Engine braking control according to engine operating parameters

Abstract

An engine brake controller can obtain a performance characteristic of an engine. The engine brake controller can determine that engine braking is enabled to control the engine based on the performance characteristic of the engine. The engine brake controller can monitor a set of operating parameters of the engine. The engine brake controller can determine that operating values of the set of operating parameters satisfy respective thresholds of the set of operating parameters. The engine brake controller can determine an engine brake configuration associated with initiating engine braking of a set of cylinders of the engine based on the operating values satisfying the respective thresholds. The set of cylinders can be a proper subset of a total number of cylinders of the engine. The engine brake controller can cause engine braking to be applied to the set of cylinders to increase a temperature of exhaust gas from the engine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to engine braking control, and for example to engine braking control based on engine operating parameters. Background Technology

[0002] A powertrain (e.g., a 4-stroke engine) powers a vehicle by converting the chemical energy stored in fuel (e.g., diesel, gasoline, etc.) into mechanical work. In a diesel-powered engine, fuel is injected directly into the cylinder from a fuel injector to form an air-fuel mixture. A piston is movably mounted within the cylinder to circulate between top dead center (TDC) and bottom dead center (BDC) positions, compressing the air-fuel mixture and causing an explosion. The force of the explosion drives the piston downward toward the BDC position, and the cycle repeats. Because the piston is connected to the vehicle's drivetrain, the continuous movement of the piston propels the vehicle. To improve fuel efficiency and / or power output, a powertrain may include one or more turbochargers. One or more turbochargers, driven by exhaust gas from the engine, compress air and deliver it back to the engine for further combustion.

[0003] While this powertrain offers numerous benefits compared to gasoline-powered systems, including higher fuel efficiency, its performance can be compromised in certain situations. For example, when the powertrain is under low load, it may experience poor transient response and / or below-standard emissions. Transient response occurs during changes in engine speed or load (e.g., acceleration, increased load, etc.). Due to the turbocharger's lag response to these changes, the air-fuel mixture ratio may temporarily decrease, resulting in a slower engine response. Furthermore, due to the lower exhaust temperatures during low load conditions, the powertrain may experience an increase in particulate matter and / or gaseous emissions (e.g., nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, etc.).

[0004] U.S. Publication No. 2008 / 0196388 (“'388 Publication”) discloses an attempt to improve emissions during low-load conditions. Specifically, '388 Publication discloses an apparatus for activating a diesel particulate filter using an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes an engine brake under the control of a controller and one or more sensors for sensing information associated with engine operation. During engine operation, untreated exhaust flows through the diesel particulate filter, which removes emissions from the exhaust. The treated exhaust can then be released into the atmosphere. During engine operation, the controller selectively operates the engine brake on one or more engine cylinders from time to time, while increasing the load on at least one cylinder, allowing fuel combustion to generate sufficient engine heat to regenerate or otherwise activate the diesel particulate filter.

[0005] The power system disclosed herein is intended to overcome one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to some embodiments, a method may include: obtaining performance characteristics of an engine; determining, based on the engine performance characteristics, that engine braking is enabled to control the engine; identifying, based on the performance characteristics, a set of operating parameters of the engine associated with the performance characteristics; monitoring the set of operating parameters to obtain operating values; determining that the operating values ​​satisfy a corresponding threshold of the set of operating parameters; determining, based on the operating values ​​satisfying the corresponding threshold, an engine braking configuration associated with engine braking of a set of cylinders of the engine to increase the temperature of exhaust gas from the engine, wherein the set of cylinders is an appropriate subset of the total number of cylinders of the engine; and applying the engine braking to the set of cylinders to increase the temperature of exhaust gas from the engine.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a control system may include: a plurality of sensors; and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors to: determine that engine braking is enabled to control the engine; based on the engine braking being enabled, identify a set of operating parameters of the engine associated with performance characteristics; monitor, via the plurality of sensors, a set of operating parameters associated with applying engine braking to the engine; based on the operating values ​​satisfying corresponding thresholds, determine an engine braking configuration associated with engine braking of a set of cylinders that start the engine; and apply the engine braking to the set of cylinders to increase the temperature of exhaust gas from the engine.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a power system may include: an engine including a plurality of cylinders; a plurality of sensors; and a controller configured to: determine, based on performance characteristics of the engine, that engine braking is enabled to control the engine; identify, based on the engine braking being enabled, a set of operating parameters of the engine associated with the performance characteristics; monitor the set of operating parameters via the plurality of sensors; determine that operating values ​​of the set of operating parameters satisfy corresponding thresholds of the set of operating parameters; determine, based on the operating values, an engine braking configuration associated with initiating engine braking of a set of cylinders among the plurality of cylinders; and apply the engine braking to the set of cylinders to increase the amount of fuel to be supplied to one or more other cylinders not included in the set of cylinders. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the exemplary dynamical system described in this article.

