Methods Patents (Class 60/273)
  • Publication number: 20140041361
    Abstract: A system for quick warm-up of a motor vehicle includes a housing, a heat collector, and a valve mechanism. The housing includes an input port and an output port, and defines a first exhaust flow path between the input port and the output port. The heat collector is in fluid communication with the housing and defines a second exhaust flow path. The heat collector includes an inlet and an outlet and further defines a fluid path between the inlet and the outlet. The valve mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operable to control the flow of exhaust between the first exhaust flow path and the second exhaust flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: George Moser, Adam Ostapowicz, Lawrence C. Kennedy, Thomas Lauinger
  • Publication number: 20140041380
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling boost pressure are provided. In one example, a method of controlling a turbocharger of an engine via a multi-staged wastegate comprises during a first condition, actuating a first stage of the wastegate based on boost pressure generated by the turbocharger, and actuating a second stage of the wastegate based on a temperature of a catalyst downstream of the turbocharger. In this way, catalyst heating and boost control may be provided by a common wastegate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens, William Charles Ruona
  • Publication number: 20140041384
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for controlling air flow in a two-stage turbocharger. In one example, an engine method comprises adjusting one or more exhaust gas recirculation valves to maintain a first turbocharger within a first air flow range, and adjusting a turbocharger bypass valve to maintain a second turbocharger within a second air flow range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: James Robert MISCHLER, Daniel Edward Loringer, Neil Xavier Blythe, Luke Henry, Matthew John Malone, Greg Thomas Polkus
  • Publication number: 20140033778
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing sulphate or phosphate-based fertilizer from hydrogen sulphide. The method involves feeding a stream containing a substantial volume of hydrogen sulphide and air to a furnace, where it is burned to produce a sulphur dioxide rich gas stream. The sulphur dioxide rich gas stream is then fed to a reactor to produce a sulphuric acid stream and a waste stream comprising carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, trace impurities and trace amounts of unreacted sulphur dioxide. The sulphuric acid stream is finally converted to a sulphate or phosphate-based fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SULVARIS INC.
    Inventors: Satish Iyer, Rick Knoll, Eric Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20140026540
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas treatment unit includes a housing with a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, a tube extending from the first end to the second end and serving as an inflow region for an exhaust gas, a deflecting region in the vicinity of the second end for the exhaust gas, and a return flow region extending between the tube and the housing. In the deflecting region, the exhaust gas is mixed and transferred into the return flow region. A method for mixing an exhaust gas in an exhaust-gas treatment unit and a vehicle having the exhaust-gas treatment unit and carrying out the method, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUER EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: SEBASTIAN BEYER, BERND DANCKERT, MARTIN WALTER ENDER, SAMUEL VOGEL
  • Publication number: 20140026539
    Abstract: Methods and systems for regenerating an after treatment device are disclosed. In one example, the possibility of introducing fuel to oil during after treatment device regeneration is reduced. The methods and systems may reduce engine degradation and improve engine emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20140026558
    Abstract: The application of a Tesla turbine as an exhaust system that provides power to vehicle electrical systems or for charging an onboard battery that includes harnessing energy from the system exhausts. A Tesla turbine is implemented using the compressed gas/fluid to operate a generator. The generator is connected to appropriate systems (battery, electrical components, etc.) to provide power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan Heuvel
  • Publication number: 20140026564
    Abstract: A flywheel assembly for a turbocharger a rotatable flywheel shaft that is separate from a turbocharger shaft, and a flywheel body coupled to the flywheel shaft. A flywheel sensor determines a flywheel operating parameter and supplies a flywheel feedback signal indicative of the flywheel operating parameter, and a flywheel clutch selectively couples the flywheel shaft to the turbocharger shaft. A controller operates the flywheel clutch based on the flywheel feedback signal. The flywheel shaft and flywheel body may be disposed in a flywheel housing that is separate and spaced from a turbocharger housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Evan Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20140026561
    Abstract: A power system includes an engine including an exhaust line, a turbine in the exhaust line, a bypass line connected to the exhaust line upstream of the turbine and comprising a controllable bypass valve, and a controller arranged to control opening of the bypass valve to bypass the turbine when for example, the engine is operated such that power is transmitted from the crankshaft to the turbine shaft, and/or at least one of an engine load, an engine speed, and an exhaust line pressure are below predetermined levels. A method of operating a power system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Alan Horne
