Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes reciprocating free-piston internal combustion engines, each including a linear alternator device configured to generate electric power. A control module determines mechanical and electrical power demands responsive to an operator torque request and a state of charge of an energy storage device. The control module operates the torque machine to generate an output torque responsive to the mechanical power demands and operates the reciprocating free-piston internal combustion engines to generate electric power responsive to the electrical power demands.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes reciprocating free-piston internal combustion engines, each including a linear alternator device configured to generate electric power. A control module determines mechanical and electrical power demands responsive to an operator torque request and a state of charge of an energy storage device. The control module operates the torque machine to generate an output torque responsive to the mechanical power demands and operates the reciprocating free-piston internal combustion engines to generate electric power responsive to the electrical power demands.

Abstract: A method to dynamically determine a parametric value for combustion chamber deposits (CCD), e.g. in a controlled auto-ignition engine, including in-situ evaluation of thickness of CCD, based on a sensor which monitors combustion in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine. It includes a temperature sensor operative to monitor the combustion chamber, and a CCD parameter that is based upon a peak combustion temperature measured at a crank angle. A CCD parameter can also be determined utilizing an in-cylinder pressure monitor, wherein a combustion chamber deposit parameter is based upon crank angle location of a peak in-cylinder pressure parameter.

Abstract: A method to dynamically determine a parametric value for combustion chamber deposits (CCD), e.g. in a controlled auto-ignition engine, including in-situ evaluation of thickness of CCD, based on a sensor which monitors combustion in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine. It includes a temperature sensor operative to monitor the combustion chamber, and a CCD parameter that is based upon a peak combustion temperature measured at a crank angle. A CCD parameter can also be determined utilizing an in-cylinder pressure monitor, wherein a combustion chamber deposit parameter is based upon crank angle location of a peak in-cylinder pressure parameter.

Abstract: A control system and method to dynamically determine a parametric value for combustion chamber deposits (CCD), e.g. in a controlled auto-ignition engine, including in-situ evaluation of thickness of CCD, based on a sensor which monitors combustion. It includes a temperature sensor operative to monitor the combustion chamber, and a CCD parameter that is based upon a peak combustion temperature measured at a crank angle. A CCD parameter can also be determined utilizing an in-cylinder pressure monitor, wherein a combustion chamber deposit parameter is based upon crank angle location of a peak in-cylinder pressure parameter.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for expanding the mid load range of a four-stroke gasoline direct-injection controlled auto-ignition combustion engine. The engine includes at least one cylinder containing a piston reciprocably connected with a crank and defining a variable volume combustion chamber including an intake valve controlling communication with an air intake and an exhaust valve controlling communication with an exhaust outlet. A system is employed for variably actuating the intake and exhaust valves. The valve actuating system is employable to operate the intake and exhaust valves with an exhaust re-compression or an exhaust re-breathing valve strategy. A reservoir chamber in communication with the combustion chamber is provided for temporary holding of residual burned gas. Residual burned gas in the combustion chamber and the exhaust outlet enters into the reservoir chamber and then loses thermal energy while in the reservoir chamber before being drawn back into the combustion chamber.