Having Condition Responsive Means To Control Supercharged Flow To Engine Patents (Class 60/611)
  • Patent number: 9010115
    Abstract: A vacuum source including an ejector is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied via the ejector when a turbocharger has excess boost capacity. The approach can prioritize how excess boost may be used to provide vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 9010114
    Abstract: An air charge system for an internal combustion engine may include a charge path having a charge inlet configured to receive air, and a charge outlet configured to convey air to an intake of the internal combustion engine; a first compressor in the charge path, the first compressor being driven by a motor and configured to receive the air from the charge inlet and increase temperature, pressure and volumetric flow rate of the air in the charge path; a first valve in the charge path downstream of the first compressor configured to divert at least a portion of the air leaving the first compressor from exiting the charge path through the charge outlet; and a controller configured to modulate at least one of the first valve and a speed of the motor to adjust a volumetric flow rate of air leaving the charge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David S. Krug, Travis A. Reynolds, Ian Whiteside, Christopher J. Thompson, Phil McGovern, Steve Higginson, Vladimir Anton
  • Patent number: 9010116
    Abstract: A vacuum source arbitration system is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied to a vacuum reservoir via an ejector during a first condition, and vacuum is supplied to the vacuum reservoir via an engine intake manifold during a second condition. The approach may provide a desired level of vacuum in a reservoir while reducing engine fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Moses Alexander Fridman, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Mansour Beshay, Clifford E. Maki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20150096296
    Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying degradation in components of a compressor recirculation valve (CRV). One method may include inferring degradation of the CRV based on adaptation of a compressor surge line outside an expected range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Baitao Xiao, Hamid-Reza Ossareh
  • Patent number: 8997484
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag in a boosted engine. A boost reservoir coupled to the engine may be charged with compressed intake air and/or combusted exhaust gas. The pressurized charge may then be discharged during a tip-in to either the intake or the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Bell, Julia Helen Buckland
  • Patent number: 8997488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbocharged reciprocating piston engine, and to a method for operating said engine. The combustion chamber includes at least one inlet valve (10), one outlet valve (13) and at least one additional charging valve (11), for the additional feed of compressed air to bridge the turbo lag, that are each operatively connected to the crankshaft via a camshaft and the operative connection of the charging valves to the crankshaft can be deactivated, with the result that the at least one charging valve (11) remains closed. An approximately stoichiometric combustion mixture is achieved by a turbocharger (4) and a throttle valve (8). By displacement of the opening instant of the charging valves (11), air can be pumped from the cylindrical combustion chambers into the compressed air tank (14). An additional compressor (24) can likewise deliver air into the compressed air tank (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: ETH Zürich
    Inventors: Lino Guzzella, Christian Dönitz, Christopher H. Onder, Christoph Voser
  • Patent number: 8978378
    Abstract: An approach for controlling a turbocharger bypass valve is disclosed. In one example, the turbocharger bypass valve is opened during engine cold start conditions to reduce turbocharger speed. The approach may reduce noise produced by the turbocharger during engine start and warm-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Andrew Wade, Fadi Maroun Naddaf, Joseph P. Whitehead, Jason Eugene Devries
  • Publication number: 20150068203
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a two-stage turbocharger system having low-pressure and high-pressure turbochargers in line, sequentially, with an engine. The turbochargers include a low-pressure (LP) turbine and an LP compressor, and a high-pressure (HP) turbine and an HP compressor. The LP compressor feeds the HP compressor, which feeds the engine intake. The engine exhaust feeds the HP turbine, which feeds the LP turbine. The method determines a total boost pressure, which provides combustion reactant for the engine. The method calculates an LP compressor power from the determined total boost pressure, and an LP turbine flow from the LP compressor power. The low-pressure turbocharger operates at the calculated LP turbine flow. The method calculates an HP compressor power from the determined total boost pressure, and an HP turbine flow from the HP compressor power. The high-pressure turbocharger operates at the calculated HP turbine flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, Kevin Andrew Gady
