Method and system to control internal combustion engine idle shut down

Abstract

A method for controlling a compression ignition electronic control module equipped compression ignition internal combustion engine installed in a vehicle to permit engine idling to conform to requirements of a geographical location.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a method of enhanced engine idle shutdown override, wherein an engine equipped with an electronic control module (ECM) receives a signal indicating its geographic location and would conform its engine idle routines to the requirements of the particular geographical location.[0003]The present invention further relates to a method to restrict engine idle shutdown. The invention restricts extended idling only in states that do not allow extended idling but allows extended idling in states that do not restrict idling. It is contemplated that the vehicle could identify its location through means of a global positioning system and by use of a look-up table or other means, and implement the particular idling strategy permitted by the laws of that state.[0004]The present invention further relates to a method to provide for an external communication system such as a satellite tracking system to c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention addresses these concerns. The present invention is a method for operating a compression ignition internal combustion engine that will conform to the environmental regulations of various states through which the vehicle passes by conforming the idling strategies of the engine to the requirements of the state within which the vehicle is located during actual driving situations but will not interfere with the operation of the engine, for example, when it is used to power auxiliary equipment, and which will prevent an operator from operating the engine in a false PTO mode. Accordingly, the method includes a step of determining whether the engine is idling and whether the engine is located within a geographical location that restricts engine idling. The method further includes a step of determining whether the engine is loaded in a power takeoff mode. The method further includes a step of determining whether the engine idle time is greater than or equal to the allowed engine idle time within the geographical location within which the engine is operating and shutting down the engine when the engine idle time exceeds the allowed idle time.

Problems solved by technology

'906 makes it difficult for engine operators to defeat idle shutdown features by detecting current engine operation conditions to verify that the selected operating mode is consistent with the current engine operating condition.

While diesel fuel is often less expensive, and diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline powered engines, diesel engine applications often require running the engine continuously over long periods of time.

This may conflict with certain environmental regulations of various states that seek to regulate the emissions and particulates released by vehicles operating within their respective borders.

In addition, it is a challenge that various states have differing regulations requiring the operator of a vehicle having a regulated engine to adapt to a variety of emission standard, based upon the geographical location of the vehicle at any given time.

In many diesel engine applications, the engine operator does not own the engine, does not understand the environmental regulations in a given geographical location, does not and cannot vary the operation of the engine and does not pay for the fuel, or engine maintenance.

However, the operators may pay for the fines associated with the operation of the engine.

Idle shutdown is an electronic engine control feature designed to prevent unnecessary engine idling with resulting lower fuel economy and emissions to the environment.

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