Engine stop / start activation based on combustion parameters

Abstract

Method for operating a vehicle comprising an engine system (16) with an internal combustion engine (17), an operator control system operatively coupled to the engine system (16) which is operable to start and stop the internal combustion engine (17) in response to operator inputs, and a start / stop control (100) which is operable to control the automatic engine start / stop process of the internal combustion engine (17) independently of the operator control system, wherein the method comprises: Receiving information at the start / stop control (100) from a cylinder inlet sensor (89) regarding one or more combustion parameters (116) within one or more combustion chambers (82) of one or more cylinders (80) of the internal combustion engine (17) ; Deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control (130) of the internal combustion engine (17) by the start / stop control (100) in response to one or more combustion parameters (116) that do not meet a combustion parameter condition (112) indicating combustion stability in one or more cylinders (80); and Activation of the automatic engine start / stop control (130) of the internal combustion engine (17) by the start / stop control (100) in response to one or more combustion parameters (116) that satisfy the combustion parameter condition (112).

Description

Field of invention:

[0001] The present application relates generally to engine start / stop control for powertrains and in particular, but not exclusively, to the activation of engine start / stop control in response to one or more combustion parameters for vehicle powertrains. BACKGROUND

[0002] One of the most common challenges in operating internal combustion engines (ICEs) is stabilizing fuel combustion during the initial phase after a cold start. Conditions such as cold intake air flowing through cold metal channels, combined with cold fuel in a cold engine cylinder, cause combustion problems, including incomplete combustion and misfires. Furthermore, extremely low temperatures in a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system can lead to water condensation and subsequent corrosion, which is why EGR is often disabled during cold engine operation. Similarly, exhaust aftertreatment components typically require elevated temperatures above cold-start conditions to function as intended.Operating a cold internal combustion engine (ICE) can also render emission control devices ineffective or unusable. Consequently, cold engine compensation control in the ICE provides a warm-up phase, which is crucial for efficient combustion and emissions compliance. Specific engine control procedures are typically employed to modify the combustion timing, the fuel mixture / recipe, and the use of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and exhaust aftertreatment to minimize the impact of cold ICE operation on cold engine compensation control processes.

[0003] With the introduction of automatic engine stop / start technology, mitigation strategies for addressing cold-start problems have become more complex. The goal is to automatically shut down the internal combustion engine (ICE) as often as possible (e.g., without operator intervention) to avoid ICE idling and save fuel. However, start / stop operations can prolong the ICE's warm-up phase and extend the duration of inefficient operating symptoms due to temperatures that are too low for the desired operating conditions. Thus, the fuel-saving benefits of automatic engine stop / start operations can be offset by the inefficiencies resulting from prolonged operation of a cold or incompletely warmed-up ICE.

[0004] A typical approach to reducing the impact of cold starts on the internal combustion engine (ICE) in an automatic start / stop system is to simply delay the automatic start / stop process until the ICE temperature, typically determined by the engine's coolant temperature, exceeds a certain threshold. While this approach is easy to implement, it does not directly address combustion processes as they relate to or indicate combustion stability, including the robustness and optimization of combustion that are critical for engine operation. Consequently, automatic start / stop may be activated when one or more operating parameters in one or more cylinders indicate combustion instability. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in this area of ​​technology.

[0005] DE 10 2011 088 371 A1 describes an ignition timing estimation control unit for an internal combustion engine. DE 10 2006 061 275 A1 and DE 103 18 427 A1 describe methods for starting an internal combustion engine. JP H11-351 041 A describes an internal combustion engine with fuel injection. DISCLOSURE OF ILLUSTRATIVE FORM

[0006] In order to clearly, precisely, and accurately describe exemplary embodiments of the invention, the manner and process of their manufacture and use, and to facilitate their practical manufacture and use, reference is now made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language is used to describe them. It should be clear, however, that this in no way limits the scope of protection of the invention and that the invention includes and protects such changes, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments as would be expected by a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a unique control process that provides enhanced automatic engine start / stop functionality. In one form, the control process delays or disables the automatic engine stop / start operations until the combustion parameters of the internal combustion engine (ICE) have stabilized under combustion conditions in the cylinder that indicate normal or nominal operating conditions. In one embodiment, normal or nominal operating conditions include the absence of misfires and / or incomplete combustion events in one or more cylinders.This activation / deactivation determination is achieved by monitoring one or more operating parameters associated with the actual combustion processes in the ICE cylinders and providing a start / stop command or output when the combustion parameter(s) are within normal or optimal ranges indicating combustion stability. In further embodiments, one or more operating conditions of the vehicle systems and / or one or more combustion parameters in the cylinder must be met to enable automatic engine start / stop control. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits will become apparent from the following description and drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a partially schematic view of an exemplary vehicle system equipped with automatic engine start / stop control capabilities. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an engine cylinder of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle system. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary engine control unit for activating / deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flowchart of the automatic engine start / stop control / deactivation logic. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary automatic engine start / stop control / deactivation procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle system 10. The vehicle system 10 comprises a variety of systems, including an engine / generator system 12, a transmission system 14, a motor system 16, and a control system 18. In one embodiment, these systems are mounted on a vehicle frame (not shown), such as a heavy-duty truck; however, it should be noted that a variety of different types of vehicle frames are also provided. Non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to, road vehicles, off-road vehicles, construction equipment, dump trucks, buses, and passenger cars.

[0009] The engine system 16 can be provided in various forms. In one exemplary embodiment, the engine system 16 includes a compression-ignition combustion engine 17 with a turbocharged intake system 50 and an exhaust aftertreatment system 70. However, non-turbocharged systems are also considered.

[0010] The intake system 50 can further be connected to an exhaust gas recirculation system 60, which in the illustrated embodiment includes the EGR cooler 62 and an EGR flow control valve 64. The EGR system 60 can include an EGR cooler bypass (not shown), a reservoir, a mixer, or other suitable devices for supplying and controlling the EGR flow to the intake system 50. In one embodiment, the intake system 50 includes an intake throttle 52 and a compressor 54 for receiving and compressing the intake air, and, if an EGR system is provided, the compressed intake air mixes with the EGR flow and is supplied to the intake manifold 56 of the engine system 16.

[0011] In the illustrated embodiment, the EGR system 60 is a high-pressure EGR system. Other embodiments provide low-pressure EGR systems in addition to or as an alternative to high-pressure EGR systems. In yet another embodiment, no EGR system is provided.

