Controlling engine cylinders according to engine configuration scheme

Abstract

An engine optimization controller can use an engine model to determine values of a set of input parameters of the engine and process that are used to determine a plurality of potential sets of output parameters. The engine optimization controller can determine an engine optimization scheme based on the plurality of potential sets of output parameters, which can indicate that a first number of cylinders of one or more cylinders of the engine are active and receive gas, a second number of cylinders of the one or more cylinders are inactive and receive gas, and / or a third number of cylinders of the one or more cylinders are inactive and do not receive gas. The engine optimization controller can provide the engine configuration scheme to another controller to allow control of the one or more cylinders and one or more fuel injectors in accordance with the engine configuration scheme.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the control of engine cylinders, and for example to the control of engine cylinders according to engine configuration schemes. Background Technology

[0002] Internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines, supply a mixture of air and fuel to the engine cylinders to allow combustion and generate operating power. However, in some situations (e.g., during idling, low engine load, and / or high exhaust gas conditions, among others), supplying the mixture to all cylinders may not be an efficient and / or inefficient use of fuel and air. This can also result in the unwanted generation of exhaust gases containing various contaminants, such as particulate matter (e.g., soot), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants. x ) and / or sulfur compounds.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 9,512,794 ('794 Patent) discloses a skip-ignition engine control system for an internal combustion engine, wherein the skip-ignition engine control envisions selectively skipping the ignition of certain cylinders during selected ignition timings. According to the '794 Patent, an ignition fraction calculator receives a torque request signal and determines a skip-ignition fraction that will be suitable for delivering the desired torque under selected engine operation and has acceptable noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics. According to the '794 Patent, any suitable data structure or algorithm can be used for this determination.

[0004] While the '794 patent aimed to provide a skipped ignition fraction for controlling the cylinders of an engine, the skipped ignition fraction did not indicate whether an individual cylinder received fuel, air, or a mixture of both. Furthermore, the skipped ignition fraction was generated to address a limited number of engine parameters (e.g., torque and NVH), rather than overall engine performance. Additionally, '794 disclosed determining the skipped ignition fraction using only data structures or algorithms, which is contrary to machine learning models or other artificial intelligence models.

[0005] Therefore, the engine optimization controller of the present invention solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In some implementations, a system includes: one or more cylinders of an engine; one or more fuel injectors configured to inject fuel into corresponding cylinders of the one or more cylinders of the engine; and an engine optimization controller configured to, while the engine is running: determine values ​​of a set of input parameters of the engine; process the values ​​using an engine model to determine multiple sets of potential output parameters; determine an engine configuration scheme based on the multiple sets of potential output parameters, wherein the engine configuration scheme indicates that a first number of cylinders of the one or more cylinders are enabled and receiving gas, and at least one of the following: a second number of cylinders of the one or more cylinders are disabled and receiving gas, or a third number of cylinders of the one or more cylinders are disabled and not receiving gas; and provide the engine configuration scheme to another controller so that the other controller controls the one or more cylinders and the one or more fuel injectors according to the engine configuration scheme.

[0007] In some implementations, the controller includes one or more memories; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories, configured to: determine values ​​of a set of input parameters for an operating engine; process the values ​​using an engine model to determine multiple sets of potential output parameters; determine an engine configuration scheme based on the multiple sets of potential output parameters, wherein the engine configuration scheme indicates that a first number of cylinders in one or more cylinders of the engine are enabled and allow gas flow, and at least one of the following: a second number of cylinders in one or more cylinders are disabled and allow gas flow, or a third number of cylinders in one or more cylinders are disabled and do not allow gas flow; and provide the engine configuration scheme to another controller so that the other controller controls the one or more cylinders and the one or more fuel injectors according to the engine configuration scheme.

[0008] In some implementations, a method includes obtaining a set of input parameters of an operating engine by a controller; determining values ​​for the set of input parameters by the controller; processing the values ​​by the controller to determine a plurality of potential output parameters; determining an engine configuration scheme based on the plurality of potential output parameters, wherein the engine configuration scheme indicates that: a first subgroup of cylinders in a group of cylinders of the engine is activated and allows gas flow, and at least one of the following: a second subgroup of cylinders in the group of cylinders is not activated and allows gas flow, or a third subgroup of cylinders in the group of cylinders is not activated and does not allow gas flow; and causing the one or more cylinders and one or more fuel injectors of the engine to be controlled by the controller according to the engine configuration scheme. Attached Figure Description

