Having Condition Responsive Means To Control Supercharged Flow To Engine Patents (Class 60/611)
  • Patent number: 7010914
    Abstract: Compressor surge on turbocharged Diesel engines when operating in temporary throttled airflow, such as are required for the periodic regeneration of lean NOx traps is prevented by controlled operation of a boost air blow-off valve positioned downstream of the compressor outlet of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Charles E. Roberts, Jr., Ryan C. Roecker
  • Patent number: 7007472
    Abstract: A system for limiting the rotational speed of a turbocharger is disclosed. The turbocharger includes a compressor having an outlet fluidly coupled to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine and a compressor outlet, a turbine having an inlet fluidly coupled to an exhaust manifold of the engine and an outlet. A control computer is configured to compute a maximum compressor outlet pressure value as a function of the compressor inlet pressure, the compressor inlet temperature, an operating condition other than the compressor inlet pressure or temperature and a maximum allowable turbocharger speed value, and to control a turbine swallowing capacity or efficiency control mechanism in a manner that limits compressor outlet pressure to the maximum compressor outlet pressure value to thereby limit rotational speed of the turbocharger to the maximum turbocharger speed value. The operating condition may be, for example, engine intake air flow rate or engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Baize, Jason V. Dukes, Norbert J. Rehm, IV, Dave L. Dunnuck
  • Patent number: 7000392
    Abstract: An exemplary controller includes a control valve that includes an electric actuator operatively coupled to a valve stem, a piston operatively coupled to one or more hydraulic fluid paths controlled by the control valve and including a piston shaft, a rotatable shaft operatively coupled to the piston shaft and mechanically isolated from the valve stem and capable of adjusting geometry of the variable geometry turbine, and an electronic sensor capable of sensing an angular position of the rotatable shaft. Various other exemplary systems, methods, devices, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Greentree
  • Patent number: 6996986
    Abstract: A control system of this invention for use with a variable geometry turbocharger is designed to enable turbocharger control based solely on engine speed. The control system takes measured engine speed and sends the same to an engine control unit (ECU) having an actuator position v. engine speed map. The ECU utilizes only the measured engine speed to determine a desired actuator position from the map, and produces a control signal for effecting actuator operation. The control signal generated by the ECU can be converted to an analog signal by pulse width modulation, for example. The control signal is sent to an actuator for placing the actuator into the desired actuator position. The actuator is connected to a variable geometry member in the turbocharger so that operation and placement of the actuator into the desired actuator position thereby places the variable geometry member into a desired position to effect the desired change in turbocharger operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Don Arnold
  • Patent number: 6990813
    Abstract: A negative feedback control operation is performed in the electronic control actuator. Thus, a motor and a gear rotate the output shaft until the actual angle signal becomes nearly equal to the target angle signal. The turn of the output shaft of the electronic control actuator is transmitted to nozzle vanes of a turbocharger through a lever and a rod, so that the opening of the nozzle vane is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Ando, Haruo Saito, Takaaki Sekine
  • Patent number: 6990814
    Abstract: A method of controlling a compressor includes measuring a pressure of fluid entering the compressor, measuring a pressure of fluid exiting the compressor, and measuring a rotational speed of the compressor. Signals indicative of the measured pressure of fluid entering the compressor, measured pressure of fluid exiting the compressor, and measured rotational speed of the compressor are sent to an electronic control unit. The operation of the compressor is controlled in response to at least the signal indicative of the measured rotational speed of the compressor received by the electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William Christopher Boley, Gary Nelson Boyer
  • Patent number: 6983597
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling an internal combustion engine (1) having a compressor (5) for compressing the air drawn in by suction by the engine (1). The compressor is especially an exhaust-gas turbocharger. With the method and arrangement, a requirement-proper and timely opening of a valve (10) of an air path (15) is ensured for avoiding compressor pumping. The air path (15) bypasses the compressor (5). The valve (10) of the air path (15), which bypasses the compressor (5), is controlled in dependence upon at least one pregiven characteristic line (20, 25) of a compressor characteristic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Wild, Sabine Wegener, Rainer Hild
  • Patent number: 6985808