[0012] The engine 17 of the engine system 16 includes an engine block with one or more cylinders 80, each of which has a combustion chamber 82 ( Fig. 2) to receive the charge flow from the intake system 50. For example, the engine 17 in the illustrated embodiment includes four cylinders 80 in a row arrangement. However, the engine 17 can have a different number of cylinders 80 as well as cylinders 80 in a variety of different arrangements. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, each cylinder 80 is dimensioned to accommodate the movable stroke of a piston 84 along at least a section of the cylinder 80, allowing the piston 84 to move back and forth between top dead center and bottom dead center. Each cylinder 80, its respective piston 84, and the cylinder head 86 form the combustion chamber 82. Furthermore, at least a portion of the forces generated by the movable stroke of the piston 84 along at least a section of the cylinder 80 during combustion processes in the combustion chamber 82 are transmitted to a mechanical drive system. For example, the pistons 84 are typically functionally coupled to a crankshaft 88 of the engine system 16, which converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons 84 of the engine 17 into a rotary motion.

[0013] The exhaust system 70 includes an exhaust manifold 72 for receiving the exhaust gas flow from the cylinders 80 and a turbine 74, which is functionally connected to the compressor 54 to form a turbocharger. Multiple turbocharger systems are also possible. The turbine 74 may have a wastegate bypass 75 or a controllable inlet (not shown) for controlling the exhaust gas flow through it. An aftertreatment system 76 receives the exhaust gas flow and enables treatment to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas before the exhaust gas is released into the atmosphere.For example, all suitable components for the aftertreatment system 76 are considered, including particulate filters, selective catalytic reduction catalysts (SCR), NOx reduction catalysts, oxidation catalysts, three-way catalysts, NOx and / or hydrocarbon storage, ammonia oxidation catalysts, catalysts, liquid and gaseous ammonia distribution systems and reducing agent injectors.

[0014] The vehicle system 10 can also include a waste heat recovery system 68 associated with the engine 17, which is designed to absorb waste heat energy from at least one of the engine system 16 and the exhaust system 70. The waste heat recovery system 68 can, for example, be a steam turbine, a thermoelectric generator, or another device that converts waste heat energy into usable electrical energy for the energy storage system 30 or that is converted into mechanical energy and applied to the crankshaft.

[0015] The motor / generator system 12 can also be provided in a variety of configurations. For example, the motor / generator system 12 can be arranged to provide so-called parallel hybrid systems, series hybrid systems, or in a variety of other configurations, as illustrated with motor 13a. In the illustrated embodiment, a coupling 20 is provided between the motor / generator system 12 and the motor system 16 for driving the wheels 22a, 22b, enabling selective drive of the vehicle system by either the motor systems 16 or the motor / generator system 12 by combining their outputs. Other configurations and positions for the coupling 20 are provided, including vehicle systems 10 without a coupling 20.

[0016] Non-hybrid systems are also considered if the vehicle propulsion is provided exclusively by the engine system 16 and the engine / generator system 12 as a starter / auxiliary motor 13b for operating the vehicle accessories and / or starting the engine, but not for driving the vehicle system 10. Applications that use both hybrid motors for propulsion and / or starting the engine and additional motors for accessories and / or starting the engine are also considered.

[0017] The transmission system 14 can also be provided in a variety of forms, including, for example, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, and automated manual transmissions. The controls 18 typically include, among other things, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a parking brake control. Consideration is being given to using various other controls, depending on the type of vehicle frame used and the specific arrangement of the operator's cab. It is further considered that the controls 18 may be suitable for self-driving or driverless vehicles.It is also considered that the controls, control systems, and control devices disclosed herein may be used in connection with intelligent transportation systems and services, which include systems that integrate information and communication technologies with transportation infrastructure to improve economic performance, safety, mobility, and environmental sustainability. In each embodiment, the controls 18 are designed and operable to allow the operator to start, stop, and maneuver the vehicle system 10, whether inside or outside the vehicle, and to allow manual starting and stopping of the engine 17.

[0018] The vehicle system 10 further includes an energy storage system 30, which is functionally coupled to the motor / generator system 12. The energy storage system 30 is designed to take on a variety of forms. For example, it can include a battery pack and power electronics for power conversion between the energy storage system 30 and the motor / generator system 12. Other embodiments provide for alternative forms of the energy storage system 30, such as hydraulic and pneumatic energy storage systems. It should be noted that the motor / generator system 12 can also be designed as an electric motor / generator system or as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or other type of motor / generator system.

[0019] The vehicle system 10 includes a refueling system 90 connected to each of the cylinders 80. In certain embodiments, each of the cylinders 80 includes a direct injector 92 for refueling from a fuel source 94 of the refueling system 90. A direct injector, as used herein, includes any fuel injection device that injects fuel directly into the cylinder volume and is capable of delivering fuel into the cylinder volume of the combustion chamber 82 when the intake valve(s) and / or the exhaust valve(s) are closed. The direct injector 92 can be configured to inject fuel at the top of the cylinder, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, or injects laterally. In certain embodiments, the direct injector 92 can be configured to inject fuel into a pre-combustion chamber, although a pre-combustion chamber is not required. Each cylinder 80 can contain one or more direct injectors.

[0020] The direct injectors 92 can be the primary or sole fuel supply for the cylinders 80, or alternatively, the direct injectors 92 can be an auxiliary or secondary fuel supply device for the cylinders 80. In certain embodiments, the direct injectors 92 are capable of providing the entire planned quantity of fuel to the cylinders 80 in every operating condition in which a fuel supply command is provided. Alternatively, the direct injectors 92 may be capable of providing only a portion of the planned quantity of fuel; for example, the direct injectors may be capable of providing a specific quantity of fuel for a particular purpose.

[0021] In further embodiments, the cylinders 80 include a port injector (not shown) in addition to or alongside the direct injectors 92. In these embodiments, the intake manifold 52 can be divided (not shown) to separate the charge flows into the respective cylinder or cylinder groups, or the fuel injectors can be positioned such that no other cylinder in the engine system 16 is located downstream of the fuel injection port, i.e., only the target cylinder is downstream of the fuel injector port.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the direct injectors 92 (or port injectors) of cylinders 80 operate in response to automatic start-stop commands sent by a controller, such as an engine control unit, to the fuel system 90 to initiate refueling in response to an engine start command and to stop refueling in response to an engine stop command. The commands to interrupt refueling can be overridden or disabled if the automatic engine start / stop control is disabled as disclosed herein.