  • Publication number: 20140026538
    Abstract: A turbo charger for an internal combustion engine includes a turbo charger housing defining a spool axis and including an exhaust chamber having an exhaust inlet and an exhaust outlet. The turbo charger housing also defines an air compressor chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet. A spool is mounted within the turbo charger housing for rotation about the spool axis. The spool includes a spool shaft with an exhaust turbine wheel mounted at one end and an air compressor wheel coaxially mounted for common rotation at the opposite end of the spool shaft. A compressed gas injector is mounted to the exhaust chamber of the turbo charger housing for providing a compressed gas flow to the exhaust turbine wheel from a source external to the turbo charger housing in order to supplement power from the exhaust to rotate the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: JATechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Hauser, Andrew Ross
  • Publication number: 20140026565
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for routing exhaust from an engine. In one example, a system includes a high pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine. The system further includes a first passage for routing exhaust from a first subset of cylinders, bypassing the high pressure turbine, to upstream of the low pressure turbine in an exhaust passage of the engine, and a second passage for routing exhaust from a second, different, subset of cylinders to upstream of the high pressure turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Eric David Peters, Chirag Bipinchandra Parikh
  • Publication number: 20140020361
    Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating fouling within a heat exchanger device includes an internal combustion engine fluidly coupled to an intake manifold upstream of the engine and an exhaust gas manifold downstream of the engine. The apparatus further includes an external exhaust gas recirculation circuit fluidly coupled to the exhaust gas manifold at a first end and configured to selectively route exhaust gas flow into the intake manifold at a second end. The exhaust gas recirculation circuit includes the heat exchanger device for cooling the EGR flow prior to entering the intake manifold, and a deposit filter fluidly coupled upstream of the heat exchanger device and configured to trap combustion by-products within the EGR flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: ALOK WAREY, PATRICK G. SZYMKOWICZ, SANDRO R. BALESTRINO
  • Publication number: 20140020381
    Abstract: A compound cycle engine having an output shaft; at least two rotary units each defining an internal combustion engine, a velocity turbine, and a turbocharger is discussed. The velocity turbine includes a rotor in driving engagement with the output shaft between two of the rotary units. The exhaust port of each rotary unit is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the velocity turbine upstream of its rotor. The outlet of the compressor of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the inlet port of each rotary unit. The inlet of the pressure turbine of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the velocity turbine downstream of its rotor. A method of compounding at least two rotary engines is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Sébastien BOLDUC, Mike FONTAINE, Luc LANDRY, Jean THOMASSIN
  • Publication number: 20140020380
    Abstract: A compound cycle engine having at least one rotary unit defining an internal combustion engine, a velocity turbine in proximity of each unit, and a turbocharger is discussed. The exhaust port of each rotary unit is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the velocity turbine upstream of its rotor. The rotors of the velocity turbine and of each rotary unit drive a common load. The outlet of the compressor of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the inlet port of each rotary unit, and the inlet of the pressure turbine of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the velocity turbine downstream of its rotor. A method of compounding at least one rotary engine is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jean THOMASSIN
  • Publication number: 20140013743
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) system operates in a reverse mode, permitting using the WHR system to transfer heat to the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. In another configuration, a WHR system may operate in two modes. The first mode removes heat from exhaust gas of an engine to perform useful work. The second mode transfers heat to the exhaust gas. The benefit of this flexible system is that a WHR system is adaptable to rapidly heat exhaust gas at startup and during other conditions where the temperature of the exhaust gas is less than a predetermined operating range. Because of the ability to rapidly warm engine exhaust gas, an exhaust gas receiving system, such as an EGR or an aftertreatment system, may function to reduce the emissions of the engine more quickly. Because this system is reversible, it retains the capability of a conventional WHR system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventor: Marten H. DANE
  • Publication number: 20140013742
