Method for operating internal combustion engine, control device, computer program, computer readable medium, internal combustion engine and vehicle

Abstract

A method (100) of operating an internal combustion engine (1) is disclosed. The method (100) comprises calculating (101) a value of a torque (Ls) generated by the engine (1) by burning fuel at a predetermined operating phase (Os), monitoring (103) a temperature (T) of the exhaust gas, comparing (105) the monitored temperature (T) to a threshold value (Tp), comparing (107) the calculated value of the torque (Ls) to the threshold value (Lp). If the monitored temperature (T) exceeds a threshold value (Tp) and if the calculated value of the torque (Ls) is below the threshold value (Lp): connecting (109) the load assembly (5) to the rotatable part (7) and activating (111) the fuel management device (3) to adjust the combustion of the fuel such that the combustion occurs earlier than the combustion at the predetermined operating phase (Os). A control device (9), a computer program, a computer readable medium (200), an internal combustion engine (1) and a vehicle (10) are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method of operating an internal combustion engine. This disclosure further relates to a control device for an internal combustion engine, a computer program, a computer-readable medium, an internal combustion engine, and a vehicle including an internal combustion engine. Background Technology

[0002] An internal combustion engine, such as a four-stroke engine, includes one or more cylinders and a piston arranged in each cylinder. The piston is connected to the engine's crankshaft and arranged to reciprocate within the cylinder as the crankshaft rotates. The engine typically also includes one or more intake and outlet valves, as well as one or more fuel supply devices. The one or more intake and outlet valves are controlled by corresponding valve control devices, which typically include one or more camshafts rotatably connected to the engine's crankshaft via belts, chains, gears, or the like. A four-stroke internal combustion engine completes four separate strokes while the crankshaft rotates. A stroke refers to the full travel of the piston along the cylinder in any direction.

[0003] The strokes are completed in the following order: intake stroke, compression stroke, expansion stroke, and exhaust stroke. During the operation of a conventional four-stroke internal combustion engine, the intake valve control device keeps the intake valves of the cylinder open during the piston's intake stroke, allowing air or an air-fuel mixture to enter the cylinder. During the compression stroke, all valves should be closed to allow compression of the air or air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. If the engine is in a power-generating state, the fuel in the cylinder is typically ignited near the end of the compression stroke, for example, by the spark plug or by the heat of compression in the cylinder.

[0004] Compression-ignition engines, such as diesel engines, and some spark-ignition engines, such as Otto engines, use fuel injectors configured to supply fuel to the combustion chamber. Gasoline engines with fuel injectors for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber are generally called gasoline direct injection engines. In diesel engines, the injected fuel is ignited by the heat of compression or by a glow plug. In Otto engines, the injected fuel is ignited by a spark from a spark plug.

[0005] The combustion of fuel within the cylinder significantly increases the pressure and temperature inside the cylinder. Combustion typically continues for most of the subsequent expansion stroke. The increased pressure and temperature in the cylinder gained through combustion are partially converted into mechanical work supplied to the crankshaft during the expansion stroke. The continuous movement of the crankshaft generates torque, which is primarily used to drive the vehicle's wheels, which are loads on the crankshaft and thus also on the internal combustion engine. The expansion stroke is often also called the combustion stroke because most of the combustion typically occurs during this period. In the subsequent exhaust stroke, exhaust valve control mechanisms open the exhaust valves in the cylinder to allow exhaust gases to escape from the cylinder into the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine.

[0006] Under low loads on an internal combustion engine, such as at idle, if the minimum torque produced by the engine under low load exceeds the engine's torque loss or internal losses, plus any additional low load, the engine speed may increase. During such conditions, a common practice to reduce the generated torque is to delay fuel combustion in the cylinders. However, this delayed combustion can lead to increased exhaust gas temperatures. High exhaust gas temperatures can cause wear or damage to components of the exhaust system in vehicles containing internal combustion engines, such as mufflers, catalytic converters, or turbochargers. When exhaust gas temperatures rise to high levels, combustion timing needs to be advanced, which can lead to even higher engine speeds. To prevent engine speeds from increasing to high levels, fuel supply is cut off. This results in unstable engine speed conditions under low loads on an internal combustion engine. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Historically, efforts have been made to develop methods for controlling the idling speed of internal combustion engines by regulating airflow through the engine's idle speed control system. However, by applying their detailed knowledge in the field of internal combustion engines, the inventors have recognized and realized new areas of improvement in controlling the operation of internal combustion engines under low loads, for reliable engine operation and for reliable operation of the exhaust system connected to the engine.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome or at least mitigate some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above.

[0009] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, this objective is achieved by a method of operating an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising:

[0010] - A fuel management device configured to control the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and

[0011] - A load assembly arranged to be connected to a rotatable portion of an internal combustion engine to utilize a portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine during operation of the engine.