[0010] Figure 2 It may be included as described herein. Figure 1 A diagram of an exemplary control system within the power system.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process relating to engine braking control based on engine operating parameters, as described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This disclosure relates to an engine braking controller that controls an exhaust valve of a power system and a fuel injector associated with the exhaust valve. The engine braking controller described herein is universally applicable to any machine utilizing such a power system with a turbocharged engine. The term "machine" can refer to a machine that performs operations associated with industries such as transportation, mining, construction, agriculture, etc. As some examples, a machine can be a motor vehicle, rail vehicle, vessel, aircraft, backhoe loader, cold planer, wheel loader, compactor, logging stacker, forestry machinery, harvester, combine harvester, excavator, industrial loader, boom loader, material handling machine, grader, pipelaying machine, road reclaimer, skid steer loader, timber harvester, telescopic boom forklift, tractor, bulldozer, tractor-mounted scraper, or other above-ground, underground, or marine equipment.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an exemplary powertrain 100 described herein. The powertrain 100 includes an engine 102 (e.g., a 4-stroke engine powered by diesel, etc.), an electronic control module (ECM) 104, one or more sensors 106, turbochargers 108-1, 108-2 (e.g., sequential turbochargers, etc.), intake units 110-1, 110-2, aftercoolers 112-1, 112-2 (e.g., air-to-air aftercoolers (ATAAC), etc.), and aftertreatment units 114-1, 114-2 (e.g., selective catalytic reduction (SCR) components, etc.). The types, numbers, and / or arrangements of the components of the powertrain 100 are provided as examples. In practice, depending on the context in which the powertrain 100 is used, the powertrain 100 may have one or more components of different types, different numbers of components, and / or different arrangements of components.

[0014] Engine 102 includes a plurality of cylinders 116 (e.g., 6-cylinder, 8-cylinder, 12-cylinder, etc.), a plurality of fuel injectors 117, and a plurality of engine braking mechanisms 118 (e.g., compression braking mechanisms, etc.). The plurality of fuel injectors 117 and the plurality of engine braking mechanisms 118 may be associated with some or all of the plurality of cylinders 116. Each of the plurality of cylinders 116 includes a corresponding piston movably mounted therein to travel in a four-stroke cycle (including intake stroke, compression stroke, combustion stroke, and exhaust stroke) between top dead center (TDC) and bottom dead center (BDC) positions to drive a transmission system. The plurality of cylinders 116 may be arranged in an inline configuration, a "V" configuration, or another suitable configuration.

[0015] Multiple fuel injectors 117 and multiple engine braking mechanisms 118 are controlled by an ECM 104 based on communication from one or more sensors 106. The ECM 104 is configured to close an appropriate subset of the multiple fuel injectors 117 and activate (e.g., apply) an appropriate subset of the engine braking mechanisms 118 when the ECM 104 determines that the engine 102 is under low load and therefore susceptible to transient response and / or hydrocarbon buildup problems. The ECM 104 can determine that the engine 102 is under low load by calculating the load of the engine 102 (e.g., based on engine speed, based on fuel rate, etc.) and comparing that load to a low load threshold (e.g., 10% of the maximum load of the engine 102, 15% of the maximum load of the engine 102, etc.). The ECM 104 can be configured to open and / or close individual fuel injectors among the multiple fuel injectors 117, subsets of fuel injectors among the multiple fuel injectors 117 (e.g., a subset of four fuel injectors, such as...). Figure 1 (as shown in the shaded area), a subset of eight fuel injectors 117, etc., or all of the multiple fuel injectors 117. Similarly, the ECM 104 can be configured to enable and / or disable a single engine braking mechanism among multiple engine braking mechanisms 118, a subset of engine braking mechanisms among multiple engine braking mechanisms 118 (e.g., a subset of four engine braking mechanisms, such as...). Figure 1 (as shown in the shaded area), a subset of eight engine braking mechanisms, or all of multiple engine braking mechanisms 118.