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

[0010] Figure 2 This is a diagram of an exemplary environment in which the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of an engine model that can be used by the exemplary engine optimization controller described herein.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating exemplary cylinder configurations of an engine based on the different engine configuration schemes described herein.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process associated with engine cylinder control according to an engine configuration scheme. Detailed Implementation

[0014] This invention relates to cylinder control based on an engine configuration scheme generated by an engine optimization controller. The engine optimization controller has universal applicability to any machine that utilizes such engine optimization to control engine cylinders. The term "machine" can refer to any machine that performs operations associated with industries such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry. As some examples, the machine can be a vehicle, backhoe loader, cold planer, wheel loader, compactor, logging stacker, forestry machinery, conveyor, harvester, excavator, industrial loader, articulated boom loader, material handling machine, automatic grader, pipelaying machine, road reclaimer, skid steer loader, skid steer, remote-controlled vehicle, tractor, bulldozer, scraper, or other ground equipment; stationary equipment, such as generator sets or generators; underground equipment; or water transport vehicles.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the example power system 100 described herein. As shown, the power system 100 includes an engine 110, which may be described herein as a compression ignition internal combustion engine. However, the engine 110 may include any other type of internal combustion engine, such as a spark, laser, plasma ignition engine, etc. The engine 110 may be fueled by any desired fuel, such as distilled diesel fuel, biodiesel, dimethyl ether, gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, propane, alcohol, ethanol, and / or any combination thereof.

[0016] Figure 1 The engine 110 includes an engine assembly 112 having multiple cylinders 114. Figure 1The engine assembly 112 is shown as having six cylinders 114. Piston assemblies may be included within each cylinder 114 to form a combustion chamber within each cylinder 114. The engine 110 may include any number of combustion chambers, and these combustion chambers may be arranged in an inline configuration, a "V" configuration, or any other suitable configuration. Furthermore, the engine 110 may consume one or more consumable resources during operation (e.g., due to combustion in the engine block), such as fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.), diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), one or more coolants, one or more lubricants (e.g., oil, grease, etc.).

[0017] Engine 110 may include multiple systems. For example, such as Figure 1 As illustrated in the example, engine 110 may include an intake or gas introduction system 116, an exhaust system 118, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system 120. The air introduction system 116 may be configured to direct air or an air-fuel mixture (e.g., air and another gas, such as exhaust gas) to subsequent combustion in engine 110. The exhaust system 118 may vent or release combustion byproducts to the atmosphere outside engine 110. The recirculation loop of the EGR system 120 may be configured to direct a portion of the exhaust gas from exhaust system 118 back to the gas introduction system 116 for subsequent combustion.

[0018] The gas introduction system 116 may include multiple components that cooperate to regulate and introduce compressed air into the cylinders 114. For example, the air introduction system 116 may include a mixer 122 located upstream of the intake manifold 146 and downstream of one or more compressors 124. As further described herein, each of these cylinders 114 may be associated with a valve (e.g., an input valve for cylinder 114) that may be positioned to allow or prevent the flow of gas (e.g., air from the air introduction system 116 and / or exhaust gas from the EGR system 120) into the cylinder.

[0019] Air intake system 116 supplies air to the corresponding cylinders in cylinder 114. In some implementations, air intake system 116 may include a throttle valve, air cooler, filter, compressor bypass component, and / or the like. Fuel injectors 126 inject fuel into cylinders 114. As further described herein, a first set of fuel injectors 126 may inject a desired amount (or volume) of fuel into a first set of cylinders 114, while a second set of fuel injectors 126 may disable fuel injection depending on engine configuration.

[0020] Exhaust system 118 may include multiple components that cooperate to regulate and direct exhaust gas from cylinder 114 into the atmosphere. For example, exhaust system 118 may include exhaust passage 128, one or more turbines 130 driven by exhaust gas flowing through exhaust passage 128, a particulate collection device 132 downstream of turbine 130 such as a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and an exhaust aftertreatment device 134 (e.g., selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment) fluidly connected downstream of particulate collection device 132. In some implementations, exhaust system 118 may include one or more bypass components, exhaust compression or limiting brakes, attenuation devices, additional exhaust treatment devices, and / or the like.

[0021] Turbine 130 can be positioned to receive exhaust gas exiting engine 110 and can be connected via a common shaft 136 to one or more compressors 124 of gas intake system 116 to form a turbocharger (e.g., a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)). As exhaust gas exiting engine 110 flows through turbine 130 and expands against its blades, turbine 130 can rotate and drive one or more compressors 124 to pressurize the intake air.