[0012] The method includes:

[0013] - The value of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine is calculated by burning fuel at a predetermined operating stage of the internal combustion engine during operation.

[0014] - Monitor the temperature of exhaust gases produced by internal combustion engines.

[0015] - Compare the monitored temperature of the exhaust gas with the temperature threshold of the exhaust gas.

[0016] - The calculated torque generated by the internal combustion engine is compared with a torque threshold, and if the monitored exhaust gas temperature exceeds a threshold, and

[0017] If the calculated torque produced by the internal combustion engine is lower than the torque threshold:

[0018] - Connect the load assembly to the rotatable part of the internal combustion engine, and

[0019] - Activate the fuel management device to adjust the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, so that the combustion of fuel occurs earlier than the predetermined operating stage of the internal combustion engine.

[0020] Since the method includes controlling whether the monitored temperature of the exhaust gas exceeds a threshold for exhaust gas temperature and whether the calculated value of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine is lower than a threshold for torque, it is known whether the exhaust gas temperature is lower or higher than the threshold and whether the calculated value of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine is higher or lower than the threshold for torque.

[0021] Furthermore, the method includes the following steps: connecting a load assembly to a rotatable part of an internal combustion engine, and activating a fuel management device to adjust fuel combustion in the combustion chamber so that combustion occurs earlier than a predetermined operating phase. These steps are performed during the following conditions: the monitored exhaust gas temperature exceeds a threshold temperature for the exhaust gas, and the calculated torque generated by the internal combustion engine is below a torque threshold. A portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine is used by the load assembly connected to the rotatable part of the engine. Moreover, when fuel combustion occurs earlier than a predetermined operating phase, a larger portion of the expansion stroke is used compared to the portion of the expansion stroke when combustion occurs at a predetermined operating phase. The larger portion of the expansion stroke used improves the efficiency of the internal combustion engine because a larger portion of the energy generated during fuel combustion is converted into work done by the piston rather than heat. Therefore, a larger portion of the energy generated during fuel combustion is converted into work done by the engine's piston and the load assembly connected to the rotatable part rather than heat. Thus, improved engine efficiency is achieved, and the exhaust gas temperature is reduced.

[0022] Therefore, a method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided, which has conditions for efficiently controlling exhaust gas temperature to prevent undesirable increases in exhaust gas temperature under low load on the internal combustion engine, and conditions for stabilizing engine speed under low load on the engine, because it is not necessary to stop the fuel supply as is currently the case. Furthermore, undesirable increases in exhaust gas temperature can be prevented efficiently, thereby improving the durability of the exhaust system connected to the engine. Moreover, existing load components arranged at the internal combustion engine can be used, eliminating the need for auxiliary components at the engine. Therefore, a method is provided that provides reliable operation of the engine under low load on the internal combustion engine with stable engine speed, low exhaust gas temperature, and efficient fuel consumption, because the engine is driven with the minimum possible amount of fuel supplied to the engine.

[0023] Therefore, a method is provided that overcomes or at least mitigates some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thus, the objectives mentioned above are achieved.

[0024] In this context, a predetermined operating phase of an internal combustion engine refers to a specific position of the piston in the cylinder of the engine under predefined settings, particularly concerning the amounts of air and fuel supplied to the engine. Specifically, the predetermined operating phase of an internal combustion engine corresponds to the position of the piston during engine operation when a known amount of compressed air-fuel mixture is ignited to allow combustion. At ignition, depending on engine settings, the piston may be in either the compression or expansion stroke.

[0025] The combustion chamber can be formed between the top of the piston and the cylinder wall of the cylinder in an internal combustion engine.

[0026] The load assembly may include a load body that has mass and inertia during use. Because the load assembly is arranged to be connected to a rotatable part of an internal combustion engine, it can be connected to and disconnected from the rotatable part when needed. The load assembly is arranged to be driven by the rotatable part of the internal combustion engine when connected to it. During operation of the internal combustion engine, the rotatable part rotates and is driven by pistons arranged to transmit piston movement to the rotatable part. The energy generated when the air-fuel mixture burns in the combustion chamber drives the pistons to move within the cylinders. The torque generated by the internal combustion engine is primarily used to drive the wheels of a vehicle including the internal combustion engine. The load assembly, connected to and driven by the rotatable part, requires energy to rotate, thus utilizing a portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine.

[0027] The method is executed by a control device. The control device may include a control unit and at least one sensor configured to measure data (such as exhaust gas temperature) at the internal combustion engine. This data may be provided to and processed by the control unit to enable the execution of the method according to this disclosure. The control unit may be connected to a fuel management device for receiving information from the fuel management device, particularly regarding the amount of air and fuel supplied to the engine, and for controlling the fuel management device. The control unit may also be connected to a load assembly for controlling the connection between the load assembly and the rotatable portion.

