Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to address engine pre-ignition. One or more cylinders are alternately rich and lean operated for a duration to reduce engine thermal loading while maintaining an exhaust air-to-fuel ratio around stoichiometry.

Abstract: A knocking control system for a gas engine of the present invention, being configured to calculate a knocking occurrence ratio (SEV) which is a ratio of a cycle number of cycles in which a predetermined knocking occurs for a period of the cycles of the predetermined cycle number, to the predetermined cycle number, decide a target value of an ignition timing of the ignition device based on a deviation (?SEV) between an occurrence ratio delay calculation value (SEVAVE) obtained by performing delay calculation of the knocking occurrence ratio and a predetermined occurrence ratio target value (SEVSET), and drive the ignition device so that the ignition timing reaches a command value (IGN) decided according to the target value.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises first and second integral modules, a summer module, and a torque adjustment module. The first integral module determines an engine speed (RPM) integral value based on a difference between a desired RPM and a measured RPM. The second integral module determines a torque integral value based on a difference between a desired torque output for an engine and an estimated torque of the engine. The summer module determines an RPM-torque integral value based on a difference between the RPM and torque integral values. The torque adjustment module determines a torque adjustment value based on the RPM-torque integral value and adjusts the desired torque output and the estimated torque based on the torque adjustment value.

Abstract: A method and control module for controlling an engine includes a requested torque module that generates a requested torque and a maximum toque capacity module that determines a maximum torque capacity corresponding to a maximum torque capacity of the engine. A launch trim torque threshold determination module determines a launch trim torque threshold. A comparison module that compares the requested torque and the launch trim torque threshold. An output module that applies a fast rate limit to the requested torque up to the launch trim threshold when the requested torque is less than the launch trim torque threshold and a shower rate limited torque request when the requested torque is greater than the launch trim torque threshold.

Abstract: A control system includes a jerk determination module and a misfire confirmation module. The jerk determination module determines a jerk of a crankshaft associated with a firing event in an engine. The misfire confirmation module selectively confirms that a misfire detected in the engine is valid based on the jerk.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control device has a torque increase amount obtaining section that obtains engine rotation speed fluctuation amount (output torque increase amount) caused with small quantity injection as a torque increase amount sensing value, an adaptation value setting section that variably sets an adaptation value used for engine control in accordance with a fuel property determined based on the torque increase amount sensing value, a confirmation injection control section that performs the small quantity injection again while the engine control is performed based on the set adaptation value, and an accuracy determination section that determines accuracy of fuel property determination result or the adaptation value based on whether a confirmation sensing value, which is the engine rotation speed fluctuation amount obtained when the confirmation injection control section performs the small quantity injection, is outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine comprises a plurality of pumps arranged to supply respective flows of pressurized fuel to a common accumulator volume that supplies the pressurized fuel in turn to a plurality of fuel injectors. An engine control unit controls the flow rate of pressurized fuel into the accumulator volume in response to engine load. The flow rate of pressurized fuel from at least one pump of the plurality is dependent upon engine speed; whereas at least one other pump of the plurality comprises a fuel output control responsive to the engine control unit enabling the flow rate of pressurized fuel from that pump to be varied independently of engine speed. In this way, the engine control unit controls the aggregate flow rate of pressurized fuel from the pumps into the accumulator volume, while controlling only one of the pumps. This reduces the cost of control apparatus and allows greater freedom of pump selection and flow circuit design.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel injected multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes electronically storing a first value or reference value indicative of an engine speed response to a commanded fueling duration change during fueling the engine with a first fuel or reference fuel, such as a known type of diesel fuel. The method further includes operating the internal combustion engine in a fuel testing mode during fueling with a second fuel or test fuel, such as an unknown type of diesel fuel. The fuel testing mode includes determining a second value or test value indicative of an engine speed response to a commanded fueling duration change, comparing the test value with the reference value and outputting a fuel attribute signal which is based at least in part on comparing the reference value and the test value.

Abstract: In a method for improving the running smoothness of an internal combustion engine (1) which has at least one combustion chamber and at least one controllable actuator whose position has an influence on the combustion in the at least one combustion chamber, an irregular running value (f) of the internal combustion engine (1) is determined and compared with a predefined first irregular running limit value (f1thres), and in the event of the irregular running value (f) exceeding a predefined first irregular running limit value (f1thres), the actuator is moved from a starting position into an end position while the combustion in all of the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine (1) is continued.

