Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting measurements of relative humidity using an ultrasonic sensor. In one example, a plurality of ultrasonic signals having different frequencies are transmitted from a single sensor, and attenuation values of reflected signals are determined only for those signals determined to have the same transit time from transmission to receipt, and where frequency of the plurality of ultrasonic signals may be changed responsive to an indication that the signals may be below a signal-to-noise threshold. In this way, by determining a difference between attenuation values between pairs of signals, where the signals comprise different frequencies and where the signals comprise the same transit times, relative humidity may be accurately determined.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting measurements of relative humidity via the use of an ultrasonic sensor. In one example, the ultrasonic sensor for conducting the relative humidity measurement is selected from a plurality of ultrasonic sensors positioned at various locations on the vehicle, and where the selecting is accomplished in some examples via the use of one or more onboard cameras configured to identify suitable objects that are stationary with respect to the vehicle. In this way, robustness and accuracy of relative humidity measurements may be improved, lifetime of individual ultrasonic sensors may be extended, and vehicle operating conditions that depend on accurate relative humidity measurements may be improved.

Abstract: A method for an engine may comprise, responsive to a first condition comprising a reference voltage of a first exhaust oxygen sensor operating in variable voltage mode increasing above a threshold voltage, determining a change in an output of the first exhaust oxygen sensor corresponding to the increase in the reference voltage, correcting the output of the first oxygen sensor based on the output change, and adjusting engine operation based on the corrected output. In this way, the accuracy of air-fuel estimates based on the exhaust gas sensor can be preserved, and closed loop fuel control of the engine can be maintained even when the exhaust oxygen sensor is operating VVS mode, thereby reducing engine emissions, increasing fuel economy, and increasing vehicle drivability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle navigation with water depth detection. An example disclosed method includes determining a current and a projected water depth for road segments of and around a current route to a destination. Additionally, the example method includes, in response to the current or the projected water depth of the road segments of the current route exceeding a first threshold, determining an alternate route to the destination.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating an impact of PCV hydrocarbons on an output of an intake oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include disabling EGR flow when the impact of PCV hydrocarbons on the output of the intake oxygen sensor is above a threshold. The impact of the PCV hydrocarbons on the output of the intake oxygen sensor may be based on a difference between the output of the intake oxygen sensor and a DPOV sensor when EGR is flow and a difference between the output of the intake oxygen sensor and expected blow-by when EGR is not flowing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a location for water injection during a water injection event based on engine operating conditions. In one example, a method may include selecting a location for water injection from each of an intake port of each cylinder, an intake manifold upstream of all engine cylinders, and directly into each cylinder based on engine operating conditions. Further, the method may include adjusting water injection at the selected location and engine operating parameters in response the evaporated and/or condensed portion of water.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operation based on estimated vaporized and condensed portions of water injected during a water injection event. In one example, a method may include injecting an amount of water into the intake manifold in response to engine conditions and inferring vaporized and condensed portions of the injected water based on the injected amount and a change in manifold temperature following the injection. Further, the method may include adjusting water injection and engine operating parameters in response the evaporated and/or condensed portion of water.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an amount of water injected upstream of a group of cylinders based on a determined maldistribution of water among cylinders during a water injection event. In one example, a method may include injecting a first amount of water upstream of a first group of cylinders and a different, second amount of water upstream of a second group of cylinders based on operating conditions of the respective cylinder groups. Further, the method may include adjusting water injection and engine operating parameters in response the evaporated and/or condensed portion of water.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for flowing exhaust through a second cooler, arranged downstream of a first cooler and upstream of an intake in an exhaust gas recirculation passage, and extracting condensate for water injection from condensate in cooled exhaust gas exiting the second cooler. In one example, a method may include adjusting the amount of exhaust gas flowing through the second cooler based on an amount of water stored at a water storage tank of a water injection system and engine operating conditions. Further, the method may include selectively flowing exhaust gas from the second cooler to a location upstream or downstream of a compressor in response to engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to automatically clear snow from windows of the vehicle includes: a prime mover, a first window with a first vibration sensor, processor(s) configured to: control speed or load of the prime mover to increase vibration detected by the first vibration sensor, control the speed or the load of the prime mover, within certain predetermined limits, to maximize vibration detected by the first vibration sensor; accept a user prioritization of the windows; control speed or load of the prime mover based on the user prioritization.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operation based on estimated vaporized and condensed portions of water injected during a water injection event. In one example, a method may include injecting an amount of water into the intake manifold in response to engine conditions and inferring vaporized and condensed portions of the injected water based on the injected amount and a change in manifold temperature following the injection. Further, the method may include adjusting water injection and engine operating parameters in response the evaporated and/or condensed portion of water.