[0022] Particulate collection device 132 may be a DPF located downstream of turbine 130 to remove particulate matter from the exhaust stream of engine 110. The collected particles can be removed through a regeneration process that requires the exhaust gas entering particulate collection device 132 to be sufficiently hot (e.g., greater than 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, and / or similar temperatures, depending on the configuration) to combine with a catalyst to burn off the captured particles. As part of the regeneration process, heat from the exhaust gas is applied to the captured particles to raise their temperature to an ignition threshold.

[0023] Exhaust aftertreatment device 134 can receive exhaust gas from turbine 130 and capture or convert specific components in the exhaust stream (e.g., NO). x Similar to particulate collection device 132, the temperature of the exhaust stream entering exhaust aftertreatment device 134 needs to be high enough to combine with the oxidation catalyst and / or reducing agent to react with NO in the exhaust. x The reaction produces water (H2O) and elemental nitrogen (N2).

[0024] The EGR system 120 can redirect exhaust gases from the exhaust system 118 back into the air intake system 116 for subsequent combustion. EGR is the process of recirculating exhaust gases from the engine back into the air intake system 116 for subsequent combustion. The recirculated exhaust reduces the oxygen concentration in the combustion chamber, thereby lowering the maximum combustion temperature. The reduced oxygen content provides less opportunity for chemical reactions with the nitrogen present, and the lower temperature slows down the formation of NO.x The chemical process that forms the gas. As mentioned above, a cooler may be included to cool the exhaust gas before combustion.

[0025] When using EGR in a turbocharged diesel engine, such as Figure 1 As shown, exhaust gas to be recirculated can be removed upstream of the exhaust drive turbine 130 associated with the turbocharger. For example, in many EGR applications, exhaust gas can be diverted from exhaust passage 128 (e.g., via valve 148) and via EGR line 138 to gas inlet system 116. Similarly, recirculated exhaust gas can be reintroduced into air inlet system 116 downstream of compressor 124.

[0026] Figure 1 The engine 110 is associated with a controller 140 (e.g., an engine control module (ECM)). As described herein, the controller 140 controls the engine 110 to operate the engine 110 based on engine operating conditions indicated by the sensor system 142 and / or engine configuration schemes provided by the engine optimization controller 144. The controller 140 can perform various control functions and processes to control the engine 110. The controller 140 may include any suitable type of engine controller configured to perform engine control functions such that the engine 110 can be operated appropriately (e.g., according to engine configuration schemes). Furthermore, the controller 140 can also control another system of the vehicle or the machine associated with the engine 110, such as a drivetrain, hydraulic system, etc.

[0027] Sensor system 142 can provide measured values ​​associated with various parameters used by controller 140 to control engine 110 and / or by engine optimization controller 144 to determine engine configuration schemes. Sensor system 142 may include physical sensors and / or any suitable type of control system that generates parameter values ​​based on computational models and / or one or more measurements. Exemplary sensors may include temperature sensors, speed sensors, chemical composition sensors (e.g., NO...). x Emission sensors, pressure sensors, etc. Parameters may also include any output parameters that can be measured indirectly by sensors and / or calculated based on sensor readings. Measured values ​​of parameters used herein may refer to any values ​​associated with these parameters and indicating the state or condition of engine 110. For example, measurements may include values ​​associated with engine 110, the machine associated with engine 110, the environment of engine 110, etc. Such values ​​may correspond to speed (e.g., engine speed of engine 110), pressure (e.g., injection pressure of one of fuel injectors 126), temperature, usage, utilization rate, environmental conditions, fuel rate, etc.

[0028] The sensor system 142 can be configured to work in conjunction with the controller 140, can be configured as a separate control system, and / or can be configured as part of another control system. Furthermore, the controller 140 can implement the sensor system 142 using computer software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0029] Engine optimization controller 144 can determine and / or provide engine configuration schemes to allow optimization of one or more operating characteristics of engine 110. Therefore, controller 140 can use engine configuration schemes to control engine 110 and / or determine optimized settings for engine 110. Engine optimization controller 144 can be implemented as a processor, such as 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 component. The processor can be implemented using hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. Engine optimization controller 144 may include one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform functions. One or more memories, including 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), can store information and / or instructions for use by engine optimization controller 144. Engine optimization controller 144 may include a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) capable of storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform one or more processes and / or methods described herein. Controller 140 may be similarly configured as engine optimization controller 144.