[0016] For illustrative purposes, the functions of a single engine braking mechanism (e.g., among multiple engine braking mechanisms 118), a single associated fuel injector 117 (e.g., among multiple fuel injectors 117), a single associated cylinder (e.g., among multiple cylinders 116), a turbocharger 108-1, an intake system 110-1, an aftercooler 112-1, an aftertreatment system 114-1, an exhaust manifold 120-1, and an intake manifold 122-1 will be described. It should be understood that this functionality applies to all of the multiple engine braking mechanisms 118, multiple fuel injectors 117, multiple cylinders 116, turbocharger 108-2, intake system 110-2, aftercooler 112-2, aftertreatment system 114-2, exhaust manifold 120-2, and intake manifold 122-2.

[0017] When the engine braking mechanism 118 is activated (e.g., based on performance characteristics and / or one or more operating parameters, which will be described in more detail below), the ECM 104 prevents fuel injection into the cylinder 116 associated with the engine braking mechanism 118. To this end, the ECM 104 communicates with the fuel injector 117 associated with cylinder 116 to shut off the fuel injector 117. Once activated by the ECM 104, the engine braking mechanism 118 is configured to open the exhaust valve associated with cylinder 116 when the piston is approaching the TDC position during the compression stroke. By doing so, the engine braking mechanism 118 releases compressed air from cylinder 116 before combustion. Therefore, according to a normal 4-stroke cycle, compressed air is released through the exhaust valve into the exhaust manifold 120-1 of the engine 102, instead of being combusted in cylinder 116 and driving the piston downward toward the BDC position. Having lost the energy stored in the compressed air and without burning fuel in cylinder 116, engine 102 must expend energy to pull the piston back and continue the cycle at a desired speed (e.g., 1800 rpm, 2400 rpm, etc.). To this end, the other cylinders of the plurality of cylinders 116 that continue to operate according to the normal 4-stroke cycle compensate by consuming additional fuel (e.g., via a subset of the plurality of fuel injectors 117), and thus exhaust hotter exhaust gas.

[0018] Once exhaust gas is discharged from the other cylinders of the plurality of cylinders 116, it travels along a passage to drive the turbine (“T”) of the turbocharger 108-1. Due to the increased temperature of the exhaust gas, the turbine rotates at a higher speed. The turbine is connected by a shaft to a compressor (“C”), which rotates at the same speed as the turbine to draw air from the intake manifold 110-1 and compress it. Once compressed, the air passes through the aftercooler 112-1 and through the intake manifold 122-1 to reach the plurality of cylinders 116. Due to the higher rotational speed, the turbocharger 108-1 provides a power boost to the engine 102.

[0019] After passing through the turbine of turbocharger 108-1, the exhaust gas travels along the exhaust duct to aftertreatment device 114-1. Aftertreatment device 114-1 is configured to capture and / or convert specific components of the exhaust gas before it is discharged from power system 100. In one example, aftertreatment device 114-1 may include an SCR component having a catalyst carrier located downstream of a reductant injector. A gaseous or liquid reductant (e.g., urea or a mixture of water and urea) may be injected by the reductant injector or otherwise advanced into the exhaust gas. When the reductant is absorbed onto the surface of the catalyst carrier, it can react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas to form water (H2O) and elemental nitrogen (N2). The increased temperature of the exhaust gas can help eliminate and / or prevent the accumulation of unburned hydrocarbons in the catalyst carrier. Therefore, aftertreatment device 114-1, combined with the increased temperature of the exhaust gas, can improve emissions produced by power system 100.

[0020] When ECM 104 determines that engine 102 is no longer under low load (e.g., due to load increasing above the low load threshold), ECM 104 is configured to quickly (e.g., within milliseconds, seconds, etc.) deactivate engine braking mechanism 118 and activate fuel injector 117 to restore normal 4-stroke cycle of cylinder 116. Because ECM 104 is able to respond to load changes faster than turbocharger 108-1, ECM 104 reduces transient response time and thus improves engine 102 performance by maintaining a substantially constant engine speed.