Abstract: A vehicle includes electric brakes, an engine with a starter, a battery and a controller. The battery has a voltage and is configured to power the starter, the electric brakes, and the controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a speed of the vehicle falling within a specified range without propulsive demand and while the voltage is greater than an upper voltage that varies based on a charge needed to engage the brakes to stop the vehicle, stop the engine.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle equipped with an automatic stop and start system is disclosed. The vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission and a fluid launch device with an impeller disconnect clutch. A controller may initiate an automatic stop or start of the engine under certain operating conditions. During an engine start/stop event, the engine is automatically shut down and the impeller clutch of the fluid launch device may be disengaged to decouple the engine and transmission from the driveline to provide for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a navigation system, a communication interface, and a processing device. The navigation system determines a first vehicle location. The communication interface receives social network information over a communication network. The social network information includes a second vehicle location. A processing device determines the proximity of the first vehicle location to the second vehicle location and generates a message based on the proximity.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately determining the composition of a knock control fluid using sensors already present in the engine system. An intake oxygen sensor is used to estimate the water and the alcohol content of a knock control fluid that is direct injected into an engine cylinder responsive to an indication of abnormal combustion. A change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the water content of the knock control fluid is distinguished from a change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the alcohol content of the knock control fluid, while compensating for interfering effects of intake air diluents on the change in pumping current.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle equipped with an automatic stop and start system is disclosed. The vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission and a fluid launch device with an impeller disconnect clutch. A controller may initiate an automatic stop or start of the engine under certain operating conditions. During an engine start/stop event, the engine is automatically shut down and the impeller clutch of the fluid launch device may be disengaged to decouple the engine and transmission from the driveline to provide for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine during conditions where ambient humidity changes over time are presented. In one non-limiting example, an engine air flow limit is adjusted to increase engine air flow during high humidity conditions such that an engine may provide equivalent torque output during the high humidity conditions as compared to when the engine is operated during low humidity conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a controller programmed to autostart and autostop the engine. In an autostopped state, engine autostarts are inhibited in the presence of transient currents caused by activation of electrical loads. Engine autostarts are inhibited for a predetermined duration after activation of the electrical load when a battery current is greater than an autostart current threshold.

Abstract: A method of controlling a stop-start vehicle includes, in response to an engine being in an auto-stopped condition and a signal indicative of a driver exiting the vehicle, maintaining the engine in the auto-stopped condition. The method additionally includes securing vehicle wheels against rotation and reducing a convenience feature power consumption.

Abstract: A vehicle charge station includes at least a first and second interface coupled with a power converter and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to detecting a BEV classified vehicle coupled with the power converter via the first interface while flowing a charge current to a PHEV classified vehicle via the second interface, redirect the charge current from the second interface to the first interface. Also, a method of controlling a charge station includes receiving first vehicle data from a first vehicle connected to a first interface and transferring power to the first interface. The method then receives second vehicle data from a second vehicle connected to a second interface, and in response to a comparison of the first vehicle data and second vehicle data indicating higher priority for the second vehicle, redirecting power from the first interface to the second interface.