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) has a control system (24) for processing various data to develop data for control of various aspects of engine operation, including controlling a device, such as an EGR valve (22) or turbocharger (16). A transient compensation strategy develops a multiplier data value for transient compensation of a control data value for controlling the device by multiplying that control data value by that multiplier data value. The transient compensation strategy comprises a map (34, 40) containing data values for the multiplier, each of which is correlated with both a particular data value for engine speed within a range of data values for engine speed (N) and a particular data value for accelerator pedal rate (APS—d) within a range of data values for accelerator pedal rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6945234
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1) having a compressor (5) which method makes possible an actualization of a pump limit of the compressor (5). A pressure ratio across the compressor (5) is limited in dependence upon a mass flow through the compressor (5) by means of the pump limit in order to prevent a pumping of the compressor (5). In at least one operating state of the engine (1), a check is made as to whether a pumping of the compressor (5) occurs. The pump limit is corrected in dependence upon the test results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bleile, Michael Scheidt
  • Patent number: 6938420
    Abstract: A first compressor (1a) which supercharges intake air is provided in the intake passage (6, 20, 21) of an internal combustion engine (12). The first compressor (1a) is driven by the exhaust gas energy of the engine (12). A second compressor (2a) driven by an electric motor (2b), and a bypass valve (3) which bypasses the second compressor (2a), are provided in the intake passage (7, 20, 21) between the first compressor (1a) and the engine (12). The bypass valve (3) shifts from the open state to the closed state according to the operation of the second compressor (2a). At this time, the bypass valve (3) starts closing at some time after startup of the second compressor (2a) so that the intake air amount of the engine (12) is not deficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kawamura, Kenichi Fujimura, Ryou Ikegami, Susumu Kubo, Hideharu Kadooka, Naoki Mishima, Motoyuki Hattori, Satoshi Shimada
  • Patent number: 6938419
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which is mounted in a vehicle and has a supercharger that is located along an intake passage of the internal combustion engine and driven by a motor, includes a controller which drives the motor to perform supercharging during warm-up of the internal combustion engine, and supercharges a plurality of times intake air to be supplied to the internal combustion engine. Accordingly, the intake air is supercharged a plurality of times during warm-up of the internal combustion engine, so the temperature of the intake air is raised sufficiently to warm up the engine, thus enabling the engine to be warmed up effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihide Okuyama, Chika Kanba, Osamu Igarashi
  • Patent number: 6922997
    Abstract: A motor vehicle kinetic energy recovery system uses one or more cylinders of an internal combustion engine as the first or primary stage in a multi-stage high pressure air compression system, a compressed air storage system, compressed air operated drive train boosters and vehicle management electronics to provide cooperation between the air compression, storage and booster systems. The multi-stage, high pressure air compressor system is operable through engine compression braking allowing kinetic energy of a vehicle to be recaptured during retardation of vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald L. Larson, Paul W. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 6912852
    Abstract: A system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine includes an engine having a charge inlet connected to the compressor outlet and an exhaust outlet connected to the turbine inlet for driving the turbocharger with hot exhaust gas and supplying compressed air to the engine for combustion. A bypass duct connects the compressor outlet to the turbine inlet for diverting a portion of the compressed air around the engine to the turbine inlet or exhaust. A control device selectively controls the diversion of air. An operating method for the system involves controlling peak cylinder firing pressure and/or maximum turbine inlet temperature, optionally with exhaust NOx and smoke in order to limit these variables to acceptable limits with a minimum of operational limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gottemoller, Ramesh B. Poola, David Corba, John R. Zagone
  • Patent number: 6907867
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine has a supercharger connected to an intake passage of the internal combustion engine and driven by a motor, a bypass passage which is provided for the intake passage in such a manner as to bypass the supercharger, flow amount adjustment device which arbitrarily adjusts a flow amount of air flowing through the bypass passage, and controller which controls the motor and the flow amount adjustment device. The flow amount adjustment device is electrically driven. The controller stops the supercharger from performing supercharging after driving the flow amount adjustment device and starting suction of air via the bypass passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Igarashi, Koichi Akita, Shoji Sasaki, Hiromasa Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6898934
