Fluid purging systemsand methods for hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines

Abstract

A system includes an engine block in blowby gas receiving communication with one or more cylinders and a crankcase ventilation system configured to draw a fluid out of the engine block and separate the fluid into separated crankcase blowby gas and a liquid. The fluid includes the blowby gas. The crankcase ventilation system includes a first crankcase ventilation conduit configured to route the separated crankcase blowby gas to the one or more cylinders. The system includes a controller configured to perform operations including causing the crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block at a determined purge air flow rate.

Description

FLUID PURGING SYSTEMSAND METHODS FOR HYDROGEN FUELED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION1000.11 This Application claims the benefit of and priority to Indian Provisional Application No. 202441043229, filed June 4, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.FIELD[0002 | The present disclosure relates generally to the field of fluid purging systems and methods for a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine.BACKGROUND[0003| A hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine consumes hydrogen fuel to produce power (e.g., for turning a crankshaft of a system embodying the engine, such as vehicle). Unlike internal combustion engines that burn carbonaceous fuel, such as diesel fuel or gasoline, the exhaust produced by a hydrogen internal combustion engine may not include hydrocarbons or carbon oxides (e.g., carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide). Rather, the exhaust may include sulfur oxides (SOx) originating from burning lubricants, nitrogen oxides (NOx) originating from burning the hydrogen fuel in the presence of air (including nitrogen, N2, and oxygen, O2), and / or water (H2O) originating from burning the hydrogen fuel in the presence of air (including oxygen, O2) or from the presence of water (e.g., humidity) in the intake air. The exhaust may also include unconsumed hydrogen (H2).SUMMARY[0004[ One embodiment relates to a system. The system includes an engine block in blowby gas receiving communication with one or more cylinders. The system includes a crankcase ventilation system configured to draw a fluid out of the engine block and separate the fluid intoseparated crankcase blowby gas and a liquid. The fluid includes the blowby gas. The crankcase ventilation system includes a first crankcase ventilation conduit configured to route the separated crankcase blowby gas to the one or more cylinders. The system includes a controller having at least one memory device storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the controller to perform operations. The operations include: receiving a first hydrogen content value regarding the separated crankcase blowby gas, a second hydrogen content value regarding the fluid in the engine block, and a flow rate value regarding the blowby gas; comparing the first hydrogen content value regarding the separated crankcase blowby gas to a first threshold; determining a purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; determining the purge air flow rate based on the first hydrogen content value, the second hydrogen content value, and the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being above the first threshold; and causing the crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block at the purge air flow rate.[0005| Another embodiment relates to a method. The method includes: receiving a first hydrogen content value regarding a separated crankcase blowby gas, a second hydrogen content value regarding a fluid in an engine block, and a flow rate value regarding the separated crankcase blowby gas; comparing the first hydrogen content value to a first threshold; determining a purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; determining the purge air flow rate based on the first hydrogen content value, the second hydrogen content value, and the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being above the first threshold; and causing a crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block at the purge air flow rate.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a controller, cause the controller to perform operations. The operations include: receiving a first hydrogen content value regarding a separated crankcase blowby gas, a second hydrogen content value regarding a fluid in an engine block, and a flow rate value regarding the separated crankcase blowby gas; comparing the first hydrogen content value to a first threshold; determining a purge air flowrate based on the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; determining the purge air flow rate based on the first hydrogen content value, the second hydrogen content value, and the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being above the first threshold; and causing a crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block at the purge air flow rate.[0007[ Numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The described features of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and / or implementations. In this regard, one or more features of an aspect of the invention may be combined with one or more features of a different aspect of the invention. Moreover, additional features may be recognized in certain embodiments and / or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS|0008[ FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine system, according to an example embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine system, according to another example embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controller of the system of FIG. 1 or the system of FIG. 2, according to an example embodiment.[00111 FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of controlling the system of FIG. 1 or the system of FIG. 2, according to an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION[0012[ Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, computer-readable media, and systems for purging fluid from a crankcase of a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine system. The systemmay purge or enable purging of a fluid, such as hydrogen and / or water vapor, from the crankcase of a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine. Before turning to the Figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the Figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0013] As utilized herein, the term “estimating” and like terms are used to refer to determining an approximate value based on data (e.g., sensor data, historical sensor data, real-time sensor data, etc.), which may be close but not necessarily exactly the actual value. In some embodiments, estimating the value can be performed using one or more models (e.g., statistical models, artificial intelligence models, machine learning models, etc.). As utilized herein, the term “measuring” and like terms are used to refer to determining an approximate value based on detecting or receiving information regarding the value (e.g., using a sensor). The measured value may be close to the actual value but not necessarily exactly the actual value. But, the measured value may be a closer to the actual value than the estimated value.

[0014] As utilized herein, the term “operational data” and like terms are used to refer to data regarding the operation of a system, such as an engine system. In some embodiments, operational data may include values, such as sensor data values, or other information regarding the operation of a system. In some embodiments, the operational data may be measured (e.g., by one or more real sensors), estimated (e.g., by one or more virtual sensors or by a computer device or processing circuit), and / or determined based on a target value.

[0015] As utilized herein, the term “content” and like terms are used to refer to an amount (e.g., absolute amount, a relative amount, etc.) of a substance. The amount may be expressed as a value, such as a mass value (e.g., measured in grams, kilograms, etc ), a weight value (e.g., measured in ounces, pounds, etc.), or another suitable value, such as a molar value. In some embodiments, the amount may be expressed as a concentration (e.g., an amount of a substance divided by the total amount of a mixture), such as parts per million, percent weight, percent mass, molar concentration, volumetric concentration, and so on. For example, a hydrogencontent in a gas stream may be a mass of the hydrogen, a concentration of hydrogen relative to the gas stream, a percentage of hydrogen by weight relative to the weight of the gas stream, etc. In another example, a water content in a gas stream may be a mass of the water, a concentration of water relative to the gas stream, a percentage of water by weight relative to the gas stream, etc. In yet another example, water content in a gas stream may be referred to as a “humidity” of the gas stream, or, more specifically, a “relative humidity” of the gas stream.