[0023] The vehicle system 10 further includes a control system with a start-stop control 100, which can be integrated with an engine control module (ECM) or provided as a standalone control device or control module. With further reference to Fig. 3 is the start / stop control 100 designed to receive information from one or more of the engine / generator system 12, the transmission system 14, the engine system 16, the control system 18, the clutch 20, the energy storage system 30, the intake system 50, the EGR system 60, the waste heat recovery system 68, the exhaust system 70, the refueling system 90 and / or the cylinders 80 and / or to provide control commands to them.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the start / stop control receives 100 pieces of information about the combustion parameters 116 ( Fig. 1) within one or more of the combustion chambers 82 of one or more of the cylinders 80. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, cylinder 80 includes an internal cylinder sensor 89, which can measure, for example, the pressure in the cylinder, the temperature in the cylinder, the gas components in the cylinder, the cylinder wall temperature, and the temperature of the injection tip. The internal cylinder sensor 89 can be a physical sensor or a virtual sensor.

[0025] Furthermore, the start / stop control unit 100 can receive information regarding the operating parameters 118, which are assigned to one or more of the energy storage system 30, the intake system 50, the EGR system 60, the waste heat recovery system 68, the exhaust system 70, the refueling system 90, and / or the ambient conditions. The operating parameters 118 can include measurements from sensors (not shown) assigned to each of these respective systems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 30, 50, 60, 68, 70, and 90. The operating parameters 118 can also include inputs received from another control module or a control unit of the vehicle system 10 that provides the operating conditions 118 of one or more of these systems. In another embodiment, the operating parameters 118 include an indication of whether the motor 17 is currently being operated by a control process to compensate for a cold motor (i.e.(the control scheme for compensating for a cold engine is active), indicating that engine 17 is not at a desired or nominal operating temperature or condition.

[0026] At least some of the information from these systems and other information inputs can be provided to the start / stop evaluation module 110 of the start / stop controller 100 as combustion parameter 116 and operating parameter 118. Certain inputs can be fed directly to the start / stop evaluation module 110, while others can be provided via an intermediate transmission or another device or relay device, such as another control module. The start / stop evaluation module 110 receives, retrieves, or has stored combustion parameter conditions 112 and operating conditions 114, which are used to evaluate one or more inputs of the combustion parameter 116 to fulfill the combustion parameter conditions 112, and to evaluate one or more inputs of the operating parameter 118 to fulfill one or more operating conditions 114.

[0027] The start / stop control unit 100 also includes an automatic engine start / stop control module 120, which receives inputs from, for example, the engine / generator system 12, the transmission system 14, the engine system 16, the operating system 18, the clutch 20, and the energy storage system 30. The start / stop control module 120 can be configured in various ways to control automatic engine start and stop events, depending on whether criteria for an automatic start or stop event are present. The start / stop evaluation module 110 is designed to evaluate one or more combustion parameters 116 with respect to the combustion parameter conditions 112 in order to selectively activate 122 or deactivate 124 the automatic engine start / stop control module 120, depending on whether the combustion parameter conditions 112 are met.The start / stop evaluation module 110 can further be designed to evaluate one or more operating parameters 118 in relation to the operating conditions 114 in order to selectively activate 122 or deactivate 124 the automatic engine start / stop control module 120, depending on whether one or more combustion parameter conditions 112 are met, in addition to one or more operating conditions 114 being met.

[0028] The start / stop controller 100 can be designed to implement a variety of controls for the vehicle system 10, including engine start / stop control. It should be noted that the controllers described herein can also be used in conjunction with a variety of additional or alternative control systems, including the alternative configurations explained herein. It should also be noted that the controllers described in this application can be implemented in various combinations of hardware, firmware, and / or instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium, which may be provided in a single microprocessor-controlled controller or control module, or in a variety of modules, such as a distributed control system in which a variety of controllers communicate via a controller area network (CAN).It should also be noted that the Start / Stop Control 100 can be an example of a so-called external controller that can transmit start or stop requests to an engine control unit (not shown). Such a configuration and functionality can be applied in a variety of contexts, for example, when an engine system is provided separately or modularly to communicate with a variety of OEM vehicle frames, including various OEM vehicle frame control modules.

[0029] For example, the start / stop evaluation module 110 need not be part of the same control unit as the automatic engine start / stop control module 120. In another example, the start / stop evaluation module 110 is a standalone processor or part of a processor and includes a communication network interface that is functionally connected to the various systems of the vehicle system 10 in order to receive the various inputs of the combustion parameters 116 and the inputs of the operating parameters 118. The processor includes memory for storing the combustion parameter conditions 112 and the operating conditions 114, as well as at least one non-volatile, computer-readable medium designed to store instructions executable by the processor for selectively activating and deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control.

[0030] A person skilled in the art, benefiting from the disclosures herein, will recognize that the controls, control systems, and control methods disclosed herein are structured to perform operations that enhance various technologies and bring about improvements in different technological fields. Examples of such technological improvements, which are not limited to those mentioned, include improvements in the combustion efficiency of internal combustion engines, improvements in emission performance, the performance of aftertreatment systems, engine torque generation and control, engine fuel consumption, the durability of exhaust system components for internal combustion engines, and the noise and vibration damping of engines.The exemplary and non-restrictive improved technological fields include, without limitation, the technological fields of internal combustion engines and related devices and systems, as well as the vehicles that incorporate them.

[0031] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the exemplary engine start / stop controls 130 with a start / stop request block 132 that evaluates the fulfillment of one or more start / stop request criteria. A number of forms and implementations of block 132 are considered. In one example, block 132 evaluates whether operating conditions, vehicle conditions, engine conditions, additional engine conditions, and external control conditions meet certain criteria for the occurrence of an automatic engine start and / or automatic engine stop control.

[0032] The engine start / stop control 130 further includes a conditional start / stop combustion state block 134, which evaluates the fulfillment of one or more combustion conditions. A number of forms and implementations of block 134 are considered. In one example, block 134 evaluates whether the cylinder-internal and / or other combustion parameters 116 satisfy certain combustion parameter conditions 112 that are characteristic of the stability / robustness of the combustion processes within the cylinders 80, in order to enable automatic engine start / stop control. In still other embodiments, one or more operating parameters 118 must also satisfy one or more operating conditions 114 to enable automatic engine start / stop control.