  • Patent number: 8973361
    Abstract: Provided is a seal air supply system including: a seal air compressor 73 provided separately from an exhaust gas turbine turbocharger 27 to generate compressed air; a seal air supply passage 77 through which the compressed air is supplied to a seal air supply part 79 as seal air of the exhaust gas turbine turbocharger 27; and a surplus air inlet passage 81 bifurcating from the seal air supply passage 77 and guiding surplus air of the seal air to an outlet side of an intake gas compressor 27a of the exhaust gas turbine turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Shimizu, Hajime Suzuki, Hideki Nishio
  • Publication number: 20150063967
    Abstract: A shovel includes a boom cylinder that drives a boom and an arm cylinder that drives an arm. A hydraulic pump supplies operating oil to the boom cylinder and the arm cylinder. An engine is connected to the hydraulic pump and equipped with a supercharger. The engine is controlled to maintain a revolution speed within a certain definite range. A controller controls a rotating speed of the supercharger. The controller performs a process of increasing the rotating speed of the supercharger so as to increase a supercharging pressure generated by the supercharger before a hydraulic load is applied to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Kenji MORITA
  • Patent number: 8966897
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an air intake section (2) which has an air intake line (3), having an exhaust section (4) which has an exhaust line (5), and having at least one exhaust-gas turbocharger (6) which has a compressor (7) in the air intake line (3) and a turbine (8) arranged in the exhaust line (5), characterized by a controllable bypass arrangement (9) which has an air supply line (10) which, as viewed in the flow direction (R) of the intake air, opens into the air intake line (3) down-stream of the compressor (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Hahn
  • Patent number: 8959913
    Abstract: Various apparatuses and systems are provided for a turbocharger. In one example, the turbocharger system includes a first turbine having an exhaust flow outlet and a second turbine having an exhaust flow inlet. The turbocharger system further includes a transition conduit fluidically coupling the outlet of the first turbine to the inlet of the second turbine, the transition conduit including an expansion region upstream of a first bend, and a bypass which routes exhaust flow around the first turbine, the bypass having an exhaust flow outlet fluidically coupled to the transition conduit downstream of the expansion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Nagurney, Daniel Loringer, Kendall Swenson, Lukas Johnson, Rodrigo Rodriguez Erdmenger, Amit Sharma, Swaminathan Gopalakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20150047350
    Abstract: A method and system for operating an engine that is supplied a fuel having a low super critical temperature is presented. In one example, the method supplies excess fuel to a direct injection fuel rail to cool a portion of the fuel system that is near direct fuel injectors. The heat is drawn from the direct injection fuel rail to a fuel tank where the heat is removed via injecting fuel vapors to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20150047345
    Abstract: A method and system of cleaning a turbocharger bypass control valve, the control valve being operable to vary the position of a bypass valve and thereby vary the amount of flow bypass across a turbine and/or compressor of a turbocharger for an engine. The method comprises: determining whether the control valve may require cleaning; adjusting the duty cycle of the shuttle so as to increase a flow of fluid through the control valve and clean the control valve; and adjusting a throttle position of the engine and thus the engine torque output to compensate for the adjustment in the amount of boost provided by the turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Brian David Eves, Shane Keilthy, Mike Acton, Tom Leroy
  • Patent number: 8950183
    Abstract: An engine system includes a plurality of turbochargers each including a compressor outlet fluidly connected to an intake manifold of an engine. A plurality of intake conduits are configured to each convey incoming combustion air to one of the turbochargers, and each includes a casing, and a duct within the casing having a surge inhibitor mounted thereon which includes a flow-directing surface oriented obliquely to an axis of the duct to direct combustion air leaked back out of the compressor inlet away from a discharging stream of combustion air exiting the duct. Related methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jed W. Nixon, Keith G. Rochford
  • Publication number: 20150033732
    Abstract: A supercharging device of a bifuel engine using a gas fuel and a liquid fuel as fuels, and having a supercharger supercharging or turbocharger turbocharging a large amount of intake air into a combustion chamber of the engine by driving a compressor arranged in an intake passage of the engine by an output shaft of the engine or an electric motor, performs the compressing by the compressor of the supercharger or turbocharger when the gas fuel is used, and does not perform the supercharging or turbocharging by the compressor of the supercharger or turbocharger when the liquid fuel is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Hiroyuki HASEGAWA