[0016] As described herein, an engine system may include an engine. The engine may include one or more components, such as one or more combustion cylinders and a crankcase. During operation, a fuel (e.g., hydrogen) and air (e.g., ambient air, filtered air, etc.) is provided to the one or more combustion cylinders. The air-fuel mixture is combusted in the combustion cylinders, producing exhaust gas. The exhaust gas is routed out of the combustion cylinders to an aftertreatment system. In some embodiments, the aftertreatment system is omitted. However, during operation, some of the fuel, air, and / or exhaust gas may leak into the crankcase.[0017[ Advantageously and as described herein, a control system or controller may control the operation of the engine system to selectively “purge” fluid from the crankcase. As used herein, “purge” and similar terms are used to mean expel or remove, substantially expel or remove (remove a majority of), or otherwise reduce the concentration of certain composition contents. For example, fluids, such as hydrogen, may be purged from the crankcase. The purged fluids may be replaced with another fluid, such as air. In another example, fluids, such as hydrogen, may be diluted to reduce the concentration of the fluid. The purged fluids may be diluted with another fluid, such as air. In yet another example, a relative amount of water vapor, may be reduced by, for example, changing one or more characteristics of a fluid including the water vapor. For example, purging water vapor from a gas may include reducing the relative humidity of the gas by increasing a temperature of the gas and / or removing water from the gas (e.g., by condensing the water vapor into liquid water).

[0018] In operation, the control system or controller may monitor one or more operational characteristics of the components of the engine system using one or more sensors (e.g., actualsensors and / or virtual sensors) to collect and / or determine sensor data. For example, the sensor data may include a hydrogen content and / or a water content (e.g., humidity) at or proximate one or more components of the engine system. In some embodiments, the control system may compare sensor data to one or more thresholds to determine whether to implement a purge operation.[O019| In a hydrogen internal combustion engine system, water vapor is one of the products of combusting hydrogen in the hydrogen internal combustion engine system. Furthermore, hydrogen is injected into a combustion cylinder during operation of the hydrogen internal combustion engine system (e.g., during a compression stroke of the engine). Crankcase blowby gases, therefore, can include both hydrogen gas and water vapor. As described herein, it may be desirable to purge undesirable contents, such as hydrogen or water, from a crankcase. For example, hydrogen (e.g., unburned H2) in an engine system (e.g., the crankcase) may become flammable due its high combustibility characteristic. Undesired combustion may lead to damage in the crankcase and / or other components or systems. This also can lead to undesired operation of the engine system. Thus, it is desirable to maintain a hydrogen content (e.g., concentration) below a predetermined threshold, such as, for example, at or below a predefined value (e.g., 4%) hydrogen gas by volume. Additionally, hydrogen in an engine system may promote “hydrogen embrittlement.” As described herein, hydrogen embrittlement refers to a phenomenon of hydrogen molecules diffusing into metal and reacting with carbon within the metal thereby changing the material properties of the components. For example, hydrogen embrittlement may cause the material of a component to become more brittle. In another example, water vapor in an engine system may condense, and liquid water may degrade components by facilitating oxidation or other undesirable chemical reactions. Oxidation of engine components or other undesirable chemical reactions may lead to damage in the crankcase and / or other components or systems, which can lead to undesired operation of the engine system. For example, liquid water may mix with oil in the crankcase, resulting in oil emulsification. Oil emulsification with liquid water may degrade the ability of the oil to provide sufficient lubrication to the combustion cylinders of the engine and / or make separating the water from the oil more difficult, degrading oil / water separators in the engine system. Thus,it is desirable to maintain a water content (e.g., concentration) below a predetermined threshold. Given the undesirable impacts of hydrogen and water content in the crankcase, it is desirable to limit both hydrogen content and water vapor content in the crankcase.

[0020] In an example embodiment, a system includes an engine having a crankcase. The system includes a crankcase ventilation system configured to selectively draw a fluid (e.g., crankcase blowby gases, air, purge air, etc.) out of the crankcase. In some embodiments, the system includes an air intake configured to route air into the crankcase. More specifically, as the crankcase ventilation system draws crankcase blowby gases out of the crankcase, the fluid pressure in the crankcase decreases, and air (e.g., ambient air, filtered air, treated air, etc.) is drawn into the crankcase via the air intake (e.g., due to the relatively lower fluid pressure in the crankcase). The system includes a controller having at least one memory device and at least one processor. The controller is configured to receive information regarding a hydrogen content and / or a water content in the system. The controller is also configured to cause the crankcase ventilation system to draw the crankcase blowby gases out of the crankcase responsive to determining that the hydrogen content exceeds a first threshold and / or responsive to determining that the water content exceeds a second threshold. Beneficially, the operations of the controller may enable simultaneous control over hydrogen content and water vapor in the crankcase (e.g., by using a closed loop control process). In particular, by reducing hydrogen content in the crankcase, the operations of the controller may mitigate undesired combustion of the hydrogen. Additionally, by reducing water content in the crankcase, the operations of the controller may facilitate maintaining the oil quality over a longer duration (e.g., by mitigating oil emulsification). Advantageously, by maintaining the oil quality over a longer duration, the oil in the engine system may be changed less frequently, thereby reducing the cost of operating the engine system. Another benefit of the operations of the controller includes improving the ability of the engine system to operate in high ambient humidity conditions by reducing the water content in the crankcase. These and other features and benefits are described more fully herein below.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic view of a block diagram of a system 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. The system 100 includes an engine 102. In someembodiments, the system 100 includes an aftertreatment system 120 in exhaust gas receiving communication with the engine 102. In other embodiments, the aftertreatment system 120 is not included. The system 100 includes a controller 140. The controller 140 may be communi cably coupled to one or more other components of the system 100.[00221 In the configuration of FIG. 1, the system 100 is included in a vehicle. The vehicle may be any type of on-road or off-road vehicle including, but not limited to, wheel-loaders, fork-lift trucks, line-haul trucks, mid-range trucks (e.g., pick-up truck, etc.), sedans, coupes, tanks, airplanes, boats, and any other type of vehicle. In another embodiment, the system 100 may be embodied in a stationary piece of equipment, such as a power generator or genset. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.[00231 In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the engine 102 is a hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE). The hydrogen ICE may consume hydrogen fuel to generate power. In some embodiments, the engine 102 may be part of a hybrid engine system having a combination of an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine coupled to at least one battery. For example, the system 100 may include an electric machine (not shown), such as a motor, a motor generator, an electric starter, etc., that is coupled to the engine 102 via a shaft (e.g., an output shaft, a drive shaft, a crankshaft, etc.). In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured as a mild-hybrid powertrain, a parallel hybrid powertrain, a series hybrid powertrain, or a series-parallel powertrain.

[0024] The engine 102 includes a cylinder head 104 configured to house one or more cylinders (e.g., combustion cylinders), at least partially. In some embodiments, the engine 102 includes six cylinders. However, it should be understood that the engine 102 may include more or fewer cylinders (e.g., at least one). Furthermore, the cylinders may be provided in varying arrangements (e.g., in-line, horizontal, V, or other suitable cylinder arrangement). In some embodiments, the cylinder head 104 is configured to route air to the one or more cylinders. The engine 102 also includes an engine block 106. The engine block 106 is configured to house the one or more cylinders, at least partially. The engine block 106 at least partially defines a crankcase. The engine 102 includes an oil pan 108. The oil pan 108 is configured to collectfluid, namely a lubricant such as oil, that falls from the one or more cylinders, through the engine block 106. The collected oil may be routed from the oil pan 108 to a downstream component or system, such as an oil system.