[0030] Engine optimization controller 144 can be configured to be consistent with controller 140, can be configured as a separate controller, and / or can be configured as part of other control systems. Furthermore, controller 140 can at least partially implement engine optimization controller 144 using computer software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. In some implementations, controller 140, sensor system 142, and / or controller 144 may include a control system for controlling the operation of engine 110, as described herein.

[0031] As mentioned above, providing Figure 1 As an example, other examples can be combined. Figure 1 The descriptions are different.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example environment 200 in which the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented. For example... Figure 2As shown, environment 200 may include one or more control devices 210 (individually referred to as "control devices 210" and collectively as "multiple control devices 210") and one or more sensors 220 (individually referred to as "sensors 220" and collectively as "multiple sensors 220"), engine optimization controller 144, and controller 140. Devices and / or components of environment 200 may be interconnected via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0033] Control device 210 can be any type of device that can be used by controller 140 to control the performance characteristics of power system 100. For example, control device 210 may include one or more actuators, switches, etc., capable of controlling components of power system 100. Control device 210 can control fuel injector 126 (e.g., in other embodiments, causing fuel injector 126 to supply fuel to at least one cylinder of cylinder 114 and / or inhibiting fuel supply to at least one cylinder), cylinder 114 (e.g., positioning a valve associated with at least one cylinder of cylinder 114 to allow airflow to at least one cylinder and / or to prevent airflow to at least one cylinder), etc. Sensor 220 may include any type of sensor configured to measure the operating condition of power system 100. As described herein, sensor 220 may be a sensor of sensor system 142.

[0034] Engine optimization controller 144 can obtain a set of input parameters of engine 110 (e.g., when engine 110 is in operation) from sensor 220 (e.g., directly from sensor 220 or via one or more other components or devices of powertrain 100, such as controller 140). For example, engine optimization controller 144 can obtain one or more of the following parameters: brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) associated with engine 110; indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) associated with engine 110; friction mean effective pressure (FMEP) associated with engine 110; pump mean effective pressure (PMEP) associated with engine 110; torque associated with engine 110; exhaust temperature associated with engine 110; peak cylinder pressure (PCP) associated with engine 110; fresh mass airflow associated with engine 110; and other parameters associated with engine 110. Total mass airflow (TMAF) associated with engine 110; Total mass exhaust flow (TMEF) associated with engine 110; Equivalence ratio associated with engine 110; Load mass associated with engine 110; Fuel mass flow rate associated with engine 110; Total fuel power associated with engine 110; Volumetric efficiency associated with engine 110; Unburned air quantity associated with engine 110; Exhaust fuel conversion efficiency (EFCE) associated with engine 110; Total fuel conversion efficiency (GFCE) associated with engine 110; Pollutants associated with exhaust gas of engine 110 (e.g., including NO). x (hydrocarbons and / or particulate matter); multiple active and / or inactive cylinders 114; multiple cylinders 114 receiving and / or flowing gas; timing associated with fuel injector 126; pressure associated with fuel injector 126; ambient temperature associated with engine 110; a certain amount of harshness associated with engine 110; noise level associated with engine 110; or amount of mechanical vibration associated with engine 110. This set of input parameters may include a subset of unchangeable input parameters (e.g., total fuel power associated with engine 110, ambient temperature associated with engine 110, and / or similar parameters based on control of engine 110) and / or a subset of changeable input parameters (e.g., torque associated with engine 110, number of active and / or inactive cylinders 114, number of cylinders 114 receiving and / or flowing gas, timing associated with fuel injector 126, pressure associated with fuel injector 126, and / or similar parameters that can be changed by controlling engine 110).

[0035] The engine optimization controller 144 can determine the values ​​of this set of input parameters. For example, the engine optimization controller 144 can process (e.g., parse) this set of input parameters to determine the values ​​of BMEP associated with engine 110, IMEP associated with engine 110, FMEP associated with engine 110, PMEP associated with engine 110, torque associated with engine 110, etc.

[0036] Engine optimization controller 144 can process the values ​​of this set of input parameters to determine an engine configuration scheme. The engine configuration scheme can indicate one or more configurations of one or more components of engine 110 (e.g., to allow and / or enable engine 110 to provide optimal performance with respect to one or more of the input parameters). For example, the engine configuration scheme can indicate that multiple cylinders of cylinder 114 are enabled (e.g., receiving fuel from fuel injector 126) and / or multiple cylinders of cylinder 114 are disabled (e.g., not receiving fuel from fuel injector 126). As an additional embodiment, the engine configuration scheme can indicate multiple cylinders 114 for receiving and / or flowing gas from air intake system 116 and / or EGR system 120, and / or multiple cylinders 114 for not receiving and / or not flowing gas from air intake system 116 and / or EGR system 120. In another example, the engine configuration scheme may indicate that a first number of cylinders 114 are enabled and receive and / or flow gas, and may also indicate that a second number of cylinders 114 are disabled and receive and / or flow gas, and / or a third number of cylinders 114 are disabled and do not receive and / or flow gas.

