Abstract: An engine control system includes an adaptive bias sub-system (100) that generates bias values for controlling the air-fuel ratio. The sub-system (100) includes an integral controller (118) that reads an error signal from a post-catalyst switching EGO sensor (112). A plurality of noise isolation integrators (122) filter any noise resulting from a particular engine operating condition (e.g. acceleration, deceleration, idling) from the integrated error signal and stores the signal in a corresponding keep-alive memory (124) as a bias value for that engine operating condition. In a preferred embodiment, the post-catalyst feedback loop includes a gated proportional controller 116 that turns on for a limited period of time after the post-catalyst switching EGO sensor (112) switches states.

Abstract: An automated method for generating compensation values for use in an electronic engine controller during transient engine operation comprises an initial step of exposing an engine to an ambient temperature value to set the engine to an initial start temperature. The engine is started and operated in a predetermined manner until the engine reaches a stable operating temperature. The mass flow rate of air into an induction system of the engine is detected to generate a plurality of air flow values, the temperature of engine coolant is detected to generate a plurality of engine coolant temperature values and the composition of exhaust gas produced by the engine is detected to generate a plurality of exhaust gas values. The detected air flow values, engine coolant temperature values and exhaust gas values are stored in a data storage means. The engine is exposed to a plurality of ambient temperatures to generate data indicative of engine operation from a plurality of initial start temperatures.

Abstract: An electronic engine controller monitors the operability of a catalytic converter upon ignition of the engine by sensing the temperature of the exhaust gas entering the converter and of the exhaust gas exiting the converter for a period of time after the engine has been started. The electronic engine controller calculates the rate of heat transfer from the exhaust gas to the catalyst material within the converter. This value is then used to calculate the temperature of the catalyst material. Subsequent rates of heat transfer and subsequent temperatures of the catalyst material are calculated and the rate of change of temperature of the catalyst material is determined for each time step. A ratio is formed from the rate of heat transfer and the rate of change of temperature of the catalyst material. The electronic engine controller determines the ratio of the rate of heat transfer and the rate of change of temperature of the catalyst material for the period of time from engine ignition to catalyst light-off.

Abstract: A Stirling engine is disclosed having an auxiliary drive system employing only one independent motor for providing both initial air compressor operation during engine warm-up and engine cranking. The auxiliary drive system has an electromagnetic clutch and a phased gear coupling actuated in sequence to promote drive for cranking the engine only after the engine has reached a certain operating temperature through use of an air compressor driven by said motor.

Abstract: A drive system for a blower, forming part of an external heating circuit of a Stirling engine, is disclosed. A viscous-shear coupling is arranged with the input member thereof concentrically surrounding a one-way clutch which in turn is mounted on an accessory shaft extending through the assembly. The drive system is effective to operate only after the engine has reached predetermined thermal operating conditions; a power transfer is made from an auxiliary blow motor drive to said system upon reaching said conditions.