Method, apparatus and computer readable storage medium for controlling gas injection

Abstract

The application provides a method, device and computer readable storage medium for controlling gas injection. In the scheme, operation condition data of a multi-cylinder natural gas engine is acquired, and whether the multi-cylinder natural gas engine meets a low load operation condition is determined according to the operation condition data; in the case of meeting the low load operation condition, an injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is controlled to switch from a first injection mode to a second injection mode, and meanwhile, the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode is adjusted to a corresponding set energizing time, wherein the first injection mode is a mode in which all injection valves inject, and the second injection mode is a mode in which part of the injection valves inject. In the scheme, the problem that the multi-cylinder natural gas engine in the prior art has a high risk of misfire and burning of engine oil under a low load condition is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of engine control technology, and more specifically, to a method, apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and electronic device for controlling gas injection. Background Technology

[0002] Natural gas engines are equipped with gas injection valves. Taking a six-cylinder natural gas engine as an example, it typically has six gas injection valves. When the engine is under low load conditions such as low idle speed, the required gas flow is small, so the energizing time of each gas injection valve is short. According to the injection characteristics of the gas injection valves, the injection accuracy is low under short energizing time conditions, which can lead to excessively rich or lean gas in the engine cylinders, causing engine misfire, and even causing engine oil to be drawn back into the cylinders, resulting in oil burning.

[0003] These defects not only affect the normal operation of the engine, reducing its performance and efficiency, but also shorten its service life and increase maintenance costs. Therefore, a more effective injection control strategy is needed to improve the accuracy of gas injection under low-load conditions to avoid engine misfires and oil burning problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a method, apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and electronic device for controlling gas injection, so as to at least solve the problem of high risk of misfire and oil burning in multi-cylinder natural gas engines under low load conditions in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of this application, a method for controlling gas injection is provided, comprising: acquiring operating condition data of a multi-cylinder natural gas engine, and determining whether the multi-cylinder natural gas engine meets low-load operating conditions based on the operating condition data; if the low-load operating conditions are met, controlling the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from a first injection mode to a second injection mode, and simultaneously adjusting the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode to a corresponding set energizing time, wherein the first injection mode is a mode in which all injection valves inject, and the second injection mode is a mode in which some injection valves inject.

[0006] Optionally, when the low-load operating conditions are met, the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is switched from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, and the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode is adjusted to the corresponding set energizing time. This includes: when switching from the first cylinder performing injection to the second injection mode, increasing the energizing time of the injection valve of the first cylinder and the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to a preset multiple, and adjusting the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders not performing injection to zero; when switching from the second cylinder not performing injection to the second injection mode, keeping the energizing time of the injection valve of the second cylinder unchanged, increasing the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to the preset multiple, and adjusting the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders not performing injection to zero.

[0007] Optionally, the method further includes: when the low-load operating conditions are not met, controlling the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, and simultaneously adjusting the energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode to the corresponding preset energizing time.

[0008] Optionally, if the low-load operating conditions are not met, the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is switched from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, and the energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode is adjusted to the corresponding preset energizing time. This includes: when switching from the third cylinder performing injection to the first injection mode, adjusting the energizing time of the injection valve of the third cylinder to the first energizing time, and adjusting the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode; when switching from the fourth cylinder not performing injection to the first injection mode, adjusting the energizing time of the injection valve of the fourth cylinder to the second energizing time, and adjusting the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode.

[0009] Optionally, the method further includes: determining a compensation power-on time as the difference between the preset power-on time of the injection valve of the first prior cylinder and the preset power-on time of the injection valve of the second prior cylinder, wherein the number of the first prior cylinder is one position before the number of the third cylinder, the number of the second prior cylinder is two positions before the number of the third cylinder, and the numbering of all cylinders satisfies a preset numbering order; determining the first power-on time as the sum of the preset power-on time of the injection valve of the third cylinder in the first injection mode and the compensation power-on time; and determining the second power-on time as the difference between the preset power-on time of the injection valve of the fourth cylinder in the first injection mode and the preset power-on time of the injection valve of the cylinder whose number precedes the fourth cylinder's in the first injection mode.

[0010] Optionally, before controlling the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, the method includes: dividing all injection valves into a first injection valve group and a second injection valve group; the method includes, when the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is operating in the second injection mode, the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group alternately perform injection.

[0011] Optionally, when the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is operating in the second injection mode, the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group alternately perform injection, including: setting a counter, incrementing the counter by one when switching to the second injection mode once; when the accumulated value of the counter reaches a preset threshold, switching the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group to perform injection, while the counter is reset to zero and starts counting again.

[0012] According to another aspect of this application, a device for controlling gas injection is provided, comprising: an acquisition unit, configured to acquire operating condition data of a multi-cylinder natural gas engine, and determine whether the multi-cylinder natural gas engine meets low-load operating conditions based on the operating condition data; and a control unit, configured to, when the low-load operating conditions are met, control the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from a first injection mode to a second injection mode, and simultaneously adjust the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode to a corresponding set energizing time, wherein the first injection mode is a mode in which all injection valves inject, and the second injection mode is a mode in which some injection valves inject.

[0013] According to another aspect of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform any of the described methods for controlling gas injection.

[0014] According to another aspect of this application, an electronic device is provided, comprising: one or more processors, a memory, and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including methods for performing any of the described methods for controlling gas injection.

[0015] This application utilizes the technical solution to acquire operating condition data of a multi-cylinder natural gas engine and determine whether the engine meets low-load operating conditions based on this data. If the low-load operating conditions are met, the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is switched from a first injection mode to a second injection mode. Simultaneously, the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode is adjusted to the corresponding set energizing time. The first injection mode involves all injection valves, while the second injection mode involves only a portion of the injection valves. This solution determines whether low-load operating conditions are met based on the engine's operating conditions. If so, the engine injection mode is switched from the first injection mode (all injection valves) to the second injection mode (partial injection valves), and the energizing time of the injection valves is adjusted accordingly. This optimizes the gas injection accuracy under low-load conditions, thereby solving the problem of high misfire and oil burning risks in existing multi-cylinder natural gas engines under low-load conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for performing a method of controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a method for controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a specific method for controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a transition from a six-valve, six-injection mode to a three-valve, three-injection mode in a specific method for controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a transition from a three-valve, three-injection mode to a six-valve, six-injection mode in a specific method for controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 A structural block diagram of a device for controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0023] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0024] 102. Processor; 104. Memory; 106. Transmission device; 108. Input / output device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0027] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0028] As described in the background section, in existing multi-cylinder natural gas engines, the energization time of the gas injection valve is short and the injection accuracy is low under low load conditions such as low idling speed. This can lead to excessively rich or lean gas in the engine cylinder, causing engine misfire, and even causing oil to be drawn back into the cylinder, resulting in oil burning. To solve the problem of high risk of misfire and oil burning in existing multi-cylinder natural gas engines under low load conditions, embodiments of this application provide a method, apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and electronic device for controlling gas injection.

