MEMS bolometer sensor for measuring temperature in an exhaust pipe of an automotive vehicle

Abstract

A control system for an internal combustion engine includes a temperature sensor and an engine controller. The sensor measures the temperature of exhaust gas passing through an exhaust manifold of theengine during each cycle. The controller selectively operates the engine in a first state and a second state. In the first, normal state, a quantity of fuel based on an open loop fuel mass command value is injected into the engine each cycle. In the second state, the controller determines a temperature of the exhaust gas during a normal cycle, injects the quantity and additional fuel into the engine during a second cycle, determines the temperature of the exhaust gas during the second cycle, compares the temperatures, and adjusts the command value for fuel to be injected each cycle when operating the engine in the first state.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of temperature measurement, and more particularly to control systems and temperature sensors for automotive exhaust systems. Background technique [0002] Temperature is measured in many industrial and commercial systems and processes to provide the conditions required for system and process operation. By accurately measuring the temperature of systems and industrial processes, related equipment can operate at optimum efficiency. Temperature measurements on internal combustion engines can be particularly critical, as the efficiency of the engine can be directly related to the temperature at which the engine is operating. [0003] Some applications for temperature sensing have harsh or extreme environments that can affect a temperature sensor's ability to accurately determine temperature. For example, in some types of internal combustion engines, the temperature of the engine's exhaust gas can prov...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the resulting improved sensor can be expensive to produce and maintain, especially since the improved sensor is positioned directly in the harsh environment of the exhaust flow

Furthermore, when measurements vary between various cycles due to relatively small temperature values, it can be difficult to adequately control the engine without complex filtering and analysis of the sensor values

[0010] Other types of temperature sensors with shorter signal response times have been developed, such as bolometers, but such sensors have not been optimized to withstand the harsh exhaust environment

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