[0037] In some implementations, the engine configuration scheme can identify specific cylinders to be controlled. For example, the engine configuration scheme can indicate that the first group of cylinders 114 is active and / or the second group of cylinders 114 is inactive. As another example, the engine configuration scheme can indicate that the first group of cylinders 114 receives and / or flows gas, and / or the second group of cylinders 114 does not receive and / or flows gas from the air intake system 116 and / or the EGR system 120. In yet another example, the engine configuration scheme can indicate that one group of cylinders 114 is active and receives and / or flows gas, and can also indicate that the second group of cylinders 114 is inactive and receives and / or flows gas, and / or the third group of cylinders 114 is inactive and does not receive and / or flows gas.

[0038] In some implementations, and in other embodiments, the engine configuration scheme may indicate configuration information regarding one or more other components of the engine 110, such as the location of one or more components of the turbocharger of the engine 110, the location of the throttle valve of the air intake system 116, and / or the target steering amount associated with the EGR system 120.

[0039] In some implementations, to determine an engine configuration scheme, the engine optimization controller 144 can process the corresponding values ​​of the set of input parameters to determine multiple sets of potential output parameters associated with the engine 110. A set of potential output parameters may include some or all of the same parameters as the set of input parameters. For example, the set of potential output parameters may include the BMEP associated with the engine 110, the IMEP associated with the engine 110, and / or the FMEP associated with the engine 110, as well as other examples as described above. A set of potential output parameters may be associated with potential engine configuration schemes, and the engine optimization controller 144 can determine the corresponding values ​​of the set of potential output parameters by processing the corresponding values ​​of the set of input parameters according to the potential engine configuration schemes using an engine model. Therefore, the engine optimization controller 144 can use an engine model to process the corresponding values ​​of the set of input parameters according to multiple potential engine configuration schemes to determine multiple sets of potential output parameters.

[0040] The engine optimization controller 144 can select a set of potential output parameters from a plurality of sets of potential output parameters, which will provide preferred (e.g., optimal) performance (e.g., when used to control engine 110). For example, in other embodiments, the engine optimization controller 144 can select a set of potential output parameters that provide preferred torque associated with engine 110, preferred amount of pollution associated with exhaust gas of engine 110, preferred amount of noise associated with engine 110, and / or preferred amount of mechanical vibration associated with engine 110, etc. Therefore, the engine optimization controller 144 can select a potential engine configuration scheme associated with the selected set of potential output parameters as an engine configuration scheme (e.g., an engine configuration scheme for controlling engine 110).

[0041] The engine model may include artificial neural networks (ANNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), long short-term memory (LSTM) models, self-attention neural network models, RNN models, LSTM models, or combinations thereof. The engine model may be trained (e.g., before receiving and / or determining corresponding values ​​for that set of input parameters) using one or more training values ​​(e.g., historical values) of one or more parameters of the engine and / or parameters specific to cylinder 114 and / or fuel injector 126, said training values ​​being used to determine multiple sets of potential output parameters. The training values ​​of this set of input parameters may correspond to various values ​​of a set of input parameters to be processed by the engine model to determine multiple sets of potential output parameters. The training values ​​of this set of input parameters may be based on values ​​from multiple different calibrations used to optimize the operating engine.

[0042] The engine optimization controller 144 can provide the controller 140 with an engine configuration scheme (e.g., a selected potential engine configuration scheme associated with a selected set of potential output parameters). Therefore, the controller 140 can control one or more components of the engine 110, such as the cylinder 114 and / or the fuel injector 126, according to the engine configuration scheme.

[0043] For example, controller 140 can enable the first group of cylinders of cylinder 114 and / or disable the second group of cylinders of cylinder 114. Therefore, controller 140 can (e.g., by sending one or more control signals to control device 210) cause fuel injector 126 to supply fuel to the first group of cylinders and disable fuel supply to the second group of cylinders. As another example, controller 140 can enable the first group of cylinders of cylinder 114 to receive and / or flow gas, and / or disable the second group of cylinders 114 to receive and / or not flow gas. Therefore, controller 140 can (e.g., by sending one or more control signals to control device 210) position the corresponding valve associated with the first group of cylinders (e.g., in an "open" position) to allow the first group of cylinders to receive and / or flow gas, and / or position the corresponding valve associated with the second group of cylinders (e.g., in a "closed" position) to prevent the second group of cylinders from receiving and / or flowing gas.

