Electric compressor for improving engine operability and serviceability

Abstract

A system includes an internal combustion engine including an intake device and an exhaust device. The air intake device includes an electric compressor. The electronic control system is configured to control the electric compressor to, for example, perform diagnostics, provide thermal management of the engine and / or the aftertreatment system, and / or improve performance of the turbocharger compressor.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 383,960, filed on November 16, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] This application generally relates to internal combustion engine systems, and more particularly but not exclusively to electric compressors for improving the operation and serviceability of internal combustion engines and related components. Background art

[0004] Internal combustion engines can utilize a compressor in the intake to compress the intake air flow into the engine's cylinders. For example, the compressor of a turbocharger or supercharger is used to improve engine efficiency by increasing the density of the intake air flow, thereby allowing more power per engine cycle. The compressor typically sucks in ambient air and compresses it, then enters the intake manifold at an increased pressure. Some systems utilize electric compressors. However, existing methods have many disadvantages, drawbacks, and unmet needs. There is still a significant need for the unique devices, methods, systems, and technologies disclosed herein.

[0005] Disclosure of example embodiments

[0006] To clearly, concisely, and accurately describe example embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner and process of making and using the present disclosure, and to enable the practice, manufacture, and use of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to certain example embodiments, including those illustrated in the figures, and the present disclosure will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created, and the invention includes and protects such changes, modifications, and further applications of the example embodiments that would occur to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Multiple embodiments relate to internal combustion engines that operate using an electric compressor. As used herein, an electric compressor is a compressor that includes an electric motor such that the electric compressor can operate independently of the exhaust gas flow generated by the engine. The electric compressor can be powered solely by electricity, or by electricity and / or by an exhaust gas flow that drives a shaft - connected turbine in the exhaust system. The electric compressor can be a stand - alone compressor in the intake system of an internal combustion engine, an electric compressor upstream of the turbocharger compressor, an electric compressor downstream of the turbocharger compressor, and / or an electric - assisted turbocharger compressor.

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a system and method for servicing and / or diagnosing an internal combustion engine with an electric compressor. Another embodiment is a system and method for improving the performance and / or durability of a turbocharger compressor by utilizing an electric compressor. Another embodiment is a system and method for increasing the temperature of a post-treatment system of an internal combustion engine by utilizing an electric compressor. Another embodiment is a system and method for thermally managing the intake air flow of an internal combustion engine by utilizing an electric compressor. A further embodiment is a system and method for controlling the intake air flow to an internal combustion engine by utilizing an electric compressor to assist engine braking or thermally manage the exhaust output from the internal combustion engine.

[0009] This invention content is provided to introduce a series of concepts further described in the illustrative embodiments below. This invention content is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to assist in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments, forms, purposes, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an internal combustion engine system having an internal combustion engine and an electric compressor.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an internal combustion engine system having an internal combustion engine and an electric compressor.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an internal combustion engine system having an internal combustion engine and an electric compressor.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an internal combustion engine system having an internal combustion engine and an electric compressor.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for utilizing an electric compressor according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for utilizing an electric compressor according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for utilizing an electric compressor according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference is now made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and specific language will be used to describe the embodiments. However, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present invention is thereby intended, and any changes and further modifications of the illustrated embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the present invention as illustrated herein which are normally contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to which the present invention pertains are expected herein.

[0018] Using systems and methods such as those shown in Figures 1 to 7 , a control strategy for an internal combustion engine system 10 including an internal combustion engine 12 and electric compressors 100, 100' can be implemented to improve engine serviceability, compressor performance and durability, engine performance, and / or thermal management of aftertreatment components and / or the engine. In an embodiment, the electric compressors 100, 100' can be used for diagnostics when the internal combustion engine 12 is shut down, and / or to improve engine performance during operation of the engine 12, such as by providing throttling and / or boosting of the intake air flow.

[0019] Certain embodiments include a turbocharger compressor in addition to the electric compressors 100, 100'. The life and / or durability of the turbocharger compressor can be improved by adjusting the electric compressors 100, 100' to avoid or minimize exceeding the mechanical limits of the turbocharger compressor, which exceedances can occur, for example, due to low cycle fatigue and high cycle fatigue, low differential pressure conditions, compressor surge, compressor outlet temperature conditions, and rotor speed conditions.