  • Patent number: 8938961
    Abstract: A disclosed method of operating an engine may include discharging exhaust gas from at least one combustion chamber of the engine. The method may also include recirculating at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the at least one combustion chamber through an EGR system, including directing at least a portion of the exhaust gas through an EGR duct. Additionally, the method may include sensing pressure in a portion of the EGR duct by directing the pressure to a first pressure sensor via a first sensor passage having a first end connected to a portion of the EGR duct and a second end connected to the first pressure sensor, while maintaining a temperature of gas in the first sensor passage adjacent the second end at a bulk temperature of at least about 75 percent of a bulk temperature of gas in the first sensor passage at the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Edward Leustek, Justin Werner McMenamy, Jeffrey S. Morris, Matthew John Liening, Joseph John Stabnik, William Lyle Schell
  • Patent number: 8931274
    Abstract: An engine system may include an electric or mechanical supercharger and an LP-EGR, basically with a turbocharger, an EGR valve, a channel control valve, and a bypass valve, which control the flow rate of external air and exhaust gas, may be integrally operated, and a operation section may be divided into a turbo-lag and low torque section, a mid-load section, and mid/high-load section such that the open amount of EGR valve, channel control valve, and bypass valve may be optimally controlled, such that it may be possible to improve availability for a low-speed/high-load section with turbo-lag reduced, using supercharger and considerably increase the ratio of fuel efficiency improvement in the low-speed/high-load section, using LP-EGR operating with supercharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Donghee Han, Dongho Chu, Yoonjoo Kim, Jongil Park, Hongjip Kim, Seungkook Han, Hyuk Im
  • Patent number: 8931272
    Abstract: A method for operating a turbocharged engine is disclosed. In one example, during a first condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to a turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a first limit and during a second condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a second limit that differs from the first limit. Degradation of the engine may be reduced under some engine operating conditions by adjusting engine operation in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopal Krishna Chamarthi, Dean Pennala, David Ives, David Robert Nader, Paul Martin Niessen, Jason Ronald Smith
  • Patent number: 8931273
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for raising an exhaust temperature to spin a turbocharger turbine and reduce turbo-lag. Pressurized air is discharged from a boost reservoir into an intake manifold while spark retard is increased to expedite exhaust heating while also increasing a net combustion torque. By expediting turbine spin-up in response to a tip-in, turbo-lag is reduced and engine performance is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Julia Helen Buckland, Robert Andrew Wade
  • Patent number: 8931271
    Abstract: A method for a turbocharger of a heat engine including a turbine, a compressor, and a by-pass actuator that can be used to control an air flow that does not pass through the turbine. The method includes determining a position set point of the by-pass actuator as a function of a compression ratio set point, a compression ratio measurement, a measurement of the rate of flow through the compressor, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the turbine, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the compressor, a measurement of the temperature upstream from the turbine, and a measurement of the temperature upstream from the compressor. The method can be used to control a supercharging device with a single or dual turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurent Fontvieille, Arnaud Guinois, Philippe Moulin, Olivier Grondin
  • Patent number: 8925316
    Abstract: A method of controlling airflow of an engine system is provided. The method includes determining a supercharger operating mode and a turbocharger operating mode based on engine load; selectively generating a control signal to a turbocharger based on the turbocharger operating mode; and selectively generating a control signal to a supercharger bypass valve based on the supercharger operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Andrasko, Christopher J. Kalebjian, Yun Xiao, Bryan A. Kuieck
  • Patent number: 8925528
    Abstract: An engine is provided. The engine includes a piston operable to reciprocate in a cylinder, a crankshaft rotatably coupled to the piston, and a supercharger rotatably coupled to the crankshaft. The supercharger has an unequal distribution of mass along a longitudinal plane of the supercharger to provide a rotational counterbalance to reduce engine imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ray Alan Kach, Michael Bruno Magnan, Robert Andrew Wade, Vince Paul Solferino, David E. Masser, Jeffrey Eliot Chottiner
