Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) of an exhaust system of a vehicle comprise at least one heater associated with at least one oxygen (O2) sensor disposed proximate to the GPF in the exhaust system and a controller configured to determine a status of the GPF based on a duty cycle of the at least one O2 sensor heater and, based on the determined status of the GPF, detect a malfunction of the GPF or whether to regenerate the GPF.

Abstract: A fuel supply system with an accumulator that allows for the accumulation of fuel at a pressure greater than the nominal operating pressure of the fuel supply system. The accumulation of fuel allows for less frequent fuel pump operation and therefore a reduction in overall fuel consumption of an engine.

Abstract: A fuel supply system with an accumulator that allows for the accumulation of fuel at a pressure greater than the nominal operating pressure of the fuel supply system. The accumulation of fuel allows for less frequent fuel pump operation and therefore a reduction in overall fuel consumption of an engine.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical system for an automotive vehicle has an electrical generating machine and a battery. A set point voltage, which sets an output voltage of the electrical generating machine, is set by an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU selects one of a plurality of control modes for controlling the alternator based on an operating state of the vehicle as determined from vehicle operating parameters. The ECU selects a range for the set point voltage based on the selected control mode and then sets the set point voltage within the range based on feedback parameters for that control mode. In an aspect, the control modes include a trickle charge mode and battery charge current is the feedback parameter and the ECU controls the set point voltage within the range to maintain a predetermined battery charge current.

Abstract: A fuel supply system with an accumulator that allows for the accumulation of fuel at a pressure greater than the nominal operating pressure of the fuel supply system. The accumulation of fuel allows for less frequent fuel pump operation and therefore a reduction in overall fuel consumption of an engine.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical system for an automotive vehicle has an electrical generating machine and a battery. A set point voltage, which sets an output voltage of the electrical generating machine, is set by an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU selects one of a plurality of control modes for controlling the alternator based on an operating state of the vehicle as determined from vehicle operating parameters. The ECU selects a range for the set point voltage based on the selected control mode and then sets the set point voltage within the range based on feedback parameters for that control mode. In an aspect, the control modes include a trickle charge mode and battery charge current is the feedback parameter and the ECU controls the set point voltage within the range to maintain a predetermined battery charge current.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system includes a combustion chamber having at least one intake port in communication with the combustion chamber and a corresponding intake valve for controlling a flow through the intake port into the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber also has at least one exhaust port in communication with the combustion chamber and a corresponding exhaust valve for controlling a flow through the exhaust port from the combustion chamber. In addition, the combustion chamber has at least one exhaust gas recirculation port in communication with the combustion chamber and with the exhaust port external or adjacent to the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas recirculation port has a corresponding exhaust gas recirculation valve for controlling a flow through the exhaust gas recirculation port into the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas recirculation valve may be separately actuatable from the intake valve and the exhaust valve.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system includes a combustion chamber having at least one intake port in communication with the combustion chamber and a corresponding intake valve for controlling a flow through the intake port into the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber also has at least one exhaust port in communication with the combustion chamber and a corresponding exhaust valve for controlling a flow through the exhaust port from the combustion chamber. In addition, the combustion chamber has at least one exhaust gas recirculation port in communication with the combustion chamber and with the exhaust port external or adjacent to the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas recirculation port has a corresponding exhaust gas recirculation valve for controlling a flow through the exhaust gas recirculation port into the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas recirculation valve may be separately actuatable from the intake valve and the exhaust valve.

Abstract: The strategy controls operation of an internal combustion engine in the time period before an oxygen sensor is warmed up sufficiently to provide reliable feedback measurements. It involves using a target speed-time (or event) goal, and then applying feedback, feedforward, and/or adaptive controls on the difference between the target and a measured engine speed. The target speed time (or event) can be programmed into an engine controller as a lookup table. The actual engine speed at each desired time or event can then be compared to the desired speed to obtain a difference value. Fueling, or any other speed control parameters, can be modified based on the difference value using feedback or feedforward routines to correct the measured value toward the target. The fueling or other control parameters can also be adapted for the next start based on any corrections.

Abstract: An engine combustion diagnostic system and method for diagnosing an engine improve combustion quality determinations. The method includes the step of linking manifold absolute pressure (MAP) to in-cylinder pressure during calibration of the engine such that a table results. A single in-cylinder pressure measurement is collected during real-time operation of the engine. The method further provides for determining combustion quality for the engine based on the real-time in-cylinder pressure measurement and the table.

Abstract: The strategy controls operation of an internal combustion engine in the time period before an oxygen sensor is warmed up sufficiently to provide reliable feedback measurements. It involves using a target speed-time (or event) goal, and then applying feedback, feedforward, and/or adaptive controls on the difference between the target and a measured engine speed. The target speed time (or event) can be programmed into an engine controller as a lookup table. The actual engine speed at each desired time or event can then be compared to the desired speed to obtain a difference value. Fueling, or any other speed control parameters, can be modified based on the difference value using feedback or feedforward routines to correct the measured value toward the target. The fueling or other control parameters can also be adapted for the next start based on any corrections.

Abstract: An engine combustion diagnostic system and method for diagnosing an engine improve combustion quality determinations. The method includes the step of linking manifold absolute pressure (MAP) to in-cylinder pressure during calibration of the engine such that a table results. A single in-cylinder pressure measurement is collected during real-time operation of the engine. The method further provides for determining combustion quality for the engine based on the real-time in-cylinder pressure measurement and the table.

Abstract: A method of determining a top dead center location of a piston in an internal combustion engine including the steps of determining a pressure versus crankshaft angle relation during a compression and an expansion portion of engine operation, defining a pressure ratio relation as the pressure at x number of degrees before a reference crankshaft angle divided by the pressure at x number of degrees after the reference crankshaft angle and shifting the pressure ratio relation a corrective number of degrees to obtain a model shape. Accordingly, the top dead center position is defined relative to the reference crankshaft angle.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining wall wetting for an engine which includes running a multi-cylinder engine at a predetermined speed and load. The fuel delivery and spark to one of the cylinders is then interrupted. The hydrocarbon level exhausted from the cylinder is then measured for a predetermined number of engine cycles. The test results can then be curve fitted to the relationship HCPPM=(A+B* engine cycle).sup.(1/exp). In this relationship, HCPPM is the hydrocarbon count in parts per million, A and B are each constants, and the exponent exp is derived using an iterative process. The exponent which is derived is the main qualifier for wall wetting.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine defining a combustion chamber for the direct injection of fuel through a centrally located fuel injector and having a first inlet passage and port for directing hot exhaust gases of a recirculation medium to a central region of the combustion chamber and a second inlet passage and port for directing air tangentially into the combustion chamber to cause a circular flow about the chamber's periphery and about the exhaust rich central region. The injector sprays fuel through the hot exhaust gas medium in the central region which results in a pre-heating of the fuel which has been found to reduce hydrocarbon emissions prior to ignition by a spark plug located adjacent the periphery of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine combustion chamber with at least one shrouded exhaust valve. The combustion chamber is partially defined by a cylinder head having an exhaust port and a throat opening to the combustion chamber with an exhaust valve with an enlarged head portion cooperative with the throat to regulate exhaust flow therethrough. The exhaust valve shroud is formed by a projecting portion of the cylinder head interiorly of the combustion chamber and located adjacent to the exhaust valve. During the exhaust cycle of the combustion chamber, the shroud cooperates with the peripheral edge of the exhaust valve head to inhibit a direct flow of exhaust rich in unburned hydrocarbons between the surface of the shroud and the edge of the exhaust valve.