[0021] As mentioned above, with Figure 1 For example, other instances are possible and can be combined. Figure 1 The instances described are different. Figure 1 The number and arrangement of components and / or devices shown are provided as examples. In practice, compared to Figure 1 The components and / or devices shown may be accompanied by additional components and / or devices, fewer components and / or devices, different components and / or devices, or components and / or devices arranged differently. Furthermore, Figure 1 The two or more components and / or devices shown may be implemented within a single component and / or device, or Figure 1 The single component and / or device shown may be implemented as multiple components and / or devices. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 1 A set of components and / or devices (e.g., one or more components and / or devices) can perform actions described as being performed by... Figure 1 Another set of components and / or devices performs one or more functions.

[0022] Figure 2 It may be included as described herein. Figure 1A diagram of an exemplary engine control system 200 within the power system 100. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 2 As shown, the engine braking control system 200 includes one or more engine braking control devices 210, one or more sensors 220, and an engine braking controller 230.

[0023] One or more engine brake control devices 210 include one or more components and / or devices that can be used by engine brake controller 230 to control exhaust valves of engine 102. For example, one or more engine brake control devices 210 may include one or more actuators, switches, integrated circuits (ICs), etc., capable of opening and / or closing (e.g., via one or more recirculation lines) exhaust valves fluidly connected to exhaust manifolds 120-1 and / or 120-2. One or more engine brake control devices 210 may include or correspond to... Figure 1 Engine braking mechanism 118.

[0024] One or more engine braking control devices 210 may be a binary valve having an open position (e.g., a position that allows exhaust gas to flow to turbocharger 108-1 and / or turbocharger 108-2) and a closed position (e.g., a position that prevents exhaust gas from flowing to turbocharger 108-1 and / or turbocharger 108-2). In some embodiments, the engine braking control device 210 may include a variable position valve that can be set to a variable position between an open position and a closed position (e.g., a position that allows some but not all exhaust gas to flow to turbocharger 108-1 and / or turbocharger 108-2).

[0025] One or more sensors 220 include one or more types of sensors configured to measure operating parameters of the power system 100 (e.g., to determine operating values ​​corresponding to the operating parameters). For example, one or more sensors 220 may include one or more temperature sensors, one or more position sensors, one or more speed sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more fuel sensors, one or more time sensors, one or more content sensors, combinations of the aforementioned types of sensors, etc. One or more sensors 220 may include or correspond to... Figure 1 One or more sensors 106.

[0026] The temperature sensor among the one or more temperature sensors can be configured to detect the temperature of air, exhaust, components, coolant, etc. The position sensor among the one or more position sensors can be configured to detect the position of valves, actuators, engine parts (e.g., pistons), etc. The speed sensor among the one or more speed sensors can be configured to detect engine speed, turbocharger speed, machine speed, etc. The pressure sensor among the one or more pressure sensors can be configured to detect the amount of air or exhaust compression in the power system 100. The fuel sensor among the one or more fuel sensors can be configured to detect the amount of fuel and / or the flow rate of fuel in the pipeline before reaching the fuel pump. The time sensor among the one or more time sensors can be configured to detect engine running time, engine braking time, etc. The content sensor among the one or more content sensors can be configured to detect the emission levels of the power system 100, such as the amount of NOx, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, soot, etc. The speed sensor and / or fuel sensor can be a load indicator.

[0027] The engine brake controller 230 includes a processor 232, a memory 234, an engine brake enable module 240, an engine brake mapping module 250, and an engine brake control module 260. The processor 232 is implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The processor 232 is a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), accelerated processing unit (APU), microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing unit. The processor 232 includes one or more processors that can be programmed to perform functions. The memory 234 includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic storage, and / or optical storage) that stores information and / or instructions used by the processor 232 (e.g., information and / or instructions associated with the engine brake enable module 240, engine brake mapping module 250, engine brake control module 260, etc.). The engine brake controller 230 may include or correspond to... Figure 1 ECM 104.