  • Patent number: 8925315
    Abstract: A method for reducing turbolag in a turbocharged internal combustion engine includes demanding torque for shifting the internal combustion engine from a stationary engine mode to a transient engine mode, closing an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve during the transient engine mode, repositioning guide vanes of a Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT) turbo unit from a first position when in the stationary engine mode to a second position when in the transient engine mode, increasing a duration of overlapping of at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve provided in a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine from as first duration when in the stationary mode to a second duration when in the transient mode for increasing the amount of air flowing from an inlet manifold to an exhaust manifold and thereby increasing acceleration of a turbine of the VGT turbo unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Andreas Nordstrand, Lennarth Zander
  • Patent number: 8919122
    Abstract: A compressor housing includes a housing body for enclosing an impeller, an inlet portion for introducing air toward the impeller, and a port portion arranged adjacent to the inlet portion. A valve body for opening and closing a bypass passage, which bypasses the impeller, can be rested against the port portion. A connection hole, to which a return passage for returning blow-by gas of an internal combustion engine is connected, is formed in a side wall of the inlet portion. The inlet portion and the port portion have a common wall. A communication hole, which configures a part of the return passage, is formed in the common wall. The communication hole is formed such that the projection plane defined by projecting the communication hole onto a surface of the side wall having the connection hole along the axis of the communication hole is contained in the connection hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norihiko Sumi
  • Patent number: 8899041
    Abstract: A fresh gas supply device for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbocharger includes a charge air inlet for letting in compressed charge air from the exhaust gas turbocharger; an outlet connected to the charge air inlet, wherein the connection is closable via at least one backflow flap pivotable about a rotational flap axis; a compressed air inlet for letting compressed air into the outlet; an adjusting unit for adjusting the at least one backflow flap; at least one additional turbocharging unit having an air turbine and a compressor coupled thereto. The air turbine is disposed upstream of the compressed air inlet in the flow direction of the compressed air and compressed air can flow through the air turbine. The compressor is designed to take in and compress additional charge air from the charge air inlet and deliver compressed additional charge air to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 8887699
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a combination including a secondary air pump; and a first control valve constructed and arranged to control flow of air into the secondary air pump from one or more lines connected to the first control valve; and/or a second control valve constructed and arranged to control flow of air from the secondary air pump through one or more lines connected to the second control valve. The combination being particularly useful in a system including a combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Schliesche, Andreas Didion
  • Patent number: 8863513
    Abstract: A compressor including a housing assembly that includes a bearing housing and a compressor housing, and a movable vane. In the housing assembly, a diffuser is formed by a first diffuser wall portion and a second diffuser wall portion. The movable vane includes a base portion and vane portions. The movable vane is movable between a projected position where a facing surface of the base portion contacts with a positioning surface provided in a storage chamber and a retracted position. The compressor housing includes an affixing portion projecting further than the second diffuser wall portion, and a fastening surface being, provided, to the affixing portion. The compressor housing is assembled with the bearing housing by attaching the fastening surface to a mounting surface of the bearing housing. The positioning surface is provided in the storage chamber so as to be flush with the fastening surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masakazu Tabata
  • Patent number: 8857176
    Abstract: An engine provided with a variable parallel supercharging system (9) comprising a first supercharger (10) which is driven by exhaust gas which flows in a first exhaust gas route (41) and which pressurizes intake air which flows in a first intake air route (3) and also comprising a second supercharger (20) which is driven by exhaust gas which flows in a second exhaust gas route (42) and which pressurizes intake air which flows in a second intake air route (4), a supercharging pressure sensor (63) for detecting the pressure of the pressurized intake air, a first supercharger rotation sensor (61) for detecting the rotational speed of the first supercharger (10), a second supercharger rotation sensor (62) for detecting the rotational speed of the second supercharger (20), a first variable actuator (14) for adjusting the capacity of the first supercharger (10), a second variable actuator (24) for adjusting the capacity of the second supercharger (20), and a control device for controlling each of the variable actua
