Abstract: A method and system for operating an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is operable in a plurality of compression ratio operating modes. The method includes determining a relationship between a base engine threshold load where the high compression and low compression provide substantially the same engine fuel consumption and engine speed. The determined nominal relationship is modified by a factor, such factor being a function of a condition under which such engine is operating, to obtain a modified relationship. The modified relationship is a function of engine speed and the condition has an effect on knock generation in such engine. The modified relationship and engine speed are used in selecting one of the plurality of compression ratio operating modes for the engine.

Abstract: A method and system for operating an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is operable in a plurality of compression ratio operating modes. The method includes determining a relationship between a base engine threshold load where the high compression and low compression provide substantially the same engine fuel consumption and engine speed. The determined nominal relationship is modified by a factor, such factor being a function of a condition under which such engine is operating, to obtain a modified relationship. The modified relationship is a function of engine speed and the condition has an effect on knock generation in such engine. The modified relationship and engine speed are used in selecting one of the plurality of compression ratio operating modes for the engine.

Abstract: A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In one example, a potential torque increase due to variation in engine compression ratio is reduced using multiple paths of the transmission. In this way, relatively constant output torque can be maintained.

Abstract: A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In one example, a potential torque increase due to variation in engine compression ratio is reduced using multiple paths of the transmission. In this way, relatively constant output torque can be maintained.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an operating mode of an engine or engine component modulate a first engine parameter and analyze a change in a second engine parameter in response to modulating the first engine parameter to detect a current operating mode based on changes in at least one of the first and second engine parameters. In a variable compression ratio (VCR) engine embodiment, the system and method modify ignition timing of at least one cylinder until engine knock is detected and determine whether the cylinder is operating in the lower compression ratio mode or the higher compression ratio mode by comparing the ignition timing change required to cause engine knock to a corresponding threshold.

Abstract: A system (12) and method for determining the charged air mass in a cylinder (14) of an internal combustion engine (10) are provided. The system (12) includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (58) configured to determine a temperature of the combination of charged air and recirculated exhaust gas inducted into the cylinder (14). The ECU (58) is further configured to determine a total mass flow rate of the combination of inducted air and recirculated exhaust gas based on a pressure in an intake manifold (22) of the engine (10) and the previously determined temperature. Finally, the ECU (58) is configured to determine the mass of charged air in the cylinder (14) from the total mass flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an operating mode of an engine or engine component modulate a first engine parameter and analyze a change in a second engine parameter in response to modulating the first engine parameter to detect a current operating mode based on changes in at least one of the first and second engine parameters. In a variable compression ratio (VCR) engine embodiment, the system and method modify ignition timing of at least one cylinder until engine knock is detected and determine whether the cylinder is operating in the lower compression ratio mode or the higher compression ratio mode by comparing the ignition timing change required to cause engine knock to a corresponding threshold.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for supplying air to a fuel cell 12 for use within a vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an expander unit 18, a compressor unit 20, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, a controller 30, and vehicle sensors 32, and a secondary compressor 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through expander unit 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas and rotatably drives compressor 20. By utilizing the potential energy within the hydrogen gas to drive compressor 20, system 10 conserves energy and improves the overall fuel economy of the vehicle 14.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for recovering the potential energy of a hydrogen gas fuel supply within a fuel cell powered vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an expander 18, a compressor 20, a motor/generator 76 which selectively generates electrical power and torque, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, an electrical charge storage device or battery 28, a controller 30, vehicle sensors 32 and electrical switches or switching module 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through expander 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas, rotatably drives compressor 20 and generates electricity. Controller 30 causes the generated electricity to be selectively communicated to electrical accessories 72, and/or to battery 28 by use of switching module 34, based upon vehicle attribute data received from sensors 32.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for recovering the potential energy of a hydrogen gas fuel supply within a fuel cell powered vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an expander 18, a compressor 20, a motor/generator 76 which selectively generates electrical power and torque, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, an electrical charge storage device or battery 28, a controller 30, vehicle sensors 32 and electrical switches or switching module 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through expander 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas, rotatably drives compressor 20 and generates electricity. Controller 30 causes the generated electricity to be selectively communicated to electrical accessories 72, and/or to battery 28 by use of switching module 34, based upon vehicle attribute data received from sensors 32.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for recovering the potential energy of a hydrogen gas fuel supply within a fuel cell powered vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an energy conversion unit or assembly 18, a compressor unit or assembly 20, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, an electrical charge storage device or battery 28, a controller 30, vehicle sensors 32 and electrical switches or switching module 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through energy conversion unit 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas and generates electricity. Controller 30 causes the generated electricity to be selectively communicated to compressor 20, electrical accessories 72, and/or to battery 28 by use of switching module 34, based upon vehicle attribute data received from sensors 32.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator 10 for opening and closing a cylinder valve 14. The actuator includes an opening coil 20, a closing coil 22, a magnetic armature 26 which is disposed between coils 20, 22 and which is fixedly attached to the stem or shaft portion 28 of valve 14, a pair of conventional valve springs 30, 32, and a pair of pneumatic dampers or air cushioning assemblies 34, 36. Pneumatic dampers 34, 36 are effective to selectively decelerate the moving components of the actuator as they approach their respective seats during valve opening and valve closing events, thereby substantially reducing noise and vibration harshness (“NVH”).