[0033] The output of the conditional start / stop request block 132 and the output of the conditional start / stop combustion state block 134 are mapped to the AND operator block 136, which is configured to perform a logical AND operation on the outputs of blocks 132 and 134. The output of the AND operator block 136 is provided to the engine start / stop operating block 138. If the output of operator block 136 is true, the engine start / stop operating block 138 sets the logical state of an automatic engine start / stop function to true. If the output of operator block 136 is false, the automatic engine start / stop operating block 138 sets the logical state of the automatic engine start / stop function to false.

[0034] With reference to Fig.Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a procedure 200 for activating or deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control. The procedure 200 includes an operation 202 for determining one or more combustion parameters 116. Under condition 204, the procedure 200 determines whether the one or more combustion parameters 116 satisfy one or more combustion parameter conditions 112. If condition 204 is FALSE, the procedure 200 proceeds to operation 206 and deactivates the automatic engine start / stop control.

[0035] If condition 204 is TRUE, procedure 200 continues either at condition 208 or at operation 210, depending on the embodiment used. In certain embodiments, the activation / deactivation of the automatic engine start / stop function is based solely on the combustion parameter conditions 112. In these embodiments, condition 208 can be omitted, and the automatic engine start / stop control is activated at operation 210. In other embodiments, procedure 200 continues from condition 204 to condition 208 to determine whether one or more operating conditions 114 of the vehicle system are satisfied by one or more operating parameters 118. If condition 208 is FALSE, procedure 200 continues at operation 206 to deactivate the automatic engine start / stop control.If condition 208 is TRUE, procedure 200 proceeds to operation 210 to activate the automatic engine start / stop control.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the combustion parameters 116 include measured or derived combustion parameters in the cylinder. In one embodiment, the combustion parameter in the cylinder is determined from one or more pilot gas operating parameters. The pilot gas operating parameters may include one or more pressure, temperature, and gas components in one or more of the cylinders 80. The gas operating parameters are monitored and evaluated via the start / stop evaluation module 110 to obtain indications of possible incomplete combustion or misfire in one or more of the cylinders 80. The gas operating parameters can be compared with a type of temperature, pressure, and / or gas component threshold of the combustion parameter condition(s) 112, which is associated with combustion stability.For example, the detection of one or more pre-ignition gas operating parameters that do not meet condition(s) 112 of the combustion parameters in the cylinder leads to the automatic start / stop functionality being deactivated by the start / stop control module 120.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the combustion parameter 116 is determined from a combustion event in the cylinder. In one embodiment, the combustion event parameters in the cylinder are one or more parameters of pressure, temperature, or other parameters that occur during combustion in the cylinder and indicate incomplete combustion or a misfire event in one or more of the cylinders 80. The combustion event parameters in the cylinder are received and evaluated by the start / stop evaluation module 110 to obtain indications of incomplete combustion or a misfire event, for example, by determining whether the pressure or temperature is below a threshold value associated with the combustion parameters in the cylinder that do not meet the combustion parameter conditions 112, which indicate combustion stability.For example, the detection of one or more combustion event parameters that do not meet the combustion parameter condition(s) 112 in the cylinder leads to the automatic start / stop functionality being deactivated by the start / stop control module 120.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, a cylinder wall temperature is a combustion parameter 116 that is monitored by the start / stop evaluation module 110 to indicate incomplete combustion or a misfire event in one or more of the cylinders 80. The cylinder wall temperature parameter can be associated with one or more combustion parameter conditions 112 in the cylinder, such as a cylinder wall temperature threshold that indicates the stability of the presence or absence of combustion. For example, detecting a cylinder wall temperature that does not correspond to the combustion parameter conditions 112 in the cylinder, such as a temperature threshold, causes the automatic start / stop functionality to be deactivated by the start / stop control module 120.

[0039] In another embodiment, the combustion parameter 116 is a temperature of a fuel injector tip 96 in cylinder 80. The fuel injector tip temperatures are monitored and evaluated by the start / stop evaluation module 110 to determine if the fuel injector tip temperature falls below a certain temperature threshold. This threshold is indicated by the combustion parameter conditions 112 in the cylinder, which signify the presence or absence of combustion stability. As a result of the fuel injector tip temperature being below the threshold and the combustion parameter conditions 112 in the cylinder not being met, the automatic engine start / stop functionality is deactivated.

[0040] In further embodiments, the start / stop evaluation module 110 can additionally evaluate one or more operating parameters 114 for compliance with one or more operating conditions 118 in conjunction with the combustion parameters 112 in order to determine whether the automatic engine start / stop function should be activated or deactivated. For example, in one embodiment, one or more operating parameters of the refueling system 90, such as the temperature and / or pressure of the fuel supplied to the cylinders 80, can be monitored for indications of operating parameters that do not meet one or more operating conditions 114, such as a fuel pressure threshold and / or fuel temperature threshold. In response to the fact that the fuel pressure and / or temperature do not meet the operating conditions 112, the automatic engine start / stop function is deactivated.

[0041] In another embodiment, the operating parameter 118 is a measurement of the exhaust gas components in the exhaust gas stream of the exhaust system 70, and the operating condition 114 is a threshold value for the presence or absence of one or more exhaust gas components. In still further embodiments, the operating parameter 118 is a temperature condition of one or more components associated with the aftertreatment device(s) 76, such as an SCR catalyst, DPF, catalytic converter, etc. The operating condition 114 can be a sub-temperature operating condition, such as a temperature threshold value. After detecting such a sub-temperature operating parameter and / or if the exhaust gas components do not meet the operating condition 114 for the aftertreatment device(s) 76, the automatic engine start / stop functionality of the start / stop control module 120 can be deactivated.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the operating parameters 118 of the EGR system 60 are monitored for signs of subcooling and / or condensation operating conditions 114. Examples of operating parameters 118 for the EGR system 60 that can be monitored and compared with the associated operating conditions 114 are one or more of the temperatures of the EGR flow or EGR components, the coolant temperature of an EGR cooler, components of the EGR flow, the EGR flow rate, or other operating parameters. The start / stop evaluation module 110 provides a deactivation command to the start / stop control module 120 to deactivate the automatic engine start / stop functionality of the start / stop control module 120 in response to EGR operating parameters that do not meet the EGR operating conditions 114.