    Abstract: The power-assisted supercharger (10) includes: a turbocharger (12) in which a turbine (12a) is rotationally driven by exhaust gas (7) from an engine (40), a compressor (12b) rotationally driven by the turbine compresses intake air (5) and supplies the intake air to the engine; an electric motor (14) connected to a rotary shaft (12c) connecting the turbine and the compressor, the electric motor to add rotational force to the turbocharger; and a motor controller (20) to control a drive current (I) to the electric motor required for an assist operation for the turbocharger, by open loop, based on an accelerator opening degree (A) of the engine and a rotational speed (NE) of the engine. In this power-assisted supercharger, a turbo lag can be reduced by itself, power consumption can be small even in a range in which the rotational speed is high, malfunctions or unnecessary power consumption can be prevented, a control system can be simplified, and the installation space and the weight thereof can be small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Yuichiro Mizuno, Kazuhiko Shinagawa
  • Patent number: 8627652
    Abstract: In forced regeneration control of an exhaust gas purification device a number of data for injection control, such as a number of meshes of a data map and a number of data maps for multi injection control, is decreased while occurrence of torque shock, which is a rapid fluctuation of a generated torque, is avoided. In this forced regeneration control, when an operation state of an internal combustion engine is a high-load operation state, the normal injection control by stopping the multi injection is carried out and, according to a rotation speed and a load of the internal combustion engine, a region for control is divided into a multi-injection control region, a transition region, and a normal injection control region. In the transition region, data for injection control obtained by interpolation of data for injection control on the multi-injection control region side and data for injection control on the normal injection control region side is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Takuro Iwashita, Tetsuya Murata, Takashi Ikeda, Tatsuo Mashiko
  • Patent number: 8615989
    Abstract: A method for regenerating a DPF in an exhaust aftertreatment system includes the steps of: monitoring a temperature of exhaust associated with a DOC; retarding an injection of fuel into at least one combustion cylinder, and thereby intentionally causing a misfire in the at least one combustion cylinder, dependent on the monitoring step; increasing an outlet temperature of the exhaust from the DOC to a first threshold temperature; and oxidizing particulates within the DPF when the exhaust is at the increased temperature. The number and/or frequency of the misfires is controlled to provide the desired exhaust temperature at the DPF inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Richard E. Winsor
  • Publication number: 20130327039
    Abstract: A turbocharger control system for an internal combustion engine having first and second turbochargers connected in series includes first and second pressure sensors, and a controller. The first and second pressure sensors are disposed in an air intake of the engine, and are configured to sense boost pressure of the first and second turbochargers, respectively. The controller is configured to receive pressure signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to control operation of at least one of the first and second turbochargers to maintain a desired boost pressure ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: David Paul Schenker, Adrian Rothenbuhler
  • Publication number: 20130327040
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for checking a valve on an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, wherein an exhaust gas flow exits the internal combustion engine, a first portion of said flow flowing through a turbine of the exhaust gas turbocharger into an exhaust gas system and a second portion flowing through the valve into the exhaust gas system, wherein said method includes the steps of varying a fuel-to-air ratio in a fresh gas supplied to the internal combustion engine, determining a residual oxygen content in the exhaust gas system, and determining that the valve is defective if a variation of the residual oxygen content occurs in a manner different than a predetermined manner of the variation of the fuel-to-air ratio in the fresh gas. A device for checking the valve can be integrated into an integrated engine control unit of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Gerhard Eser, Thomas Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20130318965
    Abstract: A supercharging system for a gas turbine system having a compressor, a combustor, a turbine and a shaft includes a prime mover and a fan assembly that provides an air stream at an air stream flow rate. A hydraulic coupler is coupled to the prime mover and the fan assembly and a second torque converter may couple the supercharger prime mover to an electrical generator. The supercharging system also includes a subsystem for conveying a first portion of the air stream to the compressor, and a bypass subsystem for optionally conveying a second portion of the air stream to other uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sanji Ekanayake, Gordon Raymond Smith, Alston Ilford Scipio, Timothy Tah-teh Yang, Julio Enrique Mestroni, Kurt Waldner, Tedd Sellers
  • Publication number: 20130318946