Abstract: A control system and method for improving vehicle fuel economy is provided. A base timing module generates a base timing signal. A trim module generates a timing trim signal based on a calibratable compensation factor. A vehicle speed trim module adjusts a calibration parameter (such as engine timing for example) based on the base timing signal and the timing trim signal. According to some implementations, the trim module includes a base trim module and a vehicle speed compensation module and a calibratable compensation factor module. The vehicle speed compensation module generates a vehicle speed compensation factor. The base trim module generates a base trim signal based on the vehicle speed compensation factor or the calibratable compensation factor. The base trim signal can be based on a speed of the engine. The base trim signal can further be based on a quantity of fuel delivered to the engine.

Abstract: An engine control system includes an active fuel management (AFM) control module that selectively enables and disables an AFM mode using at least one AFM valve. The engine control system further includes a solenoid fault correction module that selectively opens and closes at least one AFM valve when AFM mode is disabled.

Abstract: A torque estimator is disclosed for estimating torque on a machine. A computer system may include a torque estimator module located on the machine. The torque estimator module may be configured to receive a plurality of engine parameters, receive a drivetrain component parameter, determine an estimated torque value at the drivetrain component based on the plurality of engine parameters and the drivetrain component parameter. The computer system also may include an analysis module located on the machine. The analysis module may be configured to receive the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter, and update a histogram data structure based on the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter. The analysis module may also be configured to evaluate the histogram data structure in order to determine if excessive torque is being applied to a drivetrain component.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying and differentiating knock and pre-ignition using a plurality of knock sensors distributed along an engine block. By dynamically adjusting cylinder-specific assignment of the knock sensors for knock detection and pre-ignition detection based on operating conditions of each cylinder, knock and pre-ignition is more reliably identified and distinguished.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an abnormality detection device that is used with an internal combustion engine having a valve drive mechanism capable of halting the drive of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve, and able to detect the abnormalities of a valve drive halt function. The internal combustion engine includes a knock sensor capable of sensing the seating sound of the intake valve and/or the exhaust valve. An ECU detects whether a control signal given to the valve drive mechanism is a valve drive signal or a valve halt signal. In accordance with the result of detection by the ECU and the presence of the seating sound in an output of the knock sensor, the abnormality detection device judges whether or not the valve drive mechanism is abnormal.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine of a vehicle includes generating a first torque request. The method includes generating a second torque request that is greater than and based on the first torque request, increasing a torque output of the engine based on the second torque request at a first rate and during a first period, and increasing the torque output of the engine based on the first torque request at a second rate and during a second period. The first period is distinct from and before the second period, and the first rate is greater than the second rate.

Abstract: A system for controlling intake airflow of an engine includes a mode determination module, a throttle valve control module, and a valve actuation module. The mode determination module generates a mode signal based on an engine speed signal and an engine load signal. The mode signal indicates one of a spark ignition mode and a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode. The throttle valve control module generates a valve control signal based on the mode signal, a temperature signal, and a plurality of valve position signals that indicate positions of first and second throttle valves. The throttle valve control module controls the positions of the first and second throttle valves to regulate flow rates of intake air into an intake manifold of the engine via a heat exchanger based on the valve control signal. The valve actuation module actuates the first and second throttle valves based on the valve control signal.

Abstract: Engine surge includes oscillations in engine torque resulting in bucking or jerking motion of a vehicle that may degrade driver experience. The present application relates to increasing reformate entering an example engine cylinder in response to engine surge.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating an engine includes a threshold determination module that determines a plurality of combustion mode thresholds based on the engine speed and engine temperature. The control module also includes a transition module that compares the engine load and the plurality of combustion mode thresholds and changes a combustion mode of the engine in response to comparing the engine load and the plurality of combustion mode thresholds.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines are described. Generally, an engine is controlled to operate in a skip fire variable displacement mode. Feedback control is used to dynamically determine the working cycles to be skipped to provide a desired engine output. In some embodiments a substantially optimized amount of air and fuel is delivered to the working chambers during active working cycles so that the fired working chambers can operate at efficiencies close to their optimal efficiency. In some embodiments, the appropriate firing pattern is determined at least in part using predictive adaptive control. By way of example, sigma delta controllers work well for this purpose. In some implementations, the feedback includes feedback indicative of at least one of actual and requested working cycle firings. In some embodiments, the appropriate firings are determined on a firing opportunity by firing opportunity basis.