[0028] The engine brake activation module 240 can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The engine brake activation module 240 is configured to control one or more engine brake control devices 210 to activate engine braking, and thus selectively activate one or more engine brake control devices 210. The engine brake activation module 240 can determine whether to activate one or more engine brake control devices 210 based on performance characteristics. These performance characteristics may be associated with prioritizing a reduction in the transient response time of the engine 102's output, prioritizing a reduction in hydrocarbon buildup in one or more exhaust aftertreatment devices (e.g., aftertreatment devices 114-1 and / or aftertreatment devices 114-2), etc. To obtain these performance characteristics, the engine brake activation module 240 can receive operator input identifying these performance characteristics via an operator interface associated with the engine 102. For example, an operator can interact with the operator interface to instruct the engine brake activation module 240 to prioritize a reduction in transient response time, a reduction in hydrocarbon buildup, etc. In some embodiments, the engine brake activation module 240 may obtain the performance characteristics from another module or device that provides default settings for the performance characteristics.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the engine brake activation module 240 may activate one or more engine brake control devices 210 based on the load of engine 102 that meets a low load threshold (e.g., 10% of the maximum load of engine 102, 15% of the maximum load of engine 102, etc.). To determine that the load of engine 102 meets the low load threshold, the engine brake activation module 240 may (e.g., by comparing sensor operating values ​​with corresponding thresholds, etc.) monitor at least one of one or more sensors 220. For example, the engine brake activation module 240 may monitor one or more fuel sensors 220 by comparing fuel quantity and / or fuel flow rate with corresponding thresholds. The engine brake activation module 240 may associate a specific fuel quantity and / or a specific flow rate with a low load threshold to determine that engine 102 is in a low load state. Additionally or alternatively, the engine brake activation module 240 may monitor one or more speed sensors 220 by comparing engine speed with corresponding one or more thresholds. The engine brake activation module 240 may associate a specific engine speed with a low load threshold to determine that engine 102 is in a low load state.

[0030] The engine brake activation module 240 can communicate performance characteristics to the engine brake mapping module 250 to determine which of the one or more engine brake control devices 210 should be activated. Based on data received from the engine brake mapping module 250 (described below), the engine brake activation module 240 can send control signals to the one or more engine brake control devices 210 to individually activate one or more engine brake control devices 210, activate a subset of one or more engine brake control devices 210, or activate all of the one or more engine brake control devices 210. By activating one or more engine brake control devices 210, the engine brake activation module 240 can configure one or more engine brake control devices 210 for later activation and / or deactivation. In some embodiments, the engine brake activation module 240 may take into account historical data related to previous use of one or more engine brake control devices 210 and activate different engine brake control devices among the engine brake control devices 210. By doing so, the engine brake activation module 240 can avoid reusing the same engine brake control device among one or more engine brake control devices 210, and thus extend the service life of one or more engine brake control devices 210 and the engine 102.

[0031] The engine brake mapping module 250 can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The engine brake mapping module 250 is configured to map operational values ​​obtained from one or more sensors 220 to corresponding engine braking amounts and / or store data related to the use of one or more engine brake control devices 210. Based on performance characteristics, the engine brake mapping module 250 can identify a set of operating parameters of the engine 102. This set of operating parameters can be associated with applying engine braking to the engine 102 and can vary based on performance characteristics. For example, when performance characteristics are associated with a reduction in prioritized transient response time, this set of operating parameters may include engine running time of the engine 102, fuel quantity in the engine 102's lines, fuel flow rate in the engine 102's lines, intake manifold pressure of the engine 102's intake air, engine speed of the engine 102's output, coolant temperature of the engine 102, etc. In another example, when performance characteristics are associated with a reduction in prioritized hydrocarbon accumulation, this set of operating parameters may include the amount of fuel in the pipeline of engine 102, the flow rate of fuel in the pipeline of engine 102, the engine speed at the output of engine 102, the amount of hydrocarbon accumulation in exhaust aftertreatment devices (e.g., aftertreatment devices 114-1 and / or aftertreatment devices 114-2), the air-fuel ratio of the turbochargers of engine 102 (e.g., turbochargers 108-1 and / or turbochargers 108-2), etc.

[0032] The engine braking mapping module 250 can monitor a set of operating parameters of the engine 102. To this end, the engine braking mapping module 250 can identify a set of sensors (e.g., one or more sensors 220) associated with this set of operating parameters and obtain operating values ​​from this set of sensors. After obtaining the operating values, the engine braking mapping module 250 can determine that the operating values ​​satisfy a corresponding threshold for the set of operating parameters (e.g., threshold engine running time, threshold intake manifold pressure, threshold coolant temperature, threshold fuel quantity, threshold engine speed, threshold hydrocarbon accumulation, threshold air-fuel ratio, etc.). Based on the operating values ​​satisfying the corresponding thresholds, the engine braking mapping module 250 can determine an engine braking configuration. The engine braking configuration can be associated with activating engine braking on a set of cylinders (e.g., four cylinders, six cylinders, eight cylinders, etc.) to increase the temperature of exhaust gas from the engine. This set of cylinders can be an appropriate subset of the total number of cylinders in the engine 102.