[0044] As an additional example, controller 140 may enable a first group of cylinders of cylinder 114 (e.g., receiving fuel from fuel injector 126) and receive gas via a corresponding valve associated with the first group of cylinders; disable a second group of cylinders of cylinder 114 (e.g., not receiving fuel from fuel injector 126) and receive gas via a corresponding valve associated with the second group of cylinders; and / or disable a third group of cylinders of cylinder 114 (e.g., not receiving fuel from fuel injector 126) and not receive gas via a corresponding valve associated with the third group of cylinders. The number of cylinders in the first group, the second group, and / or the third group may be represented by engine configuration schemes. Therefore, controller 140 may control one or more gas flows and / or one or more fuel flows to cylinder 114, enabling engine 110 to provide optimal performance with respect to one or more parameters of that set of input parameters.

[0045] Figure 2 The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown are provided as examples. In reality, with... Figure 2 Compared to the equipment shown, there may be more equipment, fewer equipment, different equipment, or equipment arranged differently. Furthermore, Figure 2 The two or more devices shown can be implemented within a single device, or Figure 2 The single device shown can be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Alternatively or additionally, a group of devices in environment 200 (e.g., one or more devices) can perform one or more functions described as being performed by another group of devices in environment 200.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of an engine model 300 that can be used by an engine optimization controller 144. As shown, the neural network 300 has an input layer 310, one or more intermediate layers 320 (referred to herein individually as "intermediate layers 320", and collectively as "multiple intermediate layers 320"), and an output layer 330. As described herein, the exemplary engine model 300 may receive a set of input parameters (e.g., engine values) as input to the input layer 310, use the intermediate layers 320 to process the values ​​of that set of input parameters and determine multiple sets of potential output parameters (e.g., according to corresponding potential engine configuration schemes), and select and / or provide a preferred (e.g., optimal) set of potential output parameters via the output layer 330. Therefore, the engine optimization controller 144 can select a potential engine configuration scheme associated with the preferred set of potential output parameters as an engine configuration scheme and provide it to the controller 140.

[0047] exist Figure 3In the example, input layer 310 receives IMAP, fuel mass flow rate, multiple enabled cylinders 114, and gas flow from multiple cylinders 114 as inputs to engine model 300. The inputs may correspond to a set of measured parameters of the engine (e.g., engine 110) during engine operation. Engine model 300 may use intermediate layers (e.g., hidden layers) to determine multiple sets of potential output parameters based on the set of input parameters. For example, intermediate layers may include one or more feedforward layers and / or one or more recursive layers of a neural network to determine multiple sets of potential output parameters. One or more feedforward layers and / or recursive layers may include multiple coupled nodes that are linked according to training as described herein. In this way, the links between nodes in intermediate layer 320 may correspond to predictions, classifications, and / or similar conditions associated with these parameters, which will lead to preferred potential output parameters and select an engine configuration scheme for controlling one or more components of the engine (e.g., associated with the optimal set of potential output parameters).

[0048] As mentioned above, providing Figure 3 As an example, other examples can be combined. Figure 3 The descriptions are different.

[0049] Figure 4This is a diagram of example configurations 400 of possible cylinder 114 (e.g., shown as six cylinders) based on different engine configuration schemes. For example, as indicated by reference numeral 410, when a first engine configuration scheme (e.g., determined by engine optimization controller 144) instructs six cylinders of cylinder 114 to be active and receiving gas, controller 140 can enable all cylinders 114 to be active and receiving gas (e.g., as indicated by rectangles without shading and patterns). In another example, as indicated by reference numeral 420, when a second engine configuration scheme (e.g., determined by engine optimization controller 144) instructs two cylinders of cylinder 114 to be active and receiving gas, and four cylinders of cylinder 114 to be inactive and receiving gas, controller 140 can select two specific cylinders of cylinder 114 and enable them to be active and receiving gas (e.g., shown by rectangles without shading and patterns) and four specific cylinders of cylinder 114 to be inactive and receiving gas (e.g., shown by rectangles with diagonal patterns). In an additional example, as shown by reference numeral 430, when a third engine configuration scheme (e.g., determined by the engine optimization controller 144) instructs three cylinders of cylinder 114 to be active and receiving gas, and three cylinders of cylinder 114 to be inactive and not receiving gas, the controller 140 can select and enable three specific cylinders of cylinder 114 to be active and receiving gas (e.g., shown by rectangles without shading and patterns) and three specific cylinders of cylinder 114 to be inactive and not receiving gas (e.g., shown by shaded rectangles). Therefore, the engine configuration scheme can enable any number of cylinders of cylinder 114 to be active and receiving gas, disable any number of cylinders to be inactive and receiving gas, and / or disable any number of cylinders to be inactive and not receiving gas.

