51results about How to "Maximize fuel economy" patented technology

A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle includes having a first fan nacelle section and a second fan nacelle section movably mounted relative the first fan nacelle section. The second fan nacelle section axially slides aftward relative to the fixed first fan nacelle section to change the effective area of the fan nozzle exit area.

System and method for modifying the operation of an engine comprising an engine control unit coupled to the engine, a command module coupled to the engine control unit, wherein the command module is operable to modify operating characteristics of the engine by reconfiguring the function of the engine control unit. The engine control unit further comprises software and / or firmware, and the command module reconfigures the function of the engine control unit by altering the software and / or firmware. The command module may modify the engine operation, for example, based upon environmental conditions, topographic conditions, and / or traffic conditions.

This invention relates a control strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle having an electric motor, a battery and an internal combustion engine. The control strategy improves fuel economy and reduces emissions while providing sufficient acceleration over a varying set of driving conditions through an adaptive control unit with an artificial neural network. The artificial neural network is trained on a pre-processed training set based on the highest fuel economies of multiple control strategies and multiple driving profiles. Training the artificial neural network includes a training algorithm and a learning algorithm. The invention also includes a method of operating a hybrid electric vehicle with an adaptive control strategy using an artificial neural network.

This invention relates a control strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle having an electric motor, a battery and an internal combustion engine. The control strategy improves fuel economy and reduces emissions while providing sufficient acceleration over a varying set of driving conditions through an adaptive control unit with an artificial neural network. The artificial neural network is trained on a pre-processed training set based on the highest fuel economies of multiple control strategies and multiple driving profiles. Training the artificial neural network includes a training algorithm and a learning algorithm. The invention also includes a method of operating a hybrid electric vehicle with an adaptive control strategy using an artificial neural network.

A method and system for improving the fuel economy and lowering the emissions of internal combustion engines by injecting predetermined amounts and ratios of on-board or locally generated hydrogen and oxygen to the engine's air intake and varying the gas addition volume and hydrogen / oxygen ratio as a function of the operating conditions, e.g., in line with the instant engine load.

A software algorithm (FIG. 3) determines the strategy by which a controller (34) will manage state of charge (SOC) of a battery pack (32) in a hybrid electric vehicle but always gives the driver the opportunity to make his / her own selection instead. The algorithm causes one of two strategies to be selected each time that the ignition switch is operated from “off” position to “on” position. The manner in which the algorithm executes depends on the value of a calibratable parameter electronically programmed into the controller of the particular vehicle when the vehicle is being built at the factory.

A portable range extender can be used to supply electrical power to an electric vehicle operable by an electric traction motor. The portable range extender includes an engine, a dynamoelectric machine coupled to the engine by a shaft, an autonomous range extender controller for controlling operations of the range extender independently of a controller for the vehicle, and circuitry associated with the engine and machine. To start operation, electrical energization is applied from the vehicle battery to the dynamoelectric machine for operation as a motor to drive the shaft. As the shaft accelerates, the rotational speed of the shaft and the temperature of the engine are sensed. When the speed and temperature obtain predetermined thresholds, fuel is supplied to the engine and ignition is activated. The engine then operates as a prime mover to drive the shaft in lieu of the machine. After a period of engine prime mover operation, the machine is activated for operation as a generator to provide an electrical current output for charging the battery or supplying energy to the traction motor. When range extender operation is to be stopped, fuel supply is cut off before ignition termination to avoid engine backfire.

A powertrain includes a planetary gearset including an input connected to a shaft driveably connected to an engine, a second input driveably connected to an electric machine, and an output driveably connected to a countershaft, a clutch for releaseably connecting the countershaft and the input shaft through a first pair of meshing gears, and a brake for releaseably holding the input shaft and the input against rotation.

A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a flap assembly which varies a fan nozzle exit area. An actuator system drives a sliding drive ring relative a multitude of slider tracks mounted to a fan nacelle to adjust each flap of the flap assembly through the flap linkage to pitch the flap assembly about a circumferential hinge line to vary the diameter of the annular fan nozzle exit area between the fan nacelle and the core nacelle. The FVAN may be separated into a multiple of drive ring sectors which are each independently adjustable by an associated actuator of the actuator system to provide a low profile drag asymmetrical fan nozzle exit area.

A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) selectively rotates a synchronizing ring relative the static ring to adjust a flap assembly through a linkage to vary an annular fan exit area through which fan air is discharged. By adjusting the FVAN, engine thrust and fuel economy are maximized during each flight regime.

A motor vehicle is provided with a power train having primary and auxiliary internal combustion engines which selectively feed power to a jackshaft. The power accumulated in the jackshaft is conveyed to a speed change transmission. Fuel economy is achieved by utilizing only one engine when lesser power is needed by the vehicle.

A diesel fuel, diesel fuel additive concentrate and method for improving the performance of fuel injectors for a diesel engine are provided. The diesel fuel includes a major amount of middle distillate fuel having a sulfur content of 15 ppm by weight or less; and a reaction product of (a) a hydrocarbyl substituted dicarboxylic acid or anhydride, and (b) an amine compound or salt thereof of the formulawherein R is selected from hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 1 to about 15 carbon atoms, and R1 is selected from hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, wherein the reaction product contains less than one equivalent of an amino triazole group per molecule of reaction product, and wherein the reaction product is present in an amount sufficient to improve the performance of diesel direct and / or indirect fuel injectors.