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide external blow-off in a turbocharger having an internal recirculation valve configured for attachment to a valve mounting flange defining a recirculation valve inlet port connected in fluid communication with an outlet of a compressor of the turbocharger, and a recirculation valve outlet port connected to an inlet of the compressor, through use of an external blow-off adaptor that is configured for installation between the internal recirculation valve and the valve mounting flange. The external blow-off adapter is configured for producing a desirable sound when the recirculation valve is operating in the recirculation mode with the external blow-off adaptor installed between the recirculation valve and the valve mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Bayer, Jack Kulick, Peter Szadyr
  • Patent number: 6883316
    Abstract: In the control system for a turbo-charged diesel aircraft engine, a target value for a fuel injection amount is determined by the stroke of a throttle lever. A boost compensator determines the maximum limit for the fuel injection amount in accordance with the boost pressure of the engine in order to suppress the formation of exhaust smoke. The actual fuel injection amount is set at the target value or the maximum limit whichever is smaller. An electronic control unit (ECU) calculates an increase rate of the stroke of the throttle lever based on an output of the stroke sensor disposed near the throttle lever. The ECU determines that the current operating condition of the aircraft requires a rapid increase in the engine output power when the increase rate of the stroke is larger than a predetermined value and increases the maximum limit determined by the boost compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Uidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukio Otake
  • Patent number: 6883322
    Abstract: A system and method are provided to control a turbocharger by fluidic control of engine exhaust by steering the same. The system and method include fluidic control of engine exhaust flow directed toward an expander section of the turbocharger, wherein one of position or velocity is effectively varied by a small stream of a fluid in fluid communication with the exhaust gas flow thereby varying the drive of a compressor section of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Kent Cueman, Nirm Velumylum Nirmalan
  • Patent number: 6845616
    Abstract: The invention provides an internal combustion engine which can be run optionally on various fuels of different energy density, in particular for a motor vehicle drive, characterised in that the engine is equipped with a supercharging compressor which can be connected up when using a low-energy-density fuel at least when power requirements are elevated, so that the engine works as a supercharged engine, whereas the supercharging compressor is shut off when using a high-energy-density fuel and the engine works as a naturally aspirating engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Andreas Jauss
  • Publication number: 20040255583
    Abstract: In the control system for a turbo-charged diesel aircraft engine, a target value for a fuel injection amount is determined by the stroke of a throttle lever. A boost compensator determines the maximum limit for the fuel injection amount in accordance with the boost pressure of the engine in order to suppress the formation of exhaust smoke. The actual fuel injection amount is set at the target value or the maximum limit whichever is smaller. An electronic control unit (ECU) calculates an increase rate of the stroke of the throttle lever based on an output of the stroke sensor disposed near the throttle lever. The ECU determines that the current operating condition of the aircraft requires a rapid increase in the engine output power when the increase rate of the stroke is larger than a predetermined value and increases the maximum limit determined by the boost compensator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukio Otake
  • Publication number: 20040250541
    Abstract: A system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine includes an engine having a charge inlet connected to the compressor outlet and an exhaust outlet connected to the turbine inlet for driving the turbocharger with hot exhaust gas and supplying compressed air to the engine for combustion. A bypass duct connects the compressor outlet to the turbine inlet for diverting a portion of the compressed air around the engine to the turbine inlet or exhaust. A control device selectively controls the diversion of air. An operating method for the system involves controlling peak cylinder firing pressure and/or maximum turbine inlet temperature, optionally with exhaust NOx and smoke in order to limit these variables to acceptable limits with a minimum of operational limitations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Gottemoller, Ramesh B. Poola, David Corba, John R. Zagone
  • Patent number: 6813887
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust-gas turbine in the exhaust section and a compressor in the intake tract. The compressor includes a compressor impeller in an inflow passage in the compressor housing. Furthermore, there is an auxiliary-air feed device, which is assigned to the compressor region and has an auxiliary-air passage, in the compressor housing for supplying auxiliary air, which can be introduced via an injection opening in the wall of the inflow passage of the compressor into the flow-facing region of the compressor impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Sumser, Aloysius Schunk, Peter Fledersbacher
  • Patent number: 6810667
