Abstract: A method for processing an accelerometer signal associated with the combustion process in an operating internal combustion engine, the method comprising the steps of measuring an accelerometer signal across a window of selected crank angle degrees during a cycle of the engine, the measured accelerometer signal including a combustion acceleration component and a motored acceleration components; and applying a shape function to the measured accelerometer signal to reduce the motored acceleration component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling to a target heat release rate (HRR) uses an HRR control lever, namely, pilot fuel timing and/or pilot fuel quantity, used in a gaseous-fuelled compression ignition internal combustion engine. The mechanism to control HRR to a target HRR improves engine performance and emissions. A target HRR is determined for a cycle of an engine. An HRR control lever is then used to adjust to the target HRR in consideration of combustion conditions in the engine and the difference between the target HRR and cycle HRR predicted for the cycle by reference to, by way of example, a derived HRR trace from a previous cycle, a pressure trace, a measured property of the exhaust gas directly determined or mapped values provided during calibration allowing for adjustment to a target HRR for the engine. The mapped values can be cross-referenced to engine combustion conditions.

Abstract: A method for processing an accelerometer data set generated from an operating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The processed accelerometer data is cepstrally filtered and a heat release trace is pulled from the accelerometer data set. That heat release trace is then used to estimate combustion quality and combustion phasing within the engine and control future combustion events using this information. Misfire and knock sensing is also incorporated into the engine controls. The method provides controls for an engine to allow it to adjust combustion from cycle window to cycle window generally without the need for expensive and less durable direct pressure measurement devices as compared to accelerometers. The resulting fuel injection speed results in the fuel passing through shock waves within the combustion chamber, which, in turn, promotes combustion of the fuel by promoting mixing of the fuel and intake charge within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A common rail directly actuated fuel injection valve is disclosed with a hydraulic transmission device that is fluidly isolated from the fuel so that the hydraulic fluid can be different from the fuel. This arrangement is particularly suitable for valves that inject a gaseous fuel, but can also be beneficial for use with liquid fuels. According to the method, the hydraulic fluid is pressurizable by the fuel pressure to reduce differential pressures and leakage, in addition to assisting with operation of the hydraulic transmission device. The method further comprises detecting the position of the valve needle for more accurate control of rate of fuel injection during an injection event.

Abstract: A method for processing an accelerometer signal associated with the combustion process in an operating internal combustion engine, the method comprising the steps of measuring an accelerometer signal across a window of selected crank angle degrees during a cycle of the engine, the measured accelerometer signal including a combustion acceleration component and a motored acceleration components; and applying a shape function to the measured accelerometer signal to reduce the motored acceleration component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus manage heat in exhaust gas in an aftertreatment system that employs a lean NOx adsorber. A de-sulfation hot line and cooling line are employed to control exhaust gas temperatures for adsorption, regeneration and de-sulfation cycles of the aftertreatment system where each cycle can require different chemical and exhaust gas temperatures independent of the engine operation. The method and apparatus include a SOx adsorber to provide greater system durability.

Abstract: A common rail directly actuated fuel injection valve is disclosed with a hydraulic transmission device that is fluidly isolated from the fuel so that the hydraulic fluid can be different from the fuel. This arrangement is particularly suitable for valves that inject a gaseous fuel, but can also be beneficial for use with liquid fuels. According to the method, the hydraulic fluid is pressurizable by the fuel pressure to reduce differential pressures and leakage, in addition to assisting with operation of the hydraulic transmission device. The method further comprises detecting the position of the valve needle for more accurate control of rate of fuel injection during an injection event.

