Engine Start-Stop Control via Accessory Temperature Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine start-stop controls fail to effectively manage temperature conditions in engine systems, leading to degradation and damage during hot shutdown events, resulting in significant fuel losses.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling engine re-start based on temperature information from engine accessories, using a thermal model to predict when accessory temperatures will exceed thresholds, allowing for proactive re-starts to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is idled after high load operation to avoid hot shutdown events, then the degradation and damage to temperature sensitive engine system components is prevented, but significant fuel savings are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of accessory temperatures and predicts future temperature conditions before making the shutdown decision. By evaluating current accessory temperatures and projecting their evolution during shutdown, the system determines in advance whether shutdown is safe, allowing fuel-saving shutdowns without risking component damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors accessory temperatures and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust shutdown decisions. Temperature sensor data feeds into the shutdown logic, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual thermal conditions rather than using fixed rules, optimizing both component protection and fuel efficiency.
2Device complexity
If conventional start-stop controls are used without temperature monitoring, then the system complexity is reduced, but degradation and damage to engine system components occurs during hot shutdown events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temperature monitoring sensors and a control system as intermediary elements between the engine operation and shutdown decision-making. These intermediaries provide the necessary temperature information to make informed shutdown decisions, acting as a bridge between physical thermal conditions and control logic without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple mechanical or rule-based shutdown controls with an intelligent control system that processes temperature data. The control module uses algorithmic decision-making based on thermal conditions rather than fixed mechanical thresholds, enabling more nuanced and accurate shutdown timing while maintaining practical system complexity.
3Reliability
If the engine shutdown timing is delayed to prevent hot shutdown events, then component degradation is avoided, but the productivity and fuel efficiency of start-stop operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the shutdown timing parameter based on accessory temperature conditions. Rather than using a fixed delay or rule, the shutdown moment is adjusted according to real-time temperature measurements and predictions, optimizing the balance between component protection and fuel efficiency by finding the precise window where shutdown is both safe and beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutdown control transitions from a static, predetermined timing approach to a dynamic, condition-based approach. The system continuously evaluates thermal conditions and adapts shutdown timing accordingly, making the control strategy flexible and responsive to changing engine states rather than following a rigid schedule.
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 minimizes engine degradation and fuel losses by optimizing re-start timing based on accessory temperature predictions, ensuring safe operation and efficient fuel management.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal model of an accessory such as a turbocharger or one or more components thereof
Implementation Method 2
accounting for a rate of temperature increase and may be determined based upon a thermal model
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for conditionally re-starting an internal combustion engine are disclosed. Certain exemplary embodiments evaluate information associated with a temperature of an accessory of an internal combustion engine and conditionally re-start the internal combustion engine after an engine shutdown based at least in part upon said information and a determination that a post-engine-shutdown temperature of the engine accessory would exceed a predetermined criterion. In certain embodiments the accessory includes a component of a turbocharger. In certain embodiments the accessory includes a component of an exhaust aftertreatment system.