    Abstract: The bypass valve system of a turbo-charged engine includes a compressor coupled between an air intake and a cylinder. The system also includes a bypass valve coupled in a bypass passage between an intake manifold and the air intake. The bypass valve is configured to selectively open and close the bypass passage in response to a change in pressure downstream of the compressor. A throttle position sensor is configured to generate an electric signal that is proportional to a degree of opening of a throttle valve. Also, an electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to output an activating signal when a sudden closure of the throttle valve is detected based on the electric signal. Finally, a solenoid valve is configured to supply pressure downstream of the compressor to the bypass valve when it receives the activating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Byung Hwan Jung, Whan Yong Sim
  • Publication number: 20040182079
    Abstract: A failure detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes failure detecting means (S22-S30) for detecting abnormality of fresh air quantity detecting means (air flow sensor) based on the result of comparison between a fresh air quantity detected by the fresh air quantity detecting means (air flow sensor) and a fresh air quantity reference value set by fresh air quantity reference value setting means (S20), and a supercharger equipped with variable nozzles/vanes. The fresh air quantity reference value setting means sets the reference value (S16) in accordance with not only the operating state (engine speed Ne, fuel injection quantity Qf, etc.) of the engine but also a target vane opening set for the variable nozzles/vanes of the supercharger by target vane opening setting means (S12, S14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Akao, Susumu Kohketsu
  • Patent number: 6779344
    Abstract: A control system controls a turbo-charged trottled engine. The control system includes a throttle between the compressor and the engine, a wastegate communicated with exhaust upstream and downstream from the turbine, and a control unit for controlling the throttle and the wastegate. The control unit generates a desired air mass value per engine stroke as a function of a desired fuel flow amount and a stored compressor surge characteristic, generates a desired manifold air pressure value as a function of the desired air mass value and sensed engine parameters, and controls the throttle so that actual manifold air pressure matches the desired manifold air pressure. The control unit also generates a desired pressure boost value as a function of the desired manifold pressure value and a stored compressor surge characteristic, and controls the wastegate so that an actual boost pressure matches the desired boost pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: William Lyle Hartman, Donald Lee McCaw, Daniel James Podnar, John Thomas Kubesh
  • Publication number: 20040144371
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1) which can be operated with different fuels which have different energy densities, e.g., petrol or natural gas. The invention provides that in order to balance the different output development, especially if an internal combustion engine of this type is used in the drive system of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine is operated with a boost in the natural gas mode. A turbo-charger (5) which is known per se or an externally driven load compressor can be used to this end. In this way, it is possible to keep the running characteristics of a motor vehicle constant, even with the use of alternative fuels with different energy densities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Andreas Jauss
  • Publication number: 20040122583
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine are described. The internal combustion engine includes an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system. The control and/or regulation of the air quantity supplied to the internal combustion engine are/is implemented as a function of a variable characterizing the exhaust-gas aftertreatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Holger Plote, Andreas Krautter, Michael Walter, Juergen Sojka
  • Publication number: 20040112054
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying sealing air to an exhaust turbine (15) that interacts with an internal combustion engine for turbo-compound operation in a vehicle. Exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine are received in an exhaust system having a supercharger turbine (11) and which drives a compressor (13) for the engine combustion air. Residual energy in the exhaust gas flow is recovered via the exhaust turbine (15) for transfer to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The exhaust turbine (15) is supported in a bearing housing (32), which is fed with sealing air via a fluid line (36). The exhaust system includes an exhaust brake throttle (16) having an exhaust gas pressure regulator (22) for regulating the exhaust brake pressure. The exhaust gas pressure regulator (22) is connected via a compressed air line (28) to a compressed air source (29, 30), which can be connected in parallel to the bearing housing (32) via a prioritizing valve (35) and a compressed air line (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Per LARSSON, Nils-Olof HAKANSSON
  • Patent number: 6748742