[0050] As mentioned above, providing Figure 4 As an example, other examples can be combined. Figure 4 The descriptions are different.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 500 associated with controlling the cylinders of an engine according to an engine configuration scheme. Figure 5 One or more processing blocks can be executed by a controller (e.g., engine optimization controller 144). Figure 5 One or more processing blocks may be executed by another device or a group of devices that are separate from or include the controller, such as another controller (e.g., controller 140), control device (e.g., control device 210), sensor (e.g., sensor 220), etc.

[0052] like Figure 5As shown, process 500 may include obtaining immutable input parameters (block 505). For example, as described above, the controller may obtain immutable input parameters associated with a running engine.

[0053] Alternatively or alternatively, such as Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include obtaining variable input parameters (block 510). For example, as described above, the controller may obtain variable input parameters associated with the running engine.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, process 500 may include determining the value of an input parameter (block 515). For example, as described above, the controller may determine the value of the input parameter.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, process 500 may include determining a set of potential output parameters (block 520). For example, as described above, the controller can use an engine model to process the values ​​of input parameters to determine the set of potential output parameters.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, process 500 may include identifying a preferred set of potential output parameters (block 525). For example, as described above, the controller may select a preferred set of potential output parameters from a plurality of sets of potential output parameters.

[0057] like Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include identifying an engine configuration scheme associated with a preferred set of potential output parameters (block 530). For example, as described above, the controller may identify an engine configuration scheme associated with a preferred set of potential output parameters. The configuration scheme may indicate that a first number of cylinders in one or more cylinders of the engine are enabled and receiving gas; a second number of cylinders in one or more cylinders are disabled and receiving gas; and / or a third number of cylinders in one or more cylinders are disabled and not receiving gas.

[0058] like Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include using an engine configuration scheme to control one or more cylinders (block 535-1). For example, as described above, the controller may control one or more cylinders of the engine according to the engine configuration scheme.

[0059] Alternatively or alternatively, such as Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include controlling one or more fuel injectors using an engine configuration scheme (block 535-2). For example, as described above, the controller may control one or more fuel injectors of the engine according to the engine configuration scheme.

[0060] Alternatively or alternatively, such as Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include using an engine configuration scheme to control the turbocharger (block 535-3). For example, as described above, the controller may control the engine's turbocharger according to the engine configuration scheme.

[0061] Alternatively or alternatively, such as Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include using an engine configuration scheme to control the throttle valve (blocks 535-4). For example, as described above, the controller may control the engine's throttle valve according to the engine configuration scheme.

[0062] Process 500 may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations in conjunction with one or more other process descriptions described elsewhere herein.

[0063] Although Figure 5 An example block of process 500 is shown, but process 500 can include... Figure 5 Compared to the blocks depicted in the diagram, these may be additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged differently. Alternatively or concurrently, two or more blocks of process 500 may be executed.

[0064] Industrial applicability

[0065] The aforementioned technology allows the engine optimization controller 144 of engine 110 to determine engine configuration schemes that can be used (e.g., by controller 140) to control the cylinders 114, fuel injectors 126, and / or any other components (e.g., EGR system 120 and / or mixer 122, etc.) of engine 110. In this way, in other embodiments, the engine optimization controller 144 can allow engine 110 to be configured to provide optimal and / or preferred performance with respect to several parameters, particularly, for example, the torque provided by engine 110, the amount of contaminants in the exhaust gas of engine 110, the temperature of the exhaust gas of engine 110, and / or the load on engine 110. Such performance is not possible when using individual component configuration schemes. Furthermore, by allowing independent control over the supply of fuel or gas to each cylinder 114, engine 110 can be operated according to the actual needs of engine 110, thereby saving resources associated with operating engine 110. These resources may include consumable resources (e.g., fuel, lubricant, etc.), hardware / material resources of engine 110 components, natural resources (e.g., through emission reduction), etc.

