Abstract: An engine control system and method wherein difference between an actual intake manifold pressure and a desired intake manifold pressure and a difference between an actual exhaust manifold pressure and a desired exhaust gas pressure are combined into a single feedback signal to control a variable geometry turbine. Simultaneously therewith, a difference between the actual intake manifold pressure and the desired intake manifold pressure is used to control throttle position.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine having a turbocharger with at least two discrete positions and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The method includes producing a control signal to the turbocharger. The signal has two discrete levels. One of such levels is selected to provide a proper flow of air through the turbocharger to an intake of the engine and such selected level is modulated between such two levels over time to provide, over time, a proper pressure at an input of the EGR to enable a proper flow of exhaust gases from the exhaust of the engine through the EGR back to the intake of the engine. With such method, while there is relatively instantaneous control of the exhaust pressure at the input of the EGR, and hence proper instantaneous control of EGR flow through the EGR.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine having a turbocharger with at least two discrete positions and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The method includes producing a control signal to the turbocharger. The signal has two discrete levels. One of such levels is selected to provide a proper flow of air through the turbocharger to an intake of the engine and such selected level is modulated between such two levels over time to provide, over time, a proper pressure at an input of the EGR to enable a proper flow of exhaust gases from the exhaust of the engine through the EGR back to the intake of the engine. With such method, while there is relatively instantaneous control of the exhaust pressure at the input of the EGR, and hence proper instantaneous control of EGR flow through the EGR.

Abstract: A system and a method for improving engine performance by utilizing a variable compression ratio mechanism and a boosting mechanism are presented. The performance is improved by coordinating the control of ignition timing, compression ratio, and engine boosting while at the same time minimizing engine knock, preventing undesirable interaction, and providing optimal fuel economy. According to the present invention, adjusting ignition timing and compression ratio can be done either sequentially or concurrently.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine include determining a first engine operating variable using a model having at least one adjustable model parameter, measuring a second engine operating variable, and modifying the at least one adjustable model parameter based on a relationship between the first and second engine operating variables. In one embodiment, the first engine operating variable represents engine torque while the second engine operating variable is engine speed. An engine torque model and/or load torque model may be used to determine an estimated engine speed or speed trajectory which is compared to the actual engine speed or trajectory determined using an engine speed sensor. One or more model parameters for the engine torque and/or load torque model are adjusted when appropriate operating conditions are met based on a difference between the predicted or estimated engine speeds and the measured engine speeds.

Abstract: An arrangement of a four cycle internal combustion engine 7 is provided. In the preferred embodiment the engine 7 has a plurality of combustion chambers 18 having reciprocating pistons 22 mounted therein. A fuel injector 80 is provided for each combustion chamber. The fuel injector injects a stratified 80 charge into the combustion chamber 18 upon a compression stroke of the piston 22. An intake manifold 32 is provided to provide air to each combustion chamber. A charging device 38 is provided to pressurize the air within the intake manifold 32. Preferably the charging device is a variable geometry turbocharger 38. The pressurizing of the air within the intake manifold 32 allows the engine 7 to extend the stratified charge operation of the engine 7 and facilitates in increased gas mileage by allowing the engine 7 to stay in a stratified mode of operation longer than prior stratified charged internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A system and method for engine/speed control of a direct injection spark ignition engine include operating the engine in a stratified charge mode and controlling speed based on engine set points for best performance using fuel as a primary torque actuator and airflow as a secondary torque actuator whenever possible to maintain spark at or near MBT. When current operating conditions and/or system constraints prevent use of engine set points corresponding to best performance, speed control becomes the primary objective. Systems and methods according to the present invention improve the compromise between speed control and best performance set-point objectives.

Abstract: A method (100) and system for actively controlling the temperature of engine (10) exhaust gas entering an aftertreatment device and thereby controlling undesirable emissions. Through control of the turbine blade position of a variable geometry turbocharger (16), the temperature of the exhaust gas entering the aftertreatment device is maintained within the operating temperature window for the device, and at the same time, achieves the fuel economy benefits associated with turbocharging.

Abstract: A system and method for transient torque control of a direct injection spark ignition engine include controlling airflow and fuel flow rather than ignition timing so that spark timing may be set for best fuel economy. The system and method are particularly suited for variable cam timing or variable valve timing DISI engines where valve timing enables a sufficiently fast engine torque response to achieve transient control. The present invention may be used for torque-based speed control strategies, such as idle speed control or cruise control. The invention includes determining a maximum available airflow to determine whether a desired torque and air/fuel ratio can be achieved using airflow. Otherwise, the invention uses fuel flow control based on the maximum available air flow to provide the desired engine output torque and air/fuel ratio.

Abstract: A method of minimizing torque disturbances in an internal combustion engine for a vehicle having a lean NOx trap that is periodically purged. The method includes the steps of generating feedforward values of first engine characteristics as a function of desired engine torque and generating feedback values of second engine characteristics as a function of intake manifold pressure. Target values are then calculated for predetermined engine variables based on the first and second engine characteristics. Engine variables are then set to the target values to compensate for torque disturbances resulting from the lean NOx trap purge cycle. According to the disclosed method, the feedforward path schedules the throttle, fuel rate and spark timing based on an engine model to produce a demanded engine torque. The feedback path then uses the values of fuel rate and spark timing to compensate for torque variations.