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Takahashi, Hidenori Nomura, Kazuki Maetani, Terumitsu Takahata, Takao Kawabe, Kazuhiro Takenaka
  • Patent number: 8826659
    Abstract: PCV systems are well known in the art and commonly used in turbocharged engines. The ejector creates a pressure drop for additional pull of PCV gas under boosted conditions of the turbocharger engine. The ejector typically includes a first inlet and a second inlet and a sole outlet. The first inlet pulls air from the compressor of the PCV system. The second inlet pulls air from the cyclone separator of the PCV system. Air exiting the ejector is exited to the intake manifold. However, when the turbocharger of the system is off, fresh air can leak in from the inlet from the oil separator thereby preventing the ventilation of blowby. The unwanted air reduces the efficiency of the turbocharger system. Accordingly, an ejector preventing unwanted fresh air flow is needed in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Tenghua Tom Shieh
  • Patent number: 8820071
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a compressor housing for a forced induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The compressor housing includes a compressor inlet passage in fluid communication with a compressor volute configured to house a compressor wheel, the compressor inlet passage comprising a wall that is shared with the compressor volute. The compressor also includes a compressor outlet in fluid communication with the compressor volute, the compressor outlet being configured to direct a compressed gas to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Ronald M. Tkac
  • Patent number: 8813493
    Abstract: A supercharger control device for an internal combustion engine is preferably applied to a system having a first supercharger and a second supercharger. A switching supercharging pressure setting unit sets a switching supercharging pressure used in case of switching a mode for operating the first supercharger and the second supercharger, based on a difference between a target supercharging pressure and an actual supercharging pressure. When the actual supercharging pressure reaches the switching supercharging pressure, a switching control unit performs a control of switching the mode. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately prevent the overshoot of the supercharging pressure at the time of switching the mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuki Iwatani, Taro Aoyama, Yoshio Yamashita, Hiroshi Oyagi
  • Patent number: 8813492
    Abstract: A diesel or diesel-like internal combustion engine drivably connected to a variable internal compression ratio supercharger that supplies varying amounts of air to the engine responsive to the load requirements of the engine. The supercharger has a pair of rotors concurrently driven by the engine to move air to the engine. A slide assembly associated with screw rotors is movable with a controller relative to the rotors to bypass air to atmosphere and regulate the amount of air and pressure of the air compressed by the screw rotors to the engine to increase the engine's efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hansen Engine Corporation
    Inventors: Craig N. Hansen, Paul C. Cross
  • Patent number: 8806868
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a secondary air injection system includes a first conduit in fluid communication with at least one first exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and a second conduit in fluid communication with at least one second exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, wherein the at least one first and second exhaust passages are in fluid communication with a turbocharger. The system also includes an air supply in fluid communication with the first and second conduits and a flow control device that controls fluid communication between the air supply and the first conduit and the second conduit and thereby controls fluid communication to the first and second exhaust passages of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ko-Jen Wu, Darrell J. Walter
  • Patent number: 8793999
    Abstract: A process is provided for starting an internal-combustion engine, particularly a Diesel engine, having an exhaust gas turbocharger and an inlet gas supply device with at least one compressed-air reservoir which is connected with an intake pipe of the internal-combustion engine. During the starting of the internal-combustion engine, additional air is blown from the inlet gas supply device into the intake pipe until a rotational speed of the internal-combustion engine reaches a previously definable idling speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Rebhan, Manuel Marx, Guang Rao
  • Publication number: 20140208745