Abstract: In a method of regenerating a NOx adsorber, the NOx adsorber is used to treat exhaust gases created during the combustion of gaseous fuels in general. Methane is introduced into a reformer or exhaust line in which hydrogen generated during reforming is used to regenerate the NOx absorber.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for regenerating a lean NOx adsorber, the NOx adsorber treats exhaust gases created during the combustion of gaseous fuels in general. A bypass line maintains a target regeneration flow of exhaust gas through the NOx adsorber during regeneration regardless of operating demands on the engine. Closed-loop and open-loop control are employed. The closed-loop control employs sensors that determine properties of the exhaust gas during regeneration, and the controller uses those properties to provide an efficient regeneration cycle. A regeneration map is also provided that uses creation of in-cylinder regeneration conditions for the exhaust gas in combination with in-line regeneration conditions for the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing pilot fuel into a piston cylinder of an operating gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine monitoring a set of engine parameters, determining engine load and engine speed from the set of engine parameters, introducing a first portion of the gaseous fuel into the cylinder where the first portion of gaseous fuel forms a substantially homogeneous mixture comprising gaseous fuel and air prior to combustion, and introducing a pilot fuel to avoid a excessive knocking range for the engine. A second quantity of gaseous fuel can also be added to burn in a substantially diffusion combustion mode.

Abstract: A method for processing an accelerometer data set generated from an operating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The processed accelerometer data is cepstrally filtered and a heat release trace is pulled from the accelerometer data set. That heat release trace is then used to estimate combustion quality and combustion phasing within the engine and control future combustion events using this information. Misfire and knock sensing is also incorporated into the engine controls. The method provides controls for an engine to allow it to adjust combustion from cycle window to cycle window generally without the need for expensive and less durable direct pressure measurement devices as compared to accelerometers. The resulting fuel injection speed results in the fuel passing through shock waves within the combustion chamber, which, in turn, promotes combustion of the fuel by promoting mixing of the fuel and intake charge within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing pilot fuel into a piston cylinder of an operating gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine monitoring a set of engine parameters, determining engine load and engine speed from the set of engine parameters, introducing a first portion of the gaseous fuel into the cylinder where the first portion of gaseous fuel forms a substantially homogeneous mixture comprising gaseous fuel and air prior to combustion, and introducing a pilot fuel to avoid a excessive knocking range for the engine. A second quantity of gaseous fuel can also be added to burn in a substantially diffusion combustion mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine (ICE) cylinder employs a combination of operating modes. First, one of a low load and a high load mode of operation is selected during the operation of the ICE. Low load and high load modes are distinguished by the combustion characteristics of an amount of fumigated fuel added to the combustion chamber. Fumigated fuel that supports combustion will cause high load to be selected. Fumigated fuel that does not support combustion will cause low load to be selected. A directly injected amount of fuel is provided under low load. Under high load, a directly injected quantity of fuel is added when the piston is near top dead center to allow the engine to meet load requirement above that provided by the fumigated fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing gaseous fuel into a piston cylinder of an operating internal combustion engine in two separate stages involves monitoring a set of engine parameters, determining engine load and engine speed from the set of engine parameters, in a first stage, introducing a first portion of the gaseous fuel into the cylinder where the first portion of gaseous fuel forms a substantially homogeneous mixture comprising gaseous fuel and air prior to combustion, and in a second stage, occurring sequentially after the first stage, introducing a second portion of the gaseous fuel into the cylinder. The gaseous fuel quantity is variable in response to at least one of engine load and engine speed. Initiation and duration for at least one of the first and second stages is also variable in response to at least one of engine load and engine speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine (ICE) cylinder employs a combination of operating modes. First, one of a low load and a high load mode of operation is selected during the operation of the ICE. Low load and high load modes are distinguished by the combustion characteristics of an amount of fumigated fuel added to the combustion chamber. Fumigated fuel that supports combustion will cause high load to be selected. Fumigated fuel that does not support combustion will cause low load to be selected. A directly injected amount of fuel is provided under low load. Under high load, a directly injected quantity of fuel is added when the piston is near top dead center to allow the engine to meet load requirement above that provided by the fumigated fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing gaseous fuel into a piston cylinder of an operating internal combustion engine in two separate stages involves monitoring a set of engine parameters, determining engine load and engine speed from the set of engine parameters, in a first stage, introducing a first portion of the gaseous fuel into the cylinder where the first portion of gaseous fuel forms a substantially homogeneous mixture comprising gaseous fuel and air prior to combustion, and in a second stage, occurring sequentially after the first stage, introducing a second portion of the gaseous fuel into the cylinder. The gaseous fuel quantity is variable in response to at least one of engine load and engine speed. Initiation and duration for at least one of the first and second stages is also variable in response to at least one of engine load and engine speed.