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a turbogenerator system may be combined with other heat/energy sources. A simple cycle or recuperated cycle turbogenerator have a variety of fuel options and grid connect or stand alone capability that can be combined with one or more external heat sources such as a Solar Collector/Receiver Heat Energy System, a Bio-mass Gasifier/Combustor Heat Energy System, a Fuel Cell Heat/Energy System, a Nuclear Heat/Energy System, a Waste Heat/Energy System, or some other suitable Heat/Energy System. The above external heat systems can be used to provide all of part of the heat/energy input to operate the turbogenerator and achieve electrical output, as well as a turbogenerator hot exhaust flow that has potential for other uses. Using an integral turbogenerator low emission combustor and fuel control as part of these combined systems has additional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory C. Rouse, William Treece, Jeff Willis
  • Patent number: 6732523
    Abstract: A method for precisely controlling the charge pressure in an internal combustion engine with an exhaust-gas turbocharger is disclosed. According to said method, the output or torque of the turbine is determined based on the outputs or torques of the compressor and the loss on the shaft and the selected set point for the correcting variable for adjusting the charge pressure is determined according to said output or said torque of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Birkner, Michael Nienhoff, Wolfgang Oestreicher, Wolfgang Stadler
  • Patent number: 6725661
    Abstract: Valve device for evacuation of a gaseous medium under overpressure from a space (3) includes a valve housing (1a) with an opening (2) to the space (3); a valve disc (6) cooperating with a valve spindle (8), sealing the opening in the closed position of the valve and, disposed in a cylinder (12), a control plunger (13) which, via a spring, biases the spindle and thus the valve disc towards the closed position. When pressure medium with a predetermined control pressure is supplied, the plunger is lifted from the valve spindle, whereupon the force from a balancing spring (11) and the medium pressure in the space (3) act in the valve opening direction, while the force of the control pressure acting on the spindle (8) loads the valve disc in the closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Nils Olof Hakansson
  • Patent number: 6722128
    Abstract: A blow-off valve apparatus is used in an internal combustion engine having a supercharger. The apparatus has an inlet for receiving compressed air from the compressor of the supercharger, and two outlets, one of which exhausts the air to atmosphere and the other, of which is connected to the compressor inlet, to direct some of the air back to the compressor. The apparatus includes a sleeve configured for variably closing the outlets so as to vary the proportion of the air exhausted, relative to that directed back to the compressor. The sleeve can be moved manually by an actuator. A further sleeve is configured for shutting off the outlets when the engine conditions do not require air to be diverted by the apparatus, and to open them when the engine conditions are suitable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: John Adrian
  • Publication number: 20040055299
    Abstract: A method for operating an exhaust gas turbocharger serving for charging an internal combustion engine, in which a main flow of a gas is supplied to a compressor (14) of the exhaust gas turbocharger via an intake line (26), is compressed in the compressor (14) and is led into an intake duct of the internal combustion engine via a compressor line. The gas quantity transferred to the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine via the intake duct is regulated by means of a throttle valve (36) arranged between the compressor (14) and the combustion chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: ABB Turbo Systems AG
    Inventor: Olivier Bernard
  • Patent number: 6701710
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold supplying charge air to the cylinders. An exhaust manifold conducts exhaust gas away from the cylinders. A turbocharger including a turbine has an exhaust gas inlet connected with the exhaust manifold and also includes a compressor having an air inlet and outlet. The compressor air outlet is connected to the intake manifold to pressurize charge air during high power levels of engine operation. An EGR bypass connected between the turbine exhaust gas inlet and the intake manifold recirculates a portion of the exhaust gases to the cylinders. An intake air bypass adapted to recirculate a portion of compressor outlet air back to the compressor air inlet to reduce compressor outlet pressure and aid EGR flow through the EGR bypass to the cylinders during high power operation of the engine is connected between the compressor air outlet and the compressor air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: William K. Ahrens, Brian A. Lewallen
  • Patent number: 6698203
    Abstract: A system for estimating absolute boost pressure in a turbocharged internal combustion engine includes a pressure sensor producing a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of air entering a turbocharger compressor inlet, a temperature sensor producing a temperature signal indicative of the temperature entering the compressor inlet, a first speed sensor producing a first speed signal indicative of the rotational speed of the turbocharger, a second speed sensor producing a second speed signal indicative of the rotational speed of the engine, and a control computer estimating the absolute boost pressure as a function of the pressure signal, the temperature signal, the first speed signal and the second speed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventor: Yue Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 6694734