[0033] In some embodiments, when determining the engine braking configuration, the engine braking mapping module 250 may determine the level of engine braking to be applied to the engine 102 based on operating values, determine the number of cylinders to receive engine braking based on the engine braking level, and select the group of cylinders to include that number of cylinders. For example, the engine braking mapping module 250 may determine that the amount of hydrocarbon accumulation measured by one or more content sensors may require a low level of engine braking (e.g., engine braking of four cylinders), a medium level of engine braking (e.g., engine braking of six cylinders), a high level of engine braking (e.g., engine braking of eight cylinders), etc., to sufficiently reduce the amount of hydrocarbon accumulation. After determining the engine braking configuration, the engine braking mapping module 250 may store data related to the engine braking configuration and / or transmit the engine braking configuration to the engine braking control module 260.

[0034] The engine braking control module 260 can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The engine braking control module 260 is configured to control one or more engine braking control devices 210 to enable (e.g., apply) and / or deactivate (e.g., release) engine braking. For example, depending on the engine braking configuration, the engine braking control module 260 can be configured to send control signals (e.g., commands, instructions, etc.) to one or more exhaust valves associated with one or more engine braking control devices 210 and / or one or more fuel injectors. The control signals can indicate that one or more exhaust valves will be in a specific position (e.g., open, partially closed, closed, etc.), and that one or more fuel injectors will be opened or closed.

[0035] For example, in a configuration where engine braking is applied to a group of four cylinders out of a plurality of cylinders 116, the engine braking control module 260 may apply engine braking to these four cylinders to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas from the engine. To this end, the engine braking control module 260 may open the exhaust valves of these four cylinders during the compression stroke of those four cylinders. The engine braking control module 260 may further deactivate the fuel injectors associated with these four cylinders.

[0036] As another example, when the engine braking configuration (e.g., based on load increase detection, etc.) indicates that engine braking will be deactivated, the engine braking control module 260 can release engine braking from four cylinders. Therefore, the engine braking control module 260 can keep the exhaust valves of these four cylinders closed during the compression stroke and reopen the fuel injectors.

[0037] As mentioned above, with Figure 2 For example, other instances are possible and can be combined. Figure 2 The instances described are different. Figure 2 The number and arrangement of components and / or devices shown are provided as examples. In practice, compared to Figure 2 The components and / or devices shown may be accompanied by additional components and / or devices, fewer components and / or devices, different components and / or devices, or components and / or devices arranged differently. Furthermore, Figure 2 The two or more components and / or devices shown may be implemented within a single component and / or device, or Figure 2 The single component and / or device shown may be implemented as multiple components and / or devices. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 2 A set of components and / or devices (e.g., one or more components and / or devices) can perform actions described as being performed by... Figure 2 Another set of components and / or devices performs one or more functions.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 300 associated with engine braking for transient response time reduction and / or hydrocarbon reduction. In some embodiments, Figure 3 One or more process blocks may be executed by a controller (e.g., engine brake controller 230, ECM 104, etc.). In some embodiments, Figure 3 One or more process blocks may be executed by another device or a group of devices separate from or including the controller, such as sensors (e.g., sensors in one or more sensor 106, one or more sensor 220, etc.).

[0039] like Figure 3As shown, process 300 may include determining that engine braking is enabled to control the engine based on engine performance characteristics (block 310). For example, a controller (e.g., using processor 232, memory 234, engine braking enable module 240, engine braking mapping module 250, engine braking control module 260, etc.) may determine that engine braking is enabled to control the engine based on engine performance characteristics. Engine braking may be further enabled based on whether the engine load meets a low load threshold.

[0040] like Figure 3 As further shown, process 300 may include monitoring a set of operating parameters of the engine (block 320). For example, a controller (e.g., using processor 232, memory 234, engine brake enable module 240, engine brake mapping module 250, engine brake control module 260, etc.) may identify a set of operating parameters of the engine based on engine performance characteristics and / or engine braking being enabled. Identifying the set of operating parameters may include selecting the set of operating parameters from a plurality of operating parameters associated with different performance characteristics of the engine. The set of operating parameters may be a first set of operating parameters for performance characteristics, which differs from a second set of operating parameters associated with different performance characteristics. The set of operating parameters may include at least one of the following: hydrocarbon accumulation detected in the engine's exhaust aftertreatment system, fuel quantity in the engine's lines, fuel flow rate in the engine lines, engine output engine speed, air-fuel ratio of the engine's turbocharger, engine running time, intake manifold pressure of the engine's intake air, or engine coolant temperature.