[0020] In another embodiment, the electric compressors 100, 100' are controlled to increase the temperature of the aftertreatment system, thermally manage the intake air flow to the internal combustion engine 12, and / or thermally manage the exhaust output from the internal combustion engine 12. In another embodiment, the electric compressors 100, 100' are controlled such that the intake air flow to the internal combustion engine 12 assists engine braking.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1 , the internal combustion engine system 10 includes an internal combustion engine 12 and an electric compressor 100 shown in schematic form. The internal combustion engine 12 receives fuel from a fuel source (not shown) and is operable to burn the fuel in one or more cylinders 14 of the engine 12. Any type of fuel can be contemplated for use in the system 10, including diesel, gasoline, gaseous fuels, hydrogen fuels, and dual fuel arrangements. The internal combustion engine system 10 can provide output power to propel a vehicle and / or provide output power in a stationary application, such as a generator or equipment.

[0022] The engine 12 is connected to an intake device 16 for supplying an intake air flow to the cylinders 14 of the engine 12, and is connected to an exhaust device 18 for outputting the exhaust gas in the form of an exhaust air flow. In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 12 is shown to have four cylinders 14, but any number and arrangement of cylinders 14 are contemplated, and the system 10 is not limited to Figure 1 the number and arrangement shown therein. Each cylinder 14 includes a piston slidably disposed in the combustion chamber, at least one intake valve for allowing the intake air flow, and at least one exhaust valve for releasing the exhaust gas generated by combustion.

[0023] The cylinders 14 are connected to the intake device 16 to receive the intake air flow. The cylinders 14 are connected to the exhaust device 18, which receives the exhaust air flow from the cylinders 14. The exhaust device 18 can be connected to the intake device 16 through a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system 20 and / or a low-pressure EGR system (not shown). The EGR system 20 can include an EGR valve 21 and / or an EGR cooler (not shown) having an EGR cooler bypass. The exhaust device 18 can also include a turbine 32 of a turbocharger 30, such as Figures 2 to 3 shown.

[0024] The intake device 16 includes one or more inlet supply pipes 22 extending from an electric compressor 100 to an intake manifold connected to the cylinders 14, and the intake manifold distributes the intake air flow to the cylinders 14 of the engine 12. In certain embodiments, the intake device 16 can include an intake throttle valve 38. In other embodiments, the electric compressor 100 is controlled in a manner that allows the intake throttle valve 38 to be omitted, as Figures 3 to 4 shown. The exhaust device 18 includes an exhaust pipe 24 extending from the exhaust manifold to a post-treatment system 26. A controllable exhaust valve 28 or other suitable exhaust air flow control device can be provided in the exhaust pipe 24.

[0025] The post-treatment system 26 can be connected downstream of the exhaust valve 28. The post-treatment system 26 can include, for example, a three-way catalyst (TWC), an oxidation device (DOC), a particulate removal device (DPF, CDPF), a component absorber or reducer (SCR, AMOX, LNT), a reductant system, and other components (if needed).

[0026] In certain embodiments, in addition to the electric compressor 100, a turbocharger 30 is provided, as Figures 2 to 3 shown. The turbocharger 30 includes a turbine 32 in the exhaust device 18 and a turbocharger compressor 34 in the intake device 16. The compressor 34 is connected to the turbine 32 by a shaft 36 such that the turbocharger compressor 34 is driven by the exhaust air flow. Figures 2 to 3 A single-stage turbocharger system is shown, but a multi-stage turbocharger is not excluded.

[0027] The electric compressor 100 can be a freestanding electric compressor, such as Figures 1 to 3 shown, which includes a compressor impeller 102 within a housing, and the compressor impeller 102 is driven by an electric motor 104. In Figure 1 , the electric compressor 100 is the only device operable to compress the intake air flow. In Figure 2 , the electric compressor 100 is located upstream of the turbocharger compressor 34 and is operable to supply a compressed intake air flow to the turbocharger compressor 34. In Figure 3 , the electric compressor 100 is located downstream of the turbocharger compressor 34 and is operable to receive a compressed intake air flow from the turbocharger compressor 34 when the turbocharger compressor 34 is operating.