[0025] During operation, fuel (e.g., hydrogen) and air is provided to the cylinders. The air-fuel mixture may be ignited and combusted. The combustion of the air-fuel mixture results in exhaust gas. The exhaust gas may be routed to a downstream component or system. However, some of the fuel, air, and / or exhaust gas may leak into the engine block 106, or more specifically, into the crankcase. The gases that leak into the crankcase are referred to as “crankcase blowby gases” or “blowby gases.”

[0026] The system 100 includes an intake conduit 110. The intake conduit 110 is a conduit or piping system that is configured to route an intake gas stream, including air (e.g., ambient air, compressed air, etc.), to the engine 102. In some embodiments, the intake conduit 110 may include a manifold (e g., an intake manifold) that is configured to route air to each of the cylinders. The intake conduit 110 may be structured to receive ambient air from the atmosphere.

[0027] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an air filter 111. The air filter I l l is disposed at the intake conduit 110. The air filter 111 may include, for example, a filter media including a woven filter media, a non-woven filter media, a pleated filter media, or other suitable filter media. The air filter 111 is structured to filter the air supplied to the engine 102.|0028[ In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a turbo device 122. The turbo device 122 may be any type of turbo machinery, such as a turbocharger, a variable geometry turbocharger, a power turbine, etc. The turbo device 122 may be operatively coupled to the engine 102 and / or another component of the system 100, such as a drivetrain, a battery, an electric machine, or other suitable component. In some embodiments, the turbo device 122 includes a turbine and a compressor (not shown). The turbine is driven (e.g., rotated) by the flow of exhaust gas. The rotation of the turbine drives the compressor. The compressor is structured to receive a gas stream (e.g., an air stream) from the intake conduit 110. The turbo device 122 is configured to compress the received gas stream and provide the compressed gasstream to the engine 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the turbo device 122 may be coupled to the cylinder head 104 such that the turbo device 122 is operative to provide the compressed gas stream to the engine 102 (e.g., via the cylinder head 104). The aftertreatment system 120 may be in exhaust gas receiving communication with the turbo device 122. The engine 102 may be in compressed gas receiving communication with the turbo device 122. In some embodiments, the turbo device 122 receives an air stream from the air fdter 111.

[0029] The system 100 includes an exhaust conduit 118 that is one or more conduits and / or a piping system that is configured to route an exhaust gas from the engine 102 to a downstream component. In some embodiments, the exhaust conduit 118 includes an exhaust manifold that is configured to route an exhaust gas stream from each of the cylinders to the downstream component. The downstream component may include one or more of the aftertreatment system 120 and / or the turbo device 122. In some embodiments, a first portion of the exhaust conduit 118 is disposed between the engine 102 and turbo device 122. The first portion of the exhaust conduit 118 is configured to route the exhaust gas stream from the engine 102 to turbo device 122. In some embodiments, a second portion of the exhaust conduit 118 is disposed between the turbo device 122 and the aftertreatment system 120. The second portion of the exhaust conduit 118 is configured to route the exhaust gas stream from the turbo device 122 to the aftertreatment system 120.

[0030] The aftertreatment system 120 is in exhaust gas receiving communication with the engine 102. The aftertreatment system 120 includes components used to reduce exhaust emissions, such as a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, an oxidation catalyst (DOC), a particulate filter (PF), an exhaust fluid doser with a supply of exhaust fluid, a plurality of sensors for monitoring the aftertreatment system (e.g., a nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor, temperature sensors, etc ), and / or still other components.

[0031] The system 100 includes a purge air system 141. The purge air system 141 is configured to route air (e.g., ambient air, filtered air, etc.) from the intake conduit 110 to the engine block 106. The purge air system 141 is configured to route an air stream, or, more specifically, a purge air stream, to the crankcase. In some embodiments, the purge air system 141 isconfigured to receive the purge air stream from the intake conduit 110. For example, the intake conduit may include a conduit portion that routs at least a portion of the intake air to the purge air system 141.

[0032] The engine system includes a heater 142. The heater 142 may be part of the purge air system 141. The heater is configured to heat the received air before the air is routed to the engine block 106. The heater 142 may be or include a grid heater, an electric heater, a ceramic heater, or other suitable heater. Advantageously, heating the air may reduce the relative humidity of the air, thereby decreasing the water content in the air provided to the engine block 106. In some embodiments, the engine system includes a dryer (e.g., instead of or in addition to the heater 142). The dryer is or include one or more components configured to reduce the water content in the air received therein, such as a heater element, a filter media (e.g., a coalescing media), and / or other suitable components for removing water from the air and / or reducing the water content in the air.|0033] The engine system includes a filter 144. The filter 144 may be part of the purge air system 141. The filter 144 may include one or more a filter media, such as a woven filter media, a non-woven filter media, a pleated filter media, a coalescing filter media, etc. The filter 144 is configured to remove and trap contaminants in the air passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the filter 144 is a hydroscopic filter that is configured to remove at least a portion of the water, or more specifically, water vapor, from the air (e.g., the purge air) passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the filter media includes a coalescing filter media, and the filter 144 is configured to remove water (e.g., water vapor) from the air by coalescing or condensing the water on the coalescing filter media. In this way, the filter 144 may reduce the water content in the air provided to the engine block 106.|0034] The system 100 includes a bypass conduit 146. The bypass conduit 146 may be part of the purge air system 141. The bypass conduit 146 may be one or more conduits (e.g., a piping system) that is configured to route the air from the intake conduit 110 to the engine block 106, without passing the air through the heater 142 and the filter 144. In this way, the bypass conduit 146 enables ambient air to flow from the intake conduit 110 to the engine block 106.

[0035] The system 100 includes a flow control device, shown as a valve 114 (e.g., a butterfly valve, a ball valve, a globe valve, a solenoid valve, etc.). The valve 114 may be part of the purge air system 141. The valve 114 is disposed at the intake conduit 110. The valve 114 is structured to control an amount of air supplied to the heater 142 and filter 144 relative to an amount of air supplied to the bypass conduit 146. The valve 114 may be actuated (e.g., by an actuator controlled by the controller 140) between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the valve 114 allows a maximum amount of air to flow from the intake conduit 110 to the heater 142 and the filter 144. In the second position, the valve 114 allows a minimum amount of air to flow from the intake conduit 110 to the bypass conduit 146. The controller 140 may selectively actuate the valve 114 (e.g., by controlling the actuator) in a plurality of positions between and / or including the first position and the second position to adjust the amount of air received by the heater 142 and filter 144.