    Abstract: An ECU preliminarily obtains a target supercharging pressure determined based on an engine rotational speed and an engine load, and stores the target supercharging pressure value. The ECU commands a flow passage area changing unit to set an exhaust gas flow passage area to the maximum flow passage area or the minimum flow passage area, and judges the abnormality of a supercharger by comparing supercharging pressure detected by a supercharging pressure sensor and the stored target supercharging pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Akao, Youichi Ohgaki, Susumu Kohketsu
  • Patent number: 6691685
    Abstract: The air induction system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18) and pressurizes it. The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein. Alternately, the control mechanism (118) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the inlet (110) of a turbocharger (106) to provide supercharged air thereto at a substantially constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Accessible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Jones, Glennon J. Roderique, Christopher S. Spies
  • Publication number: 20040006985
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling an internal combustion engine (1) having a compressor (5) for compressing the air drawn in by suction by the engine (1). The compressor is especially an exhaust-gas turbocharger. With the method and arrangement, a requirement-proper and timely opening of a valve (10) of an air path (15) is ensured for avoiding compressor pumping. The air path (15) bypasses the compressor (5). The valve (10) of the air path (15), which bypasses the compressor (5), is controlled in dependence upon at least one pregiven characteristic line (20, 25) of a compressor characteristic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ernst Wild, Sabine Wegener, Rainer Hild
  • Publication number: 20040006986
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling an internal combustion engine (20) which achieve an optimal efficiency in different operating states. An opening time of an inlet valve (5) of a cylinder (1) of the engine (20) is variably adjusted. Depending upon an operating variable, especially the engine speed, two operating states of the engine (20) are distinguished. In a first operating state, during an intake operation, an opening of the inlet valve (5) is delayed. In a second operating state, a closing of the inlet valve is delayed and carried out during a compression operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Baeuerle
  • Patent number: 6675579
    Abstract: An intake/exhaust system and a method of controlling intake air temperature and pressure for a dual-mode homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine is provided. The system may include an air compressor including at least two output air flow paths, an intercooler for cooling air from one of the air flow paths, and heat exchangers for heating air from another one of the air flow paths. Control valves may be provided for controlling the mass ratio of air through the air flow paths to thereby control temperature and pressure of air supplied to the engine. The first air flow path may direct air to the engine via the intercooler and the second air flow path may direct air to the engine via the heat exchangers, whereby, air at first and second controlled temperatures and pressures may be supplied to the engine for operation in SI and HCCI modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jialin Yang
  • Patent number: 6658845
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) has an intake system (12) that includes a turbocharger (32). An engine control (30) processes data for controlling the opening of the exhaust valves (24) and for controlling fueling of the engine in relation to the engine operating cycle. In response to initiation of engine acceleration, the control increasingly retards exhaust valve opening in relation to the engine operating cycle to cause the turbocharger to increase pressure in the intake manifold (14) and increases engine fueling in relation to the increased pressure in the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jinhui Sun, Xinqun Gui
  • Patent number: 6651430
    Abstract: In a device for switching an exhaust gas turbocharger and an exhaust gas turbocharger having such a device, the device is used for exhaust gas turbochargers having a variable turbine geometry as well as for other turbochargers (e.g., waste-gate turbochargers) having an electronically regulated final controlling element. The exhaust gas turbocharger is switched by a switching signal P from a regulated operation A with a boost pressure regulator to an unregulated operation B with a boost pressure control, wherein a delay device is provided for generating the switching signal P with a time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Meier, Thomas Bleile
  • Patent number: 6647723
    Abstract: A turbocharger (32) creates intake manifold boost for a diesel engine (10) that has a variable valve actuation mechanism. At times, exhaust valve opening (EVO) is increasingly retarded in relation to the engine operating cycle (56) to cause the turbocharger to increase boost, engine fueling is also increased in relation to the increased boost (58), and in response to any incipient surging of the compressor resulting from such increasingly retarded exhaust valve opening and such increased engine fueling, compressed charge air is bled from the intake manifold through the combustion chambers to the exhaust system (62) to counter the incipient surging and thereby avoid any significant turbocharger surge. The bleeding is accomplished by keeping the exhaust valves (24) slightly open beyond the time that they would otherwise close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jinhui Sun, Xinqun Gui