[0028] In other embodiments, the electric compressor 100 is an electric assist turbocharger compressor, such as Figure 4 the electric compressor 100' shown in. The electric motor 104 is selectively engaged to the shaft 36 of the turbocharger 30' to assist or enhance the operation of the turbocharger compressor 34 and to rotate the turbocharger compressor 34 independently of any exhaust gas flow. In an embodiment, the electric motor 104 of the electric compressor 100' can be selectively engaged to the shaft 36 by a connection device 106 (such as an adapter or any other suitable selectively engagable connection device). In either embodiment, the electric motor 104 can be driven by an electrical system (not shown) of the internal combustion engine system 10.

[0029] The turbochargers 30, 30' can be any suitable turbochargers known in the art, including variable geometry turbochargers and / or turbochargers with wastegate valves. For example, the wastegate valve provides a controllable bypass around the turbine 32. The turbocharger compressor 34 can also include or alternatively include a bypass.

[0030] During operation of the internal combustion engine system 10, fresh air is supplied to the electric compressors 100, 100'. The fresh air flow can be filtered, not filtered, and / or conditioned in any known manner before or after mixing with the EGR flow (if provided). The intake air flow is pressurized by the electric compressor 100 and / or the compressor 34 and then supplied to the cylinders 14.

[0031] In any embodiment, the electric compressors 100, 100' are controlled by an electronic control system (ECS) 120 to control the operating states of the electric compressors 100, 100'. The electric motor 104 responds to control commands from the ECS 120 to selectively start and stop the electric compressors 100, 100' to drive the compressor impeller 102 and / or the turbocharger shaft 36, thereby providing compressed boost to the intake air flow of the engine 12 and / or selectively pressurizing selected components of the internal combustion engine system 10, such as for servicing or diagnosis.

[0032] Further reference Figure 1 , the internal combustion engine 12 includes one or more engine sensors 122 that are operably connected to the ECS 120 to provide signals indicative of one or more engine operating parameters (speed, pressure, temperature, combustion parameters, crankshaft position, etc.). Additionally, the intake device 16 may include one or more intake sensors 124, and the exhaust device 18 may include one or more exhaust sensors 126 to provide signals indicative of one or more intake parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate, etc.) and one or more exhaust parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate, etc.). The ECS 120 preferably includes one or more programmable microprocessors or microcontrollers of the solid-state integrated circuit type, and one or more non-transitory memory media configured to store instructions executable by the one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers.

[0033] The ECS 120 is configured to implement and / or output control commands to directly control the operation of the electric motor 104 or output to a controller of the electric motor 104, such as discussed below with reference to Figures 5 to 7 . The control commands may be, for example, a switch command for starting / stopping the electric motor 104, a speed command for controlling the compressor speed, and / or a command for selectively engaging and disengaging the connection 106 between the electric motor 104 and the shaft 36. It should be understood that Figure 1 conceptually depicts the control relationships between the foregoing components, and various communication hardware and protocols (such as one or more controller area networks (CAN) or other communication components) may be utilized to implement such control relationships.

[0034] The ECS120 can implement the control functions in any one of a variety of ways of combining or distributing them over one or more control units. The ECS120 can execute the operation logic that defines various control, management, and / or regulation functions. The operation logic can be in the form of dedicated hardware (such as a hardwired state machine), an analog computing machine, programming instructions, and / or different forms that those skilled in the art will come up with. The ECS120 can be provided as a single component or a collection of operably coupled components; and can include digital circuits, analog circuits, or a hybrid combination of these two types. When in the form of multiple components, the ECS120 can have one or more components that are remotely located in a distributed arrangement relative to other components. The ECS120 can include multiple processing units that are arranged to operate independently in a pipeline processing arrangement, a parallel processing arrangement, etc. It should be further understood that any one of the ECS120 and / or its constituent components can include one or more signal regulators, modulators, demodulators, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), central processing units (CPUs), limiters, oscillators, control clocks, amplifiers, signal regulators, filters, format converters, communication ports, clamping circuits, delay devices, memory devices, analog-to-digital (A / D) converters, digital-to-analog (D / A) converters, and / or different circuits or components that those skilled in the art will come up with for performing the desired communication.