[0043] In further embodiments, the operating parameter 118 includes a heat dissipation quantity from the waste heat recovery system 68, which is monitored and compared with an operating condition 114 that indicates the degree of heat dissipation. The start / stop evaluation module 110 provides a deactivation command for the start / stop control module 120 to deactivate the automatic engine start / stop functionality of the start / stop control module 120 in response to the measured heat dissipation quantity, which does not meet the operating condition of heat dissipation.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the cold-start compensation controls for the engine system 16 can provide an input for the start / stop evaluation module 110, indicating whether the cold-start compensation controls of the engine system 16 are active and currently controlling engine operation. If the cold-start combustion controls are active, the start / stop evaluation module 110 sends a command to the start / stop control module 120 to disable the automatic engine start / stop functionality. Furthermore, one or more environmental operating parameters, such as temperature and / or humidity, can be determined and used to disable the functionality of the engine start / stop control module 120 if one or more environmental operating conditions are not met.

[0045] It should be understood that each combination of combustion parameter conditions 112 must be met to enable the automatic engine start / stop control capabilities. It should further be understood that each combination of combustion parameter conditions 112 and operating conditions 114 must be met to enable the automatic engine start / stop control capabilities. If one or more of these conditions 112 and 114 are not met, the engine's start / stop control capabilities are disabled. If all selected conditions 112 and 114 are met, or if a specified subset of one or more of the conditions 112 and 114 are met, the engine start / stop control capabilities are enabled.

[0046] The combustion parameters 116 and the operating parameters 118 can be compared with the combustion parameter conditions 112 and / or the operating conditions 114, which may be a single threshold, a variable threshold, a set of determinations, a data trend (including confirmation times), a value that changes over time and / or in response to one or more operating conditions, or other suitable state values. Furthermore, combustion parameters 116 and / or operating parameters 118 may be acquired values ​​and / or derived values ​​using multiple acquired parameters.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a vehicle comprising an engine system with an internal combustion engine, an operating system functionally coupled to the engine system which can be operated to start and stop the internal combustion engine in response to user inputs, and a start / stop control which can be operated to control the automatic engine start / stop operations of the internal combustion engine independently of the operating system are disclosed.The procedure involves determining one or more combustion parameters in one or more cylinders of the internal combustion engine; deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control of the internal combustion engine by the start / stop control in response to the one or more combustion parameters that do not meet a combustion parameter condition indicating combustion stability in the one or more cylinders; and activating the automatic engine start / stop control of the internal combustion engine by the start / stop control in response to the one or more combustion parameters that meet the combustion parameter condition.

[0048] In one embodiment, the one or more combustion parameters include a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder, and the combustion parameter condition is an indicator of the absence of incomplete combustion and misfires in one or more cylinders. In a refinement of this embodiment, the pre-ignition gas condition in the cylinder includes at least one cylinder internal pressure, one cylinder internal temperature, and one cylinder gas component in the cylinder of the one or more cylinders, wherein the combustion parameter condition includes at least one cylinder internal pressure threshold, one cylinder internal temperature threshold, and one cylinder gas component quantity in the cylinder.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the one or more combustion parameters include a combustion parameter in the cylinder, wherein the combustion parameter condition indicates the absence of at least one incomplete combustion and misfire event in the one or more cylinders. In a refinement of this embodiment, the combustion parameter in the cylinder includes at least one cylinder internal pressure and one cylinder internal temperature of the one or more cylinders, wherein the combustion parameter condition includes at least one cylinder internal pressure threshold and one cylinder internal temperature threshold.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the one or more combustion parameters include a cylinder wall temperature in the one or more cylinders, and the combustion parameter condition includes a cylinder wall temperature threshold. In yet another embodiment, the method includes deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control in response to an operating parameter of the refueling system that supplies fuel to the one or more cylinders that does not meet at least one operating condition of fuel temperature and one operating condition of fuel pressure.

[0051] In another embodiment, the one or more combustion parameters include a temperature of the injector tip assigned to one or more cylinders, and the combustion parameter condition includes an injector tip temperature operating condition. In yet another embodiment, the method involves deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control in response to an operating parameter of the EGR system, indicating at least one subcooling state and one condensing operating state in an EGR system connected to the engine system. In a refinement of this embodiment, the operating parameter of the EGR system includes at least an EGR temperature, a coolant temperature of an EGR cooler, an EGR flow rate, and gas components in the recirculated exhaust gas.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the method includes deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control in response to the detection of an operating parameter of the exhaust aftertreatment device indicating a sub-temperature operating state of the exhaust aftertreatment device. In yet another embodiment, the method includes deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control in response to the detection of an operating parameter of the cold engine compensation control of the engine system that is in an active operating state. In a further embodiment, the method includes deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control in response to an operating parameter of the waste heat recovery system indicating a heat dissipation operating state that is below a threshold value.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the vehicle also includes an engine / generator system that is functionally coupled to the engine system and an energy storage system that is operationally coupled to the engine / generator system. In yet another embodiment, the combustion parameter condition includes at least one value derived from a single threshold, a variable threshold, a range of values, and a derived value. In yet another embodiment, the combustion parameter in the cylinder is at least one value derived from a detected value and a derived value from one or more detected values.

[0054] According to another aspect, a vehicle system includes an internal combustion engine that is functionally coupled to a transmission system, with the internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders for burning fuel. The system also features an engine start / stop control system that is functionally connected to the internal combustion engine. The engine start / stop control system is designed to automatically stop and start the internal combustion engine depending on the engine start / stop criteria.The engine start / stop control is further capable of deactivating the automatic start / stop control of the internal combustion engine in response to one or more combustion parameters in the cylinder that do not meet one or more combustion parameter conditions, and of activating the automatic start / stop control of the internal combustion engine by the engine start / stop control in response to one or more combustion parameters in the cylinder that do meet one or more combustion parameter conditions. The one or more combustion parameter conditions indicate combustion stability in one or more cylinders.

[0055] In one embodiment, the system further includes a motor / generator system that is functionally coupled to the motor system, and an energy storage system that is operationally coupled to the motor / generator system.