[0029] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] The methods and embodiments provided in this application can be executed on a mobile terminal, computer terminal, or similar computing device. Taking running on a mobile terminal as an example, Figure 1 This is a hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for a method of controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a mobile terminal may include one or more ( Figure 1 Only one is shown in the diagram. A processor 102 (which may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA, etc.) and a memory 104 for storing data are also shown. The mobile terminal may further include a transmission device 106 for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the mobile terminal described above. For example, the mobile terminal may also include components that are more... Figure 1 The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 1 The different configurations shown.

[0031] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the device information display method in this embodiment of the invention. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 104, thereby implementing the above-described method. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory and non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to the mobile terminal via a network. Examples of the aforementioned networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof. The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the aforementioned networks may include wireless networks provided by the mobile terminal's communication provider. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a network interface controller (NIC), which can be connected to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In one example, the transmission device 106 may be a radio frequency (RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0032] This embodiment provides a method for controlling gas injection that runs on a mobile terminal, computer terminal, or similar computing device. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Also, although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0034] Step S201: Obtain the operating condition data of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine, and determine whether the multi-cylinder natural gas engine meets the low-load operating conditions based on the operating condition data.

[0035] Specifically, a multi-cylinder natural gas engine is a natural gas engine with multiple cylinders, such as six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. These engines are typically equipped with multiple gas injection valves for injecting natural gas mixed with air during the intake stroke of each cylinder for subsequent combustion. Step S201 involves acquiring various parameters and indicators of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine (hereinafter referred to as the engine) during its operating state, i.e., operating condition data, including whether the engine started successfully, engine speed, intake air volume, and the energizing time of each injection valve. The aforementioned operating condition data is collected by sensors in the engine control system and processed by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

[0036] After acquiring the operating condition data, this data is analyzed and processed to determine whether the engine meets the low-load operating conditions, that is, whether the engine is in a low idle speed or low-load condition. The low-load operating conditions include four conditions: successful engine start, engine speed less than the set speed threshold, intake air charge less than the set intake air charge threshold, and the energizing time of a single injection valve less than the set energizing time threshold. If all four conditions are met simultaneously, the engine is determined to be in a low-load operating condition, thereby triggering the subsequent injection mode switching.

[0037] By acquiring operating condition data of multi-cylinder natural gas engines, it is possible to accurately determine whether the engine is operating under low load. This provides a data foundation for subsequent injection mode optimization, ensuring the accuracy of control decisions.

[0038] Furthermore, neural network models can be used to predict the engine's upcoming operating conditions in real time. First, engine operating parameters, such as speed and intake pressure, are collected. Then, the constructed neural network model (LSTM Long Short-Term Memory network) is trained using this data to optimize the model parameters and ensure accurate prediction of the engine's upcoming operating conditions. In actual operation, the neural network model predicts the trend of operating condition changes over a future period based on real-time monitored engine parameters. For example, it predicts whether the engine is about to enter a low-load operating condition. This allows for pre-adaptive switching of the injection mode before the change in operating conditions is predicted, rather than switching only after the engine has already entered a low-load condition. This reduces system latency, improves control accuracy and response speed, and ensures efficient and stable engine operation under various conditions. In addition, the real-time feedback and adaptive learning mechanism of the neural network model can continuously optimize as engine operating data accumulates, better adapting to complex and changing operating environments.

[0039] Step S202: Under the condition of satisfying the above-mentioned low-load operation, control the injection mode of the above-mentioned multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, and at the same time adjust the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode to the corresponding set energizing time. The first injection mode is the mode in which all injection valves inject, and the second injection mode is the mode in which some injection valves inject.

[0040] Specifically, when an engine operates under low load conditions, its fuel demand decreases significantly. Switching from a first injection mode (all injection valves) to a second injection mode (partial injection valves) reduces the number of operating injection valves, thereby increasing the energizing time of each valve and improving fuel injection precision. This switching strategy directly addresses the issue of insufficient injection precision due to short energizing times, effectively preventing engine misfires caused by excessively rich or lean fuel mixtures in the cylinders, and preventing oil backflow into the cylinders that causes oil burning. Reducing the number of injection valves not only optimizes the fuel injection process, ensuring stable engine operation and improving efficiency, but also reduces mechanical wear and extends the lifespan of the injection valves by decreasing their frequent operation, thus lowering engine maintenance costs.

[0041] The injection characteristics of a gas injection valve indicate a close relationship between its injection accuracy and the energizing time. Specifically, injection valves typically exhibit high injection accuracy within a medium to large energizing time range. This is because, within this range, the valves inside the injection valve can open and close more stably, allowing for more uniform control of gas flow. However, when the energizing time is very short, i.e., in the short energizing time range, the opening and closing process of the valves inside the injection valve becomes unstable. The valve response time leads to a significant deviation between the actual gas injection quantity and the target quantity. Furthermore, an extremely short energizing time may not be sufficient for the injection valve to fully open, or the transition time between opening and closing may result in unstable gas injection quantity. In other words, in the short energizing time range, due to the limitations of valve opening time and the instability of response time, the gas injection valve cannot precisely control the required amount of injected gas, leading to an excessively rich or lean mixture in the cylinder, affecting the engine's ignition and combustion efficiency. An excessively rich or lean mixture may further lead to engine misfire, incomplete combustion, and, in extreme cases, oil backflow into the cylinder, resulting in oil burning.

[0042] In summary, when the engine operates under low-load conditions such as low idling speed, the control system shortens the energizing time of the injection valve due to the reduced demand for fuel gas. However, an excessively short energizing time can lead to a decrease in the injection accuracy of the injection valve, thereby affecting the stability and efficiency of the engine. Therefore, this embodiment optimizes the control of the energizing time to ensure that high fuel injection accuracy can still be maintained under low-load conditions.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the engine meets low-load operating conditions, the engine's injection mode switches from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, that is, from a mode in which all injection valves perform injection to a mode in which only some injection valves perform injection. For example, for a six-cylinder engine, the first injection mode is six valves and six injections, and the second injection mode is three valves and three injections; for an eight-cylinder engine, the first injection mode is eight valves and eight injections, and the second injection mode is four valves and four injections.