[0035] Reference Figure 5 , a method 500 for servicing and / or diagnosing one or more components of an internal combustion engine system 10 using electric compressors 100, 100' is shown. The method 500 includes an operation 502 for operating the electric compressors 100, 100' without running or operating the internal combustion engine 12. The method 500 includes an operation 504 for determining one or more pressure conditions and / or flow conditions of the internal combustion engine system 10 associated with the operation of the electric compressors 100, 100'. The method 500 includes an operation 506 for diagnosing one or more faults based on one or more pressure conditions and / or flow conditions generated by the operation of the electric compressors 100, 100'.

[0036] In an embodiment, the method 500 is performed at a repair / maintenance facility of the system 10, such as at a repair station, or a self-diagnosis is performed when the internal combustion engine 12 is disabled or not running. The method 500 can be performed wholly or in part by the ECS120 and / or a service computer (not shown) associated with a repair shop, a vehicle owner, or a fleet manager. At least a portion of the service computer can be integrated within the ECS120, or can be external to the internal combustion engine system 10 (e.g., a component of a vehicle diagnostic system at a maintenance / repair shop) and accessible by the ECS120 via a data link (not shown).

[0037] Figures 1 to 4 Any of the electric compressor arrangements in

[0037] can be used to pressurize the internal combustion engine system 10 in order to diagnose and locate faults associated with a loss of boost pressure provided by the electric compressors 100, 100'. In an embodiment, the electric compressors 100, 100' replace or augment the pressurization of one or more components of the internal combustion engine system 10 with shop air (such as air commonly used for leak testing or bubble testing). One or more known methods can then be used to detect fault detection for the components pressurized by the electric compressors 100, 100'.

[0038] In an embodiment method 500, the electric compressors 100, 100' are used in combination with feedback control to identify fault conditions in the internal combustion engine system 10. For example, in an embodiment, the pressure condition associated with operation 504 is the target pressure condition downstream of the electric compressors 100, 100'. The target pressure condition is known based on the correlation between the pressure condition and the speed of the electric compressors 100, 100'. The ECS 120 and / or the service computer are configured to compare the target pressure condition with the measured pressure condition downstream of the electric compressors 100, 100'. One or more fault conditions can then be diagnosed based on the comparison of the target pressure condition and the measured pressure condition.

[0039] In an embodiment, the target pressure condition is the boost pressure condition in the intake device 16. Other embodiments contemplate using flow conditions or other pressure conditions, such as the pressure condition and / or flow condition in one or more cylinders 14, the pressure condition and / or flow condition in the exhaust device 18, and / or the pressure condition and / or flow condition in the EGR system 20.

[0040] In another embodiment of method 500, the pressure condition is the target boost pressure to be generated by the electric compressors 100, 100'. The ECS 120 and / or the service computer are configured to control the output of the electric compressors 100, 100' in response to the target boost pressure. The ECS 120 is further configured to compare the output of the electric compressors 100, 100' with the expected output of the compressors 100, 100' based on the generated target boost pressure. The ECS 120 and / or the service computer are further configured to diagnose one or more fault conditions based on the comparison of the expected output of the electric compressors 100, 100' and the actual output of the electric compressors 100, 100'. For example, the ECS 120 can compare the expected duty cycle or impeller speed of the electric compressors 100, 100' used to generate the target boost pressure with the actual duty cycle or wheel speed required to generate the target boost pressure.

[0041] In an embodiment, the ECS 120 and / or the service computer are configured to actuate one or more actuators to isolate the intake device 16, the exhaust device 18, the EGR system 20, and / or one or more cylinders 14 to diagnose the location of one or more fault conditions. The one or more actuators include an intake throttle valve 38, an exhaust valve 28, and / or an exhaust gas recirculation valve 21. The one or more fault conditions can indicate, for example, a line leak, a pressure sensor failure, a valve leak, or an excessive blow-by leak.

