Variable ignition energy management
AssigneeCummins Inc.
InventorsSteven J. Kolhouse, Samuel C. Geckler, David Stroh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for energy ignition management of a spark-ignition engine includes receiving, by a controller, at least one ignition energy characteristic to affect control of at least one combustion cylinder. The method further includes controlling the at least one combustion cylinder via the controller. Controlling the at least one combustion cylinder via the controller includes adjusting the at least one ignition energy characteristic in response to at least one operating condition of the engine. The at least one ignition energy characteristic is a magnitude of one of a current or voltage of spark energy.
Claims17
A method for energy ignition management of a spark-ignition engine, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a controller, at least one ignition energy characteristic to affect control of at least one combustion cylinder, and
- controlling the at least one combustion cylinder via the controller, the control comprising adjusting the at least one ignition energy characteristic in response to at least one operating condition of the engine,
- wherein the at least one ignition energy characteristic is a magnitude of at least one of a current or voltage of spark energy,
- wherein controlling the at least one combustion cylinder comprises controlling each of a plurality of combustion cylinders individually.
A method for energy ignition management of a spark-ignition engine, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a controller, at least one ignition energy characteristic to affect control of a plurality of combustion cylinders, the at least one ignition energy characteristic corresponding to a magnitude of at least one of a current or voltage of spark energy, and
- adjusting the at least one ignition energy characteristic in response to at least one operating condition of the engine,
- wherein adjusting the at least one ignition energy characteristic comprises adjusting a spark energy for each of the plurality of combustion cylinders.
An apparatus configured to manage energy ignition of a spark-ignition engine, the apparatus comprising:
- an engine control unit configured to control each of a plurality of combustion cylinders of the spark-ignition engine independently,
- an ignition control unit configured to communicate with the engine control unit and to control at least one ignition energy characteristic,
- an engine exhaust system comprising
- an EGR valve,
- an air filter through which ambient air is filtered prior to entering an input throttle,
- an exhaust outlet through which air that has passed through an exhaust throttle is discharged,
- an exhaust manifold, and
- an intake manifold,
- a cooling system comprising a charge-air cooler and an EGR cooler, the cooling system being communicated with the engine exhaust system,
- wherein the engine control unit is configured to receive data collected by a plurality of sensors on the engine exhaust system and to provide a fuel command to the engine exhaust system based on the collected data, and
- wherein the ignition control unit is configured to adjust the at least one ignition energy characteristic in response to at least one operating condition of the engine,
- wherein the at least one ignition energy characteristic is a magnitude of at least one of a current or voltage of spark energy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.