Abstract: A system (12) and method for determining the charged air mass in a cylinder (14) of an internal combustion engine (10) are provided. The system (12) includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (58) configured to determine a temperature of the combination of charged air and recirculated exhaust gas inducted into the cylinder (14). The ECU (58) is further configured to determine a total mass flow rate of the combination of inducted air and recirculated exhaust gas based on a pressure in an intake manifold (22) of the engine (10) and the previously determined temperature. Finally, the ECU (58) is configured to determine the mass of charged air in the cylinder (14) from the total mass flow rate.

Abstract: An ignition and fuel control system 10 of a vehicle 18 is provided including a controller 22. The controller 22 is electrically coupled to an ignition system 14, a fuel system 16, a crankshaft position sensor 32, and a camshaft position sensor 34. The crankshaft position sensor 32 senses a crankshaft position and generates a crankshaft position signal. A camshaft position sensor 34 senses a camshaft position and generates a camshaft position signal. The controller 22 determines a crankshaft position and a camshaft position in response to the crankshaft position signal and the camshaft position signal respectively. The controller 22 identifies a reference engine cylinder in response to the crankshaft position and the camshaft position and generates a synchronization value. The controller 22 also enables the ignition system 14 and the fuel system 16 in response to the synchronization value.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for supplying air to a fuel cell 12 for use within a vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an expander unit 18, a compressor unit 20, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, a controller 30, and vehicle sensors 32, and a secondary compressor 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through expander unit 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas and rotatably drives compressor 20. By utilizing the potential energy within the hydrogen gas to drive compressor 20, system 10 conserves energy and improves the overall fuel economy of the vehicle 14.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for recovering the potential energy of a hydrogen gas fuel supply within a fuel cell powered vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an energy conversion unit or assembly 18, a compressor unit or assembly 20, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, an electrical charge storage device or battery 28, a controller 30, vehicle sensors 32 and electrical switches or switching module 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through energy conversion unit 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas and generates electricity. Controller 30 causes the generated electricity to be selectively communicated to compressor 20, electrical accessories 72, and/or to battery 28 by use of switching module 34, based upon vehicle attribute data received from sensors 32.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for recovering the potential energy of a hydrogen gas fuel supply within a fuel cell powered vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an expander 18, a compressor 20, a motor/generator 76 which selectively generates electrical power and torque, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, an electrical charge storage device or battery 28, a controller 30, vehicle sensors 32 and electrical switches or switching module 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through expander 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas, rotatably drives compressor 20 and generates electricity. Controller 30 causes the generated electricity to be selectively communicated to electrical accessories 72, and/or to battery 28 by use of switching module 34, based upon vehicle attribute data received from sensors 32.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator 10 for opening and closing a cylinder valve 14. The actuator includes an opening coil 20, a closing coil 22, a magnetic armature 26 which is disposed between coils 20, 22 and which is fixedly attached to the stem or shaft portion 28 of valve 14, a pair of conventional valve springs 30, 32, and a pair of pneumatic dampers or air cushioning assemblies 34, 36. Pneumatic dampers 34, 36 are effective to selectively decelerate the moving components of the actuator as they approach their respective seats during valve opening and valve closing events, thereby substantially reducing noise and vibration harshness (“NVH”).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an on-board diagnostic system for detecting malfunctioning fuel injectors in an internal combustion engine during engine operation. A fuel injector control means is provided for individually actuating fuel injectors operatively connected to a fuel rail. Pressure sensor means are mounted to the fuel rail for sensing transient fuel pressure waves resulting from actuation of the individual fuel injectors and for generating a pressure signal in response thereto. Signal processing means are provided for processing pressure signals from the pressure sensor means and for generating an output signal upon detecting delayed opening or delayed closing of one or more injectors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an on-board diagnostic system for detecting a malfunctioning fuel pump in an internal combustion engine during engine operation. Pressure sensor means are provided for sensing fuel pressure in the fuel supply line and for generating corresponding pressure signals. Signal processing means receive and process the pressure signals from the pressure sensor means. An output signal is generated by the signal processing means if pressure signals are determined to correspond to a defective fuel pump Such output signal can be stored, used to alert an engine operator to an impaired fuel pump and/or provided to a fuel injector control means for adjusting fuel flow.