[0036] The system 100 includes a crankcase ventilation system 150. The crankcase ventilation system 150 is configured to route a fluid (e.g., a crankcase blowby gas, purge air, etc.) out of the engine block 106. In some embodiments, the crankcase ventilation system 150 may include a fluid separation system (e.g., rotating crankcase filtration systems, electronic rotating crankcase ventilation (ERCV) systems, etc.) for separating fluids (e.g., liquid water, water vapor, lubricant oil, blowby gases, etc.) from each other. The crankcase ventilation system 150 may include one or more components configured to draw air from the engine block 106 and into the fluid separation system, such as a pump, a fan, or other suitable component. In an example embodiment, the crankcase ventilation system 150 includes the ERCV. The ERCV may include or be, for example, a suction pump that is configured to pull air into the engine block 106 (e.g., via the intake conduit 110). As described herein, as the crankcase ventilation system 150 pulls air into the engine block 106, the hydrogen content in the engine block 106 is diluted, thereby reducing the hydrogen content, or, more specifically, reducing the hydrogen concentration.|0037] The crankcase ventilation system 150 may include a first crankcase ventilation conduit 152 that routes a separated crankcase blowby gas stream to the turbo device 122. The filtered or separated crankcase blowby gas stream is substantially free of oil and water vapor. In someembodiments, the first crankcase ventilation conduit 152 is coupled to the intake conduit 110, upstream of the turbo device 122. The crankcase ventilation system 150 may include a second crankcase ventilation conduit 154 that routes the separated water (e.g., water vapor, liquid water) to the aftertreatment system 120. In some embodiments, the second crankcase ventilation conduit 154 is coupled to the exhaust conduit 118, upstream of the aftertreatment system 120. The crankcase ventilation system 150 may include a third crankcase ventilation conduit 156 that routes the separated oil (e.g., lubricant oil) to the oil pan 108.|0038] As shown, a plurality of sensors 125 are included in the system 100. The number, placement, and type of sensors included in the system 100 is shown for example purposes only. That is, in other configurations, the number, placement, and type of sensors may differ. The sensors 125 may be gas constituent sensors (e.g., NOx sensors, oxygen sensors, H2O / humidity sensors, hydrogen sensors, etc.), temperature sensors, particulate matter (PM) sensors, flow rate sensors (e.g., mass flow rate sensors, volumetric flow rate sensors, etc.), other exhaust gas emissions constituent sensors, pressure sensors, some combination thereof, and so on. The gas constituent sensors may include a hydrogen sensor that is structured to acquire data indicative of the presence of hydrogen at or proximate the sensor 125, such as in a gas stream (e.g., a hydrogen content of the gas stream).|0039] As shown in FIG. 1, a first sensor 125 is positioned downstream of the engine block 106 and upstream of the crankcase ventilation system 150. The first sensor is configured to acquire data regarding a flow rate (e.g., a volumetric flow rate) of the gases flowing out of the engine block 106 (e.g., via the crankcase ventilation system 150). In some embodiments, the first sensor is a flow sensor, such as an ultrasonic flow meter, a vortex flow meter, a differential pressure flow meter, a positive displacement flow sensor, or other suitable sensor for measuring a flow rate of a gas.

[0040] A second sensor 125 is positioned upstream of the engine block 106. In some embodiments, the second sensor 125 is positioned downstream of the filter 144 and / or downstream of the bypass conduit 146. The second sensor is configured to acquire data regarding a flow rate (e.g., a volumetric flow rate) of the purge air flowing into the engineblock 106 (e.g., via the purge air system 141). In some embodiments, the second sensor is a flow sensor, such as an ultrasonic flow meter, a vortex flow meter, a differential pressure flow meter, a positive displacement flow sensor, or other suitable sensor for measuring a flow rate of a gas.[00411 A third sensor 125 is positioned downstream of the engine block 106 and upstream of the crankcase ventilation system 150. The third sensor is configured to acquire data regarding a water content (e.g., a relative humidity) of the gases flowing out of the engine block 106 (e.g., via the crankcase ventilation system 150). In some embodiments, the third sensor is a humidity sensor, such as a capacitive humidity sensor, a resistive humidity sensor, and / or a thermal conductivity humidity sensor.[00421 A fourth sensor 125 is positioned at or proximate the intake conduit 110, downstream of the air filter 111. The fourth sensor 125 is configured to acquire data regarding a water content in the intake air (e.g., a humidity of the intake air), a temperature of the intake air, and / or an altitude of the system 100. In some embodiments, the fourth sensor is a humidity sensor, such as a capacitive humidity sensor, a resistive humidity sensor, and / or a thermal conductivity humidity sensor.[O043| A fifth sensors 125 is positioned downstream of the crankcase ventilation system 150 and upstream of the turbo device 122 (e.g., along or proximate the first crankcase ventilation conduit 152). The fifth sensor is configured to acquire data regarding a hydrogen content in the separated crankcase blowby gas stream. In some embodiments, the fifth sensor is a hydrogen gas sensor, such as a micro-fabricated point-contact hydrogen sensor, a palladium-based hydrogen sensor, an optical fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor, an electrochemical hydrogen sensor, or other suitable sensor for measuring a hydrogen content in a gas stream.