[0041] Monitoring this set of operating parameters can be based on the engine's performance characteristics. Monitoring this set of operating parameters may include identifying a group of sensors associated with these operating parameters and obtaining operating values ​​from these sensors. This set of operating parameters can be monitored via the powertrain's sensor system.

[0042] like Figure 3 As further shown, process 300 may include determining that the operating values ​​of the set of operating parameters satisfy a corresponding threshold for the set of operating parameters (block 330). For example, a controller (e.g., using processor 232, memory 234, engine brake enable module 240, engine brake mapping module 250, engine brake control module 260, etc.) may determine that the operating values ​​of the set of operating values ​​satisfy a corresponding threshold for the set of operating parameters. This set of operating parameters may be associated with applying engine braking to the engine.

[0043] like Figure 3As further shown, process 300 may include determining an engine braking configuration (block 340) associated with engine braking of a group of cylinders that activate a plurality of cylinders. For example, a controller (e.g., using processor 232, memory 234, engine braking enable module 240, engine braking mapping module 250, engine braking control module 260, etc.) may determine an engine braking level to be applied to the engine based on operating values, and select the group of cylinders based on the engine braking level. Selecting the group of cylinders may include determining the number of engine cylinders that will receive engine braking based on the engine braking level, and selecting the group of cylinders to include said number of cylinders. The engine braking configuration may be associated with activating engine braking to increase the temperature of exhaust gas from the engine. The group of cylinders may be an appropriate subset of the total number of cylinders in the engine.

[0044] like Figure 3 As further shown, process 300 may include applying engine braking to the group of cylinders (block 350). For example, a controller (e.g., using processor 232, memory 234, engine brake enable module 240, engine brake mapping module 250, engine brake control module 260, etc.) may open the valves of the group of cylinders during the compression stroke of the group of cylinders and may close the fuel injectors associated with the group of cylinders. Process 300 may further include increasing the amount of fuel to be supplied to the engine from one or more other cylinders not in the group of cylinders.

[0045] In some embodiments, process 300 may begin obtaining engine performance characteristics. These performance characteristics may be associated with at least one of the following: a reduction in the transient response time of prioritized engine output, or a reduction in hydrocarbon buildup in prioritized engine exhaust aftertreatment devices. Obtaining the performance characteristics may include receiving operator input that identifies the performance characteristics. Operator input may be received via an operator interface associated with the engine. Before determining that engine braking is activated (e.g., block 310), process 300 may further include determining that the engine load meets a low load threshold.

[0046] although Figure 3 An exemplary block of process 300 is shown, but in some implementations, it is different from... Figure 3 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 300 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Alternatively or additionally, two or more boxes of process 300 may be executed in parallel.

[0047] Industrial applicability

[0048] The control system disclosed herein is applicable to machines utilizing turbocharged power systems, such as boats, motor vehicles, etc. Under low load conditions, such power systems may experience undesirable transient responses (e.g., during acceleration, increased load, etc.) due to turbocharger lag and / or below-standard emissions. Furthermore, even with aftertreatment devices to reduce certain types of emissions, insufficient exhaust temperature can still lead to hydrocarbon buildup.

[0049] To reduce transient response time and / or hydrocarbon buildup, the control system of this disclosure selectively activates engine braking in an appropriate subset of cylinders to increase exhaust temperature. By doing so, the control system increases the turbocharger speed and thus the power level. Furthermore, the increased temperature prevents the buildup of unburned hydrocarbons in the aftertreatment system. Because the control system includes one or more sensors 220 that measure engine running time, fuel quantity, fuel flow rate, intake manifold pressure, engine speed, coolant temperature, hydrocarbon buildup, air-fuel ratio, etc., the control system is able to detect and resolve problems related to transient response and / or hydrocarbon buildup more quickly.

[0050] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the foregoing disclosure or may be obtained from practice of the embodiments. Furthermore, any embodiments described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason why one or more embodiments cannot be combined. Even if specific combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various embodiments. Although each dependent claim listed below may be directly subordinated to a single claim, the disclosure of various embodiments includes each dependent claim combined with each other claim in the claim set.

[0051] As used in this article, depending on the context, satisfying a threshold can refer to a value greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc., depending on the context.

