Engine Actuator EGR LIVC Control for Variable Fuel Blends

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine control systems for vehicles capable of operating on multiple fuels struggle to accurately adjust EGR and LIVC schedules due to changes in fuel composition, leading to inadequate EGR provision, which results in degraded fuel economy and drivability.

Innovation Solution

The engine actuator dynamically adjusts the EGR and LIVC schedules based on changes in fuel composition by phasing in EGR at lower torques and phasing it out as peak torque is approached, extending the EGR operation to higher torques as the fuel octane rating increases, thereby optimizing EGR and LIVC usage across a range of operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If EGR rate is adjusted based on peak air charge to compensate for barometric pressure changes, then engine performance is improved under fixed fuel composition, but fuel economy degrades when fuel composition changes cause peak torque to vary independently of peak air charge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performance consistencyVSAvoidfuel economy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static EGR control based on peak air charge to dynamic EGR control that adapts to changing fuel composition. The system continuously monitors fuel composition and adjusts EGR rates accordingly, making the control strategy responsive to varying operating conditions rather than fixed to historical performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from peak air charge to fuel composition. By monitoring fuel composition directly and using it to adjust EGR rates, the system accounts for variations in charge cooling and octane effectiveness that cause peak torque to change independently of air charge variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If EGR rate is increased to improve emissions control, then drivability is maintained, but fuel economy degrades due to excessive EGR at peak torque conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveemissionsVSAvoidfuel economy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static EGR control based on peak air charge to dynamic EGR control that adapts to changing fuel composition. The system continuously monitors fuel composition and adjusts EGR rates accordingly, making the control strategy responsive to varying operating conditions rather than fixed to historical performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from peak air charge to fuel composition. By monitoring fuel composition directly and using it to adjust EGR rates, the system accounts for variations in charge cooling and octane effectiveness that cause peak torque to change independently of air charge variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If EGR rate is decreased to improve fuel economy, then fuel efficiency increases, but drivability degrades due to insufficient EGR at lower torque conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoiddrivability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static EGR control based on peak air charge to dynamic EGR control that adapts to changing fuel composition. The system continuously monitors fuel composition and adjusts EGR rates accordingly, making the control strategy responsive to varying operating conditions rather than fixed to historical performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from peak air charge to fuel composition. By monitoring fuel composition directly and using it to adjust EGR rates, the system accounts for variations in charge cooling and octane effectiveness that cause peak torque to change independently of air charge variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach improves engine performance and fuel efficiency by ensuring the benefits of EGR and LIVC are utilized effectively over an extended range of torques, enhancing drivability and reducing emissions.

Implementation Method 1

Internal combustion engines may utilize an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to re-circulate a controlled portion of exhaust gas generated by the engine into an intake manifold of the engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExhaust gas recirculation:

Implementation Method 2

variable valve mechanisms in internal combustion engines may also be used to enhance engine performance by improving intake efficiency and decreasing exhaust emissions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVariable valve timing:

Implementation Method 3

changes in fuel composition, thus changing the charge cooling and/or octane effectiveness of the injected fuel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge cooling:

Data Source

PatentUS8352159B2Fuel based engine operation control

Publication Date: 2013.01.08 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Methods are provided for operating an engine with a variable fuel blend in a cylinder, where the variable fuel blend varies a peak achievable engine torque for a given operating condition. One example method comprises selectively operating an engine actuator that affects engine torque and engine fuel economy at the given operating condition, and extending operation of the actuator to higher engine torques as a peak engine torque for the given operating condition increases.