Engine control coordination with grille shutter adjustment and ambient conditions
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsGopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, Kristofor Robert Norman, Chris Paul Glugla, Craig Alan Smith, Joseph Patrick Whitehead
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to a condensate forming region in a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions.
Claims19
A method for controlling vehicle grille shutters, comprising:
- adjusting an opening of one or more grille shutters located at a vehicle front end in response to engine cooling parameters, condensate formation in a charge air cooler, and non-driven vehicle conditions.
A method of controlling grille shutter orientation for a vehicle, comprising:
- closing the grille shutters from an open position when charge air cooler corrosion risk conditions are reached and when condensate-forming weather conditions are reached, even if the vehicle is decelerating or engine coolant temperatures have not fallen below their respective lower thresholds.
A method of controlling grille shutter orientation for a vehicle, comprising:
- opening grille shutters when corrosion risk conditions are reached, if an original base shutter position was closed, or during deceleration, even if an engine or engine coolant temperatures are not above their respective upper thresholds.
A method for controlling vehicle grille shutters, comprising:
- adjusting an opening of one or more grille shutters located at a vehicle front end in response to condensate formation, the condensate formation based on ambient condition data received from external to the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.