Fuel alcohol content detection via an exhaust gas sensor
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorRichard E. Soltis
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Abstract
Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during selected engine fueling conditions, alternating between applying first and second voltages to the sensor; and identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on sensor outputs at the first and second voltages.
Claims21
A method for an exhaust gas sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine, comprising:
- during selected engine fueling conditions, alternating between applying first and second voltages to the exhaust gas sensor;
- and
- identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on sensor outputs at the first and second voltages and ambient humidity.
A method for controlling an engine in a flex-fuel vehicle, the engine having an exhaust system and an exhaust gas sensor coupled to the exhaust system, comprising:
- during engine non-fueling conditions, generating an indication of ambient humidity based on the sensor;
- during selected engine fueling conditions:
- applying a first voltage to the sensor;
- generating an indication of an amount of oxygen based on a first pumping current response to the first voltage;
- applying a second voltage to the sensor;
- generating an indication of an amount of oxygen and water based on a second pumping current response to the second voltage;
- identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on the ambient humidity, amount of oxygen indicated by the first pumping current, and amount of oxygen and water indicated by the second pumping current;
- and
- under selected operating conditions, adjusting an engine operating parameter based on the amount of alcohol in the fuel.
A system for controlling an engine in a flex-fuel vehicle, the system comprising:
- an exhaust system;
- an exhaust gas oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust system;
- and
- a control system including a computer readable storage medium, the medium including instructions thereon, the control system receiving communication from the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, the medium comprising instructions for:
- during engine non-fueling conditions, generating an indication of ambient humidity based on the sensor;
- during selected engine fueling conditions:
- applying a first voltage to the sensor;
- generating an indication of an amount of oxygen based on a first pumping current response to the first voltage;
- applying a second voltage to the sensor;
- generating an indication of an amount of oxygen and water based on a second pumping current response to the second voltage;
- identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on the ambient humidity, amount of oxygen indicated by the first pumping current, and amount of oxygen and water indicated by the second pumping current;
- and
- under selected operating conditions, adjusting an engine operating parameter based on the amount of alcohol in the fuel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.