[0044] Additional sensors may be also included with the system 100. The sensors may include engine-related sensors (e.g., torque sensors, speed sensors, pressure sensors, flowrate sensors, temperature sensors, etc.). The sensors may further include sensors associated with other components of the vehicle, such as the aftertreatment system 120, the turbo device 122, or thecrankcase ventilation system 150. For example, the sensor may include speed sensor of the turbo device 122.(0045] The sensors 125 may be real or virtual (i.e., a non-physical sensor that is structured as program logic in the controller 140 that makes various estimations or determinations). For example, an engine speed sensor may be a real or virtual sensor arranged to measure or otherwise acquire data, values, or information indicative of a speed of the engine 102 (typically expressed in revolutions-per-minute). The sensor is coupled to the engine (when structured as a real sensor) and is structured to send a signal to the controller 140 indicative of the speed of the engine 102. When structured as a virtual sensor, at least one input may be used by the controller 140 in an algorithm, model, lookup table, etc. to determine or estimate a parameter of the engine (e.g., power output, etc.). Any of the sensors 125 described herein may be real or virtual.|0046] The controller 140 is coupled, and particularly communicably coupled, to the sensors 125. Accordingly, the controller 140 is structured to receive data from one or more of the sensors 125 and provide instruct! ons / informati on to the one or more sensors 125. The received data may be used by the controller 140 to control one or more components in the system 100 as described herein.(0047] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an operator input / output (I / O) device 130. The operator I / O device 130 may be coupled to the controller 140, such that information may be exchanged between the controller 140 and the I / O device 130, where the information may relate to one or more components of FIG. 1 or determinations (described below) of the controller 140. The operator I / O device 130 enables an operator of the system 100 to communicate with the controller 140 and one or more components of the system 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the operator input / output device 130 may include, but is not limited to, an interactive display, a touchscreen device, one or more buttons and switches, voice command receivers, etc. In this way, the operator input / output device 130 may provide one or more indications or notifications to an operator, such as a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), etc.Additionally, the vehicle may include a port that enables the controller 140 to connect or couple to a scan tool so that fault codes and other information regarding the vehicle may be obtained.|0048[ The controller 140 is structured to control, at least partly, the operation of the system 100 and associated sub-systems, such as the engine 102. Communication between and among the components may be via any number of wired or wireless connections. For example, a wired connection may include a serial cable, a fiber optic cable, a CAT5 cable, or any other form of wired connection. In comparison, a wireless connection may include the Internet, Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, etc. In one embodiment, a controller area network (CAN) bus provides the exchange of signals, information, and / or data. The CAN bus includes any number of wired and wireless connections. Because the controller 140 is communicably coupled to the systems and components of FIG. 1, the controller 140 is structured to receive data from one or more of the components shown in FIG. 1. The structure and function of the controller 140 is further described in regard to FIG. 3.|0049[ As the components of FIG. 1 are shown to be embodied in the system 100, the controller 140 may be structured as one or more electronic control units (ECUs), such as one or more microcontrollers. The controller 140 may be separate from or included with at least one of a transmission control unit, an exhaust aftertreatment control unit, a powertrain control module, an engine control unit, an engine control module, etc.

[0050] Now referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the system 100 is shown, according to another example embodiment. The system 100 shown in FIG. 2 is substantially similar to the system shown in FIG. 1, except that the system 100 shown in FIG. 2 does not include the valve 114 and the bypass conduit 146.[0051 | Now referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of the controller 140 of the system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown, according to an example embodiment. As shown, the controller 140 includes at least one processing circuit 202 having at least one processor 204 and at least one memory device 206, and a communications interface 216. The controller 140 is structured to facilitate purging fluid from the engine block 106, and, in particular the crankcase. In some embodiments, the fluid is hydrogen gas. As described above, the hydrogen may enter thecrankcase by, for example, leaking between a piston and an inner surface of a cylinder (e.g., when the hydrogen is not combusted during combustion). In other embodiments, the fluid is water vapor. The water may enter the crankcase by, for example, leaking between a piston and an inner surface of a cylinder (e.g., when the water is present in a combustion cylinder as a result of combusting hydrogen in the presence of air) and / or entering the engine block 106 via the purge air system 141. Specific processes for purging fluid from the engine block 106 are described herein below.|0052] In the example shown, the controller 140 includes the at least one processing circuit 202 having the at least one processor 204 and the at least one memory device 206. The processing circuit 202 may be structured or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and / or control processes described herein.

[0053] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 202 may include one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (IC), discrete circuits, system on a chip (SOCs) circuits, microcontrollers, etc.), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of “circuit.” In this regard, the processing circuit 202 may include any type of component for accomplishing or facilitating achievement of the operations described herein. For example, a circuit as described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, and so on. The processing circuit 202 may also include or be programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

[0054] The processor 204 may be implemented as one or more single- or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or suitable processors (e.g., other programmable logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. to perform the functions described herein). A processor may be a microprocessor, a group of processors, etc. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunctionwith a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be structured to perform or otherwise execute certain operations independent of one or more co-processors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multi -threaded instruction execution. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] The memory device 206 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. For example, the memory device 206 may include dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). The memory device 206 may be communicably connected to the processor 204 to provide computer code or instructions to the processor 204 for executing at least some of the processes described herein. Moreover, the memory device 206 may be or include tangible, non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the memory device 206 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein.|0056] The communications interface 216 may include any combination of wired and / or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals) for conducting data communications with various systems, devices, or networks structured to enable in-vehicle communications (e.g., between and among the components of the vehicle) and out-of-vehicle communications (e.g., with a remote server). For example, and regarding out-of-vehicle / system communications, the communications interface 216 may include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications network and / or a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. The communications interface 216 may be structured to communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., IP, LON, Bluetooth, ZigBee, radio, cellular, near field communication).

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the communications interface 216 may enable communication with the engine 102, the aftertreatment system 120 (and / or a component thereof), the one or more sensors 125, the valve 114, and / or the crankcase ventilation system 150 (and / or a component thereof, such as one or more regulators, valves, pumps, etc.).[0058| In some embodiments, the controller 140 is structured to selectively operate the valve 114. In an example embodiment the controller 140 may operate the valve 114 based on comparing one or more inputs to a corresponding threshold. The one or more inputs may include a water content value at or proximate the engine block 106, and in particular, at or proximate the crankcase. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may receive the water content value at or proximate the engine block 106 from one or more sensors 125. For example, the controller 140 may receive a water content value from a water content sensor (e.g., a humidity sensor, such as a capacitive humidity sensor, a resistive humidity sensor, and / or a thermal conductivity humidity sensor). In other embodiments, the water content value at or proximate the engine block 106 is a determined value. For example, the controller 140 may determine the water content value at or proximate the engine block 106 based on one or more other values described herein. An example process of determining the water content value at or proximate the engine block 106 is described herein with respect to FIG. 3 (e.g., process 312 of FIG. 3). The controller 140 may cause the valve 114 to operate towards the first position to increase and / or maintain the amount of air flowing from the intake conduit 110 to the heater 142 and the filter 144, responsive to determining that the water content value at or proximate the crankcase is at or above a predetermined threshold. In another example, the controller 140 may cause the valve 114 to operate towards the second position to increase and / or maintain the amount of air flowing from the intake conduit 110 to bypass conduit 146, responsive to determining that the water content value at or proximate the crankcase is below the predetermined threshold. More specific processes regarding the control of the valve 114 (e.g., by the controller 140) are described herein with respect to FIG. 4.|0059] The controller 140 is configured to selectively operate the crankcase ventilation system 150. In an example embodiment, the controller 140 may operate the crankcase ventilation system 150 based on comparing one or more inputs to a corresponding threshold. The one ormore inputs may include a hydrogen content value at or proximate the engine block 106, at or proximate the crankcase ventilation system 150, and / or at or proximate the first crankcase ventilation conduit 152. For example, the controller 140 may cause the crankcase ventilation system 150 to operate to increase and / or maintain the amount of crankcase blowby gases drawn out of the engine block 106, responsive to determining that the hydrogen content value at or proximate the first crankcase ventilation conduit 152 is at or above a predetermined threshold. More specific processes regarding the control of the crankcase ventilation system 150 (e.g., by the controller 140) are described herein with respect to FIG. 4.

