Engine control system and method based on fuel quality

Abstract

An engine control system and method includes sensing the quality of fuel in the engine relative to emissions, by for example sensing the level of an emission related constituent, such as sulfur. A fuel quality sensor detects a fuel quality of a fuel, such as the sulfur level in the fuel, and provides a signal in response to the fuel quality. The engine control system also includes a navigation device to determine whether an engine is located in a regulated or non-regulated region. The engine control system receives the signal and controls engine operation by, for example, enabling or disabling one or more engine algorithms to improve performance of the engine based on the fuel quality signal or, in other embodiments, the combination of the fuel quality and the location of the engine.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure is directed to an engine, a method, and a system for controlling an engine. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to controlling an engine based on the quality of the fuel being used by the engine.BACKGROUND[0002]There exists a challenge for engines to operate in compliance with more restrictive emissions standards, such as Tier 4 emissions standards. Emissions standards for engines vary widely around the globe at any given time and also such standards vary over time. For example, an engine, such as in a marine vessel, may encounter two or more different emissions standards as the vehicle travels to and from different countries or if the vessel travels or the machinery is sold into a new geographic location having a different emissions standard. In some countries, operators may be penalized for not using the correct diesel fuel based on the enforced diesel fuel emissions standard. In some countries having less restrictive o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]The inventions include an engine control system, comprising a fuel constituent sensor to detect a level of an emissions related constituent of fuel present in an engine and to provide a fuel constituent level signal based on the detected level of the constituent in the fuel present in the engine; and an electronic control device to control operation of the engine based on the fuel constituent level signal. The emissions related constituent may be sulfur and the fuel constituent sensor may detect a level of sulfur in the fuel present in the engine. The electronic control device may be adapted to receive the fuel constituent level signal and to deactivate an engine exhaust gas recirculation system when the fuel constituent level signal is above a predetermined level and / or modify operation of an engine exhaust aftertreatment system when the fuel constituent level signal is above a predetermined level. The aftertreatment system may be a selective catalytic reduction system with diesel exhaust fluid dosing, and the electronic control device may be adapted to disable the selective catalytic reduction system to prevent dosing of diesel exhaust fluid when fuel constituent level signal is above a predetermined level.

Problems solved by technology

There exists a challenge for engines to operate in compliance with more restrictive emissions standards, such as Tier 4 emissions standards.

In some countries having less restrictive or no emissions standards, operators are permitted to use fuels with a relatively higher impurity level without penalty since some fuel grades, such as ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), may not even be available.

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