Fuel efficient hybrid internal combustion engine
OwnerDavid F. Moyerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of a vehicle's multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The engine runs at best BSFC by intermittently disabling cylinders for torque control. The engine runs as an air compressor for braking, and after braking, runs as an air motor driven by the stored compressed air. The air motor capability permits stopping all fuel flow when the accelerator is released at any engine speed. Variable engine valve control eliminates the conventional throttle and EGR valve, and is utilized for maximum thermodynamic efficiency during air operation. A camshaft retard is utilized to minimize the pressurized components and to prevent cooling the catalyst during air motor operation.
Claims16
A method for controlling a vehicle internal combustion engine system wherein system conditions comprising at least the position of the accelerator pedal are delivered to a controller as input signals and said controller's output signals are delivered to engine components comprising at least engine valve controls and fuel injectors, the method comprising steps of:
- (a) said controller compares said input signals with current engine system conditions and a stored table of desired engine operating conditions,
- (b) when said input signal indicates said pedal depression, then said controller selects from said table at least the engine valve setting and fuel injector setting which will produce the lowest brake specific fuel consumption, and compares the torque value of said settings with the torque required by said inputs,
- (c) said controller then determines a pattern of cylinder disablements which will result in said required torque and transmits said output signals to produce said pattern at said lowest brake specific fuel consumption.
A method for controlling a vehicle internal combustion engine system wherein system conditions comprising at least the position of the brake pedal are delivered to a controller as input signals and said controller's output signals are delivered to engine components comprising at least engine valve controls and the distribution valve control, the method comprising steps of:
- (a) said controller compares said input signals with current engine system conditions and a stored table of desired engine operating conditions,
- (b) when said input signal indicates said pedal depression, then said controller selects from said table at least the engine valves and distribution valve settings which will produce the most efficient compression and storage of cylinder air, and compares the torque value of said settings with the brake torque required by said inputs,
- (c) said controller then transmits an output signal to set the distribution valve to the tank position, and determines a pattern of cylinder disablements which will result in said required torque, and transmits said output signals to produce said pattern at said compression efficiency.
A method for controlling a vehicle internal combustion engine system wherein system conditions comprising at least the positions of the accelerator pedal and brake pedal are delivered to a controller as input signals and said controller's output signals are delivered to engine system components comprising at least engine valve controls, fuel injectors, and distribution valve and cam phase shifter, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) said controller compares said input signals with current engine system conditions and a stored table of desired engine operating conditions,
- (b) when said accelerator pedal position indicates a depression, then said controller selects from said table the engine valves and distribution valve settings which will produce the most efficient expansion of the stored compressed air in each cylinder, and compares the torque value of said settings with the torque required by said inputs,
- (c) said controller then determines a pattern of cylinder disablements which will result in said required torque, and transmits said output signals to produce said pattern at said expansion efficiency.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.