[0056] In another embodiment, the automatic start / stop control of the internal combustion engine is only activated if the engine start / stop control determines that the combustion parameters in the cylinder meet two or more combustion parameter conditions.In a refinement of this embodiment, the two or more combustion parameter conditions include at least two of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder indicating a lack of incomplete combustion and misfires in one or more cylinders; a combustion event parameter in the cylinder indicating a lack of incomplete combustion and misfire events in the one or more cylinders; a cylinder wall temperature in the one or more cylinders exceeding a cylinder wall temperature threshold; and a fuel injector tip temperature of a fuel injector associated with the one or more cylinders exceeding a fuel injector tip temperature threshold.

[0057] In another embodiment, the automatic start / stop control of the internal combustion engine is only activated if the engine start / stop control determines that one or more combustion parameters in the cylinder meet at least one combustion parameter condition and that at least one operating parameter of the vehicle system meets at least one operating condition of the vehicle system.In a refinement of this embodiment, the at least one combustion parameter condition includes at least one of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder indicating the absence of incomplete combustion and misfires in one or more cylinders; a combustion event parameter in the cylinder indicating the absence of incomplete combustion and misfire events in the one or more cylinders; a cylinder wall temperature parameter in the one or more cylinders that exceeds a cylinder wall temperature threshold; a fuel injector tip temperature parameter of a fuel injector connected to the one or more cylinders that exceeds a fuel injector tip temperature threshold.Furthermore, the minimum operating condition of the vehicle system includes at least one of the following parameters: a refueling system operating parameter of a fuel system that supplies fuel to the one or more cylinders, which meets at least one fuel temperature operating condition and one fuel pressure operating condition; an EGR operating parameter indicating the absence of a sub-temperature operating condition or a condensation operating condition in an EGR system; an exhaust aftertreatment device operating parameter indicating the absence of a sub-temperature operating condition of an exhaust aftertreatment device; a heat dissipation operating parameter of a waste heat recovery system associated with the internal combustion engine, which indicates a heat dissipation operating condition greater than a threshold; and an ambient operating parameter that meets an ambient operating condition.In a further refinement, the pre-ignition gas parameters in the cylinder and the combustion event parameters in the cylinder are determined as a reaction to at least one of a cylinder internal pressure, a cylinder internal temperature and gas components in the cylinder of one or more cylinders.

[0058] In another embodiment, the automatic start / stop control of the internal combustion engine is deactivated if the engine start / stop control detects that at least one combustion parameter condition is not met and that at least one operating condition of the vehicle system is not met.In a refinement of this embodiment, the at least one combustion parameter condition includes at least one of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder indicating incomplete combustion and misfire events in one or more cylinders; a combustion event parameter in the cylinder indicating incomplete combustion and misfire events in the one or more cylinders; a cylinder wall temperature parameter in the one or more cylinders that is below a cylinder wall temperature threshold; a fuel injector tip temperature parameter of a fuel injector connected to the one or more cylinders that is below an injector tip temperature threshold.Furthermore, the at least one operating condition of the vehicle system includes at least one of the following parameters: a refueling system operating parameter of a refueling system that supplies fuel to one or more cylinders, which does not meet at least one fuel temperature operating condition and one fuel pressure operating condition; an EGR operating parameter indicating a supercooling operating condition or a condensation operating condition in an EGR system; an exhaust aftertreatment device operating parameter indicating a subtemperature operating condition of an exhaust aftertreatment device; a heat dissipation operating parameter of a waste heat recovery system associated with the internal combustion engine, which indicates a heat dissipation operating condition less than a threshold value; and an ambient operating parameter that does not meet an ambient operating condition.

[0059] According to another aspect, a control device includes at least one processor, a communication network interface in functional connection with the processor, and at least one non-volatile, computer-readable medium designed to store instructions that can be executed by the processor to evaluate one or more combustion parameters for selectively activating and deactivating an engine start / stop control in response to one or more combustion parameter conditions. The one or more combustion parameter conditions indicate combustion stability in one or more cylinders of the internal combustion engine.One or more combustion parameters are received from the communication network interface, and the automatic start / stop control of an internal combustion engine is deactivated if one or more combustion parameters do not meet the one or more combustion parameter conditions, and the automatic start / stop control of the internal combustion engine is activated if one or more combustion parameters meet one or more combustion parameter conditions.

[0060] In one embodiment, the automatic start / stop control of the internal combustion engine is activated when the processor detects that two or more combustion parameter conditions are met by two or more combustion parameters.The two or more combustion parameter conditions include at least two of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder indicating a lack of incomplete combustion and misfire events in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; a combustion event parameter in the cylinder indicating a lack of incomplete combustion and misfire events in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; a cylinder wall temperature parameter in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine that exceeds a cylinder wall temperature threshold; and a temperature parameter of the injector tip of a fuel injector associated with the cylinder of the internal combustion engine that exceeds an injector tip temperature threshold.

[0061] In another embodiment, the automatic start / stop control of the combustion engine is deactivated if the processor determines that at least one combustion parameter does not meet at least one combustion parameter condition and, in addition, at least one operating parameter does not meet at least one operating condition.The at least one combustion parameter condition includes at least one of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder indicating incomplete combustion and misfire events in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; a combustion event parameter in the cylinder indicating incomplete combustion and misfire events in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; a cylinder wall temperature parameter in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine that is below a cylinder wall temperature threshold; a temperature parameter of the injector tip of a fuel injector valve associated with the cylinder of the internal combustion engine that is below an injector tip temperature threshold.The minimum operating condition includes at least one of the following: an operating parameter of the refueling system that does not meet one of the operating conditions of fuel pressure and fuel temperature; an EGR operating parameter that indicates the presence of at least one of the sub-temperature and condensation operating conditions; a temperature parameter of the exhaust aftertreatment device that indicates a sub-temperature operating condition; an operating parameter of heat dissipation that indicates a heat dissipation operating condition below a threshold; and an ambient operating parameter that does not meet an ambient operating condition.