[0042] Reference Figure 6 , another exemplary method 600 is shown. Method 600 includes an operation 602 for operating an internal combustion engine 12 with turbochargers 30, 30'. Method 600 includes an operation 602 for determining a target condition associated with the turbochargers 30, 30'. Method 600 includes an operation 604 for operating the electric compressors 100, 100' in response to the target condition associated with the turbochargers 30, 30'.

[0043] In an embodiment, method 600 includes adjusting the auxiliary level provided by the electric compressors 100, 100' to the compressor 34 to avoid regions that may exceed the mechanical limits of the compressor 34. In an embodiment, method 600 includes adjusting the electric compressors 100, 100' to avoid the operating limitations of the electric compressors 100, 100' in the absence of an additional turbocharger compressor 34. In Figures 2 to 3 an embodiment, method 600 includes balancing the work between the electric compressor 100 and the turbocharger compressor 34 to avoid or limit the violation of operating limits. Various operating limits are envisioned, such as those associated with: compressor side oil leakage due to a low pressure differential across the compressors 34, 100; compressor outlet temperature; compressor surge margin; and high and low cycle fatigue.

[0044] In Figures 2 to 3 an embodiment, method 600 includes controlling the electric compressor 100 to provide pressurization and / or throttling of the intake air flow, thereby manipulating the operating condition of the turbocharger compressor 34 to avoid oil leakage due to a low pressure differential and increase the service life of the turbocharger compressor 34. In Figures 2 to 4 an embodiment, in low engine load conditions and high engine load conditions, method 600 includes adjusting the electric compressors 100, 100' to assist the turbocharger compressor 34 in avoiding low cycle fatigue and high cycle fatigue of the turbocharger compressor 34. In Figure 2In an embodiment, method 600 includes controlling electric compressor 100 to manipulate / control the inlet density of turbocharger compressor 34 to compensate for changes in altitude and air filter loading, thereby improving emission robustness or assisting in thermal management.

[0045] Reference Figure 7 , another embodiment method 700 is shown. Method 700 includes operation 702 for determining a thermal management condition associated with internal combustion engine system 10. Method 700 further includes operation 704 for operating electric compressors 100, 100' in response to the thermal management condition.

[0046] The thermal management condition can be any condition where, for example, it is desired to increase the intake air temperature and / or the exhaust gas temperature of cylinder 14 from the current temperature. In one scenario, in response to the thermal management condition, one or more operating conditions of system 10 are adjusted to achieve one or more target conditions of the intake air and / or the exhaust gas. In some examples, the target conditions of the intake air and / or the exhaust gas enable combustion in cylinder 14 and / or operation of one or more aftertreatment systems 26 to be effective or more efficient, thereby obtaining and / or maintaining a minimum desired or target operating temperature.

[0047] In an embodiment of method 700, electric compressors 100, 100' are operated in response to the thermal management condition to increase the electrical load on internal combustion engine 12, thereby increasing the heat output from internal combustion engine 12. In an embodiment of method 700, electric compressors 100, 100' are operated in response to the thermal management condition to reduce the intake air flow to internal combustion engine 12. In an embodiment of method 700, electric compressors 100, 100' are operated in response to the thermal management condition to circulate heated intake air to one or more cylinders 14 of internal combustion engine 12 before starting internal combustion engine 12.

[0048] In an embodiment of method 700, electric compressors 100, 100' can be used to assist in thermal management or engine braking by adding an additional load to the electrical system associated with internal combustion engine 12, thereby increasing the crankshaft work. In an embodiment of method 700, electric compressors 100, 100' are adjusted to enhance air flow control, thereby increasing or decreasing the intake air flow to assist in engine braking and / or thermal management.

[0049] In an embodiment of method 700, electric compressors 100, 100' are used to circulate air heated by an auxiliary heater through the EGR system 20 to heat the aftertreatment system 26 before starting the engine 12. The EGR valve 21 can be opened to allow the heated air to be blown through the electric compressors 100, 100' and through the EGR system 20. In an embodiment of method 700, the electric compressors 100, 100' are controlled to circulate intake air heated by a grid heater and enter one or more cylinders 14 of the internal combustion engine 12 when the intake valve is open and the internal combustion engine 12 is not operating, such as for cold start assistance before engine starting.