[0044] When switching to the second injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valves involved in injection is adjusted. With a reduced number of injection valves, the energizing time of the injection valves is adjusted accordingly, i.e., the energizing time of the injection valves is increased. This ensures that the total injection volume meets the engine's requirements, while improving injection accuracy and reducing uneven injection caused by the injection valves operating with shorter energizing times.

[0045] In summary, under low-load conditions, by reducing the number of injection valves involved in injection and increasing the energizing time of the injection valves, the injection accuracy of the injection valves can be significantly improved, avoiding engine misfires or oil burning, thereby ensuring stable engine operation under low load.

[0046] In the specific implementation process, under the aforementioned low-load operating conditions, the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is switched from the first injection mode to the second injection mode. Simultaneously, the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode is adjusted to the corresponding set energizing time. This includes: when switching from the first cylinder performing injection to the second injection mode, increasing the energizing time of the injection valve of the first cylinder and all subsequent cylinders performing injection to a preset multiple, and adjusting the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders not performing injection to zero; when switching from the second cylinder not performing injection to the second injection mode, keeping the energizing time of the injection valve of the second cylinder unchanged, increasing the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to the aforementioned preset multiple, and adjusting the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders not performing injection to zero.

[0047] The above content further details how to optimize the injection mode by adjusting the energizing time of the injection valve, including two cases: one is switching from the first cylinder that performs injection to the second injection mode, and the other is switching from the second cylinder that does not perform injection to the second injection mode.

[0048] If the second injection mode is switched from the first cylinder performing injection, the energizing time of the injection valve in the first cylinder, as well as the energizing time of the injection valves in all subsequent cylinders performing injection, is adjusted to a preset multiple. In this embodiment, the preset multiple is double, increasing the energizing time to improve injection accuracy and avoid engine misfires and oil burning. Simultaneously, the energizing time of the injection valves in all subsequent cylinders not performing injection is adjusted to zero, meaning these injection valves will not perform injection tasks to avoid unnecessary gas injection and maintain smooth injection mode switching.

[0049] If the second injection mode is switched from the second cylinder that is not performing injection, the energizing time of the injection valve in the second cylinder remains unchanged. This is because if the injection valve in the second cylinder does not perform injection after the switch, it may cause a drop in engine speed. Therefore, the switch to the second injection mode is delayed by one scheduling step. For the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders that perform injection, their energizing time is also doubled to ensure that the energizing time of these injection valves in the second injection mode is long enough to improve injection accuracy. Similarly, the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders that do not perform injection will be adjusted to zero to ensure the continuity and stability of injection mode switching.

[0050] Whether switching from the first cylinder that performs injection to the second injection mode or from the second cylinder that does not perform injection, the goal is to reduce engine speed fluctuations caused by excessively rich or lean injected gas during the switching process when the engine is running at low load, thereby improving injection accuracy and consistency, preventing engine misfires and oil burning problems, and ensuring injection uniformity and engine performance continuity.

[0051] Furthermore, in the second injection mode, an adaptive combustion adjustment and feedback control mechanism can be introduced. Combustion state sensors, such as knock sensors or combustion pressure sensors, are installed in each cylinder to monitor the combustion state in real time, including parameters such as combustion temperature, combustion pressure, and combustion duration. Using a preset adaptive adjustment algorithm, this algorithm can adjust the energizing time of each working injection valve in real time based on the data fed back from the combustion state sensors to optimize the combustion process. For example, if the combustion temperature of a certain cylinder is detected to be lower than expected, the adaptive adjustment algorithm can compensate by increasing the energizing time of that injection valve, ensuring the optimal air-fuel mixture ratio in the cylinder, thereby improving combustion efficiency. By setting a closed-loop feedback control strategy, this strategy can not only adjust the injection parameters in real time according to the combustion state, but also feed the adjusted combustion results back to the control system for reference in the next adjustment, forming a continuous optimization process. Such a feedback control loop can ensure that the engine maintains optimal combustion state under dynamically changing operating conditions, improving engine stability and economy. Based on this, combined with machine learning techniques, such as neural networks or support vector machines, the algorithm learns from historical combustion data and gradually optimizes and adjusts itself to adapt to a wider range of operating conditions and environmental conditions.

[0052] To adapt to the engine's higher fuel demand, the method further includes: when the low-load operating conditions are not met, controlling the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, and simultaneously adjusting the energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode to the corresponding preset energizing time.

[0053] By monitoring engine operating data in real time, when the engine does not meet low-load operating conditions—for example, when the engine speed exceeds a set speed threshold or the intake air volume is greater than a set intake charge threshold—it indicates that the engine has entered or is transitioning to a medium-to-high load condition. In this case, the engine's injection mode needs to be switched from the second injection mode (where only some injection valves are active) to the first injection mode (where all injection valves are active). In other words, taking a six-cylinder engine as an example, the three injection valves that were previously not active are reactivated, and all six injection valves participate in the gas injection process to adapt to the engine's current higher fuel demand. When switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, the energizing time of each injection valve is adjusted to match the current operating conditions to maintain efficient and stable engine operation.

[0054] The entire process described above demonstrates the dynamic matching between the injection mode and the engine's operating conditions. This means that the injection mode and the corresponding injection valve energizing time can be adjusted according to the engine's actual operating state to achieve the optimal fuel supply strategy. At low loads, it switches to a second injection mode where only some injection valves are engaged to improve injection accuracy and control performance; while at medium to high loads, it switches to a first injection mode where all injection valves are engaged to meet higher fuel demands and maintain stable engine operation.

[0055] In the specific implementation process, there are two scenarios for switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode: one is switching from the third cylinder performing injection to the first injection mode, and the other is switching from the fourth cylinder not performing injection to the first injection mode. Specifically, when switching from the third cylinder performing injection to the first injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valve of the third cylinder is adjusted to the first energizing time, and the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection is adjusted to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode. When switching from the fourth cylinder not performing injection to the first injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valve of the fourth cylinder is adjusted to the second energizing time, and the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection is adjusted to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode.

[0056] The above content further explains that when switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode under conditions that do not meet low-load operating requirements, different power-on times are adjusted according to whether the cylinder being switched in is performing injection, in order to ensure a smooth transition and the continuity of engine performance.

[0057] When switching from the third cylinder performing injection to the first injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valve in the third cylinder is adjusted to the first energizing time. This first energizing time ensures that the gas injection quantity of the third cylinder can smoothly transition to the injection level of the first injection mode when switching from the second injection mode. Furthermore, the energizing time of all subsequent injection valves is adjusted to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode. That is, in the first injection mode, the energizing time of each injection valve is adjusted to match the current engine operating conditions, ensuring that all cylinders can inject gas evenly and accurately after switching, meeting the engine's needs under medium-to-high load conditions.