A thrust vectorable fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a synchronizing ring, a static ring, and a flap assembly mounted within a fan nacelle. An actuator assembly selectively rotates synchronizing ring segments relative the static ring to adjust segments of the flap assembly to vary the annular fan exit area and vector the thrust through asymmetrical movement of the thrust vectorable FVAN segments. In operation, adjustment of the entire periphery of the thrust vectorable FVAN in which all segments are moved simultaneously to maximize engine thrust and fuel economy during each flight regime. By separately adjusting the segments of the thrust vectorable FVAN, engine trust is selectively vectored to provide, for example only, trim balance or thrust controlled maneuvering.

A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unit, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

A thrust vectorable fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a synchronizing ring, a static ring, and a flap assembly mounted within a fan nacelle. An actuator assembly selectively rotates synchronizing ring segments relative the static ring to adjust segments of the flap assembly to vary the annular fan exit area and vector the thrust through asymmetrical movement of the thrust vectorable FVAN segments. In operation, adjustment of the entire periphery of the thrust vectorable FVAN in which all segments are moved simultaneously to maximize engine thrust and fuel economy during each flight regime. By separately adjusting the segments of the thrust vectorable FVAN, engine trust is selectively vectored to provide, for example only, trim balance or thrust controlled maneuvering.

A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a flap assembly which varies a fan nozzle exit area. The flap assembly generally includes a multiple of flaps, flap linkages and an actuator system. The actuator system radially and axially translates a drive ring relative an engine centerline axis. A slot within the drive ring receives the flap linkages to asymmetrically and symmetrically vary the fan nozzle exit area in response to movement of the drive ring.

An electrical charging strategy and system for a high voltage electrical energy storage system able to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The system charges the electrical energy storage system so state-of-charge at the end of a trip is substantially unchanged. The strategy and system employs opportunity charging to achieve maximum energy efficiency of the hybrid system, thus minimizing fuel consumption and maximizing fuel economy. The charging system operation is controlled, based upon: the state-of-charge of the electrical energy storage system, and, the operating efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Battery life is likewise extended through use of this strategy.

An electrical charging strategy and system for a high voltage electrical energy storage system able to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The system charges the electrical energy storage system so state-of-charge at the end of a trip is substantially unchanged. The strategy and system employs opportunity charging to achieve maximum energy efficiency of the hybrid system, thus minimizing fuel consumption and maximizing fuel economy. The charging system operation is controlled, based upon: the state-of-charge of the electrical energy storage system, and, the operating efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Battery life is likewise extended through use of this strategy.

A hydraulic motor / pump regenerator system for recovering energy from the moving vehicle having high efficiency and precise control, thereby allowing the maximum amount of energy to be recovered and reused, is described. Three, fixed-displacement pump / motors are used to enable the system to recover and reapply energy at efficiencies expected to be above 70% in most circumstances. The invention is not limited to the use of three fixed displacement hydraulic units since using more units may in some drive cycles further improve efficiency. By selecting an appropriate combination of pump / motor units for providing the driveshaft torque required by the driver, embodiments of the present invention generate high recovery efficiency at any speed.

A motor vehicle is provided with a power train having primary and auxiliary internal combustion engines which selectively feed power to a jackshaft. The power accumulated in the jackshaft is conveyed to a speed change transmission. Fuel economy is achieved by utilizing only one engine when lesser power is needed by the vehicle.

Disclosed in the present invention is a dual-structured power output apparatus of an electric drive and power system that provides a means for outputting both mechanical power and electrical power. It comprises dual motor / generators having two stator assemblies, two rotor assemblies and a power transmission unit all integrated into a single housing for easy mounting. The power transmission unit is disposed adjacent to the two motor / generators and coupled on both ends to rotating shafts mechanically linked to the rotor assemblies such that they are rotatable relative to each other. It function is to change the rotational speed and torque of at least one of the rotors in order to reduce weight and physical size of the apparatus, and thus significantly improving the power density and capability. The structure of the apparatus is well-suited to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of the prior art hybrid powertrain.

A powertrain includes a planetary gearset including an input connected to a shaft driveably connected to an engine, a second input driveably connected to an electric machine, and an output driveably connected to a countershaft, a clutch for releaseably connecting the countershaft and the input shaft through a first pair of meshing gears, and a brake for releaseably holding the input shaft and the input against rotation.

An aspect includes a dirt mitigation system for a gas turbine engine. The dirt mitigation system includes a plurality of bleeds of the gas turbine engine and a control system configured to determine a particulate ingestion estimate indicative of dirt ingested in the gas turbine engine. The control system is further configured to determine one or more operating parameters of the gas turbine engine and alter a bleed control schedule of the gas turbine engine to purge at least a portion of the dirt ingested in the gas turbine engine through one or more of the bleeds of the gas turbine engine based on the particulate ingestion estimate and the one or more operating parameters.

A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a flap assembly which varies a fan nozzle exit area. The flap assembly generally includes a multiple of flaps, flap linkages and an actuator system. The actuator system radially and axially translates a drive ring relative an engine centerline axis. A slot within the drive ring receives the flap linkages to asymmetrically and symmetrically vary the fan nozzle exit area in response to movement of the drive ring.