[0052] As used herein, “a,” “an,” and “set” are intended to include one or more items and are interchangeable with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the article “described” is intended to include one or more items referenced in conjunction with the article “described” and is interchangeable with “described one or more.” Additionally, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on” unless otherwise expressly stated. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” when used in a series is intended to be inclusive and is interchangeable with “and / or” unless otherwise expressly stated (e.g., if used in conjunction with “any” or “only one”).

Claims

1. An engine braking control method, comprising: Obtain the engine's performance characteristics, wherein these performance characteristics are associated with a priority among the following: The reduction in the transient response time of the engine output; and The reduction of hydrocarbon accumulation in the exhaust aftertreatment device of the engine; Based on the performance characteristics, a set of operating parameters of the engine associated with the performance characteristics are identified, wherein The set of operating parameters varies based on the performance characteristics. When the performance characteristics are associated with a reduction in the transient response time of prioritizing the engine output, the set of operating parameters includes at least one of the following: The engine running time of the engine. The intake manifold pressure of the engine's intake air, or The engine's coolant temperature; and; When the performance characteristics are associated with prioritizing a reduction in hydrocarbon buildup in the engine's exhaust aftertreatment system, the set of operating parameters includes at least one of the following: The amount of hydrocarbon accumulation in the exhaust aftertreatment device of the engine, or The air-fuel ratio of the turbocharger in the engine; Monitor the set of operating parameters to obtain operating values; Determine the threshold value that satisfies the set of operation parameters; Based on the operating value satisfying the corresponding threshold, an engine braking configuration associated with engine braking of a set of cylinders that start the engine to increase the temperature of exhaust gas from the engine is determined. The set of cylinders is a suitable subset of the total number of cylinders in the engine; and The engine brake is applied to the set of cylinders to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas from the engine.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the engine braking configuration comprises: The level of engine braking to be applied to the engine is determined based on the operating value; as well as The set of cylinders is selected based on the engine braking level.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein selecting the group of cylinders comprises: Based on the engine braking level, determine the number of cylinders of the engine that will receive engine braking. as well as Select the set of cylinders to include the number of cylinders.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein braking the engine comprises: During the compression stroke of the set of cylinders, the valves of the set of cylinders are opened; as well as The fuel injectors associated with the set of cylinders are turned off.

5. A control system for engine braking, comprising: Multiple sensors; as well as A controller, communicatively connected to the plurality of sensors, to: Determine that engine braking is activated to control the engine; Based on the activation of engine braking, a set of operating parameters of the engine is identified, wherein the set of operating parameters varies based on performance characteristics. The performance characteristics mentioned above are associated with a priority among the following: The reduction in the transient response time of the engine output; and The reduction of hydrocarbon accumulation in the exhaust aftertreatment device of the engine; When the performance characteristics are associated with a reduction in the transient response time of prioritizing the engine output, the set of operating parameters includes at least one of the following: The engine running time of the engine. The intake manifold pressure of the engine's intake air, or The engine's coolant temperature; and When the performance characteristics are associated with prioritizing a reduction in hydrocarbon buildup in the engine's exhaust aftertreatment system, the set of operating parameters includes at least one of the following: The amount of hydrocarbon accumulation in the exhaust aftertreatment device of the engine, or The air-fuel ratio of the turbocharger in the engine; A set of operating parameters of the engine are monitored via the multiple sensors; Determine that the operating values ​​of the set of operating parameters satisfy the corresponding threshold values ​​of the set of operating parameters associated with applying engine braking to the engine; Based on the operation value satisfying the corresponding threshold, determine the engine braking configuration associated with engine braking of a set of cylinders that start the engine; as well as The engine brake is applied to the set of cylinders to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas from the engine.

6. The control system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to: The operational values ​​are obtained from the plurality of sensors.

7. A power system, comprising: The control system according to claim 5; as well as An engine having the aforementioned set of cylinders.

8. The powertrain of claim 7, wherein the performance characteristics are associated with a reduction in the transient response time of prioritizing the output of the engine, and wherein the set of operating parameters further includes at least one of the following: The amount of fuel in the engine's pipeline. The flow rate of fuel in the engine's pipelines, or The engine speed output by the engine.

9. The power system according to any one of claims 7-8, wherein the controller is further configured to: When the engine braking is being applied to the set of cylinders, it prevents fuel from being injected into the set of cylinders.

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