[0058] Specifically, the method further includes: determining the difference between the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the first prior cylinder and the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the second prior cylinder as a compensation energizing time, wherein the number of the first prior cylinder is one position before the number of the third cylinder, the number of the second prior cylinder is two positions before the number of the third cylinder, and the numbers of all cylinders satisfy a preset numbering order; and determining the sum of the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the third cylinder in the first injection mode and the compensation energizing time as the first energizing time.

[0059] The above content explains the process of determining the first energizing time. To facilitate understanding, a specific example will be used below to demonstrate this process. Taking a six-cylinder engine as an example, the six cylinders are first numbered sequentially as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 according to a preset numbering order. In the first injection mode, the preset energizing times for the injection valves of the six cylinders are ti_0, ti_1, ti_2, ti_3, ti_4, and ti_5, respectively. These energizing times reflect the time necessary to ensure a uniform and precise gas injection quantity for each cylinder under this operating condition.

[0060] When switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, and the currently injecting cylinder is the third cylinder (let's say cylinder number 2), a compensation energizing time needs to be calculated for a smooth transition. The compensation energizing time is determined based on the difference in energizing times of the injection valves of the two preceding cylinders (i.e., cylinders numbered 1 and 0), i.e., ti_1 - ti_0. This difference reflects the natural trend of energizing times of the injection valves between adjacent cylinders in the first injection mode and serves as the basis for adjusting the energizing time of the third cylinder's injection valve.

[0061] Based on the preset energizing time (ti_2) of the injection valve in cylinder 2 under the first injection mode and the calculated compensation energizing time (ti_1-ti_0), the first energizing time is determined as ti_2+(ti_1-ti_0). The essence of this operation is to ensure that the injection valve of cylinder 3 can immediately adapt to the injection requirements of the first injection mode when switching from the second to the first injection mode. By adding the compensation energizing time to its preset energizing time, the continuity and stability of the gas injection quantity are ensured, avoiding sudden changes in gas injection quantity due to mode switching, thereby preventing fluctuations in engine performance, such as unstable engine speed, misfire, or oil burning.

[0062] Similarly, when switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, if the cylinder currently performing injection is cylinder number 4, the compensation energizing time is determined based on the difference in energizing time of the injection valves of the two preceding cylinders (i.e., cylinders number 3 and 2), i.e., ti_3-ti_2. Based on the preset energizing time (i.e., ti_4) of the injection valve of cylinder number 4 in the first injection mode and the compensation energizing time (i.e., ti_3-ti_2) calculated above, the first energizing time is determined as ti_4+(ti_3-ti_2).

[0063] Through the above steps, it can be clearly seen that the logic for determining the first energizing time is based on the precise control of cylinder injection demand during engine injection mode switching and reasonable compensation for changes in the energizing time of the injection valve, so as to ensure the continuity and stability of engine performance and improve the automation level of the entire switching process.

[0064] The above describes the scenario of switching from a cylinder performing injection to the first injection mode. Next, we will describe the scenario of switching from a cylinder not performing injection to the first injection mode. Specifically, when switching from the fourth cylinder (which is not performing injection) to the first injection mode, the energizing time of the fourth cylinder's injection valve is adjusted to the second energizing time. This second energizing time setting allows the fourth cylinder to smoothly transition from not performing injection to starting injection. Simultaneously, the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection is adjusted to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode. Similar to the energizing time adjustment strategy for switching from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, this adjustment aims to ensure that after the engine switches to the first injection mode, all cylinders can quickly adapt to the new operating conditions, injecting gas evenly and accurately, thus maintaining stable engine performance.

[0065] Taking the aforementioned six-cylinder engine as an example, the six cylinders are numbered sequentially as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 according to a preset numbering sequence. In the first injection mode, the preset energizing times of the injection valves for the six cylinders are ti_0, ti_1, ti_2, ti_3, ti_4, and ti_5, respectively. When switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, if the cylinder currently not performing injection is the fourth cylinder (assuming it's number 3), a second energizing time needs to be calculated to ensure a smooth transition and consider the initial state of the fourth cylinder's injection valve. The second energizing time is determined by the difference between the preset energizing time of the fourth cylinder's injection valve in the first injection mode (i.e., ti_3) and the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the cylinder preceding the fourth cylinder (i.e., number 2) in the first injection mode (i.e., ti_2). The second energizing time is ti_3 - ti_2. The calculation logic for the second energizing time is that, since the injection valve of the fourth cylinder does not inject before switching, its injection valve is in a closed state or not fully ready. Therefore, by calculating the difference between the preset energizing time (i.e., ti_3) of the injection valve of the fourth cylinder in the first injection mode and the preset energizing time (i.e., ti_2) of the injection valve of cylinder number 2 in the first injection mode, a transition time can be provided for the injection valve of the fourth cylinder to help it quickly adjust to the normal working state in the first injection mode, so as to maintain the continuity and uniformity of gas injection and thus avoid engine performance fluctuations.

[0066] Similarly, when switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, if the cylinder that is not currently performing injection is cylinder number 5, the difference between the preset energizing time (i.e., ti_5) of the injection valve of cylinder number 5 in the first injection mode and the preset energizing time (i.e., ti_4) of the injection valve of cylinder number 4 in the first injection mode is determined as the second energizing time, which is ti_5-ti_4.

[0067] In summary, the purpose of both switching strategies is to quickly and smoothly switch from the second injection mode to the first injection mode when the engine operating conditions change. By adjusting the power-on time, the changes in the amount of gas injected under different injection modes are compensated, preventing engine performance fluctuations such as sudden speed changes, misfires, or oil burning, and ensuring that the engine can maintain efficient and stable operation under any operating conditions.

[0068] To maintain the consistency of the injection valves, extend their service life, and ensure the uniformity of the injection in the six cylinders, before switching the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, the method includes: dividing all injection valves into a first injection valve group and a second injection valve group; the method includes, when the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is operating in the second injection mode, the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group alternately perform injection.

[0069] Specifically, before switching the multi-cylinder natural gas engine from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, all injection valves are first divided into two groups: the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group. This grouping is based on cylinder number; for example, the injection valves of cylinders numbered 0, 2, and 4 are assigned to the first injection valve group, while the injection valves of cylinders numbered 1, 3, and 5 are assigned to the second injection valve group. The purpose of this grouping is to ensure that injection tasks are allocated in an orderly and fair manner in the second injection mode, avoiding overuse of the same group of injection valves.

