Engine control using spark restrike/multi-strike
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsChristopher Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael Damian Czekala
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include determining presence of charge dilution and selecting a spark restrike mode to provide multiple spark events during a single combustion cycle. Charge dilution may be determined based on commanded air/fuel ratio and exhaust gas recirculation, for example. Multiple spark events may be controlled using time-based restrike or current-based restrike in response to one or more operating parameters or conditions.
Claims14
A method for controlling an engine having at least one spark plug per cylinder, comprising:
- initiating multiple spark discharges per spark plug per cylinder in each combustion cycle when operating with charge dilution wherein charge dilution is determined based on exhaust gas recirculation exceeding an associated threshold;
- and
- initiating a single spark discharge per spark plug per cylinder otherwise.
A method for controlling an engine having at least one spark plug per cylinder, comprising:
- initiating multiple spark discharges per spark plug per cylinder in each combustion cycle when operating with charge dilution wherein charge dilution is determined based on commanded air/fuel ratio exceeding an associated threshold;
- and
- initiating a single spark discharge per spark plug per cylinder otherwise.
A method for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one spark plug per cylinder, the method comprising:
- initiating multiple spark discharges per spark plug per cylinder in each combustion cycle when operating with charge dilution;
- initiating a single spark discharge per spark plug per cylinder otherwise;
- detecting a transient operating condition;
- and
- initiating multiple spark discharges per spark plug per cylinder per combustion cycle during the transient operating condition.
A method for controlling an engine having at least one spark plug per cylinder, comprising:
- initiating multiple spark discharges per spark plug per cylinder by initiating charging of an ignition coil primary winding when ignition coil secondary winding current falls below an associated secondary coil restrike threshold;
- and
- initiating a single spark discharge per spark plug per cylinder otherwise.
A method for controlling an engine having at least one spark plug per cylinder, comprising:
- initiating multiple spark discharges per spark plug per cylinder in each combustion cycle when operating with charge dilution by initiating charging of an ignition coil primary based on time elapsed from a previous spark discharge;
- and
- initiating a single spark discharge per spark plug per cylinder otherwise.
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders with at least one spark plug per cylinder, the method comprising:
- determining an ignition coil dwell period in response to current operating conditions for an initial spark discharge;
- determining whether charge dilution is active, based on at least one of an exhaust gas recirculation exceeding an associated threshold, a commanded air/fuel ratio exceeding the associated threshold, and an operating state of a charge motion control motion device;
- operating using only the initial spark discharge per spark plug per cylinder per combustion cycle if charge dilution is not active;
- and
- operating using the initial spark discharge and at least one additional spark discharge per spark plug per cylinder per combustion cycle if charge dilution is active.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.