extending beams are used to supplement the side wall beams. Additional structure for receiving, resisting, absorbing, and/or reducing towing stresses, loads, and torques is formed in the forward portion of the upper deck, and can include a built up portion of the frame which is forward of the flat floor slide-out mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a turbocharged engine are described. In one example, a turbocharger system, comprising: a bearing housing including a turbine and at least one compressor coupled to the turbine via a shaft; and wherein the turbine comprises a stator stage and a rotor stage mounted to the cylinder head by the bearing housing and positioned in an exhaust passage of a cylinder head. In this way, a more compact design is achieved which eliminates the cost and complexity of a turbine housing and improves turbine efficiency by positioning the turbine closer to the exhaust pulses.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag by directing intake air from an intake manifold to an exhaust manifold. The intake air may be directed via an EGR passage by opening an EGR valve or by may be directed via engine cylinders by increasing positive valve overlap. Amounts of air directed via external EGR and air directed via positive valve overlap are based on engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A system including a turbocharger, comprising a turbocharger bearing housing supporting a turbocharger drive shaft; an oil drain including an inlet in fluidic communication with the turbocharger bearing housing and an outlet in fluidic communication with an oil sump; and a coolant jacket enveloping the oil drain. The coolant jacket envelopes the oil drain and is positioned to provide coolant to the turbocharger bearing housing and draw heat from the oil draining through the oil drain to prevent coking of hot oil within the oil drain.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a volume control valve attached to a branch of a split exhaust manifold in a boosted engine system. Volume control valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. One example method includes closing the volume in response to a tip-in when increased boost is needed for exhaust turbine spool-up.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag by directing intake air from an intake manifold to an exhaust manifold. The intake air may be directed via an EGR passage by opening an EGR valve or by may be directed via engine cylinders by increasing positive valve overlap. Amounts of air directed via external EGR and air directed via positive valve overlap are based on engine operating conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag in a boosted engine. A boost reservoir coupled to the engine may be charged with compressed intake air and/or combusted exhaust gas. The pressurized charge may then be discharged during a tip-in to either the intake or the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on echo times of an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Engine power is limited differently based on distinct coolant level states determined based on a change in level of coolant in the reservoir over a duration.

Abstract: Methods and a system are provided for powering a coolant pump to drive a coolant flow through a charge air cooler using exhaust gas-driven rotations of a turbocharger. In one example, a method may include adjusting a coolant flow through a charge air cooler with a coolant pump, the coolant pump mechanically driven by rotative power from a turbocharger. As such, coolant flow may increase with increasing turbocharger speed and the method may further include adjusting a wastegate of a turbocharger turbine to adjust power provided to the coolant pump.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag in a boosted engine. A boost reservoir coupled to the engine may be charged with compressed intake air and/or combusted exhaust gas. The pressurized charge may then be discharged during a tip-in to either the intake or the exhaust manifold.