[0060] Now referring to FIG. 4, a flow diagram of a method 300 of purging a fluid, such as hydrogen and / or water vapor, from the engine block 106, and, in particular, the crankcase, is shown, according to an example embodiment. In particular, the controller 140 is structured to selectively purge or causing a purging of a fluid from the engine block 106. It should be understood that, in certain other embodiments, some method steps or processes of method 300 may be omitted and / or combined. Further, the order may change relative to what is depicted. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.[00611 At process 302, the controller 140 receives a first flow rate value. The first flow rate value is a volumetric flow rate of the gases exiting the engine block 106 via the crankcase ventilation system 150, referred to herein as “Vexit.” In some embodiments, the controller 140 receives the first flow rate value from the first sensor 125. As described above, the first sensor 125 is configured to acquire data regarding a flow rate (e g., a volumetric flow rate) of the gases flowing out of the engine block 106 (e.g., via the crankcase ventilation system 150).

[0062] At process 304, the controller 140 receives a second flow rate value. The second flow rate value is a volumetric flow rate of the purge air flowing into the engine block 106 (e.g., via the purge air system 141), referred to herein as “Vp” (e.g., an initial purge air flow rate). In some embodiments, the controller 140 receives the second flow rate value from the second sensor 125. As described above, the second sensor is configured to acquire data regarding a flow rate (e.g., a volumetric flow rate) of the purge air flowing into the engine block 106 (e.g., via the purge air system 141).

[0063] At process 306, the controller 140 determines a third flow rate value. The third flow rate value is a volumetric flow rate of the blowby gas exiting the engine block 106 via the crankcase ventilation system 150, referred to herein as “Vbby.” In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to determine the third flow rate value based on the first flow rate value (Vexit) and the second flow rate value (Vp). In some embodiments, the controller 140 may determine the third flow rate value (Vbby) based on the first flow rate value (Vexit) minus the second flow rate value (Vp), as shown in Equation 1, below. In other embodiments, the controller 140 may receive the third flow rate value (e.g., from a virtual sensor).

[0064] 7bby= Vexit- l / (1)

[0065] At process 308, the controller 140 receives or determines a first water content value. The first water content value may be a water content value of the gases exiting the engine block 106, and, in particular, the crankcase, via the crankcase ventilation system 150, referred to herein as “RHexit%.” In some embodiments, the first water content value may be expressed as a relative humidity value (e.g., a relative humidity of the gases exiting the engine block 106). In some embodiments, the controller 140 receives the first water content value from the third sensor 125. As described above, the third sensor is configured to acquire data regarding a water content of the gases flowing out of the engine block 106 (e.g., via the crankcase ventilation system 150).|0066] At process 310, the controller 140 receives or determines a second water content value. The second water content value may be a water content value of the intake air flowing into the system 100 via the intake conduit 110, referred to herein as “RHp%.” In some embodiments, the second water content value may be expressed as a relative humidity value (e.g., a relative humidity of the intake air flowing into the system 100). In some embodiments, the controller 140 receives the second water content value from the fourth sensor 125. As described above, the fourth sensor 125 is configured to acquire data regarding a water content in the intake air (e.g., a humidity of the intake air).

[0067] At process 312, the controller 140 receives or determines a third water content value. In this example, the third water content value is an estimated water content value of the gases inthe engine block 106, and, in particular, the crankcase, referred to herein as “RHcc%.” In some embodiments, the third water content value may be expressed as a relative humidity value (e.g., a relative humidity of the gases in the engine block 106). In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to determine the third water content value based on the first water content value (RHexit%), the second water content value (RHp%), the first flow rate value (Vexit), the second flow rate value (Vp), and the third flow rate value (Vbby). In some embodiments, the controller 140 may determine the third water content value (RHcc%) as a first quantity including the second flow rate value (Vp) multiplied by the second water content value (RHp%) plus the third flow rate value (Vbby) multiplied by the first water content value (RHexit%) divided by a second quantity including the second flow rate value (Vp) plus the third flow rate value (Vbby), as shown in Equation 2, below. In other embodiments, the controller 140 may receive the third water content value (e.g., from a virtual sensor).[0069| At process 314, the controller 140 receives or determines a first hydrogen content value. The first hydrogen content value may be a hydrogen content of the gases exiting the crankcase ventilation system 150 via the first crankcase ventilation conduit 152 (e.g., the separated crankcase blowby gas stream), referred to herein as “H2exit%.” In some embodiments, the controller 140 receives the first hydrogen content value from the fifth sensor 125. As described above, the fifth sensor is configured to acquire data regarding a hydrogen content in the separated crankcase blowby gas stream.|0070] At process 316, the controller 140 determines or receives a second hydrogen content value. The second hydrogen content value is a hydrogen content of the blowby gas, expressed as a percentage of volume of the blowby gas, and referred to herein as “H2bby%.” In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to determine the second hydrogen content value (H2bby%) based on the first flow rate value (Vexit), the first hydrogen content value (H2exit%), and the third flow rate value (Vbby). In some embodiments, the controller 140 may determine the second hydrogen content value (H2bby%) based on the first flow rate value(Vexit) multiplied by the first hydrogen content value (H2exit%), and divided by the third flowrate value (Vbby), as shown in Equation 3, below. In other embodiments, the controller 140 may receive the second hydrogen content value (e.g., from a virtual sensor).

[0072] At process 320, the controller 140 compares the first hydrogen content value (H2exit%) to a first predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the first predetermined threshold is a percentage of hydrogen by volume between 0.1% and 0.3%, such as 0.25%. The controller 140 may proceed to process 322, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first predetermined threshold. The controller 140 may proceed to process 324, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being above the first predetermined threshold.

[0073] At process 322, the controller 140 compares the third water content value (RHcc%) to a second predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the second predetermined threshold is a relative humidity value between 60% and 80%, such as 70%. In some embodiments, process 322 is performed responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first predetermined threshold.

[0074] At process 324, the controller 140 determines a new purge air flow rate. The new purge air flow rate is a target flow rate (e.g., a volumetric flow rate) of purge air for the crankcase ventilation system 150 to draw into the engine block 106 (e.g., via the purge air system 141), referred to herein as “Vp2.”[00751 In some embodiments, the new purge air flow rate is based on the comparison at process 320. For example, the controller 140 may determine that the new purge air flow rate (Vp2) using equation 4, below, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being above the first predetermined threshold. For example, the new purge air flow rate (Vp2) may be equal to the third flow rate value (Vbby) multiplied by the second hydrogen content value (H2bby%), divided by a constant (e.g., 0.25%), minus the third flow rate value (Vbby).

