Spark Plug Carbon Removal via Engine Speed and Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, the accumulation of carbon on spark plugs during electrical power generation can lead to engine misfires and increased emissions, as the engine's operating conditions affect carbon deposition and removal, necessitating a method to mitigate these issues.
Innovation Solution
Characterizing engine operating regions as carbon building, removing, or neutral regions, and adjusting engine operation to increase speed and load when generating power for external consumers to oxidize carbon on spark plugs, thereby reducing misfire possibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine operates at light loads to generate electrical power for external consumers, then electrical power supply capability is improved, but carbon accumulates on spark plugs causing misfires
Solution Approach 1:
The controller periodically monitors carbon accumulation levels on spark plugs and alternates between light load operation (for power generation) and higher load operation (for carbon removal). This periodic switching between operating modes prevents continuous carbon buildup while maintaining electrical power supply capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between power generation and misfire prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes engine operating parameters (load and speed) based on detected carbon accumulation levels. When carbon buildup is detected, the controller increases engine load and speed to shift operation from carbon-building conditions to carbon-removing conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the engine to alternate between power generation mode and spark plug cleaning mode, resolving the contradiction between electrical power supply and spark plug reliability
2Reliability
If the engine speed is increased to oxidize carbon on spark plugs, then spark plug reliability is improved, but electrical power output remains unchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic operation cycles where the engine alternates between high-speed operation (for carbon oxidation) and power generation operation. During high-speed phases, electrical power output is temporarily reduced to prioritize spark plug cleaning, then returns to normal power generation. This periodic alternation ensures spark plug reliability is maintained without permanently sacrificing electrical power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of high-speed operation (reduced electrical power output) into a beneficial outcome by using these periods specifically for spark plug maintenance. The high-speed operation that would normally reduce productivity is repurposed as a cleaning mechanism, transforming what would be wasted productivity into a reliability-enhancing function, thus resolving the contradiction between spark plug reliability and power generation efficiency
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 operation by reducing carbon accumulation on spark plugs, minimizing misfires, and generating beneficial work by increasing engine load and electric machine output.
Implementation Method 1
By increasing the engine speed, spark plug temperatures may increase, thereby oxidizing carbon that may accumulate on the engine's spark plugs
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine and an electric machine are described. In one example, operation of the engine may be adjusted to compensate for conditions when carbon deposits may build on one or more engine spark plugs. The engine adjustments may help to remove carbon deposits from the engine's spark plugs.