Abstract: A method of preventing a pre-ignition event within a cylinder (20) of a spark ignition engine (100) involves taking in-cylinder measurements and using the measurements to determine the instantaneous heat being released within the cylinder (20) as a function crank angle. If significant heat is being released before the intended spark timing, additional fuel is injected into the cylinder (20) immediately following the detection of early heat release (pre-ignition) within the same engine cycle, preferably within 45 crank angle degrees following the detection of pre-ignition. The additional fuel quenches the heat released within the cylinder (20) to prevent a pre-ignition event.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing undesired exhaust emissions during cold start of a turbocharger-equipped internal combustion engine. A bypass line in the engine compartment has a bypass valve that permits exhaust to be bypassed around the turbocharger's turbine during cold start. An oxidation catalyst is closely coupled to the bypass valve.

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: Improved exhaust gas recirculation system and methods that use one or more of the engine's cylinders as dedicated EGR cylinders. All of the exhaust from the dedicated EGR cylinders is recirculated back to the engine intake. Thus, the EGR rate is constant, but the EGR mass flow may be controlled by adjusting the air-fuel ratio of the dedicated EGR cylinders or by using various variable valve timing techniques.

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: 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 method for controlling the temperature and/or space velocity of exhaust gas provides control of the maximum temperature of the exhaust gas to prevent thermal damage to the Diesel engine components and associated aftertreatment devices during regeneration of the aftertreatment devices. The method includes controlling intake and/or exhaust valve opening timing and duration, either singly or in combination with selective individual cylinder cutout, in response to sensed engine operating parameters.

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: Fuel temperature management is used to control the penetration distance of liquid-phase fuel into the combustion chamber of direct injection engines. Fuel temperature management enables the alteration of liquid-phase penetration distance to compensate for real-time changes in fuel composition, injector geometry, injection pressure, combustion mode, or combustion chamber thermodynamic conditions during engine operation. Alteration of the liquid-phase penetration distance prevents or reduces undesirable liquid fuel impingement on combustion chamber surfaces.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature and/or space velocity of exhaust gas provides control of the maximum temperature of the exhaust gas to prevent thermal damage to the Diesel engine components and associated aftertreatment devices during regeneration of the aftertreatment devices. The method includes controlling intake and/or exhaust valve opening timing and duration, either singly or in combination with selective individual cylinder cutout, in response to sensed engine operating parameters.

Abstract: Fuel temperature management is used to control the penetration distance of liquid-phase fuel into the combustion chamber of direct injection engines. Fuel temperature management enables the alteration of liquid-phase penetration distance to compensate for real-time changes in fuel composition, injector geometry, injection pressure, combustion mode, or combustion chamber thermodynamic conditions during engine operation. Alteration of the liquid-phase penetration distance prevents or reduces undesirable liquid fuel impingement on combustion chamber surfaces.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature and/or space velocity of exhaust gas provides control of the maximum temperature of the exhaust gas to prevent thermal damage to the Diesel engine components and associated aftertreatment devices during regeneration of the aftertreatment devices. The method includes controlling intake and/or exhaust valve opening timing and duration, either singly or in combination with selective individual cylinder cutout, in response to sensed engine operating parameters.