[0028] Before executing the method according to this disclosure, the conditions for a predetermined operating phase of the internal combustion engine can be stored in the control unit of the control device.

[0029] Therefore, the torque generated by the internal combustion engine can be calculated based on information about the engine settings at a predetermined operating stage of the internal combustion engine. The torque generated by the internal combustion engine can be calculated by the control unit of the control device.

[0030] Optionally, the internal combustion engine is a spark-ignition engine, and the steps for starting the fuel management device include:

[0031] - Adjust the fuel ignition so that the fuel ignition occurs earlier than the predetermined ignition stage during the operation of the internal combustion engine.

[0032] Therefore, the fuel management device can be configured to control the process of supplying fuel to the internal combustion engine, such as fuel injection, and to control the ignition timing in the combustion chamber, preferably by controlling the spark plug, which is configured to generate a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

[0033] Optionally, the internal combustion engine is a compression ignition engine, and the steps for activating the fuel management device include:

[0034] - Adjust the fuel injection so that fuel injection occurs earlier during the operation of the internal combustion engine than at a predetermined operating stage.

[0035] Therefore, the fuel management device can be configured to control the injection timing of the fuel to be burned in the combustion chamber, so that the fuel injection occurs earlier than the injection at a predetermined operating stage during the operation of the internal combustion engine.

[0036] Optionally, the step of calculating the torque generated by the internal combustion engine by burning fuel at a predetermined operating stage of the internal combustion engine during operation is based on information about the amounts of fuel and air supplied to the internal combustion engine and burned at the predetermined operating stage. Therefore, torque can be calculated in a simple and reliable manner.

[0037] Alternatively, the load component is a fan in a cooling system configured to cool the internal combustion engine. Therefore, when the fan is connected to the rotatable part of the engine, a portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine can be used to cool the engine. Additionally, an existing fan located at the engine can be used, eliminating the need for auxiliary components at the engine. This further improves engine efficiency.

[0038] Alternatively, the fan is a viscous fan. Viscous fans are reliable in operation and provide efficient cooling for the internal combustion engine. The energy consumption of a viscous fan increases with fan speed. Therefore, a viscous fan can be an efficient component utilizing the torque generated by the internal combustion engine, which is advantageous under low engine loads.

[0039] Optionally, the rotatable part is the crankshaft or camshaft of an internal combustion engine, and the step of connecting the load assembly to the rotatable part includes connecting the load assembly to the crankshaft or camshaft of the internal combustion engine. Therefore, by connecting the load assembly to the engine's crankshaft or camshaft, a portion of the torque generated by the engine can be used.

[0040] Optionally, the load assembly is arranged axially relative to the rotatable part. This facilitates the installation of the load assembly at the engine and the connection between the load assembly and the rotatable part of the engine.

[0041] Optionally, the torque threshold is the idle torque of the internal combustion engine.

[0042] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, this objective is achieved by a control device for an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising:

[0043] - A fuel management device configured to control the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and

[0044] - A load assembly arranged to be connected to a rotatable portion of the internal combustion engine to utilize a portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine during operation.

[0045] The control device is configured as follows:

[0046] - The value of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine is calculated by burning fuel at a predetermined operating stage of the internal combustion engine during operation.

[0047] - Monitor the temperature of exhaust gases produced by internal combustion engines.

[0048] - Compare the monitored temperature of the exhaust gas with the temperature threshold of the exhaust gas.

[0049] - The calculated value of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine is compared with a torque threshold, wherein if the monitored temperature of the exhaust gas exceeds a threshold for exhaust gas temperature and the calculated value of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine is lower than the torque threshold, the control device is configured to execute:

[0050] - Connect the load assembly to the rotatable part of the internal combustion engine, and

[0051] - Activate the fuel management device to adjust the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine so that the combustion of fuel occurs earlier than the combustion at the predetermined operating stage of the internal combustion engine.

[0052] The control device is arranged to perform an improved method of operating an internal combustion engine according to the present disclosure. The control device may include a control unit and at least one sensor configured to measure data (such as exhaust gas temperature) at the internal combustion engine, which may be provided to and processed by the control unit to enable the execution of the method according to the present disclosure. The control unit may be connected to a fuel management device and to a load assembly for controlling the fuel management device and for controlling the connection between the load assembly and the rotatable portion.

[0053] Since the control device is arranged to execute the improved method of operating the internal combustion engine according to this disclosure, the control device has technical features and advantages corresponding to the corresponding features of the method described above. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, these technical features and advantages will not be repeated or explained further.

[0054] Therefore, a control device is provided that overcomes or at least mitigates some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thus, the objectives mentioned above are achieved.