[0062] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, it is to be considered illustrative and in no way limiting. It is understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, and that all changes and modifications made in accordance with the invention are to be protected. It is understood that the use of words such as preferred, preferably preferred, or more preferred, as used in the foregoing description, indicates that the feature so described might be more desirable, but that it might not be essential, and that embodiments which do not correspond to the same may be considered to be within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the following claims.When reading the claims, it is understood that the use of words such as "a", "an", "at least a", or "at least a part" does not intend to limit the patent claims to only one subject matter, unless expressly stated otherwise in the patent claims. When the phrase "at least a part" and / or "a part" is used, the subject matter may include a part and / or the entire subject matter, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a vehicle comprising an engine system (16) with an internal combustion engine (17), an operator control system functionally coupled to the engine system (16) which is operable to start and stop the internal combustion engine (17) in response to operator inputs, and a start / stop control (100) which is operable to control the automatic engine start / stop process of the internal combustion engine (17) independently of the operator control system, wherein the method comprises: Receiving information at the start / stop control (100) from a cylinder inlet sensor (89) regarding one or more combustion parameters (116) within one or more combustion chambers (82) of one or more cylinders (80) of the internal combustion engine (17) ; Deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control (130) of the internal combustion engine (17) by the start / stop control (100) in response to one or more combustion parameters (116) that do not meet a combustion parameter condition (112) indicating combustion stability in one or more cylinders (80); and Activation of the automatic engine start / stop control (130) of the internal combustion engine (17) by the start / stop control (100) in response to one or more combustion parameters (116) that satisfy the combustion parameter condition (112). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more combustion parameters (116) include a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder (80) and the combustion parameter condition (112) is an indication that no incomplete combustion and misfire events occur in one or more cylinders (80). [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the pre-ignition gas condition in the cylinder (80) includes at least one of a cylinder internal pressure, a cylinder internal temperature and a gas component in the cylinder (80) of one or more cylinders (80), and the combustion parameter condition (112) includes at least one of a cylinder internal pressure threshold, a cylinder internal temperature threshold and a gas component quantity in the cylinder (80). [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more combustion parameters (116) include a combustion parameter in the cylinder (80) and the combustion parameter condition (112) is an indication that at least one event of incomplete combustion and misfires is missing in one or more cylinders (80). [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the combustion parameter (116) in the cylinder (80) includes at least one of a cylinder internal pressure and a cylinder internal temperature of one or more cylinders (80) and the combustion parameter condition (112) includes at least one of a cylinder internal pressure threshold and a cylinder internal temperature threshold. [6] Method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more combustion parameters (116) includes a cylinder wall temperature in the one or more cylinders (80) and the combustion parameter condition (112) includes a cylinder wall temperature threshold. [7] Method according to claim 1, further comprising deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control (130) in response to an operating parameter of the refueling system (90) which supplies fuel to one or more cylinders (80) that does not meet at least one of a fuel temperature operating condition and a fuel pressure operating condition. [8] Method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more combustion parameters include a temperature of the fuel injector tip (96) of an injector associated with the one or more cylinders (80) and the combustion parameter condition (112) includes a temperature operating condition of the fuel injector tip (96). [9] Method according to claim 1, further comprising deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control (130) in response to an operating parameter of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system (60) indicating at least one of a supercooling condition and a condensation operating condition in an EGR system (60) connected to the engine system (16). [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the operating parameter of the EGR system (60) includes at least one of an EGR temperature, a coolant temperature of an EGR cooler (62), an EGR flow rate and gas components in the recirculated exhaust gas. [11] Method according to claim 1, further comprising deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control (130) in response to the determination of an operating parameter of an exhaust aftertreatment device which indicates a subtemperature operating condition of the exhaust aftertreatment device. [12] Method according to claim 1, further comprising deactivating the automatic engine start / stop control (130) in response to the detection of an operating parameter of the cold engine compensation control which is in an active operating condition. [13] Method according to claim 1, further comprising deactivating the automatic engine start-stop control (130) in response to an operating parameter of the waste heat recovery system indicating a heat dissipation operating condition that is less than a threshold value. [14] Method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle further comprises a motor / generator system (12) functionally coupled to the motor system (16) and an energy storage system (30) functionally coupled to the motor / generator system (12). [15] Method according to claim 1, wherein the combustion parameter condition (112) includes at least one of a single threshold, a variable threshold, a range of values ​​and a derived value. [16] Method according to claim 1, wherein the combustion parameter (116) in the cylinder (80) is at least one of a detected value and a derived value from one or more detected values. [17] Vehicle system (10), comprising: an internal combustion engine (17) which is functionally coupled to a transmission system (14), wherein the internal combustion engine (17) has one or more cylinders (80) for burning a fuel; an engine start / stop control (130) in functional connection with the internal combustion engine (130); and wherein the engine start / stop control (130) is designed to automatically stop and start the internal combustion engine (17) in response to engine start / stop criteria,wherein the engine start / stop control (130) is further configured to receive information from a cylinder inlet sensor (89) regarding one or more cylinder inlet combustion parameters (116) within one or more combustion chambers (82) of the one or more cylinders (80) of the internal combustion engine (17) and to deactivate the automatic start / stop control (100) of the internal combustion engine (17) in response to one or more cylinder inlet combustion parameters (116) in the cylinder (80) that do not meet one or more combustion parameter conditions (112), and to activate the automatic start / stop control (100) of the internal combustion engine (17) by the engine start / stop control (130) in response to one or more combustion parameters (116) in the cylinder (80) that meet one or more combustion parameter conditions (112),wherein the one or more combustion parameter conditions (112) indicate combustion stability in the one or more cylinders (80). [18] Vehicle system (10) according to claim 17, further comprising: a motor / generator system (12) that is functionally coupled to the motor system (16); and an energy storage system (30) that is functionally coupled to the motor / generator system (12). [19] Vehicle system (10) according to claim 17, wherein the automatic start / stop control (100) of the internal combustion engine (17) is only activated when the engine start / stop control (130) determines that the combustion parameters (116) in the cylinder (80) meet two or more combustion parameter conditions (112). [20] Vehicle system (10) according to claim 19, wherein the two or more combustion parameter conditions (112) include at least two of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder (80) indicating a lack of incomplete combustion and misfires in one or more cylinders (80); a combustion event parameter in cylinder (80) indicating a lack of incomplete combustion and misfires in one or more cylinders (80); a cylinder wall temperature in one or more cylinders (80) that exceeds a cylinder wall temperature threshold; and a temperature of the fuel injector tip of a fuel injector assigned to one or more cylinders (80) that exceeds a fuel injector tip temperature threshold (96). [21] Vehicle system (10) according to claim 17, wherein the automatic start / stop control (100) of the internal combustion engine (17) is only activated when the engine start / stop control (130) determines that one or more combustion parameters (116) in the cylinder (80) meet at least one combustion parameter condition (112) and that at least one operating parameter of the vehicle system (10) meets at least one operating condition of the vehicle system (10). [22] Vehicle system (10) according to claim 21, wherein the at least one combustion parameter condition (112) includes at least one of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder (80) indicating the absence of incomplete combustion and misfires in one or more cylinders (80); a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder (80) indicating a lack of incomplete combustion and misfires in one or more cylinders (80); a combustion event parameter in cylinder (80) indicating a lack of incomplete combustion and misfires in one or more cylinders (80); a cylinder wall temperature in the one or more cylinders (80) that exceeds a cylinder wall temperature threshold; a temperature parameter of the fuel injector tip (96) of a fuel injector, which is assigned to one or more cylinders (80) that exceed a temperature threshold of the fuel injector tip; wherein at least one operating condition of the vehicle system (10) includes at least one of the following: an operating parameter of the refueling system (90) of a fuel system that supplies fuel to one or more cylinders (80) which meets at least one of the operating conditions of a fuel temperature and fuel pressure; an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) operating parameter that indicates the absence of a supercooling operating condition or a condensation operating condition in an EGR system (60); an operating parameter of the exhaust aftertreatment device that indicates the absence of a sub-temperature operating condition of an exhaust aftertreatment device; a heat dissipation operating parameter of a waste heat recovery system associated with the internal combustion engine (17), indicating a heat dissipation operating condition that is above a threshold value; and an environmental operating parameter that satisfies an environmental operating condition. [23] Vehicle system (10) according to claim 22, wherein the pre-ignition gas parameters in the cylinder (80) and the combustion event parameters in the cylinder (80) are determined in response to at least one of a cylinder internal pressure, a cylinder internal temperature and gas components in the cylinder (80) of one or more cylinders (80). [24] Vehicle system (10) according to claim 17, wherein the automatic start / stop control (100) of the internal combustion engine (17) is deactivated when the engine start / stop control (130) detects that at least one combustion parameter condition (112) is not met and that at least one operating condition of the vehicle system (10) is not met. [25] Vehicle system (10) according to claim 24, wherein the at least one combustion parameter condition (112) includes at least one of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in the cylinder (80) that indicates incomplete combustion and misfires in the one or more cylinders (80); a combustion event parameter in cylinder (80) that indicates incomplete combustion and misfires in the one or more cylinders (80); a cylinder wall temperature parameter in the one or more cylinders (80) that is below a threshold value for the cylinder wall temperature; and a temperature parameter of the fuel injector tip (96) of a fuel injector, which is assigned to one or more cylinders (80), which is below a temperature threshold of the fuel injector tip (96); wherein at least one operating condition of the vehicle system (10) includes at least one of the following: an operating parameter of the refueling system (90) of a fuel system that supplies fuel to one or more cylinders (80) which does not meet at least one of a fuel temperature operating condition and a fuel pressure operating condition; an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) operating parameter that indicates a supercooling operating condition or a condensation operating condition in an EGR system (60); an operating parameter of the exhaust aftertreatment device that indicates a sub-temperature operating condition of an exhaust aftertreatment device; a heat dissipation operating parameter of a waste heat recovery system associated with the internal combustion engine, indicating a heat dissipation operating condition that is below a threshold value; and an environmental operating parameter that does not meet an environmental operating condition. [26] Control device comprising: at least one processor; a communication network interface in functional connection with the processor; and at least one non-volatile, computer-readable medium designed to store instructions executable by the processor to receive information from a cylinder inlet sensor (89) regarding one or more cylinder inlet combustion parameters (116) within one or more combustion chambers (82) of one or more cylinders (80) of an internal combustion engine (17) and to evaluate the one or more cylinder inlet combustion parameters (116) to selectively activate and deactivate an engine start / stop control (130) in response to one or more combustion parameter conditions (112); wherein the one or more combustion parameter conditions (112) indicate combustion stability in one or more cylinders (80) of an internal combustion engine (17), wherein the one or more combustion parameters (116) are received from the communication network interface, and wherein the automatic start / stop control (100) of an internal combustion engine (17) is deactivated, when one or more combustion parameters (116) do not meet one or more combustion parameter conditions (112), and the automatic start / stop control (100) of the internal combustion engine (17) is activated when one or more combustion parameters (116) meet one or more combustion parameter conditions (112). [27] Control device according to claim 26, wherein the automatic start / stop control (100) of the internal combustion engine (17) is activated in response to the processor determining that two or more combustion parameter conditions (112) are satisfied by two or more combustion parameters (116), wherein the two or more combustion parameter conditions (112) include at least two of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in cylinder (80) that indicates a lack of incomplete combustion and misfires in cylinder (80) of the internal combustion engine (17); a combustion event parameter in cylinder (80) that indicates a lack of incomplete combustion and misfires in cylinder (80) of the internal combustion engine (17); a cylinder wall temperature parameter in the cylinder (80) of the internal combustion engine (17) that exceeds a threshold value for the cylinder wall temperature; and a fuel injector tip temperature parameter (96) of a fuel injector that is assigned to the cylinder (80) of the internal combustion engine (17) that exceeds a fuel injector tip temperature threshold. [28] Control device according to claim 26, wherein the automatic start / stop control (100) of the internal combustion engine (17) is deactivated when the processor determines that the at least one combustion parameter (116) does not meet at least one combustion parameter condition (112) and furthermore at least one operating parameter does not meet at least one operating condition, wherein the at least one combustion parameter condition (112) includes at least one of the following: a pre-ignition gas parameter in cylinder (80) that indicates incomplete combustion and misfires in cylinder (80) of the internal combustion engine (17); a combustion event parameter in cylinder (80) that indicates incomplete combustion and misfires in cylinder (80) of the internal combustion engine (17); a cylinder wall temperature parameter in the cylinder (80) of the internal combustion engine (17) that is below a threshold value for the cylinder wall temperature; a temperature parameter of the fuel injector tip (96) of a fuel injector, which is assigned to the cylinder (80) of the internal combustion engine (17), which is below a temperature threshold of the fuel injector tip (96); where at least one operating condition includes at least one of the following: an operating parameter of the refueling system (90) that does not meet a fuel pressure operating condition and a fuel temperature operating condition; an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) operating parameter that indicates the presence of at least one supercooling and one condensation operating condition; a temperature parameter of the exhaust aftertreatment device that indicates a sub-temperature operating condition; a heat dissipation operating parameter that indicates a heat dissipation operating condition that is below a threshold; and an environmental operating parameter that does not meet an environmental operating condition.

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