[0050] Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. In one aspect of the present disclosure, an internal combustion engine system is provided. The system includes an internal combustion engine having an intake system and an exhaust system. The internal combustion engine further includes at least one cylinder for receiving an intake air flow for combustion, thereby generating an exhaust air flow. The system further includes an electric compressor and a controller configured to control the operation of the electric compressor.

[0051] According to one aspect, an internal combustion engine system is provided, the system comprising:

[0052] An internal combustion engine including an intake device and an exhaust device. The internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder for receiving an intake air flow from the intake device for combustion, thereby generating an exhaust air flow going to the exhaust device. The system includes: an electric compressor in the intake device, the electric compressor being configured to compress the intake air flow during operation; and a controller configured to operate the electric compressor to compress the gas in the intake device to diagnose one or more conditions of the internal combustion engine based on a pressure condition generated by the electric compressor in the internal combustion engine. The one or more conditions include a blow-by condition, a leakage condition, a pressure sensor failure condition, and a valve condition.

[0053] In an embodiment, the pressure condition is a target pressure condition downstream of the electric compressor based on the speed of the electric compressor. The controller is configured to compare the target pressure condition with the measured pressure condition downstream of the electric compressor and diagnose one or more conditions based on the comparison of the target pressure condition with the measured pressure condition. In a further embodiment, the target pressure condition is a boost pressure condition in the intake device.

[0054] In an embodiment, the pressure condition is a target boost pressure from the electric compressor. The controller is configured to control the output of the electric compressor in response to the target boost pressure, compare the output of the electric compressor with the expected output of the electric compressor based on the target boost pressure, and diagnose one or more conditions based on the comparison of the expected output of the compressor with the actual output of the electric compressor.

[0055] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to actuate one or more actuators to isolate an intake device, an exhaust device, or one or more cylinders to diagnose one or more conditions. In a further embodiment, the one or more actuators include an intake throttle valve, an exhaust valve, and an exhaust gas recirculation valve.

[0056] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to operate an electric compressor to diagnose one or more conditions when an internal combustion engine fails to start.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an internal combustion engine including an intake device is provided, the intake device including a turbocharger compressor and an electric compressor. The method includes determining a target condition associated with the turbocharger compressor during operation of the internal combustion engine; and operating the electric compressor in response to the target condition of the turbocharger compressor.

[0058] In an embodiment of the method, the target condition is the pressure differential across the turbocharger compressor, and the electric compressor is operated to increase the pressure differential across the turbocharger compressor.

[0059] In an embodiment of the method, the target condition is the outlet temperature of the turbocharger compressor, and the electric compressor is operated to increase the outlet temperature.

[0060] In an embodiment of the method, the target condition is the surge margin of the turbocharger compressor, and the electric compressor is operated to increase the surge margin.

[0061] In an embodiment of the method, the target condition is the rotor speed of the turbocharger compressor, and the electric compressor is operated to reduce the rotor speed to avoid cycle fatigue.

[0062] In an embodiment of the method, the target condition is the intake air density at the inlet of the turbocharger compressor, and the electric compressor is operated upstream of the turbocharger compressor to increase the intake air density at the inlet.

[0063] In an embodiment of the method, the electric compressor is upstream of the turbocharger compressor. In another embodiment of the method, the electric compressor is downstream of the turbocharger compressor.

[0064] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine includes an intake device and an exhaust device. The intake device includes an electric compressor, and the exhaust device includes a post-treatment system. The method includes determining a thermal management condition associated with at least one of the engine and the post-treatment system, and operating the electric compressor in response to the thermal management condition. Operating the electric compressor in response to the thermal management condition includes one or more of the following: using the electric compressor to increase the electrical load on the internal combustion engine to increase the heat output from the internal combustion engine; using the electric compressor to reduce the intake air flow to the internal combustion engine; and, before starting the internal combustion engine, using the electric compressor to circulate heated intake air to one or more cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

[0065] In an embodiment of the method, reducing the intake air flow includes throttling the intake air flow using the electric compressor. In a further embodiment, the electric compressor is downstream of a turbocharger compressor of the intake device.

[0066] In an embodiment of the method, operating the electric compressor in response to the thermal management condition includes operating the electric compressor to circulate air heated by a heater to the post-treatment system.