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling an engine. The method includes manipulating a combustion air bypass valve between an open position and a closed position to create a negative pressure differential across a supercharger. The negative pressure differential is converted into a torque by the supercharger and transmitted from the supercharger back to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Suhocki, Michael J. Silar, Robert P. Benjey, William N. Eybergen, Vasillos Tsourapas, Martin D. Pryor, Daniel R. Ouwenga
  • Patent number: 8783031
    Abstract: Systems and methods for supplying air to an engine are disclosed. In one example, an air inlet throttle is at least partially closed in response to a change in engine torque request. In another example, the air inlet throttle is adjusted in conjunction with adjusting an engine throttle. The approach can reduce compressor noise and may reduce the possibility of compressor surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Donald J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8783030
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an air handling system for an internal combustion engine including a turbocharger having a variable geometry turbine and a compressor having a fresh air inlet fluidly coupled to ambient and to an air outlet of an electric air pump. An air pump enable value as determined a function of target engine speed and total fuel target values and an air flow target is determined as a function of a target fresh air flow value. Operation of the electric air pump is activated to supply supplemental air flow to the fresh air inlet of the compressor if the air pump enable value is greater than a threshold air pump enable value and the air flow target does not exceed a maximum flow value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: John N Chi, John M Mulloy, Sriram S Popuri, Timothy R Frazier, Martin T Books, Divakar Rajamohan, Indranil Brahma
  • Publication number: 20140182288
    Abstract: A protective device for a spark-ignition gas engine is provided, which engine has a throttle valve for controlling a gas/air mixture and has an exhaust-gas turbocharger with a turbine that is associated with a throttle member for exhaust gas. A detection unit is configured to detect an actual differential pressure across the throttle valve, and a control unit is configured to change the position of the throttle member based on the actual differential pressure. The throttle member for the exhaust gas is provided only downstream of the turbine in relation to the flow direction of the exhaust gas. A method for regulating an exhaust-gas throttle member, connected downstream of a turbine of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Karl Stellwagen
  • Publication number: 20140182286
    Abstract: A turbocharger system for a vehicle may include a turbocharger, a tank for compressed gas and an exhaust manifold conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of the turbocharger. The tank is in fluid communication with the manifold conduit and is arranged to push compressed gas into the manifold conduit during a predetermined pulse duration time period for initial compressor spin up in the turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Goran ALMKVIST, Jonas J. BJORKHOLTZ
  • Publication number: 20140182287
    Abstract: A turbocharger system includes a compressor that is connected with a turbine operated by an exhaust gas by a rotary shaft and compresses and supplies external gas to a combustion chamber of an engine, an intercooler and a throttle valve disposed in an intake line connecting the compressor with the combustion chamber of the engine, a branch line connecting an intake line between the compressor and the intercooler with an intake line between the intercooler and the throttle valve, a shutoff valve disposed in the branch line to selectively open/close the branch line, and an engine control unit controlling the operation of the shutoff valve
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicants: NEUROS CO., LTD., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kitae YEOM, Jaesik Yang, Sung Won Kim, Tae Won Hwang, Hong-Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20140157774
    Abstract: Embodiments for a turbine-generator position in a compressor bypass flow path are presented. In one example, a method for an engine having a compressor comprises generating energy via a turbine-generator positioned in a bypass flow path of the compressor. In this way, the energy of the recirculated intake air may be recovered by the turbine-generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Patrick McConville, Karen Elizabeth Maceroni
  • Publication number: 20140157775
    Abstract: Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Thomas G. Leone
  • Patent number: 8739530
    Abstract: An engine system is provided. The system comprises an engine, first and second compressors supplying air to the engine, a first compressor recirculation valve adjustable to two restriction levels, and a second compressor recirculation valve adjustable to three or more restriction levels. In this way, the first and second compressor recirculation valves may be controlled to avoid compressor surge while providing a sufficient amount of boost to meet power demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Deborah M. Bjorge, Julia Helen Buckland
