Control system for exhaust gas recovery system in an internal combustion engine

#The present invention relates to emission control system for an internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to exhaust gas recovery control system and apparatus for internal combustion engines which will minimize NOx and other emissions while minimizing particulate matter emissions from internal combustion engines.

#The present invention generally relates to a system and technique for controlling a pair of actuators in an internal combustion engine and, more particularly, is concerned with an engine control strategy for improving the responsiveness and operating characteristics of the actuators.

#Exhaust gas re-circulation is a technique commonly used for controlling the generation of undesirable pollutant gases and particulate matter in the operation of internal combustion engines. This technique has proven particularly useful in internal combustion engines used in motor vehicles such as passenger cars, light duty trucks, and other on-road motor equipment. The exhaust gas re-circulation technique primarily involves the re-circulation of exhaust gas by-products into the intake air supply of the internal combustion engine. This exhaust gas thus reintroduced to the engine cylinder reduces the concentration of oxygen therein, which in turn lowers the maximum combustion temperature within the cylinder and slows the chemical reaction of the combustion process, decreasing the formation of nitrous oxide. Furthermore, the exhaust gases typically contain a portion of unburned hydrocarbon which is burned on its reintroduction into the engine cylinder, which further reduces the emission of exhaust gas by-products which would be emitted as undesirable pollutants from the internal combustion engine.

#These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

#FIG. 1 discloses schematically an exhaust gas recovery feedback system according to the present invention as employed in a representative reciprocating-piston type internal combustion engine having a pressure wave supercharger and the system cooperatively controls the variable gas pocket valve in conjunction with the intake air throttle valve.

#FIG. 2 discloses an alternate embodiment of an exhaust gas recovery feedback system employed in a representative reciprocating-piston type internal combustion engine having a turbocharger as the air intake pressurizing device wherein the system cooperatively controls an exhaust gas recirculation valve in conjunction with the intake air throttle valve.

#The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principals of the invention. The scope and breadth of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

#Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1 through 3, there are shown a schematic representations of a single-cylinder reciprocating-piston type internal combustion engine incorporating the present invention and referred to generally by reference numeral 10.

#In each of the referenced FIGS., the exemplary engine 10 includes an engine block 12 having a cylindrical cylinder wall 14 and a cylinder head 16 acting as a closure on one end thereof. A cylindrical piston 20 disposed within the cylinder wall 14 of the engine block 12 operates reciprocally within the cylinder wall 14. The piston 20, the cylinder wall 14, and the cylinder head 16 cooperate to define a combustion chamber of varying volume within the engine 10 for the burning of a fuel-air mixture therein.