[0067] In an embodiment of the method, operating the electric compressor in response to the thermal management condition includes operating the electric compressor to circulate air heated by a heater to one or more cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

[0068] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, this should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and all changes and modifications within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

[0069] It should be understood that although the use of words such as preferred, preferably, preferred or more preferred in the foregoing description indicates that the features so described may be more desirable, they may not be essential, and embodiments lacking such features are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. When reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a", "an", "at least one" or "at least one portion" are used, the claim is not intended to be limited to only one item unless there is an express contrary statement in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used, the item may include a portion and / or the whole item unless there is an express contrary statement.

Claims

1. An internal combustion engine system, the system comprising: An internal combustion engine including an intake device and an exhaust device, the internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder for receiving an intake air flow from the intake device for combustion, thereby generating an exhaust gas flow going to the exhaust device; An electric compressor in the intake device, the electric compressor being configured to compress the intake air flow during operation; And A controller configured to operate the electric compressor to compress the gas in the intake device to diagnose one or more conditions of the internal combustion engine based on a pressure condition generated by the electric compressor in the internal combustion engine, wherein the one or more conditions include a blow-by condition, a leakage condition, a pressure sensor failure condition, and a valve condition.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure condition is a target pressure condition downstream of the electric compressor based on the speed of the electric compressor, and the controller is configured to: Compare the target pressure condition with a measured pressure condition downstream of the electric compressor; And Diagnose the one or more conditions based on the comparison of the target pressure condition and the measured pressure condition.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The target pressure condition is a boost pressure condition in the intake device.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure condition is a target boost pressure from the electric compressor, and the controller is configured to: Control the output of the electric compressor in response to the target boost pressure; Based on the target boost pressure, compare the output of the electric compressor with the expected output of the electric compressor; And Diagnose the one or more conditions based on the comparison of the expected output of the compressor and the actual output of the electric compressor.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to actuate one or more actuators to isolate the intake device, the exhaust device, or the one or more cylinders to diagnose the one or more conditions.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more actuators include an intake throttle valve, an exhaust valve, and an exhaust gas recirculation valve.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to operate the electric compressor to diagnose the one or more conditions when the internal combustion engine fails to start.

8. A method for operating an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising an intake device, the intake device comprising a turbocharger compressor and an electric compressor, the method comprising: Determine a target condition associated with the turbocharger compressor during operation of the internal combustion engine; And Operate the electric compressor in response to the target condition of the turbocharger compressor.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The target condition is the pressure difference across the turbocharger compressor, and operate the electric compressor to increase the pressure difference across the turbocharger compressor.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The target condition is the outlet temperature of the turbocharger compressor, and operate the electric compressor to increase the outlet temperature.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The target condition is the surge margin of the turbocharger compressor, and operate the electric compressor to increase the surge margin.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The target condition is the rotor speed of the turbocharger compressor, and operate the electric compressor to reduce the rotor speed to avoid cyclic fatigue.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The target condition is the intake air density at the inlet of the turbocharger compressor, and operate the electric compressor upstream of the turbocharger compressor to increase the intake air density at the inlet.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The electric compressor is upstream of the turbocharger compressor.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The electric compressor is downstream of the turbocharger compressor.

16. A method for operating an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising an intake device and an exhaust device, the intake device including an electric compressor, the exhaust device including a post-treatment system, the method comprising: Determine a heat management condition associated with at least one of the engine and the aftertreatment system; Operate the electric compressor in response to the heat management condition, wherein operating the electric compressor in response to the heat management condition includes one or more of the following: Use the electric compressor to increase the electrical load on the internal combustion engine to increase the heat output from the internal combustion engine; Use the electric compressor to reduce the intake air flow to the internal combustion engine; And Before starting the internal combustion engine, use the electric compressor to circulate heated intake air to one or more cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Reducing the intake air flow includes throttling the intake air flow using the electric compressor.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The electric compressor is downstream of the turbocharger compressor in the intake device.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Operating the electric compressor in response to the heat management condition includes operating the electric compressor to circulate air heated by a heater to the aftertreatment system.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Operating the electric compressor in response to the heat management condition includes operating the electric compressor to circulate air heated by a heater to one or more cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

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