[0055] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, this objective is achieved by a computer program including instructions for causing a control device to perform the steps of a method according to any of the embodiments described herein. Because the computer program includes instructions for causing the control device to perform the steps of a method according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0056] Therefore, a computer program is provided that overcomes or at least mitigates some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thus, the objectives mentioned above are achieved.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, this objective is achieved by a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program including instructions for causing a control device to perform the steps of a method according to any embodiment described herein. Because the computer-readable medium has a computer program including instructions for causing a control device to perform the steps of a method according to any embodiment described herein, a computer-readable medium is provided that overcomes or at least mitigates at least some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Therefore, the objective mentioned above is achieved.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, this objective is achieved by an internal combustion engine comprising:

[0059] - A fuel management device configured to control the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.

[0060] - A load assembly arranged to be connected to a rotatable portion of an internal combustion engine to utilize a portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine during operation.

[0061] - A control device configured to perform a method according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0062] The internal combustion engine includes a control device arranged to perform an improved method of operating the internal combustion engine according to the present disclosure. The internal combustion engine and the control device have technical features and advantages corresponding to the corresponding features of the method described above. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, these technical features and advantages will not be repeated or explained further. Since the internal combustion engine includes a control device according to some embodiments, an internal combustion engine is provided that overcomes or at least mitigates at least some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thus, the objectives mentioned above are achieved.

[0063] Alternatively, the load component is a fan of a cooling system configured to cool an internal combustion engine.

[0064] Alternatively, the fan is a viscous fan.

[0065] Optionally, the rotatable part is the crankshaft or camshaft of an internal combustion engine, and the load assembly is arranged to be connected to the crankshaft or camshaft of the internal combustion engine.

[0066] Alternatively, the load assembly is arranged axially relative to the rotatable portion.

[0067] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, this objective is achieved by a vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine according to any of the embodiments described herein. Since the vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine according to some embodiments, a vehicle is provided that overcomes or at least mitigates at least some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thus, the objective mentioned above is achieved.

[0068] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when examined in light of the appended claims and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0070] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the method according to this disclosure.

[0071] Figure 2 A computer-readable medium according to some embodiments is shown.

[0072] Figure 3 An internal combustion engine according to some embodiments is schematically shown.

[0073] Figure 4 The vehicle is schematically shown according to some implementation schemes.

[0074] Figure 5A cylinder with a piston is schematically shown in a predetermined operating phase.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of monitoring the exhaust gas temperature relative to the exhaust gas temperature threshold.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the calculated value of torque generated by an internal combustion engine relative to a torque threshold. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The aspects of the invention will now be described more fully. Similar reference numerals always refer to similar elements. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures need not be described in detail.

[0078] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 100 for operating an internal combustion engine 1. Figure 3 The diagram details an internal combustion engine 1. The internal combustion engine 1 includes a fuel management device 3 configured to control the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 1; and a load assembly 5 arranged to be connected to a rotatable portion 7 of the internal combustion engine 1 to utilize a portion of the torque Ls generated by the internal combustion engine 1 during operation of the internal combustion engine 1, method 100 by… Figure 3 The control device 9 shown is executed.

[0079] Method 100 includes:

[0080] -The value of torque Ls generated by internal combustion engine 1 is calculated by burning fuel at a predetermined operating stage Os during the operation of internal combustion engine 1.

[0081] - Monitor the temperature T of the exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine 1 in 103.

[0082] - Compare the monitored temperature T of the exhaust gas with the temperature threshold Tp of the exhaust gas 105,

[0083] - The calculated value of the torque Ls produced by the internal combustion engine is compared with the torque threshold Lp107, and

[0084] If the monitored temperature T of the exhaust gas exceeds the temperature threshold Tp of the exhaust gas, and

[0085] If the calculated value of the torque Ls produced by the internal combustion engine 1 is lower than the torque threshold Lp:

[0086] - Connect the load assembly 5 to the rotatable part 7 of the internal combustion engine 1, and

[0087] -Activate the fuel management device 3 to adjust the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 1 so that the combustion of fuel occurs earlier than the combustion at the predetermined operating stage Os of the internal combustion engine 1.

[0088] Therefore, a method 100 for operating an internal combustion engine 1 is provided, which includes conditions for improving the efficiency of the engine 1 and reducing the exhaust gas temperature when the exhaust gas temperature T exceeds a threshold Tp under low load on the engine 1. Thus, a method 100 for operating an internal combustion engine 1 is provided, which includes conditions for efficiently controlling the exhaust gas temperature to prevent undesirable increases in exhaust gas temperature under low load on the internal combustion engine 1, and conditions for stabilizing engine speed under low load on the engine 1, since it is not necessary to stop the fuel supply as is currently the case. Furthermore, undesirable increases in exhaust gas temperature can be prevented efficiently, thereby improving the durability of the exhaust system connected to the engine 1. Moreover, existing load components arranged at the internal combustion engine 1 can be used, eliminating the need for auxiliary components at the engine 1. Therefore, a method is provided that includes conditions for reliable operation of the engine 1 under low load on the internal combustion engine 1 with stable engine speed, low exhaust gas temperature, and efficient fuel consumption, since the engine 1 is driven with the minimum possible amount of fuel supplied to the engine 1.