[0070] When the engine is operating in the second injection mode, the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group alternately perform injection tasks. This means that in one cycle, the first injection valve group (e.g., the injection valves of cylinders numbered 0, 2, and 4) will perform injection, while the second injection valve group (e.g., the injection valves of cylinders numbered 1, 3, and 5) will pause injection; in the next cycle, the second injection valve group will perform injection, while the first injection valve group will pause injection.

[0071] By alternating between two sets of injection valves, a single set of injection valves can be prevented from operating under high load for extended periods, thereby extending the service life of the injection valves and reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, under low-load conditions, alternating injection ensures that each cylinder of the engine receives uniform gas injection at different times, avoiding uneven injection caused by sudden changes in injection patterns, and ensuring smooth engine operation and efficiency.

[0072] In summary, grouping the injection valves and setting an alternating execution strategy before switching from the first injection mode to the second injection mode is designed to address the injection accuracy issues that the engine may face under low idling or low-load conditions. This strategy not only optimizes the operating conditions of the injection valves and improves their injection accuracy in shorter energization times, but also effectively reduces the risk of engine misfires and oil burning. Furthermore, the alternating execution maintains injection uniformity, extends the service life of the injection valves, and improves the overall operating efficiency and performance stability of the engine system.

[0073] In the specific implementation process, when the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is running in the second injection mode, the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group alternately perform injection, including: setting a counter, incrementing the counter by one when switching to the second injection mode once; when the accumulated value of the counter reaches a preset threshold, switching the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group to perform injection, while the counter is reset to zero and starts counting again.

[0074] To achieve alternating operation of the injection valve assembly, a counter is first introduced to track the number of cycles or injection loops the engine operates in the second injection mode. Whenever the engine operating conditions meet the requirements for switching to the second injection mode and the switch is successfully completed, the counter value automatically increments by one. This step ensures that every switch from the first to the second injection mode is recorded, providing a basis for subsequent alternation strategies.

[0075] When the counter's accumulated value reaches a preset threshold, a switch between injection valve groups is triggered. This preset threshold is set based on considerations of injection valve lifespan, wear uniformity, and engine performance requirements. Reaching the threshold means that the first injection valve group currently performing injection has reached its predetermined number of executions. At this point, the operating states of the first injection valve group (e.g., injection valves numbered 0, 2, and 4) and the second injection valve group (e.g., injection valves numbered 1, 3, and 5) are interchanged. That is, the second injection valve group, which was previously suspended from injection, begins to perform injection, while the first injection valve group suspends injection.

[0076] Alternating injection not only extends the lifespan of the injection valve and reduces maintenance costs, but also ensures uniform injection, preventing performance fluctuations in the engine under low load conditions, such as unstable speed, misfires, or oil burning. Furthermore, alternating injection helps maintain consistent operating conditions of the injection valve, ensuring stable engine operation under different injection modes and improving overall performance and efficiency.

[0077] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this application, the implementation process of the method for controlling gas injection of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0078] This embodiment relates to a specific method for controlling gas injection, such as... Figure 3As shown, taking a six-cylinder engine as an example, the engine operates in a six-valve six-injection mode (i.e., the first injection mode). It determines whether the operating conditions for switching to a three-valve three-injection mode (i.e., the second injection mode) are met. If not, the six-valve six-injection mode continues to be executed. If not, different transition strategies are selected according to different cylinder numbers to switch to the three-valve three-injection mode. In the three-valve three-injection mode, the two sets of valves alternately perform injection. When the operating conditions of the three-valve three-injection mode are met, the three-valve three-injection mode continues to be executed. When the operating conditions of the three-valve three-injection mode are not met, different transition strategies are selected according to different cylinder numbers to switch to the six-valve six-injection mode.

[0079] Specifically, when the engine operating conditions simultaneously meet four conditions—successful engine start, engine speed below a set speed threshold, intake air volume below a set intake air volume threshold, and the energizing time of a single injection valve below a set energizing time threshold—the injection mode switches from a six-valve six-injection mode to a three-valve three-injection mode. When the above conditions are not met, the injection mode switches from a three-valve three-injection mode to a six-valve six-injection mode. To ensure the consistency of the injection valves, extend their service life, and also ensure the uniformity of injection across all six cylinders, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the cylinders corresponding to the injection valves that perform injection in the three-valve three-injection mode are divided into two groups: 0, 2, 4 and 1, 3, 5. A timer is set. When the three-valve three-injection mode is switched into once, the corresponding counter is incremented by 1. When the accumulated value reaches the set threshold, the injection valve that performs injection is replaced in the above manner, and then the counter is reset to zero and the counting starts again.

[0080] During the injection mode switching process of the injection valve, a corresponding transition strategy is required to reduce engine speed fluctuations caused by excessively rich or lean fuel gas injection during the switching process. For the transition strategy, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Taking the injection valves 0, 2, and 4 in the three-valve three-injection mode as an example, the transition process from six-valve six-injection mode to three-valve three-injection mode includes two cases:

[0081] 1. If the input is started from the cylinder number corresponding to the injection valve performing the injection (taking cylinder 2 as an example), then the energizing time of the injection valve of cylinder 2 changes from ti_2 to 2*ti_2, and the energizing time of the injection valve of cylinder 3 changes from ti_3 to 0. The energizing time of the subsequent injection valve j is 2*ti_j, and the energizing time of other injection valves becomes 0.

[0082] 2. If switching to the three-valve three-injection mode from the cylinder number corresponding to an injection valve that is not performing injection (taking cylinder 3 as an example), because the injection valve of the current cylinder will not perform injection after switching, it may cause the engine speed to drop. Therefore, the switching to the three-valve three-injection mode is delayed by one scheduling step. The energizing time of the injection valve of cylinder 3 is ti_3, the energizing time of the injection valve of cylinder 4 is 2*ti_4, and the energizing time of the injection valve of cylinder 5 changes from ti_5 to 0. The energizing time of the subsequent injection valve j that performs injection is 2*ti_j, and the energizing time of other injection valves becomes 0.

[0083] The transition from a three-valve, three-injection system to a six-valve, six-injection system also involves two scenarios:

[0084] 1. If the injection valve corresponding to the cylinder number performing injection is switched off (taking cylinder 2 as an example), then the energizing time of the cylinder 2 injection valve becomes ti_2 + (ti_1 - ti_0). All subsequent injection valves j will then perform injection, with an energizing time of ti_j.

[0085] 2. If the injection valve that is not performing injection is switched off from the cylinder number (taking cylinder 3 as an example), then the energizing time of the cylinder 3 injection valve becomes ti_3-ti_2. All subsequent injection valves j will then perform injection, with an energizing time of ti_j.

