Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to fuel-based heating of intake charge in internal combustion engines. In some aspects, a method of operating a compression ignition engine can include combusting a first fuel in an intake flow path to heat a volume of air. The method further includes drawing the heated volume of air into a plurality of cylinders via an intake manifold and combusting a volume of a second fuel in the plurality of cylinders in a mixing-controlled compression ignition mode (MCCI). The second fuel can be the same or different from the first fuel and can include a small-molecule fuel. Heating the volume of air maintains a temperature in the plurality of cylinders greater than a threshold temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods of managing intake temperature of intake gases in internal combustion engines to enable autoignition of small-molecule low-cetane fuels. In some aspects, a method of operating a compression ignition engine can include moving a volume of air through a first flow path, closing a first valve to prevent the volume of air from entering a charge air cooler (CAC), opening a second valve to guide the volume of air to a second flow path, the second flow path including a heating unit, and moving the volume of air to an intake manifold. In some embodiments, the method can further include applying heat via the heating unit to the volume of air while the volume of air moves through the second flow path.

Abstract: An electric power generation system is disclosed, which includes a back-up electric power generator driven by a four-cycle internal combustion engine. The engine includes a plurality of reciprocating cylinders each rotatably coupled to a crankshaft, which drives the electric power generator. The engine also includes a compressor along an intake pathway to deliver pressurized air to the cylinders and a turbine along an exhaust pathway to power the compressor when driven by exhaust discharged from the cylinders. The engine is prepared to accept a generator load by increasing boost pressure provided by the compressor. This increase is accomplished by skip-firing the cylinders in a selected pattern, retarding ignition timing for the cylinders, or a combination of these techniques. A unique skip-fueling control pattern is also disclosed.

Abstract: A constant horsepower throttle progression control system and method. In order to improve driveability of a vehicle compared to prior art engine controllers, the present invention operates an engine so as to either produce a constant (or nearly constant) output horsepower at all engine speeds for any throttle position, or so as to produce an output horsepower equal to a predetermined percentage of the range between full rated power and motoring horsepower at all engine speeds for any throttle position. The predetermined percentage may or may not be equal to the percentage of full throttle represented by the throttle position, and may or may not be linearly related thereto.

Abstract: EGR induction supercharged or turbocharged internal combustion engine having EGR and EGR cooling in which EGR cooling is obtained through jacket water coolers and/or an air-to-air aftercooler. EGR induction is obtained via either low pressure (ambient) induction to the system intake, or via venturi or passive pump induction into the pressurized intake. Bypassing of the EGR cooler is used to reduce condensation and fouling in the EGR cooler and to provide warmer air to reduce light load and cold ambient hydrocarbon production. A passive or catalyzed particulate trap and crankshaft driven supercharger boosting system are provided to address engine response deterioration and particulate increase problems associated with EGR.

Abstract: A turbocompound engine having a power turbine bypass valve and a control module for controlling opening and closing of the bypass valve. The control module opens the bypass valve for various operating conditions, such as at high altitudes, low speed/high load, and transient load conditions for improved engine operation.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust system is provided with a particulate trap for collecting the products of incomplete combustion during the engine power cycle. A sensing mechanism including an electrode downstream of the trap and a signal generating circuit provides a positive indication of occurrence of regeneration of the trap. Charged particles generated during regeneration induce a charge of the electrode, that charge activates the signal generating circuit and it, in turn, produces an indication external of the exhaust system that trap regeneration is occurring. That indication can be in the operator's compartment.