[0089] After connecting the load assembly 5 to the rotatable part 7 (109) and activating the fuel management device 3 (111) to adjust the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber so that the combustion occurs earlier than the predetermined operating stage Os, the exhaust gas temperature can be controlled by applying the step of comparing the monitored exhaust gas temperature T with a threshold Tp (105). If the monitored exhaust gas temperature T is lower than the exhaust gas temperature threshold Tp, the method works well, and the engine can be kept running under the adjusted combustion settings according to steps 109 and 111, wherein the load assembly is connected to the rotatable part 7.

[0090] If the exhaust gas monitoring temperature T still exceeds the threshold Tp after steps 109 and 111 have been performed, the fuel management device 3 can be activated to adjust the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 1, so that the combustion of fuel occurs earlier than the combustion at the most recently adjusted operating stage of the internal combustion engine 1. This process can be repeated until the exhaust gas monitoring temperature T is below the threshold Tp.

[0091] The temperature threshold Tp of the exhaust gas can be set, for example, to 810°C.

[0092] The internal combustion engine 1 may be a spark-ignition engine, and the steps for starting the fuel management device 3 may include:

[0093] - Adjust the fuel ignition so that the fuel ignition occurs earlier during the operation of the internal combustion engine 1 than the ignition at the predetermined operation stage Os.

[0094] The internal combustion engine 1 may be a compression ignition engine, and the steps for starting the fuel management device 3 may include:

[0095] - Adjust the fuel injection so that the fuel injection during the operation of the internal combustion engine 1 occurs earlier than the injection at the predetermined operation phase Os.

[0096] The step of calculating the value of the torque Ls generated by the internal combustion engine 1 by burning fuel at a predetermined operating phase Os during the operation of the internal combustion engine 1 is preferably based on information about the amount of fuel and air supplied to the internal combustion engine 1 and burned at the predetermined operating phase Os of the internal combustion engine 1.

[0097] The torque threshold Lp is preferably the idle torque of the internal combustion engine 1. The value of the idle torque depends primarily on the size of the internal combustion engine.

[0098] Figure 2 A computer-readable medium 200 according to some embodiments is shown. The computer-readable medium 200 has a computer program stored thereon, including instructions for causing a control device 9 to perform the steps of method 100 according to some embodiments.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will understand that method 100 for operating internal combustion engine 1 can be implemented via programming instructions. These programming instructions typically constitute a computer program that, when executed in control unit 9, ensures that control unit 9 performs desired controls, such as method steps 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, and 111 described herein. The computer program is typically part of computer-readable medium 200, which includes a suitable digital storage medium on which the computer program is stored.

[0100] Control device 9 may include, for example Figure 3 The control unit 11 is shown. The control unit 11 may include a computing unit, which may take the form of substantially any suitable type of processor circuitry or microcomputer, such as circuitry for digital signal processing (digital signal processor, DSP), central processing unit (CPU), processing unit, processing circuitry, processor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor, or other processing logic capable of interpreting and executing instructions. As used herein, the expression "computing unit" may refer to a processing circuitry system comprising multiple processing circuits, such as any, some, or all of the processing circuits described above.

[0101] The control unit 11 may also include a memory unit, wherein the computing unit can be connected to the memory unit, which provides the computing unit with, for example, stored program code and / or stored data that the computing unit may need to enable it to perform calculations. The computing unit may also be adapted to store partial or final results of calculations in the memory unit. The memory unit may include a physical device for temporarily or permanently storing data or programs (i.e., sequences of instructions). According to some embodiments, the memory unit may include an integrated circuit comprising silicon-based transistors. In various embodiments, the memory unit may include, for example, a memory card, flash memory, USB storage, a hard disk, or another similar volatile or non-volatile memory unit for storing data, such as, for example, ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), etc.

[0102] Control device 9 is connected to Figure 4 The components of engine 1 and / or vehicle 10 shown are used for receiving and / or transmitting input and output signals. These input and output signals may include waveforms, pulses, or other attributes, which the input signal receiving device can detect as information, and which can be converted into signals that can be processed by control unit 9. These signals can then be supplied to the computing unit. One or more output signal transmitting devices may be arranged to convert calculation results from the computing unit into output signals for transmission to other parts of the vehicle control system and / or to one or more components to which the signals are directed. Each connection to the corresponding components of engine 1 and / or vehicle 10 for receiving and transmitting input and output signals may take the form of one or more of cables, data buses (e.g., CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, MOST (Media Directional System Transmission) bus, or some other bus configuration), or wireless connections.