[0086] In summary, this embodiment effectively addresses the injection accuracy problem encountered by the engine under low load conditions by dynamically judging and switching the injection mode in a timely manner, combined with the alternating execution strategy of the two sets of injection valves and the transition strategy adopted during mode switching. At the same time, it extends the service life of the injection valves, improves the efficiency and stability of engine operation, and provides technical support for the high-performance operation of the engine under different operating conditions.

[0087] This application also provides a device for controlling gas injection. It should be noted that the device for controlling gas injection in this application can be used to execute the method for controlling gas injection provided in this application. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments; details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that performs a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0088] The following describes the device for controlling gas injection provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a device for controlling gas injection according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6As shown, the device includes an acquisition unit 10 and a control unit 20. The acquisition unit acquires operating condition data of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine and determines whether the engine meets low-load operating conditions based on this data. The control unit, when the low-load operating conditions are met, controls the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from a first injection mode to a second injection mode, and simultaneously adjusts the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode to a corresponding set energizing time. The first injection mode is a mode where all injection valves inject, and the second injection mode is a mode where some injection valves inject.

[0090] Specifically, a multi-cylinder natural gas engine is a natural gas engine with multiple cylinders, such as six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. These engines are typically equipped with multiple gas injection valves to inject natural gas mixed with air during the intake stroke of each cylinder for subsequent combustion. The acquisition unit is responsible for acquiring various parameters and indicators of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine (hereinafter referred to as the engine) during its operating state, i.e., operating condition data, including whether the engine started successfully, engine speed, intake air volume, and the energizing time of each injection valve. This operating condition data is collected by sensors in the engine control system and processed by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

[0091] After acquiring the operating condition data, this data is analyzed and processed to determine whether the engine meets the low-load operating conditions, that is, whether the engine is in a low idle speed or low-load condition. The low-load operating conditions include four conditions: successful engine start, engine speed less than the set speed threshold, intake air charge less than the set intake air charge threshold, and the energizing time of a single injection valve less than the set energizing time threshold. If all four conditions are met simultaneously, the engine is determined to be in a low-load operating condition, thereby triggering the subsequent injection mode switching.

[0092] By acquiring operating condition data of multi-cylinder natural gas engines, it is possible to accurately determine whether the engine is operating under low load. This provides a data foundation for subsequent injection mode optimization, ensuring the accuracy of control decisions.

[0093] Under low-load operating conditions, the engine's fuel demand decreases significantly. In this state, the engine control system correspondingly reduces the energizing time of the fuel injection valves to decrease the fuel injection quantity, maintaining stable engine operation and meeting low-load requirements. However, the injection characteristics of the fuel injection valves indicate a close relationship between injection accuracy and energizing time. Specifically, injection valves typically exhibit high injection accuracy within a medium to large energizing time range. This is because within this range, the valves inside the injection valve can open and close more stably, and the fuel flow can be controlled more evenly. However, when the energizing time is very short, i.e., in the short energizing time range, the opening and closing process of the valves inside the injection valve becomes unstable, and the valve response time leads to a significant deviation between the actual fuel injection quantity and the target quantity. Furthermore, an extremely short energizing time may not be sufficient for the injection valve to fully open, or the transition time between opening and closing may result in unstable fuel injection quantity. In other words, within the short ignition time range, due to the limitations of valve opening time and the instability of response time, the gas injection valve cannot precisely control the required amount of injected gas, leading to an excessively rich or lean mixture in the cylinder, affecting the engine's ignition and combustion efficiency. An excessively rich or lean mixture can further cause engine misfire, incomplete combustion, and, in extreme cases, oil backflow into the cylinder, resulting in oil burning.

[0094] In summary, when the engine operates under low-load conditions such as low idling speed, the control system shortens the energizing time of the injection valve due to the reduced demand for fuel gas. However, an excessively short energizing time can lead to a decrease in the injection accuracy of the injection valve, thereby affecting the stability and efficiency of the engine. Therefore, this embodiment optimizes the control of the energizing time to ensure that high fuel injection accuracy can still be maintained under low-load conditions.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the engine meets low-load operating conditions, the engine's injection mode switches from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, that is, from a mode in which all injection valves perform injection to a mode in which only some injection valves perform injection. For example, for a six-cylinder engine, the first injection mode is six valves and six injections, and the second injection mode is three valves and three injections; for an eight-cylinder engine, the first injection mode is eight valves and eight injections, and the second injection mode is four valves and four injections.

[0096] When switching to the second injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valves involved in injection is adjusted. With a reduced number of injection valves, the energizing time of the injection valves is adjusted accordingly, i.e., the energizing time of the injection valves is increased. This ensures that the total injection volume meets the engine's requirements, while improving injection accuracy and reducing uneven injection caused by the injection valves operating with shorter energizing times.

[0097] In summary, under low-load conditions, by reducing the number of injection valves involved in injection and increasing the energizing time of the injection valves, the injection accuracy of the injection valves can be significantly improved, avoiding engine misfires or oil burning, thereby ensuring stable engine operation under low load.

[0098] In the specific implementation process, the control unit includes a first adjustment module and a second adjustment module. The first adjustment module is used to, when switching from the first cylinder performing injection to the second injection mode, increase the energizing time of the injection valve of the first cylinder and the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to a preset multiple, and adjust the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders not performing injection to zero. The second adjustment module is used to, when switching from the second cylinder not performing injection to the second injection mode, keep the energizing time of the injection valve of the second cylinder unchanged, increase the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to the preset multiple, and adjust the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders not performing injection to zero.

[0099] The injection mode is optimized by adjusting the energizing time of the injection valve, including two cases: one is switching from the first cylinder that performs injection to the second injection mode, and the other is switching from the second cylinder that does not perform injection to the second injection mode.

[0100] If the second injection mode is switched from the first cylinder performing injection, the energizing time of the injection valve in the first cylinder, as well as the energizing time of the injection valves in all subsequent cylinders performing injection, is adjusted to a preset multiple. In this embodiment, the preset multiple is double, increasing the energizing time to improve injection accuracy and avoid engine misfires and oil burning. Simultaneously, the energizing time of the injection valves in all subsequent cylinders not performing injection is adjusted to zero, meaning these injection valves will not perform injection tasks to avoid unnecessary gas injection and maintain smooth injection mode switching.

[0101] If the second injection mode is switched from the second cylinder that is not performing injection, the energizing time of the injection valve in the second cylinder remains unchanged. This is because if the injection valve in the second cylinder does not perform injection after the switch, it may cause a drop in engine speed. Therefore, the switch to the second injection mode is delayed by one scheduling step. For the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders that perform injection, their energizing time is also doubled to ensure that the energizing time of these injection valves in the second injection mode is long enough to improve injection accuracy. Similarly, the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders that do not perform injection will be adjusted to zero to ensure the continuity and stability of injection mode switching.