[0066] Furthermore, using an engine model as described herein (e.g., including neural networks) allows for greater variation in the quantity and / or the values ​​of the set of input parameters used to determine the engine configuration. This enables dynamic determination of the engine configuration, which was not possible with prior techniques utilizing static mappings of cylinder configurations to various other parameters of the engine 110.

[0067] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing disclosure, or can be derived from the practice of implementation. Furthermore, any implementations described herein can be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason why one or more implementations 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 implementations. While each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes every dependent claim in combination with all other claims in the claim set.

[0068] As used herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “a group” are intended to include one or more items and are interchangeable with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items associated with the article “the” and is interchangeable with “the 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” is intended to be inclusive when used serially and is interchangeable with “and / or”, unless otherwise expressly stated (e.g., if used in combination with “one of” or “only one of”).

Claims

1. A power system comprising: One or more cylinders of an engine; One or more fuel injectors configured to inject fuel into the respective cylinders of the one or more cylinders of the engine; as well as An engine optimization controller is configured to, when the engine is running: Determine the values ​​of a set of parameters for the engine; The values ​​are processed using a neural network to determine the engine configuration scheme. The engine configuration scheme mentioned above indicates one of the following: A first number of cylinders in the one or more cylinders are activated and receive gas. The second number of cylinders in the one or more cylinders is inactive and receives gas, or A third number of the one or more cylinders is inactive and does not receive gas; as well as The engine configuration scheme is provided to another controller so that the other controller controls the one or more cylinders and the one or more fuel injectors according to the engine configuration scheme.

2. The powertrain of claim 1, wherein the engine optimization controller is configured to, when processing the value to determine the engine configuration scheme: The value is input into the input layer of the neural network; The neural network is configured to select the engine configuration scheme through one or more feedforward layers or one or more recursive layers. as well as The engine configuration scheme is obtained from the output layer of the neural network.

3. The power system as described in any one of claims 1-2, wherein, Before determining the values ​​of the set of parameters, the neural network is configured by training the neural network using historical training values ​​of the set of parameters.

4. The power system as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The engine optimization controller provides the engine configuration scheme to the other controller so that: One or more valves associated with a first group of cylinders in the one or more cylinders are positioned to allow gas flow into the first group of cylinders; and One or more valves associated with a second group of cylinders in the one or more cylinders are positioned to prevent gas flow into the second group of cylinders.

5. The power system as described in any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The engine optimization controller provides the engine configuration scheme to the other controller so that: The first group of cylinders in the one or more cylinders receives fuel from the one or more fuel injectors and receives gas via a valve associated with the first group of cylinders. The number of cylinders in the first group is equal to the number of cylinders in the first quantity; The second group of cylinders in the one or more cylinders does not receive fuel from the one or more fuel injectors and receives gas via a valve associated with the second group of cylinders. The number of cylinders in the second group is equal to the number of cylinders in the second quantity; as well as The third group of cylinders in the one or more cylinders does not receive fuel from the one or more fuel injectors and does not receive gas via the valve associated with the third group of cylinders. The number of cylinders in the third group is equal to the number of cylinders in the third quantity.

6. A method for controlling an engine, comprising: The controller obtains a set of parameters for the running engine; The controller determines the values ​​of the set of parameters; The controller processes the values ​​using a neural network to determine the engine configuration scheme. The engine configuration scheme indicates that the first subgroup of cylinders in a group of cylinders of the engine is active and gas is flowing, and indicates at least one of the following: The second subgroup of cylinders in the group is not in use and the gas is flowing, or The third subgroup of cylinders in the aforementioned group is inactive and does not allow gas flow; and The controller controls one or more cylinders and one or more fuel injectors of the engine according to the engine configuration scheme.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more cylinders and one or more fuel injectors are controlled according to the engine configuration to: The first subgroup of cylinders receives fuel and gas. The second subgroup of cylinders does not receive fuel but receives gas, or The third subgroup of cylinders does not receive fuel or gas.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein, According to the engine configuration scheme, control the one or more cylinders and the one or more fuel injectors of the engine, so that the one or more fuel injectors supply fuel to the first subgroup of cylinders.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein, According to the engine configuration scheme, control one or more cylinders and one or more fuel injectors of the engine so that the one or more fuel injectors do not supply fuel to the second subgroup of cylinders and the third subgroup of cylinders.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6-9, wherein, Controlling one or more cylinders and one or more fuel injectors of the engine according to the engine configuration scheme to: One or more valves associated with the first subgroup cylinders are positioned to allow gas flow to the first subgroup cylinders; and One or more valves associated with the second subgroup cylinders are configured to allow gas flow to the second subgroup cylinders.

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