Abstract: This disclosure provides a system and method for controlling internal combustion engine system to reduce operation variations among plural engines. The system and method utilizes single-input-single-output (SISO) control in which a single operating parameter lever is selected from among exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) fraction and charge air mass flow (MCF), and a stored reference value associated with the selected lever is adjusted for an operating point in accordance with a difference between a measured emissions characteristic and a pre-calibrated reference value of the emissions characteristic for that operating point. Adjusting the selected operating parameter lever towards the theoretical pre-calibrated reference value of the operating parameter lever for each of plural operating points can reduce engine-to-engine variations in engine out emissions.

Abstract: A method and related apparatuses and systems for operating an engine that provides a high level of NOX to regenerate particulate matter deposited on a particulate filter. The method includes producing NOX in response to a NOX excess capacity value of a NOX reduction device. The method optionally includes determining that particulate matter exceeds an enhanced passive regeneration threshold amount before providing a high level of NOX. The method optionally includes producing a higher particulate emissions output value to warm the engine exhaust to bring an aftertreatment catalyst to an optimal operating temperature. The method can be implemented with a closed loop feedback controller, which may be configured to reduce particulate matter variation.

Abstract: A method for estimating the volumetric efficiency in an internal combustion engine in real time includes the following steps: (a) monitoring an oxygen percentage of gases in the intake manifold using an oxygen sensor coupled to an intake manifold; and (b) determining, via a control module, a volumetric efficiency of the internal combustion engine in real time based, at least in part, on the oxygen percentage of the gases in the intake manifold.

Abstract: A method and related apparatuses and systems for operating an engine that provides a high level of NOX to regenerate particulate matter deposited on a particulate filter. The method includes producing NOX in response to a NOX excess capacity value of a NOX reduction device. The method optionally includes determining that particulate matter exceeds an enhanced passive regeneration threshold amount before providing a high level of NOX. The method optionally includes producing a higher particulate emissions output value to warm the engine exhaust to bring an aftertreatment catalyst to an optimal operating temperature. The method can be implemented with a closed loop feedback controller, which may be configured to reduce particulate matter variation.

Abstract: A method can be used to determine the total residual gas volume in a cylinder when the piston of an internal combustion engine is at the bottom dead center (BDC) position. The method includes: (a) measuring an intake manifold pressure and an exhaust manifold pressure; (b) determining a residual gas volume in the at least one cylinder originating from a current engine cycle; (c) determining a residual gas volume in the at least one intake port originating from at least one previous engine cycle; and (d) determining a total residual gas volume when the piston is at a BDC position based, at least in part, on the residual gas volume in the at least one cylinder originating from the current engine cycle and the residual gas volume in the at least one cylinder originating from at least one previous engine cycle.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for reducing the variability of particulate emissions in an exhaust stream from an internal combustion engine using a lambda error and/or a NOx error to control an exhaust gas recirculation fraction and/or a mass charge flow control. The methods include operating a controller to adjust the engine gas recirculation fraction and/or the mass charge flow control.