Abstract: A bi-fuel spark ignition engine is disclosed. The engine can operate on either gasoline, natural gas or a combination of the two. The amount of each fuel that is used by the engine is based on the engine's operating parameters, such as RPM and torque. In some embodiments, the operator can provide input, such as the availability of natural gas, which affects the operation of the engine. In some embodiments, an anti-knock agent is used to prevent knock at higher values of torque.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling an engine includes a control module. The control module includes an evaporation control valve module closing a canister purge valve during a system diagnostic. A torque determination module determines a torque change for an end of the system diagnostic. A torque adjustment module changes an engine torque to a changed torque corresponding to the torque change. The evaporation control valve module opens the purge valve at the end of the diagnostic.

Abstract: An engine controller (76) includes a first mode control module (81) for performing a first mode control in which a fuel injection amount in an engine (1) is obtained based on a first torque-engine rotational speed characteristic, and a second mode control module (82) for performing a second mode control in which the fuel injection amount is obtained based on a second torque-engine rotational speed characteristic. The first mode control module (81) has a first engine load estimation part (81a) for estimating an engine load based on a difference in rotational speed between a non-load engine rotational speed and an actual engine rotational speed, and the second mode control module (82) has a second engine load estimation part (82a) for estimating an engine load based on the fuel injection amount.

Abstract: A method of controlling knocking in an internal combustion engine equipped with a device for controlling the opening of inlet valves; the control method includes the phases of: determining the occurrence of an excessive knocking in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and decreasing the mass of air sucked into the cylinder in which an excessive knocking has occurred by acting on the control device controlling the inlet valves of the cylinder.

Abstract: An engine system and corresponding control method are described. As one example, the control method includes: combusting fuel from a first fuel tank during a first engine operating condition; combusting fuel from a second fuel tank during a second engine operating condition; transferring fuel from the first fuel tank to the second fuel tank when a fuel level of the second fuel tank falls below a predetermined level; delivering air to the engine from an air compressor; and adjusting the compressor based on a combustion characteristic of fuel from the second tank.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine system. The system includes a source of gasoline for direct injection into cylinders of a spark ignition engine along with a source of an antiknock fuel for injection into the intake ports of the engine as needed to prevent knock. A preferred antiknock fuel is ethanol or an ethanol/gasoline blend having an ethanol content of 20% by volume or more. Other suitable antiknock fuels are methanol, a combination of ethanol and methanol, and a blend of gasoline with either ethanol, methanol, or an ethanol/methanol mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling the combustion of a spark-ignition internal-combustion engine, in particular a supercharged engine, wherein the engine comprises at least one cylinder (12) with a combustion chamber (14), intake means (16), exhaust means (22) and fuel supply means (44) allowing a fuel mixture to be achieved in said combustion chamber. According to the invention, the method consists in: establishing, between a slow engine speed (Rf) and a low engine speed (Rb), a curve (C2) of the limit values (P2) of the load of cylinder (12) above which pre-ignition of the fuel mixture is favoured, evaluating the effective cylinder load, heterogenizing, between the slow engine speed (Rf) and the low engine speed (Rb), the fuel mixture when the evaluated load value is close to the limit value (P2) established.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of systems and methods for reducing the production of harmful emissions in combustion engines. One method includes correlating combustion chamber temperature to acceleration of a power train component, such as a crankshaft. Once the relationship between acceleration/deceleration of the component and combustion temperature are known, an engine control module can be configured to adjust combustion parameters to reduce combustion temperature when acceleration data indicates peak combustion temperature is approaching a harmful level, such as a level conducive to the formation of undesirable oxides of nitrogen. Various embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein can employ injectors with integrated igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels.

Abstract: A method for introducing fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided, in which fuel is injected at variable metering directly into the combustion chamber by a first fuel injector on the one hand, and into an air aspiration channel leading to the combustion chamber by a second fuel injector on the other hand. To ensure a reliable cold start of the internal combustion engine when using regenerative fuels even at low temperatures, in the cold start of the internal combustion engine a partial quantity of the required overall fuel quantity is injected via the second fuel injector, this partial quantity being the particular fuel quantity that exceeds a maximum fuel quantity able to be injected via the first fuel injector.

Abstract: A method for controlling a homogeneous-charge compression-ignition capable engine, operating with spray-guided spark ignition stratified combustion at low load, includes monitoring a speed of the engine, monitoring a load of the engine, determining a desired fuel pressure based upon the speed of the engine and the load of the engine, and utilizing the desired fuel pressure to control fuel injection into the engine, wherein the desired fuel pressure is calibrated to the speed and the load based upon increased stability of the engine at lower fuel pressures and lower soot emissions from the engine at higher fuel pressures.