    Abstract: A diesel engine fuel composition comprising methanol at a level of at least 20% by weight of the fuel; water at a level at least 20% by weight of the fuel; a ratio of water to methanol of between 20:80 to 80:20; a total amount of water and methanol of at least 60% by weight of the fuel composition, and one or more additives, in a total amount of at least 0.1% by weight of the fuel, wherein the level of sodium chloride, if present as an additive, is between 0 to 0.5% by weight of the fuel, and the level of flavourant, if present as an additive, is between 0 to 1.5% of the composition is provided. Also provided is a process for powering a compression ignition engine using a fuel comprising methanol and water, including inlet air pre-heating, and associated systems and uses of the fuel composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GANE ENERGY & RESOURCES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Greg Morris, Michael John Brear, Ronald Andrew Slocombe
  • Patent number: 8596041
    Abstract: An ECU executes the program including the step acquiring a catalyst temperature when the execution condition for fuel-cut control is satisfied; the step selecting a throttle opening degree based on the catalyst temperature; the step executing fuel-cut control; and the step executing return control from fuel-cut control when the condition for returning from fuel-cut control is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihiro Tsukamoto, Atsushi Ayabe, Tomohiro Asami
  • Publication number: 20130313031
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle having an engine with an exhaust heat recovery system, includes generating a signal to control exhaust gas flow through an exhaust gas heat exchanger, and generating a diagnostic code based on the signal and a rate of change of coolant temperature. A vehicle has an engine and an exhaust heat recovery system with an exhaust gas heat exchanger and a temperature sensor. A controller for the vehicle is configured to (i) generate a signal to control exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas heat exchanger, and (ii) generate a diagnostic code based on the signal and a rate of change of coolant temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Douglas Raymond Martin
  • Publication number: 20130305710
    Abstract: A wastegate control system and a method for the wastegate control system is disclosed. The wastegate control system includes an ambient pressure sensor, a throttle angle sensor, an ignition timing sensor, a knock sensor, an intake charge temperature sensor and an intake charge humidity sensor. A wastegate is controlled according to information received from these sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James S. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130305708
    Abstract: A thermal management system and method for split cooling and integrated exhaust manifold applications in an automotive engine is provided. The thermal management system includes a cooling circuit that directs coolant through a plurality of components to warm the engine and passenger compartment efficiently, as well as remove excess heat from the engine and promote a constant operating temperature during vehicle operation. The cooling circuit directs liquid coolant, propelled by a coolant pump, through at least one of an engine block cooling jacket, an engine head cooling jacket, and an integrated exhaust manifold (IEM) cooling jacket, along a variety of cooling paths. The cooling circuit also incorporates a plurality of flow control valves to selectively distribute flow of the liquid coolant between a radiator, an engine heater core, and a return path to the coolant pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: AKRAM R. ZAHDEH, COLIN BLACKLOCK BOSMAN
  • Publication number: 20130305689
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing the performance of an internal combustion engine having a stock exhaust manifold. An exhaust insert affixed to or positioned downstream from the cylinder exhaust ports, in the exhaust conduits, in the stock manifold, in the collector, before or after the catalytic converter, before or after any Y-pipe, or any location in the exhaust system. The exhaust insert having a pre-determined size and shape to optimize performance, including, but not limited to, fuel efficiency, emissions, and power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Louis A. Belanger
  • Patent number: 8584444
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling ammonia slip downstream of a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system. The SCR system can include a SCR reactor having a catalyst, inlet, and outlet. The SCR system can also include an injector for injecting a reductant into the SCR reactor at a location upstream from the inlet of the SCR reactor. An estimated value, a reference value, and an error between the two values of ammonia adsorbed on the catalyst surface can be provided. A saturation indication can also be provided to indicate whether the catalyst surface is saturated with the estimated value of adsorbed ammonia. The saturation indication and the error between the estimated and reference values of adsorbed ammonia can be used to adjust a command signal by an open-loop control scheme. The injection of the reductant into the SCR reactor can also be regulated by the command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Frank Hoskin
  • Publication number: 20130298552
    Abstract: Series-sequential turbocharging systems and related methods are disclosed herein for boosting the intake pressure of an internal combustion engine, such as a split-cycle engine that operates in accordance with a Miller cycle. In some embodiments, a multi-stage turbocharging system is used in which a small flow capacity turbocharger with an associated turbine bypass valve is incorporated in series with a larger turbocharger and an aftercooler. At low engine speeds, the bypass valve is closed and the small flow capacity turbocharger performs the bulk of the compression work. At high engine speeds, the bypass valve is opened and the larger turbocharger performs the bulk of the compression work. The bypass valve can be modulated when the engine is operated at transitional speeds. Using this series-sequential turbocharging system, the boost and flow range required for optimal efficiency and performance can be met across the engine's speed range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: David Branyon, Dean Jacob Simpson