  • Patent number: 6637205
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and/or systems for controlling intake to and/or exhaust from an internal combustion engine. An exemplary method for controlling intake charge pressure to an internal combustion engine includes determining one or more control parameters based at least partially on an intake charge target pressure; and outputting the one or more control parameters to control an electric motor operatively coupled to a compressor capable of boosting intake charge pressure and to control a variable geometry actuator capable of adjusting exhaust flow to a turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Samir S. Ahmad, Steven Don Arnold, Gary D. Vrbas
  • Patent number: 6634174
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas turbine in the exhaust gas system and a compressor in the intake system for producing compressed charge air. A compressor rotor is arranged in a compressor inlet channel. In order to achieve a greater range of utilization, an adjustable shutoff element is arranged in the compressor inlet channel, upstream from the compressor rotor, for variable adjustment of the effective cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Sumser, Peter Fledersbacher, Friedrich Wirbeleit, Juergen Willand, Hans-Georg Lehmann
  • Patent number: 6625984
    Abstract: A variable geometry nozzle suitable for a radial turbine in a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine. The turbine inlet, turbine outlet or both include a vane assembly having a housing and an adjustable cartridge movable in the housing. Each cartridge has vanes having a plurality of vane sections. Each vane section provides a vane geometry different than the vane geometries of the other vane sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Frank G. Gerke, Beth A. Hinchee, Mark D. Moeckel
  • Publication number: 20030131596
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust-gas turbine in the exhaust section and a compressor in the intake tract. The compressor includes a compressor impeller in an inflow passage in the compressor housing. Furthermore, there is an auxiliary-air feed device, which is assigned to the compressor region and has an auxiliary-air passage, in the compressor housing for supplying auxiliary air, which can be introduced via an injection opening in the wall of the inflow passage of the compressor into the flow-facing region of the compressor impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Siegfried Sumser, Aloysius Schunk, Peter Fledersbacher
  • Patent number: 6574961
    Abstract: In a direction-injection engine incorporating a turbocharger, fuel combustion is improved to enhance fuel economy within the high-load range of engine torque, and furthermore to control occurrence of smoke in the range of great load within the lean-burn range. Scavenging acceleration control is conducted to scavenge the exhaust gases in the combustion chamber by using at least one of the intake pipe pressure, the combustion chamber pressure, and the exhaust pipe pressure, and the fuel is injected twice during the intake stroke and the compression stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Shiraishi, Toshiharu Nogi, Minoru Ohsuga, Noboru Tokuyasu
  • Patent number: 6571780
    Abstract: An air induction system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (E) including an intake is disclosed. The system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18), pressurizes it, and discharges it through an exhaust opening (20). The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Accessible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Jones, Glennon J. Roderique, Christopher S. Spies
  • Patent number: 6561169
    Abstract: A charge air management system for an automotive engine provides air charge densification and cooling during periods of operation at higher load. Two air ducts are provided, with a first for furnishing uncooled and unboosted air, and with a second duct for furnishing chilled and boosted air, with the second duct being chilled during operation with air flowing through the first duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Brent Edward Sealy, Jeff Feit, August Thomas Vaught, Wallace Elmer Beaber
  • Patent number: 6557347
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of operating a turbo-charged diesel locomotive engine to facilitate controlling pressure in an engine cylinder is provided. The method includes determining an allowable peak firing pressure for the turbo-charged diesel engine, determining an actual peak firing pressure, and comparing the allowable peak firing pressure to actual peak firing pressure to control the operation of the turbocharger for controlling peak firing pressure. The apparatus includes a diesel engine including an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, an electronic fuel controller, a turbo-charger, and a motor-generator coupled to the turbocharger and operable to at least one of increase turbocharger rotational speed, decrease turbocharger rotational speed, and maintain turbocharger rotational speed, and a controller including a first input corresponding intake manifold air pressure and a second input corresponding to fuel injection timing for the engine and including as an output a motor-generator configuration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Alvarez, Manoj Gokhale