Abstract: A fuel injection system designed to learn the quantity of fuel sprayed actually from a fuel injector into an internal combustion engine. When the engine is placed in a given learning condition, the system works to spray different quantities of the fuel for different injection durations in sequence to the engine through the fuel injector to collect a plurality of data on the quantity of the fuel sprayed actually from the fuel injector. The system analyzes the corrected data to determine an injection characteristic of the fuel injector, which may have changed from a designer-defined basic injection characteristic of the fuel injector, and uses the injection characteristic in calculating an injection duration or on-duration for which the fuel injector is to be opened to spray a target quantity of fuel.

Abstract: A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller.

Abstract: A rotational speed parameter is detected in accordance with a rotational speed of the engine. A reference value of the rotational speed parameter is calculated. For each cylinder, an error between the reference value and the rotational speed parameter detected every predetermined crank angle is calculated as a relative speed parameter. For each cylinder, an integrated value is calculated by integrating the relative speed parameters over a predetermined period. For each cylinder, an average value per cylinder of the sum of the integrated values of all the cylinders is calculated. For each cylinder, an error between the integrated value of the cylinder and the average value is calculated. For each cylinder, the output of the engine is controlled in accordance with the error calculated for the cylinder such that variations in the output between the cylinders are suppressed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hybrid vehicle controlling device and method of using the device, in which an engine torque proportion (which is transmitted from an engine to a driving shaft) of a total sum of torque transmitted to the driving shaft is calculated. An allowed surge torque value, which is an upper limit of a surge torque allowed to the engine, is set to a larger value as the engine torque proportion is reduced. Then a predetermined parameter of the engine is changed so that the engine is controlled in a range in which the surge torque of the engine does not go beyond the allowed surge torque value.

Abstract: According to an internal combustion engine fuel injection control apparatus and control method, when an operating region of the engine shifts from a fuel cut region in which no fuel is injected to a low load region in which a small amount of fuel is injected, or visa versa, at least one pilot injection is executed ahead of a main injection in the low load region, and the number of pilot injections is determined according to the engine coolant temperature. This injection control makes it possible to ensure drivability while suppressing the amount of HC produced.

Abstract: A control system comprises a combustion control module and a regeneration control module. The combustion control module controls operation of a vehicle in a first mode during which a combustion engine is off and in a second mode during which the combustion engine is on. The regeneration control module is in communication with the combustion control module and activates an electric heater during the first mode to heat an inlet of a particulate matter (PM) filter. Exhaust gas produced by the combustion engine enters the inlet and initiates a regeneration cycle of the PM filter in the second mode.

Abstract: An engine operating in a spark-assisted homogeneous charge compression ignition mode during warm-up cycle is controlled using settings determined by interpolating between cold engine temperature settings fully warmed-up engine temperature settings.

Abstract: A method for an engine configured to deliver an actively varying relative ratio of a first and second fuel via a delivery system having a first and second injector for a cylinder of the engine, where the first fuel has a lesser relative amount of alcohol, the method comprising of varying an amount of injection from the first and second injector with operating conditions, when said variation causes said first injector to approach a first minimum opening condition, increasing injection of said second injector and disabling said first injector, and when said variation causes said second injector to approach a second minimum opening condition, avoiding further reduction of said second injector and decreasing injection of said first injector.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a lean-burn homogeneous charge reciprocating internal combustion engine that includes providing an unthrottled fuel-air compression charge having a lean fuel-air ratio, passing the fuel-air compression charge to fill no more than sixty percent of a cylinder within the internal combustion engine, compressing the fuel-air compression charge within the cylinder, igniting the compressed fuel-air compression charge for combustion, and passing exhaust resulting from the combustion to a NOx removal system. A non-platinum oxidation catalyst may be used to control carbon monoxide emissions in the exhaust Engine power may be varied by controlling the engine speed with a continuously variable transmission, by varying the applied engine load to charge a hybrid system battery, or by varying the amount of the lean fuel-air mixture charged.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a plurality of cylinders and an exhaust tract into which a mixture which is situated in the respective cylinder is introduced in the respective discharge strokes. A combustion misfire rate is determined as a function of at least one operating variable of the internal combustion engine. A temperature in the exhaust tract is determined as a function of the combustion misfire rate.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling fuel injection to a plurality of cylinders. One example method comprises during combustion timing imbalances among a plurality of cylinders carrying out homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion, adjusting a fuel injection amount in a first cylinder to adjust a combustion timing of the first cylinder in a first direction, and correspondingly adjusting a fuel injection amount in a second cylinder in a second direction to maintain average engine torque and reduce the imbalance.

Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: Method for controlling fuel metering in a carburetor or a low pressure injection system of an internal combustion engine when the engine is operating at idle speed, the method includes the steps of: a) monitoring the engine speed; b) determining a first variable (A) based on a first moving average algorithm using the monitored engine speed as input data; c) determining a second variable (B) based on a second moving average algorithm using the monitored engine speed as input data, where the first moving average algorithm is arranged to react faster to an engine speed change than the second moving average algorithm; d) comparing the second variable (B) to the first variable (A), where if 1) the second variable (B) is higher than the first variable (A): the fuel metering is set in a first leaner setting, and where if 2) the second variable (B) is lower than the first variable (A): the fuel metering is set in a second richer setting.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine provided with a variable compression ratio mechanism able to change a mechanical compression ratio and an actual compression action start timing changing mechanism able to change a start timing of an actual compression action. An amount of intake air in accordance with the required load is fed into a combustion chamber by controlling the closing timing of the intake valve, while a pressure, temperature or density in the combustion chamber at the end of a compression stroke is maintained substantially constant regardless of the engine load by controlling the mechanical compression ratio.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle and method of operation are provided. As one example, the system comprises an engine including at least one combustion chamber, a motor configured to selectively propel the vehicle via the drive wheel, a fuel system configured to deliver a first substance and a second substance to the combustion chamber in varying relative amounts, wherein the first substance includes a fuel and the second substance includes a greater concentration of a knock suppressing substance than the first substance; and a control system configured to operate the fuel system to vary the relative amounts of the first substance and the second substance delivered to the combustion chamber in response to an operating condition while operating the motor to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine includes a fuel injection valve and fuel injection control device that controls fuel injection such that a fuel is injected from an upper area of an engine cylinder toward a top face of a piston through the fuel injection valve. The fuel injection control device switches a thrust force of the fuel injected from the fuel injection valve between at least two levels such that the thrust force of the injected fuel becomes weaker when the position of the piston is high than when the position of the piston is low.

Abstract: Control apparatus performs knocking suppression control in an internal combustion engine provided with a variable valve mechanism that is capable of varying a closing timing IVC of an inlet valve. The control apparatus, in a case in which an alcohol concentration and octane number of a fuel are low and knocking is likely to occur, controls the variable valve mechanism and retards the closing timing of the inlet valve from the bottom dead center TDC. Thereby, the effective compression ratio is reduced and knocking occurrence is consequently suppressed.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides an internal combustion engine (10) comprising a variable volume combustion chamber (13); an air intake system (18,20,21) for delivering charge air to the combustion chamber (13); an exhaust system (17) for relaying combusted gas from the combustion chamber (13) to atmosphere; and a fuel injection system (19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) for delivering fuel into the charge air for combustion therewith in the combustion chamber (13). The fuel injection system (19,21,22,23,24,25,26) comprises a fuel injector (19) which functions as a positive displacement pump and dispenses an amount of fuel which is fixed for each and every operation of the injector (19); and a controller (23) which controls the operation of the fuel injector (19). In. response to an increasing engine speed and/or load the controller (23) increases in amount the fuel delivered per engine cycle by increasing in number the occasions the fuel injector (19) is operated per engine cycle.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system of an internal combustion engine includes a required injection setting mechanism, a rapid rotational speed change detector, and an injection controller. The required injection setting mechanism calculates a required number of injections and required injection times with regard to a plurality of fuel injections, based on operating conditions of the engine. The rapid rotational speed change detector determines whether the amount of change of the engine speed is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. When it is determined that the amount of change of the engine speed is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the injection controller controls a fuel injection valve so as to reduce or eliminate differences between the actual injection times and the required injection times. Thereby, even when the engine speed changes rapidly, deteriorations in the driveability and exhaust emissions are prevented.

Abstract: Fuel management system for enhanced operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder. It is preferred that the direct injection occur after the inlet valve is closed. It is also preferred that stoichiometric operation with a three way catalyst be used to minimize emissions. In addition, it is also preferred that the anti-knock agents have a heat of vaporization per unit of combustion energy that is at least three times that of gasoline.