  • Publication number: 20130298525
    Abstract: A method for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus for heavy construction equipment of the present invention, which includes: an engine; a turbocharger which rotates a turbine by using exhaust gas discharged from the engine, and compresses air, which is supplied to the engine, by a compressor connected to the turbine through a connecting shaft; an intercooler which cools compressed air flowing into the engine; a high-pressure EGR line which is provided with a high-pressure EGR cooler and a high-pressure EGR valve, and does not pass through the turbocharger; a hybrid EGR line which is provided with a hybrid EGR valve and a hybrid EGR cooler, and does not pass through the turbine of the turbocharger but passes only through the compressor; and a low-pressure EGR line which is provided with a low-pressure EGR valve and a low-pressure EGR cooler, and passes through the turbocharger, includes a mechanical control step in which an engine control unit (ECU), which receives a low-load request signal from
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Lim, Min Seok Ko
  • Patent number: 8572951
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a vehicle with an engine. In one example, a method includes identifying an approaching tunnel. The method further includes, responsive to a particulate load of a particulate filter, the particulate filter disposed in an exhaust treatment system of an engine of the vehicle, initiating regeneration of the particulate filter at a selected distance before the tunnel such that regeneration is performed before the vehicle enters the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shawn Michael Gallagher, James Robert Mischler, Luke Henry, Stephen Mark Geyer
  • Publication number: 20130276427
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for testing the function capacity of an NO oxidation catalyst (5) which is used to reduce nitrous oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine (1) operated with air surplus. In the exhaust gas flow which is supplied to the NO oxidation catalyst (5), a change is made in the concentration of a reducing agent and the resulting change in NOx concentration in the exhaust gas flow within the NO oxidation catalyst (5) and/or downstream after the NO oxidation catalyst (5) is determined and used to test its function capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: MAN BUS & TRUCK AG
    Inventor: Andreas DOERING
  • Publication number: 20130269342
    Abstract: A turbocharger apparatus of an engine may include a turbine installed to generate a rotating force from an exhaust gas flow of the engine, a compressor selectively coupled to the turbine to be rotated for compressing air which is to be supplied into an engine combustion chamber of the engine, a shaft installed to transfer the rotating force of the turbine to the compressor, a clutch installed to the shaft to control the transfer of the rotating force between the turbine and the compressor, a planetary gear unit connected to the compressor, and a motor generator mounted onto the shaft and coupled to the planetary gear unit to receive the rotating force of the compressor through the planetary gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyundai Motor Company
  • Publication number: 20130269315
    Abstract: Embodiments for routing exhaust in an engine are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises, during a first condition, firing a subset of cylinders and routing all exhaust from the subset of cylinders through a first exhaust manifold coupled directly to a catalyst and not a turbocharger, and during a second condition, firing all cylinders, routing a first portion of exhaust through a second exhaust manifold coupled to the turbocharger, and routing a second portion of exhaust through the first exhaust manifold. In this way, exhaust can be directly routed to a catalyst under some conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Douglas Ervin, Kim Hwe Ku, Gregory Patrick McConville, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Publication number: 20130269316
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the function of an exhaust-gas sensor in the exhaust duct of an internal combustion engine. A first function control of the exhaust-gas sensor takes place in a first operating point of the internal combustion engine, and in the case of an intact exhaust-gas sensor, the output signal of the exhaust gas sensor or a characteristic quantity derived therefrom is determined in at least one second operating point of the internal combustion engine in the case of an intact exhaust-gas sensor and stored as learned value, and the monitoring of the function of the exhaust-gas sensor during a subsequent operation of the internal combustion engine in the second operating point takes place by comparing the output signal of the exhaust-gas sensor or the characteristic quantity derived therefrom, with the learned value. A corresponding device for implementing the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Steinert
  • Publication number: 20130269340
    Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes an oil-lubricated bearing, a feed line for the oil and a throughflow limiter for the oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Schumacher, Marco Marceno, Jan Linsel, Kay Hohenboeken, Oliver Berkemeier, Jens Wojahn, Klemens Grieser
  • Publication number: 20130263574
    Abstract: A heat transfer method for an engine is disclosed herein utilizing a heat battery configured to store waste exhaust heat in phase-chase materials for use during a subsequent engine start. By reusing waste exhaust heat in this manner, exhaust emissions may be reduced, and delays in heating the vehicle cabin and other vehicle systems after engine start may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Levin, Furqan Zafar Shaikh, Donald Masch, Danrich Henry Demitroff, James Patrick O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8549836
    Abstract: A method for operating an exhaust system including at least one oxidation catalytic converter, at least one configuration for selective catalytic reduction and at least one measuring probe for determining the effectiveness of the configuration, includes at least determining a conversion effectiveness of the configuration using the at least one measuring probe and calculating an effectiveness of nitrogen monoxide conversion in the oxidation catalytic converter from the determined conversion effectiveness. In this way, an estimate of the effectiveness of the nitrogen monoxide conversion to nitrogen dioxide of an oxidation catalytic converter in the exhaust system can be obtained without additional measuring probes in or on the oxidation catalytic converter. This reduces the maintenance frequency of the exhaust gas system and at the same time enables precise regulation of the exhaust gas conversion as a whole. An exhaust system and a vehicle having an exhaust system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Maus, Rolf Brück
  • Patent number: 8549835
    Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rainer Richter
  • Patent number: 8544260
    Abstract: Emissions treatment systems and methods for treating an engine exhaust gas stream containing NOx and particulate matter are disclosed including a particulate filter comprising a first SCR catalyst for NOx conversion a second SCR catalyst for NOx conversion on a substrate disposed downstream of the particulate filter. The system NOx conversion and the system back pressure increase lie within a targeted operational window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: R. Samuel Boorse, Kenneth E. Voss, Martin Dieterle
  • Publication number: 20130247567
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for adjusting an exhaust gas recirculation rate to provide accurate air-fuel ratio. The disclosure provides a method for calculating an exhaust-gas recirculation rate based on a measured exhaust-gas lambda and a turbocharger speed. Through the use of the exhaust-gas lambda and the turbocharger speed it is possible to calculate an exhaust-gas recirculation rate while dispensing with the difficult and unreliable determination of the mass air flow for determining an exhaust-gas recirculation rate, thus providing a stable method which further reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Petrovic, Laurence Hatfield, Christian Winge Vigild, Jon Dixon
  • Publication number: 20130232951
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods to increase the speed of engine warm up by heating oil with a thermoelectric device and also to generate electricity using the same thermoelectric device, exploiting a temperature gradient between engine oil and exhaust gases. The disclosure describes a vehicle engine, comprising: an engine oil reservoir; an exhaust gas system; and a thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side and connected to a battery, wherein, the thermoelectric device is configured such that the hot side is thermally coupled to the exhaust gas system and the cold side is thermally coupled to the engine oil reservoir. A diverter valve and duct are provided in the exhaust gas system to selectively convey exhaust gases to the thermoelectric device located in or adjacent to the engine oil reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Graham Pegg, Robert Helle-Lorentzen
  • Publication number: 20130227932
    Abstract: An intake system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine and a method for controlling warm-up of a turbocharged internal combustion engine are provided. The intake system includes an intake manifold defining a plenum chamber connectable to a plurality of engine cylinders, an intake duct opening into the plenum chamber and supplying a gaseous fluid thereto, an electric heater provided for heating the gaseous fluid, and a cooler supplied with a cooling fluid, provided for cooling the gaseous fluid. The heater and the cooler cooperate to form a conditioning module positioned within the plenum chamber in such a way as to intercept at least a substantial part of the gaseous fluid entering the plenum chamber from the intake duct, wherein the cooler is arranged in series with the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO THERMAL SYSTEMS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele MAIONE, Cristiano MASSANO, Takashi YASUDA
  • Patent number: 8516794
