Engine Control Module De-Rate Logic Using Air Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems require additional sensors to prevent premature de-rating due to high ambient temperatures, increasing costs and reducing system reliability.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses existing sensors to determine engine inlet air and intake manifold temperatures, calculates an initial de-rate value based on a predetermined relationship, and adjusts it with a pre-stored de-rate modifier corresponding to engine speed to determine a final de-rate value, thereby de-rating the engine without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors are used to prevent premature de-rating, then engine reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing sensors (inlet sensor and intake manifold sensor) to serve dual purposes: their original functions plus determining air temperatures for de-rating control. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated sensors while maintaining reliability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and cost increase.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are used to prevent premature de-rating, then engine reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module performs multiple functions by using existing sensors for both their original purposes and for determining inlet air temperature and intake manifold air temperature. This multi-functional approach prevents premature de-rating without adding components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensors and control module to perform the additional function of temperature determination for de-rating control. The control module self-adjusts de-rating based on data from its existing sensor network, eliminating the need for external additional components while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If de-rating is performed based on inlet air temperature only, then control simplicity is maintained, but de-rating accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature measurement into two distinct components: inlet air temperature (from inlet sensor) and intake manifold air temperature (from intake manifold sensor). By determining both temperatures separately and using their relationship, the system achieves accurate de-rating control while maintaining reasonable operational simplicity through automated control module processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature measurement systems with an electronic control approach. The control module electronically processes signals from existing sensors, calculates the relationship between inlet air temperature and intake manifold air temperature, and determines de-rating values through electronic computation rather than mechanical means, achieving both accuracy and simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system of an engine is provided. The control system includes an inlet sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an engine inlet air temperature and an intake manifold sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an engine intake manifold air temperature. The control system includes a control module communicably coupled to the inlet sensor and the intake manifold sensor. The control module is configured to determine the engine inlet air temperature and the engine intake manifold air temperature. The control module is configured to determine an initial de-rate value based on a predetermined relationship between the engine inlet air temperature and the engine intake manifold air temperature. The control module is configured to determine a pre-stored de-rate modifier corresponding to an engine speed. The control module is configured to determine a final de-rate value based on the initial de-rate value and the pre-stored de-rate modifier.