[0103] Control systems in modern vehicles typically include a communication bus system, which comprises one or more communication buses for connecting multiple electronic control units (ECUs) or controllers to various components on the vehicle. Such control systems may include a large number of control units, and it should be noted that specific functions may be shared among two or more of them. Therefore, as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, vehicles of the type of concern herein are typically equipped with more... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The document describes significantly more control devices.

[0104] The computer-readable medium 200 may be provided, for example, in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for executing method steps 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, and 111 according to the present disclosure when loaded into one or more computing units of the control unit of the control device 9. The data carrier may be, for example, a CD-ROM (such as...). Figure 2 The computer-readable medium 200 may be provided as computer program code on a server and may be remotely downloaded to the control device 9, for example, via an Internet or intranet connection or via other wired or wireless communication systems. (As shown) ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), hard disk, memory stick, optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any other suitable medium capable of holding machine-readable data in a non-transient manner, such as a disk or magnetic tape.

[0105] Figure 3 The internal combustion engine 1 of the vehicle 10 according to some embodiments is shown schematically.

[0106] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the internal combustion engine 1 is referred to as "engine 1" in some places herein. As indicated above, engine 1 is configured to provide power to a vehicle including engine 1. However, according to another embodiment, as mentioned herein, engine 1 may be a stationary engine, such as an engine configured to provide power to a generator for generating electricity. The internal combustion engine 1 includes a plurality of pistons 2, each configured to reciprocate in a corresponding cylinder 13 of the internal combustion engine 1. Figure 5 The piston 2 is shown. According to the illustrated embodiment, engine 1 includes six cylinders 13 and six pistons 2. According to another embodiment, engine 1 may include another number of cylinders 13 and pistons 2.

[0107] According to the illustrated embodiment, the internal combustion engine 1 includes fuel injectors arranged in each cylinder 13. The fuel injectors are configured to inject fuel directly into the cylinders 13 of the internal combustion engine 1. Therefore, the internal combustion engine 1, as mentioned herein, can also be referred to as a "direct injection engine". Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, the internal combustion engine 1 is a four-stroke engine. Therefore, the internal combustion engine 1, as mentioned herein, can also be referred to as a "four-stroke internal combustion engine", "direct injection four-stroke internal combustion engine", etc.

[0108] The internal combustion engine 1 includes a fuel management device 3, which is configured to control the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 1.

[0109] Therefore, the fuel management device is configured to control the process of supplying fuel to the engine, including in particular the amount of fuel supplied and the timing for fuel combustion. Furthermore, the fuel management device 3 is configured to control other settings and parameters relating to the combustion of the supplied fuel (such as the air to be mixed with the supplied fuel).

[0110] According to the illustrated embodiment, the fuel management device 3 is connected to the fuel injector of each cylinder 13 to control the injection of fuel into the cylinder 13.

[0111] Furthermore, the internal combustion engine 1 includes a load assembly 5 arranged to be connected to a rotatable portion 7 of the internal combustion engine 1 to utilize a portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine 1 during operation. Additionally, the internal combustion engine 1 includes a control device 9 configured to:

[0112] -The value of the torque Ls generated by the internal combustion engine 1 is calculated by burning fuel at a predetermined operating stage Os during the operation of the internal combustion engine 1.

[0113] - Monitor the temperature T of the exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine 1.

[0114] - Compare the monitored temperature T of the exhaust gas with the temperature threshold Tp of the exhaust gas.

[0115] - The calculated value of the torque Ls generated by the internal combustion engine is compared with the torque threshold Lp, wherein if the monitored temperature T of the exhaust gas exceeds the exhaust gas temperature threshold Tp and the calculated value of the torque Ls generated by the internal combustion engine 1 is lower than the torque threshold Lp, the control device 9 is configured to execute:

[0116] - Connect the load assembly 5 to the rotatable part 7 of the internal combustion engine 1, and

[0117] - The fuel management device 3 is activated to adjust the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 1 so that the combustion of fuel occurs earlier than the combustion at the predetermined operating stage Os of the internal combustion engine 1.

[0118] According to the illustrated embodiment, the control device 9 may include a control unit 11 and at least one sensor (not shown) configured to measure data (such as exhaust gas temperature) at the internal combustion engine 1. This data is provided to and processed by the control unit 11 to enable the execution of the method according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 11 is connected to the fuel management device 3 to receive information from the fuel management device 3, particularly regarding the amount of air and fuel supplied to the engine 1, and to control the fuel management device 3. The control unit 11 is also connected to the load assembly 5 to control the connection between the load assembly 5 and the rotatable portion 7.