[0077] In some embodiments, the new purge air flow rate is based on the comparison at process 322. In some embodiments, the new purge air flow rate is less than a predefined amount of the third flow rate value (Vbby). For example, the controller 140 may determine that the new purge air flow rate (Vp2) is equal to half (or no more than half) of the third flow rate value (Vbby), responsive to the third water content value being at or below the second predetermined threshold. In other embodiments, the new purge air flow rate is more than a predefined amount of the third flow rate value (Vbby). For example, the controller 140 may determine the that the new purge air flow rate (Vp2) is equal to double (or at least double) the third flow rate value (Vbby), responsive to the third water content value being above the second predetermined threshold.[0078| At process 326, the controller 140 causes the crankcase ventilation system 150 to draw purge air into the engine block 106, and, in particular, the crankcase. For example, the controller 140 may provide a purge air command to the crankcase ventilation system 150. The controller 140 may cause the crankcase ventilation system 150 to draw the fluid out of the engine block at the purge air flow rate (Vp2). In this way, the controller 140 may cause the crankcase ventilation system 150 to draw purge air at the new purge air flow rate (Vp2) into the crankcase. Advantageously, by causing the crankcase ventilation system 150 to draw the new purge air flow rate (Vp2) into the crankcase, one or more fluids in the crankcase, such as hydrogen gas or water vapor, are purged.

[0070] At process 328, the controller 140 determines or receives an updated third water content value, referred to herein as “RHcc%2” and compares the updated third water content value (RHcc%2) to the second predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may determine the updated third water content value (RHcc%2) based on at least the purge air command changing (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the new purge air flow rate (Vp2). For example, the controller 140 may determine the updated third water content value (RHcc%2) as a first quantity including the new purge air flow rate (Vp2) multiplied by the second water content value (RHp%) plus the third flow rate value (Vbby) multiplied by the first water content value (RHexit%) divided by a second quantity including the new purge air flow rate (Vp2) plus the third flow rate value (Vbby), as shown in Equation 5, below.

[0081] The controller 140 may proceed to process 330, responsive to the updated third water content value (RHcc%2) being above the second predetermined threshold. The controller 140 may proceed to process 332, responsive to the updated third water content value (RHcc%2) being at or below the second predetermined threshold.

[0082] At process 330, the controller 140 conditions the purge air, responsive to determining that the water content value at or proximate the crankcase is above the second predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, conditioning the purge air may include causing the heater 142 to dry the air by, for example, increasing the temperature of the air, thereby reducing the relative humidity of the air. In some embodiments, causing the heater 142 to dry the air may include activating the heater 142 (e.g., causing the heater to change from an off state to an on state) or increasing a heater power. In some embodiments, when the system 100 includes the valve 114, conditioning the purge air may include, for example, causing the valve 114 to actuate towards the first position to increase and / or maintain the amount of air flowing from the intake conduit 110 to the heater 142 and the filter 144. In some embodiments, when the system 100 includes a dryer (e.g., instead of or in addition to the heater 142), at process 330, the controller 140 may cause the dryer to dry the purge air. For example, the controller 140 cause the dryer to dry the air by activating the dryer (e.g., causing the dryer to change from an off state to an on state) or increasing a dryer power. In some embodiments, when the system 100 includes the valve 114, conditioning the purge air may include, for example, causing the valve 114 to actuate towards the first position to increase and / or maintain the amount of air flowing from the intake conduit 110 to the heater 142 and the filter 144. Advantageously, in any of the above-described embodiments, the controller 140 may reduce the water content in the engine block 106, and, in particular, the crankcase, by, for example, reducing the water content, or, in some embodiments, the relative humidity, in the purge air provided to the engine block 106.|0083] At process 332, the controller 140 bypasses a purge air condition process, responsive to determining that the water content value at or proximate the crankcase is at or below the second predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, bypassing the purge air condition process mayinclude causing the heater 142 to deactivate and / or reducing a power output of the heater 142. In this way, the controller 140 may purge the hydrogen in the crankcase without using the heater 142. Advantageously, by not using the heater 142, the controller 140 may reduce the amount of power (e.g., electrical power) used by the system 100 (e.g., by deactivating or reducing the power consumption of the heater 142).[O084| In some embodiments, when the system 100 includes the valve 114, bypassing the purge air condition process may include causing the valve 114 to operate towards the second position to increase and / or maintain the amount of air flowing from the intake conduit 110 to bypass conduit 146. In this way, the controller 140 may purge the hydrogen in the crankcase without using the heater 142 or the filter 144 to reduce the water content in the purge air. Advantageously, by not using the heater 142 or the filter 144, the controller 140 may reduce the amount of power (e.g., electrical power) used by the system 100 (e.g., by deactivating or reducing the power consumption of the heater 142) and / or prolong the useful life of the filter media of the filter 144 (e.g., by routing the air through the bypass conduit 146, away from the filter 144).[0085| As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0086] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are notintended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0087] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using one or more separate intervening members, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. For example, circuit A communicably “coupled” to circuit B may signify that the circuit A communicates directly with circuit B (i.e., no intermediary) or communicates indirectly with circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediaries).

[0088] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.[0089 | While various circuits with particular functionality are shown in FIG. 3, it should be understood that the controller 140 may include any number of circuits for completing the functions described herein. For example, the activities and functionalities of the processing circuit 202 may be combined in multiple circuits or as a single circuit. Additional circuits with additional functionality may also be included. Further, the controller 140 may further control other activity beyond the scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] The machine-readable medium may be executed by one or more of various types of processors, such as the processor 204 of FIG. 3. Executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the circuit and achieve the stated purpose for the circuit. Indeed, a circuit of computer readable program code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within circuits and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.[00911 While the term “processor” is briefly defined above, the term “processor” and “processing circuit” are meant to be broadly interpreted. In this regard and as mentioned above, the “processor” may be implemented as one or more processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitable electronic data processing components structured to execute instructions provided by memory. The one or more processors may take the form of a single core processor, multi-core processor (e.g., a dual core processor, triple core processor, quad core processor, etc.), microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be external to the apparatus, for example the one or more processors may be a remote processor (e.g., a cloudbased processor). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be internal and / or local to the apparatus. In this regard, a given circuit or components thereof may be disposed locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computing system, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server such as a cloud-based server). To that end, a “circuit” as described herein may include components that are distributed across one or more locations.