  • Patent number: 8726659
    Abstract: An intake system of an engine may include an intake line supplying an engine with air, an exhaust line that exhaust gas combusted in the cylinder is exhausted, a housing disposed on the intake line and a compressor is disposed therein, the compressor is operated by a turbine disposed on an exhaust line, a recirculation line that recirculates the air from the intake line of a downstream side of the compressor to the intake line of an upstream side of the compressor, and an anti surge valve disposed on the recirculation line to open/close the recirculation line, wherein a length of a first section (l) that is straight from the anti surge valve is longer than two times the outlet diameter (d) of the anti surge valve in the recirculation line that is formed from the anti surge valve to an upstream side of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Ho Chu, Sang Kyu Kang, Hyung Jin Kim, Guehyun Jung, Younsoo Im
  • Patent number: 8720421
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a turbo-charging apparatus for a vehicle engine, which includes a first and second turbocharger, an inter-turbine passage connecting a discharging port of a first turbocharger turbine with an introducing port of a second turbocharger turbine, a bypass passage connecting an introducing passage of the first turbocharger turbine with the inter-turbine passage, and a control valve for opening and closing the bypass passage. The inter-turbine passage extends substantially straight from the discharging port of the first turbocharger turbine toward the second turbocharger when viewed from a direction parallel to turbine shafts of the first and second turbochargers, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other, so that the inter-turbine passage connects with an outer circumferential part of the second turbocharger turbine so as to extend in a direction tangent to an outer circumference direction of the second turbocharger turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Niwa, Einosuke Suekuni, Atsuhiro Hatabu, Satoshi Nishizaka
  • Patent number: 8713938
    Abstract: A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including an intake manifold selectably coupled to a boost tank. The method comprises pressurizing and storing air in the boost tank, discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold, and releasing condensate from the boost tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8683800
    Abstract: A vacuum source arbitration system is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied to a vacuum reservoir via an ejector during a first condition, and vacuum is supplied to the vacuum reservoir via an engine intake manifold during a second condition. The approach may provide a desired level of vacuum in a reservoir while reducing engine fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Moses Alexander Fridman, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Mansour Beshay, Cliff Maki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8677748
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an operating conditions module that interprets a number of compressor operating parameters; a compressor flow module that determines a compressor inlet flow in response to the number of compressor operating parameters; and a fresh air flow module that provides a fresh air flow value in response to the compressor inlet flow. The operating conditions module further interprets a current mass air flow value, and the apparatus further includes a mass air flow sensor trimming module that adjusts a mass air flow sensor drift value in response to the current mass air flow value and the fresh air flow value. The apparatus includes a diagnostics module that determines a mass air flow sensor is failed in response to the current mass air flow value and the fresh air flow value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Indranil Brahma, Ashwin Vyas, Vivek Anand Sujan, Phanindra Garimella, John N. Chi, Abdoul Karim Abdoul Azizou
  • Patent number: 8677751
    Abstract: Disclosed is a super-turbocharger system that increases power and efficiency of an engine. The system uses the exothermic properties of a catalytic converter to extract additional energy from exhaust heat that is used to add power to the engine. Compressed air is supplied and mixed with exhaust gases upstream and/or downstream from a catalytic converter that is connected to an exhaust manifold. The gaseous mixture of exhaust gases and compressed air is sufficiently rich in oxygen to oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the catalytic converter, which adds heat to the gaseous mixture. In addition, a sufficient amount of compressed air is supplied to the exhaust gases to maintain the temperature of the gaseous mixture at a substantially optimal temperature level. The gaseous mixture is applied to the turbine of the super-turbocharger, which increases the output of said super-turbocharger, which increases the power and efficiency of said engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: VanDyne SuperTurbo, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed VanDyne, Jared William Brown