Method for estimating charge air cooler condensation storage and/or release

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for estimating water storage in a charge air cooler (CAC). In one example, an amount of water in charge air exiting the CAC may be based on an output of an oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the CAC. Further, engine actuators may be adjusted to increase combustion stability and / or reduce condensate formation based on the amount of water exiting the CAC.

Description

Background technique [0001] Turbocharged and supercharged engines can be configured to compress ambient air entering the engine to increase power. The compression of the air results in an increase in the temperature of the air, therefore, an intercooler or charge air cooler (CAC) is used to cool the heated air, thereby increasing its density and further increasing the potential power of the engine. Condensation may form in the CAC when the ambient air temperature decreases, or during humid or rainy weather conditions in which the intake air is cooled below the dew point of the water. Condensate can collect at the bottom of the CAC or in the internal passages and cooling turbulators. Under certain air flow conditions, condensate can exit the CAC and enter the engine's intake manifold as water droplets. If too much condensate is ingested by the engine, engine misfire and / or combustion instability may occur. [0002] Other attempts to address engine misfires due to condensate ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In one example, condensate intake may be based on mass air flow rate and the amount of condensate in the CAC; however, these parameters may not accurately reflect the amount of water in the charge air exiting the CAC and entering the intake manifold

As a result, engine misfire and / or unstable combustion can still occur

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