[0092] Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising computer or machine-readable media for carrying or having computer or machineexecutable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. The computer readable medium may be a tangible computer readable storage medium storing the computer readable program code. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable medium may include but are not limited to a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a holographic storage medium, a micromechanical storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, and / or store computer readable program code for use by and / or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a computer or processing machine to perform a certain function or group of functions.[00931 The computer readable medium may also be a computer readable signal medium. A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electrical, electro-magnetic, magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport computer readable program code for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.Computer readable program code embodied on a computer readable signal medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline,optical fiber cable, Radio Frequency (RF), or the like, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.(0094] In one embodiment, the computer readable medium may comprise a combination of one or more computer readable storage mediums and one or more computer readable signal mediums. For example, computer readable program code may be both propagated as an electromagnetic signal through a fiber optic cable for execution by a processor and stored on RAM storage device for execution by the processor.

[0095] Computer readable program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more other programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone computer-readable package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).|0096] The program code may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function / act specified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams block or blocks.|O097] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scopeof the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.[0098 [ It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the apparatus and system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising: an engine block in blowby gas receiving communication with one or more cylinders; a crankcase ventilation system configured to draw a fluid out of the engine block and separate the fluid into separated crankcase blowby gas and a liquid, the fluid comprising the blowby gas, the crankcase ventilation system comprising a first crankcase ventilation conduit configured to route the separated crankcase blowby gas to the one or more cylinders; and a controller comprising at least one memory device storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the controller to perform operations comprising: receiving a first hydrogen content value regarding the separated crankcase blowby gas, a second hydrogen content value regarding the fluid in the engine block, and a flow rate value regarding the blowby gas; comparing the first hydrogen content value regarding the separated crankcase blowby gas to a first threshold; determining a purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; determining the purge air flow rate based on the first hydrogen content value, the second hydrogen content value, and the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being above the first threshold; and causing the crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block at the purge air flow rate.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a purge air system comprising a heater in fluid providing communication with the engine block, a bypass conduit in fluid providing communication with the engine block, and a valve operable between a first position where the valve routes a purge air stream to the heater and a second position where the valve routes the purge air stream to the bypass conduit.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor further cause the controller to perform operations comprising: receiving a water content value regarding the engine block; responsive to causing the crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block, comparing the water content value regarding the engine block to a second threshold; causing the valve to operate to the second position, responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being at or below the second threshold; and causing the valve to operate to the first position, responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being above the second threshold.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor further cause the controller to perform operations comprising comparing the water content value regarding the engine block to the second threshold, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; wherein determining the purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value and responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold comprises: determining that the purge air flow rate is less than a first predefined amount of the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas, responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being at or below the second threshold; and determining that the purge air flow rate is more than a second predefined amount of the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas, responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being above the second threshold.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the purge air system further comprises a hydroscopic filter positioned downstream of the heater and upstream of the engine block, the hydroscopic filter configured to remove at least a portion of a water content in the purge air stream.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first hydrogen content value is received from a sensor positioned at or near the first crankcase ventilation conduit.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the controller to perform operations comprising: receiving a gas flow rate regarding a gas exiting the engine block via the first crankcase ventilation conduit; and determining the second hydrogen content value based on the gas flow rate, the first hydrogen content value, and the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the controller to perform operations comprising: receiving an initial purge air flow rate; and determining the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas based on the gas flow rate and the initial purge air flow rate.

9. A method comprising: receiving a first hydrogen content value regarding a separated crankcase blowby gas, a second hydrogen content value regarding a fluid in an engine block, and a flow rate value regarding a blowby gas; comparing the first hydrogen content value to a first threshold; determining a purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; determining the purge air flow rate based on the first hydrogen content value, the second hydrogen content value, and the flow rate value responsive to the first hydrogen content value being above the first threshold; and causing a crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block at the purge air flow rate.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving a water content value regarding the engine block;responsive to causing the crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block, comparing the water content value regarding the engine block to a second threshold; causing a valve to route a purge air stream to a bypass conduit responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being at or below the second threshold; and causing the valve to route the purge air stream to a heater responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being above the second threshold.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising comparing the water content value regarding the engine block to the second threshold responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; wherein determining the purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value and responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold comprises: determining that the purge air flow rate is less than a first predefined amount of the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being at or below the second threshold; and determining that the purge air flow rate is more than a second predefined amount of the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being above the second threshold.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving the first hydrogen content value from a sensor positioned at or near a first crankcase ventilation conduit of the crankcase ventilation system.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving a gas flow rate regarding a gas exiting the engine block via a first crankcase ventilation conduit of the crankcase ventilation system; and determining the second hydrogen content value based on the gas flow rate, the first hydrogen content value, and the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving an initial purge air flow rate; and determining the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas based on the gas flow rate and the initial purge air flow rate.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining the purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value multiplied by the first hydrogen content value, divided by a predetermined constant, and minus the flow rate value.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving a first hydrogen content value regarding a separated crankcase blowby gas, a second hydrogen content value regarding a fluid in an engine block, and a flow rate value regarding a blowby gas; comparing the first hydrogen content value to a first threshold; determining a purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; determining the purge air flow rate based on the first hydrogen content value, the second hydrogen content value, and the flow rate value, responsive to the first hydrogen content value being above the first threshold; and causing a crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block at the purge air flow rate.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform further operations comprising: receiving a water content value regarding the engine block; responsive to causing the crankcase ventilation system to draw the fluid out of the engine block, comparing the water content value regarding the engine block to a second threshold;causing a valve to route a purge air stream to a bypass conduit responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being at or below the second threshold; and causing the valve to route the purge air stream to a heater responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being above the second threshold.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform further operations comprising comparing the water content value regarding the engine block to the second threshold responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold; wherein determining the purge air flow rate based on the flow rate value and responsive to the first hydrogen content value being at or below the first threshold comprises: determining that the purge air flow rate is less than a first predefined amount of the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being at or below the second threshold; and determining that the purge air flow rate is more than a second predefined amount of the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas, responsive to the water content value regarding the engine block being above the second threshold.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform further operations comprising: receiving an initial purge air flow rate; and determining the flow rate value regarding the blowby gas based on a gas flow rate regarding a gas exiting the engine block via a first crankcase ventilation conduit of the crankcase ventilation system and the initial purge air flow rate.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform further operations comprising:receiving a first water content value regarding gases exiting the engine block from a first water content sensor; receiving a second water content value regarding an intake air stream from a second water content sensor; and determining a third water content value regarding the engine block based on the initial purge air flow rate, the flow rate value, the first water content value, and the second water content value.

Images