    Abstract: Aspirating a fuel combustion engine with non-atmospheric gases to produce exhaust that can be efficiently used as EOR working fluid and/or recirculated in subsequent fuel combustion processes. The EOR working fluid is made up of a combination of gases created in a combustion process in a power-producing fuel combustion engine. This combustion process occurs using a mix of initial combustion ingredients that includes CO2 and relatively pure oxygen in the proportion required by the specific combustion device and the specific hydrocarbon fuel. The oxygen may be produced in lower value off peak periods and is stored until it is required. Where EOR or EGR working fluid has been injected into geologic formations and has then been re-circulated through the production process and provided to the engine combustion gas, there will typically be hydrocarbon components that the present invention makes use of to provide a portion or all of the fuel requirements for the engine power production system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Consolidated Energy Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Roger J. Swenson
  • Patent number: 8511069
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine includes receiving a request to regenerate a particulate matter filter and regulating, in response to the request, operation of the engine and an electric heater that heats an inlet surface of the filter such that for a first period, the heater maintains the inlet surface within a first temperature range above a regeneration temperature of the filter and combustion of a first mass of accumulated PM within the filter is initiated, for a second period following the first period, exhaust cools the inlet surface to within a second temperature range below the regeneration temperature and combustion of the first mass is inhibited, and for a third period following the second period, the inlet surface is maintained within a third temperature range above the regeneration temperature and a second mass of the accumulated PM is combusted. A related control system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Garima Bhatia
  • Publication number: 20130205773
    Abstract: A turbo compound transmission, such as in a heavy duty or medium duty diesel engine, includes a turbo compound turbine to be driven by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, and a coupling including a first rotor including a mechanical input drive adapted to be driven by the turbine, and a second rotor including a mechanical output drive. A brake is arranged to brake and limit the rotation of the turbine. The coupling is arranged to decouple when braking with the brake, subjecting the coupling to a torque above a predetermined torque limit. A method for controlling a turbo compound transmission is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Per Persson, Martin West, Göran Haraldsson
  • Publication number: 20130192225
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the recovery of waste heat from an internal combustion engine (2). A feed pump (6), a heat exchanger (8), an expansion engine (10) and a capacitor (12) are arranged in a circuit (4) containing a circulating working medium. A steam accumulator (40) for storing the vaporous working medium is also arranged in the circuit (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Gregory Rewers, Nadja Eisenmenger, Achim Brenk, Dieter Seher, Hans-Christoph Magel, Andreas Wengert
  • Publication number: 20130186062
    Abstract: An exhaust device (2) for an internal combustion engine (3) has an exhaust line (5) with a rear section X with two exhaust pipes (11) connected to an acoustic actuator (12) in a sound-transmitting manner. Better acoustic characteristics and increased number of noises audible from the outside is guaranteed by the exhaust pipes (11) being of different designs and/or by the actuators (12) being able to be actuated individually. A process for controlling the actuators (12) uses a control device (25) that actuates the actuators (12) individually to generate different acoustic signals (23) of the respective actuators (12). A motor vehicle (1) is provided with such an exhaust device (2) with acoustic actuators (12) controlled by such a process. The motor vehicle (1) has additional actuators (29, 31), which are especially associated with an intake line (30) and are arranged in the interior of motor vehicle (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Eberspacher Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Eberspacher Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130186061
    Abstract: A heat recovery system for an engine is provided herein. According to one approach, the heat recovery system includes an upstream portion that circumferentially wraps around an outlet of an exhaust manifold. Further, the heat recovery system includes a downstream portion in direct surface contact with a top exterior surface and a bottom exterior surface of a plurality of runners of the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joyce Ann Jarzombek, James M. Emery, Philip Damian Cierpial, Ray Host, Eric Garner Ladner, Robert Andrew Wade, Emad Khalil
  • Publication number: 20130180242
    Abstract: An engine assembly comprising an internal combustion engine and a waste heat recovery system, wherein the waste heat recovery system is configured to direct refrigerant around a loop which comprises: a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from engine exhaust gases to the refrigerant such that the refrigerant is vaporised; a turbine configured to receive and be driven by the vaporised refrigerant; and a condenser configured to cool and condense the refrigerant for subsequent delivery in liquid form to the heat exchanger; wherein the turbine comprises a turbine wheel connected to a shaft which is held in a shaft housing, a bearing lubricated by liquid refrigerant being provided between the shaft and the shaft housing, and wherein squeeze film dampers which utilise the liquid refrigerant are provided between the bearing and the shaft housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Cummins Ltd.
    Inventor: Cummins Ltd.