[0102] Whether switching from the first cylinder that performs injection to the second injection mode or from the second cylinder that does not perform injection, the goal is to reduce engine speed fluctuations caused by excessively rich or lean injected gas during the switching process when the engine is running at low load, thereby improving injection accuracy and consistency, preventing engine misfires and oil burning problems, and ensuring injection uniformity and engine performance continuity.

[0103] To accommodate the engine's higher fuel demands, the device also includes a low-load cut-out control unit, which controls the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from the second injection mode to the first injection mode when the low-load operating conditions are not met, and adjusts the energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode to the corresponding preset energizing time.

[0104] By monitoring engine operating data in real time, when the engine does not meet low-load operating conditions—for example, when the engine speed exceeds a set speed threshold or the intake air volume is greater than a set intake charge threshold—it indicates that the engine has entered or is transitioning to a medium-to-high load condition. In this case, the engine's injection mode needs to be switched from the second injection mode (where only some injection valves are active) to the first injection mode (where all injection valves are active). In other words, taking a six-cylinder engine as an example, the three injection valves that were previously not active are reactivated, and all six injection valves participate in the gas injection process to adapt to the engine's current higher fuel demand. When switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, the energizing time of each injection valve is adjusted to match the current operating conditions to maintain efficient and stable engine operation.

[0105] The aforementioned low-load cutoff control unit achieves dynamic matching between the injection mode and engine operating conditions. This means it can adjust the injection mode and the corresponding injection valve energizing time according to the actual engine operating state to achieve the optimal fuel supply strategy. Under low load, it switches to a second injection mode where only some injection valves perform injection to improve injection accuracy and control performance; while under medium to high load, it switches to a first injection mode where all injection valves perform injection to meet higher fuel demands and maintain stable engine operation.

[0106] In its specific implementation, the low-load cut-out control unit includes a third adjustment module and a fourth adjustment module. The third adjustment module is used to adjust the energizing time of the injection valve of the third cylinder to a first energizing time when switching from the third cylinder performing injection to the first injection mode, and to adjust the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode. The fourth adjustment module is used to adjust the energizing time of the injection valve of the fourth cylinder to a second energizing time when switching from the fourth cylinder not performing injection to the first injection mode, and to adjust the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode.

[0107] The aforementioned third and fourth adjustment modules enable different power-on times to be adjusted based on whether the cylinder being switched into injection is performing injection when switching from the second injection mode to the first injection mode under conditions where low-load operation is not met, in order to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of engine performance.

[0108] When switching from the third cylinder performing injection to the first injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valve in the third cylinder is adjusted to the first energizing time. This first energizing time ensures that the gas injection quantity of the third cylinder can smoothly transition to the injection level of the first injection mode when switching from the second injection mode. Furthermore, the energizing time of all subsequent injection valves is adjusted to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode. That is, in the first injection mode, the energizing time of each injection valve is adjusted to match the current engine operating conditions, ensuring that all cylinders can inject gas evenly and accurately after switching, meeting the engine's needs under medium-to-high load conditions.

[0109] Specifically, the aforementioned device further includes a first determining unit and a second determining unit. The first determining unit is used to determine the difference between the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the first prior cylinder and the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the second prior cylinder as a compensation energizing time, wherein the number of the first prior cylinder precedes the number of the third cylinder, the number of the second prior cylinder precedes the number of the third cylinder by two positions, and all cylinder numbers satisfy a preset numbering order; the second determining unit is used to determine the sum of the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the third cylinder in the first injection mode and the compensation energizing time as the first energizing time.

[0110] The first determining unit and the second determining unit above determine the first power-on time. For a detailed explanation, please refer to the corresponding content in the method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0111] When switching from the fourth cylinder (which is not injecting fuel) to the first injection mode, the energizing time of the fourth cylinder's injection valve is adjusted to the second energizing time. This second energizing time setting allows the fourth cylinder to smoothly transition from not injecting fuel to starting injection. Simultaneously, the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders that are injecting fuel is adjusted to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode. Similar to the energizing time adjustment strategy for switching from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, this adjustment aims to ensure that after the engine switches to the first injection mode, all cylinders can quickly adapt to the new operating conditions, injecting fuel gas evenly and precisely, maintaining stable engine performance.

[0112] The process for determining the second power-on time can be found in the corresponding content in the method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] To maintain the consistency of the injection valves, extend their service life, and ensure the uniformity of injection across the six cylinders, the aforementioned device further includes a partitioning unit and an alternating execution unit. The partitioning unit divides all injection valves into a first injection valve group and a second injection valve group before switching the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine from the first injection mode to the second injection mode. The alternating execution unit is used to alternately execute injection between the first and second injection valve groups when the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is operating in the second injection mode.

[0114] Specifically, before switching the multi-cylinder natural gas engine from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, all injection valves are first divided into two groups: the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group. This grouping is based on cylinder number; for example, the injection valves of cylinders numbered 0, 2, and 4 are assigned to the first injection valve group, while the injection valves of cylinders numbered 1, 3, and 5 are assigned to the second injection valve group. The purpose of this grouping is to ensure that injection tasks are allocated in an orderly and fair manner in the second injection mode, avoiding overuse of the same group of injection valves.

[0115] When the engine is operating in the second injection mode, the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group alternately perform injection tasks. This means that in one cycle, the first injection valve group (e.g., the injection valves of cylinders numbered 0, 2, and 4) will perform injection, while the second injection valve group (e.g., the injection valves of cylinders numbered 1, 3, and 5) will pause injection; in the next cycle, the second injection valve group will perform injection, while the first injection valve group will pause injection.

[0116] By alternating between two sets of injection valves, a single set of injection valves can be prevented from operating under high load for extended periods, thereby extending the service life of the injection valves and reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, under low-load conditions, alternating injection ensures that each cylinder of the engine receives uniform gas injection at different times, avoiding uneven injection caused by sudden changes in injection patterns, and ensuring smooth engine operation and efficiency.

[0117] In summary, the partitioning unit and alternating execution unit are designed to address the injection accuracy issues that engines may face under low idling or low load conditions. They not only optimize the operating conditions of the injection valve and improve its injection accuracy in a shorter energization time, but also effectively reduce the risk of engine misfire and oil burning. At the same time, through alternating execution, they maintain the uniformity of injection, extend the service life of the injection valve, and improve the operating efficiency and performance stability of the entire engine system.

[0118] In the specific implementation process, the aforementioned alternating execution unit includes a setting module and a switching execution module. The setting module is used to set a counter, which increments by one each time the second injection mode is switched in. The switching execution module is used to switch the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group to perform injection when the accumulated value of the counter reaches a preset threshold, while the counter is reset to zero and starts counting again.