[0119] according to Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the load assembly 5 includes a connecting device 5' configured for controllable connection and disconnection between the load assembly 5 and the rotatable portion 7. The connecting device 5' can be a hydraulic or electrical connection. Therefore, the control unit 11 can be connected to the connecting device 5' to control the connection between the load assembly and the rotatable portion 7.

[0120] according to Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the rotatable portion 7 is the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine 1. The crankshaft has a rotation axis a. The load assembly 5 is arranged axially relative to the crankshaft. Figure 3 It is shown schematically.

[0121] According to some implementation schemes, the rotatable part 7 may be the camshaft of the internal combustion engine 1, and the load assembly 5 may be arranged to be connected to the camshaft.

[0122] The load assembly 5 can be arranged at a distance measured radially from the rotatable part 7, and can be arranged to be connected to the rotatable part via a belt or chain.

[0123] Preferably, the load assembly 5 is a fan configured to cool the internal combustion engine 1. The fan may be a viscous fan. Alternatively, the load assembly 5 may be a generator or compressor for a vehicle's air conditioning system, or other suitable components that can be driven by the rotatable part 7 of the engine 1, such as a clutch device.

[0124] Figure 4 Vehicle 10 is schematically shown according to some embodiments. According to the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 10 is a truck, i.e., a type of heavy vehicle. According to other embodiments, as mentioned herein, vehicle 10 can be another type of heavy or lighter manned or unmanned vehicle for land-based or water-based propulsion, such as a truck, bus, construction vehicle, tractor, automobile, ship, boat, etc.

[0125] According to some implementation plans, vehicle 10 includes Figure 3 The internal combustion engine 1 shown is shown.

[0126] Figure 5 A cylinder 13 with piston 2 is schematically shown in a predetermined operating phase Os of the engine according to this disclosure. The operating phase of the internal combustion engine 1, as defined herein, refers to a position of piston 2 in cylinder 13 of the internal combustion engine 1 under predetermined settings, particularly relating to the amounts of air and fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine 1. Specifically, the operating phase of the internal combustion engine 1 corresponds to the position of piston 2 when a known amount of compressed air-fuel mixture is ignited during operation of the internal combustion engine 1 to allow combustion. At ignition, depending on the engine settings, piston 2 may be in either the compression stroke or the expansion stroke.

[0127] like Figure 5 As shown, at a predetermined operating phase Os of the engine 1, the piston 2 (and in particular the top surface 4 of the piston 2) is positioned at a predetermined distance ds from the top inner wall surface 6 of the cylinder 13. Therefore, when the method according to this disclosure is performed, and particularly when the fuel management device 3 is activated to adjust the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 1 so that combustion occurs earlier than at the predetermined operating phase Os, the distance of the piston 2 from the surface 6 will be greater than the predetermined distance ds corresponding to the predetermined operating phase Os.

[0128] Before executing the method according to this disclosure, the conditions for the predetermined operating phase Os of the internal combustion engine 1 can be stored in the control unit 11 of the control device 9.

[0129] Figure 6 The variation of the monitored temperature T of the exhaust gas relative to the threshold temperature Tp of the exhaust gas during time t is illustrated using the principle of some implementation schemes. Figure 6 As shown, the monitored temperature T rises to a value exceeding the threshold Tp and decreases after the method according to this disclosure is performed.

[0130] The temperature threshold Tp of the exhaust gas can be set, for example, to 810°C.

[0131] Figure 7 The variation of the calculated value of the torque Ls generated by the internal combustion engine 1 relative to the torque threshold Lp is illustrated in a manner based on the principle of some implementation schemes. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the calculated value of torque Ls decreases below the torque threshold Lp, this triggers the following steps: connecting load assembly 5 109 to the rotatable part 7, and activating fuel management device 3 111 according to the method described herein to reduce exhaust gas temperature T, as... Figure 6 As shown in the figure.

[0132] The torque threshold Lp is preferably the idle torque of the internal combustion engine 1. The value of the idle torque depends primarily on the size of the internal combustion engine 1.

