Engine Cylinder Activation Control via In-Cylinder Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for operating internal combustion engines struggle to efficiently and responsively activate and deactivate cylinder units based on in-cylinder pressure values, leading to suboptimal engine load management and Lambda value control, especially in large engines with varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses in-cylinder pressure values to directly determine activation and deactivation of cylinder units, with adjustable thresholds and optimized intake air mass flow control based on the number of activated cylinders, allowing for more precise engine load management and maintaining desired Lambda values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If cylinder units are deactivated to improve fuel economy, then fuel consumption decreases, but engine load management and Lambda value control become less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors Lambda values from sensors and adjusts the air-to-fuel ratio in real-time based on actual measurements. This closed-loop feedback ensures precise Lambda control even when cylinders are deactivated, resolving the contradiction between fuel economy improvement and control precision maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of activated cylinders and air-to-fuel ratio based on varying engine load conditions and Lambda value requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the engine to optimize fuel consumption across different operating modes while maintaining precise Lambda control through real-time parameter adjustment.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cylinder deactivation is implemented to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel economy improves, but engine responsiveness to load changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between different cylinder activation configurations based on detected engine load changes and Lambda value deviations. When rapid response is needed, the system activates additional cylinders; when steady-state operation is sufficient, it maintains deactivated configurations for fuel economy, thus achieving both responsiveness and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit anticipates load changes by monitoring engine operating parameters and proactively adjusts cylinder activation and air-to-fuel ratio before significant Lambda deviations occur. This preliminary action maintains engine responsiveness while spending most time in fuel-efficient deactivated states during steady operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of activated cylinders is reduced to improve fuel economy, then fuel consumption decreases, but engine power output and load capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of activated cylinders based on real-time engine load requirements and Lambda value feedback. During high-power demands, more cylinders are activated to maintain power output; during low-load conditions, fewer cylinders operate to maximize fuel economy, achieving a dynamic balance between power and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes operational parameters including the number of activated cylinders, air-to-fuel ratio, and injection timing to optimize the balance between power output and fuel consumption. By adjusting these parameters based on Lambda feedback, the system achieves fuel economy improvements without permanently sacrificing power capacity.
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 enhances engine responsiveness and efficiency by optimizing cylinder activation and deactivation, ensuring proper engine load management and maintaining desired Lambda values, even under varying conditions, thereby improving fuel economy and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
A control system that uses in-cylinder pressure values to directly determine activation and deactivation of cylinder units
Implementation Method 2
optimized intake air mass flow control based on the number of activated cylinders, allowing for more precise engine load management and maintaining desired Lambda values
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for operating a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine (10) comprising a plurality of cylinder units (26A-26D) is disclosed, The gaseous fuel internal combustion engine (10) is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the cylinder units (26A-26D). The method comprises determining (step 302) an in-cylinder pressure value of at least one activated cylinder unit (26A-26D). The method further comprises setting (steps 314, 318) a number of activated cylinder units (26A-26D) based on the determined in-cylinder pressure value. The method provides for a highly responsive control of the internal combustion engine (10).