[0119] To achieve alternating operation of the injection valve assembly, a counter is first introduced to track the number of cycles or injection loops the engine operates in the second injection mode. Whenever the engine operating conditions meet the requirements for switching to the second injection mode and the switch is successfully completed, the counter value automatically increments by one. This step ensures that every switch from the first to the second injection mode is recorded, providing a basis for subsequent alternation strategies.

[0120] When the counter's accumulated value reaches a preset threshold, a switch between injection valve groups is triggered. This preset threshold is set based on considerations of injection valve lifespan, wear uniformity, and engine performance requirements. Reaching the threshold means that the first injection valve group currently performing injection has reached its predetermined number of executions. At this point, the operating states of the first injection valve group (e.g., injection valves numbered 0, 2, and 4) and the second injection valve group (e.g., injection valves numbered 1, 3, and 5) are interchanged. That is, the second injection valve group, which was previously suspended from injection, begins to perform injection, while the first injection valve group suspends injection.

[0121] Alternating injection not only extends the lifespan of the injection valve and reduces maintenance costs, but also ensures uniform injection, preventing performance fluctuations in the engine under low load conditions, such as unstable speed, misfires, or oil burning. Furthermore, alternating injection helps maintain consistent operating conditions of the injection valve, ensuring stable engine operation under different injection modes and improving overall performance and efficiency.

[0122] The aforementioned device for controlling gas injection includes a processor and a memory. The acquisition unit, control unit, etc., are all stored as program units in the memory, and the processor executes these program units to achieve the corresponding functions. All of the above modules reside in the same processor; alternatively, the modules may be located in different processors in any combination.

[0123] The memory may include non-permanent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM, and the memory includes at least one memory chip.

[0124] This invention provides a computer-readable storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device containing the computer-readable storage medium to perform the method for controlling gas injection.

[0125] This invention provides an electronic device, which includes a processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the above-described method for controlling gas injection.

[0126] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed on a data processing device, is adapted to perform the steps of initializing the method for controlling gas injection as described above.

[0127] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those described herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0129] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0130] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0131] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0132] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0133] Memory may include non-persistent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0134] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0135] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0136] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling gas injection, characterized in that, include: Acquire operating condition data of a multi-cylinder natural gas engine, and determine whether the multi-cylinder natural gas engine meets the low-load operating conditions based on the operating condition data; Under the condition of meeting the low load operating conditions, the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is switched from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, and the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode is adjusted to the corresponding set energizing time. The first injection mode is the mode in which all injection valves inject, and the second injection mode is the mode in which some injection valves inject. Under the condition of low-load operation, the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is switched from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, and the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode is adjusted to the corresponding set energizing time, including: When switching from the first cylinder to the second injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valve of the first cylinder and the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders that perform injection is increased to a preset multiple, and the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders that do not perform injection is adjusted to zero. The first cylinder is the cylinder that performs injection in the second injection mode. When switching from the second cylinder to the second injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valve of the second cylinder is kept the same as that in the first injection mode. Then, the energizing time of the injection valve of all subsequent cylinders that perform injection is increased to the preset multiple, and the energizing time of the injection valve of all subsequent cylinders that do not perform injection is adjusted to zero. The second cylinder is the cylinder that does not perform injection in the second injection mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the low-load operating conditions are not met, the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is switched from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, and the energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode is adjusted to the corresponding preset energizing time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the low-load operating conditions are not met, the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is switched from the second injection mode to the first injection mode, and the energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode is adjusted to the corresponding preset energizing time, including: When switching from the third cylinder that performs injection to the first injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valve of the third cylinder is adjusted to the first energizing time, and the energizing time of the injection valve of all subsequent cylinders that perform injection is adjusted to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode. When switching from the fourth cylinder, which is not performing injection, to the first injection mode, the energizing time of the injection valve of the fourth cylinder is adjusted to the second energizing time, and the energizing time of the injection valves of all subsequent cylinders performing injection is adjusted to the preset energizing time of each injection valve in the first injection mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The difference between the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the first cylinder and the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the second cylinder is determined as the compensation energizing time. The number of the first cylinder is one position before the number of the third cylinder, the number of the second cylinder is two positions before the number of the third cylinder, and the numbers of all cylinders satisfy the preset numbering order. The first power-on time is determined by the sum of the preset power-on time of the injection valve of the third cylinder in the first injection mode and the compensation power-on time. The difference between the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the fourth cylinder in the first injection mode and the preset energizing time of the injection valve of the cylinder preceding the fourth cylinder in the first injection mode is determined as the second energizing time.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before controlling the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from the first injection mode to the second injection mode, the method includes: dividing all injection valves into a first injection valve group and a second injection valve group; The method includes having the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group alternately perform injections while the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is operating in the second injection mode.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the multi-cylinder natural gas engine is operating in the second injection mode, the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group alternately perform injection, including: A counter is set, which increments by one each time the second injection mode is switched to; When the cumulative value of the counter reaches a preset threshold, the first injection valve group and the second injection valve group are switched to perform injection, and the counter is reset to zero and starts counting again.

7. A device for controlling gas injection, characterized in that, include: The acquisition unit is used to acquire the operating condition data of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine and determine whether the multi-cylinder natural gas engine meets the low-load operating conditions based on the operating condition data. The control unit is used to control the injection mode of the multi-cylinder natural gas engine to switch from the first injection mode to the second injection mode when the low-load operating conditions are met, and to adjust the energizing time of each injection valve in the second injection mode to the corresponding set energizing time. The first injection mode is a mode in which all injection valves inject, and the second injection mode is a mode in which some injection valves inject. The control unit includes a first adjustment module and a second adjustment module. The first adjustment module is used to increase the energizing time of the injection valve of the first cylinder and the injection valve of all subsequent cylinders that perform injection to a preset multiple when switching from the first cylinder to the second injection mode, and to adjust the energizing time of the injection valve of all subsequent cylinders that do not perform injection to zero. The first cylinder is the cylinder that performs injection in the second injection mode. The second adjustment module is used to, when switching from the second cylinder to the second injection mode, first maintain the energizing time of the injection valve of the second cylinder at the same energizing time as in the first injection mode, then increase the energizing time of the injection valve of all subsequent cylinders that perform injection to the preset multiple, and adjust the energizing time of the injection valve of all subsequent cylinders that do not perform injection to zero, wherein the second cylinder is a cylinder that does not perform injection in the second injection mode.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device containing the computer-readable storage medium to perform the method for controlling gas injection as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors, a memory, and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including a method for performing controlled gas injection as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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