Claims

1. A method (100) for operating an internal combustion engine (1), the internal combustion engine comprising: - A fuel management device (3), configured to control the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (1), and - A load assembly (5), the load assembly being arranged to be connected to a rotatable portion (7) of the internal combustion engine (1) to utilize a portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine (1) during operation of the internal combustion engine (1). The method (100) is performed by a control device (9), and the method (100) includes: - The value of the torque (Ls) generated by the internal combustion engine (1) is calculated (101) by burning the fuel at a predetermined operating stage (Os) of the internal combustion engine (1) during operation of the internal combustion engine (1). - Monitor (103) the temperature (T) of the exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine (1), - Compare the monitored temperature (T) of the exhaust gas with the threshold temperature (Tp) of the exhaust gas (105). - The calculated value of the torque (Ls) generated by the internal combustion engine is compared with the threshold value of the torque (Lp) (107), and If the monitored temperature (T) of the exhaust gas exceeds the threshold temperature (Tp) of the exhaust gas, and If the calculated value of the torque (Ls) produced by the internal combustion engine (1) is lower than the threshold value (Lp) of the torque: - Connect (109) the load assembly (5) to the rotatable part (7) of the internal combustion engine (1), and - Activate (111) the fuel management device (3) to adjust the combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (1) so that the combustion of the fuel occurs earlier than the combustion at the predetermined operating stage (Os) of the internal combustion engine (1).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine (1) is a spark-ignition engine, and wherein the step of starting (111) the fuel management device (3) comprises: - Adjust the ignition of the fuel so that the ignition of the fuel occurs earlier during the operation of the internal combustion engine (1) than the ignition at the predetermined operating stage (Os).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine (1) is a compression ignition engine, and wherein the step of starting (111) the fuel management device (3) comprises: - Adjust the fuel injection so that the fuel injection occurs earlier during the operation of the internal combustion engine (1) than the injection at the predetermined operating phase (Os).

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of calculating (101) the value of the torque (Ls) generated by the internal combustion engine (1) by burning the fuel at a predetermined operating phase (Os) of the internal combustion engine (1) during operation of the internal combustion engine (1) is based on information about the amount of fuel and air supplied to the internal combustion engine (1) and burned at the predetermined operating phase (Os) of the internal combustion engine (1).

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load component (5) is a fan of a cooling system configured to cool the internal combustion engine (1).

6. The method (100) according to claim 5, wherein the fan is a viscous fan.

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable portion (7) is the crankshaft or camshaft of the internal combustion engine (1), and wherein the step of connecting (109) the load assembly (5) to the rotatable portion (7) includes connecting the load assembly (5) to the crankshaft or camshaft of the internal combustion engine (1).

8. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load component (5) is arranged axially relative to the rotatable portion (7).

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the threshold (Lp) of the torque is the idle torque of the internal combustion engine (1).

10. A control device (9) for an internal combustion engine (1), the internal combustion engine comprising: - A fuel management device (3), configured to control the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (1), and - A load assembly (5), the load assembly being arranged to be connected to a rotatable portion (7) of the internal combustion engine (1) to utilize a portion of the torque generated by the internal combustion engine (1) during operation of the internal combustion engine (1). The control device (9) is configured to: - The value of the torque (Ls) generated by the internal combustion engine (1) is calculated (101) by burning the fuel at a predetermined operating stage (Os) of the internal combustion engine (1) during operation of the internal combustion engine (1). - Monitor (103) the temperature (T) of the exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine (1), - Compare the monitored temperature (T) of the exhaust gas with the threshold temperature (Tp) of the exhaust gas (105). - The calculated value of the torque (Ls) generated by the internal combustion engine is compared with the threshold value of the torque (Lp) (107). If the monitored temperature (T) of the exhaust gas exceeds the threshold temperature (Tp) of the exhaust gas and the calculated value of the torque (Ls) generated by the internal combustion engine (1) is lower than the threshold torque (Lp), the control device (9) is configured to execute: - Connect (109) the load assembly (5) to the rotatable part (7) of the internal combustion engine (1), and - Activate (111) the fuel management device (3) to adjust the combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (1) so that the combustion of the fuel occurs earlier than the combustion at the predetermined operating stage (Os) of the internal combustion engine (1).

11. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a control device (9) according to claim 10 to perform the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer-readable medium (200) having a computer program according to claim 11 stored thereon.

13. An internal combustion engine (1), said internal combustion engine comprising: - A fuel management device (3), which is configured to control the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (1). - A load assembly (5), the load assembly being arranged to be connected to a rotatable portion (7) of the internal combustion engine (1) to utilize a portion of the torque (L) generated by the internal combustion engine (1) during operation of the internal combustion engine (1), and - The control device (9) according to claim 10, wherein the control device (9) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. The internal combustion engine (1) according to claim 13, wherein the load assembly (7) is a fan of a cooling system configured to cool the internal combustion engine (1).

15. The internal combustion engine (1) according to claim 14, wherein the fan is a viscous fan.

16. The internal combustion engine (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the rotatable portion (7) is a crankshaft or camshaft of the internal combustion engine (1), and wherein the load assembly (5) is arranged to be connected to the crankshaft or camshaft of the internal combustion engine (1).

17. The internal combustion engine (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the load assembly (5) is arranged axially relative to the rotatable portion (7).

18. A vehicle (10) comprising an internal combustion engine (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

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