Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at the control of an effective compression ratio setting in an engine which may use a variety of fuels or fuel blends. The effective compression ratio may be selected based upon information from a fuel sensor and stored information regarding the detected fuel composition. The effective compression ratio may be adjusted for a selected cylinder by intake or exhaust valve timing.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method and system for reducing emissions and improving knock-tolerance in an engine. Air, including exhaust gas present at levels greater than 20% by total air mass, may be introduced into a combustion chamber having a volume including a piston and a cylinder head. A first amount of fuel and a second amount of fuel may be directly injected into the combustion chamber at various points during the cycle, wherein the ratio of the air, including the exhaust gas, to the first and second amounts of fuel is 14.0:1 to 15.0:1. The first and second amounts of fuel may then be ignited. An electronic control unit may be utilized to time the injections and control the introduction of exhaust gas.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method and system for reducing emissions and improving knock-tolerance in an engine. Air, including exhaust gas present at levels greater than 20% by total air mass, may be introduced into a combustion chamber having a volume including a piston and a cylinder head. A first amount of fuel and a second amount of fuel may be directly injected into the combustion chamber at various points during the cycle, wherein the ratio of the air, including the exhaust gas, to the first and second amounts of fuel is 14.0:1 to 15.0:1. The first and second amounts of fuel may then be ignited. An electronic control unit may be utilized to time the injections and control the introduction of exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at the control of an effective compression ratio setting in an engine which may use a variety of fuels or fuel blends. The effective compression ratio may be selected based upon information from a fuel sensor and stored information regarding the detected fuel composition. The effective compression ratio may be adjusted for a selected cylinder by intake or exhaust valve timing.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the durability of spark plugs. A test system simulates the pressure, temperature, and exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine, and has a test chamber in which these simulated conditions exist. A number of spark plugs are installed in the test chamber and are cycled through a desired ignition cycle. The test chamber temperature and pressure may be precisely controlled, as well as the duty cycle of spark events.

Abstract: A heavy-duty flame propagation engine has control systems and exhaust aftertreatment systems adapted to provide ultra-low emissions relative to Diesel engines while achieving comparable fuel consumption at reduced emission levels. The control systems include exhaust gas circulation, variable valve actuation, cylinder deactivation, pilot fuel injection, high energy ignition systems and combinations thereof to provide substantially stoichiometric combustion conditions over an entire load range of the engine. In one embodiment, the engine has direct in-cylinder fuel injection, is adapted for lean air-fuel mixture operation, and includes an oxidation catalyst and a lean NOx adsorber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving efficiency of combustion engines. At least two combustion chambers are provided by contouring the surface of a piston or a cylinder head or a combination thereof. Such a contoured piston or cylinder head controls the peak temperature and pressure in order to combust the mixture efficiently, to increase power generated, and to decrease the amount of unused mixture exhausted from the combustion chamber. With the ability to control the peak pressure, the ignition plug can be fired at advanced ignition timing, thereby extending its life. The chambers are also designed to control flame propagation speed to reduce knock. Additionally, the chambers can also decrease the amount of pollutants such as NOx produced during combustion.

Abstract: A high efficiency compression ignition after-treatment system of a combustion engine includes a first combustion chamber adapted to reciprocatably receive a first piston assembly and a second combustion chamber adapted to reciprocatably receive a second piston assembly. A combustion exhaust passage is coupled between the first and the second combustion chambers. A fuel passage may be connected to the first combustion chamber, and a fuel passage connected to the second combustion chamber. A processed exhaust passage is coupled to the second combustion chamber for receiving the processed exhaust therethrough. A fuel injector is coupled to the second combustion chamber. A three-way catalyst has an inlet coupled to the processed exhaust passage and an outlet coupled to an exhaust passage. An exhaust gas oxygen sensor is connected to the processed exhaust passage. A fuel controller is coupled to the fuel injector and the exhaust gas oxygen sensor.