U.S. patent application number 16/995940 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-24 for system including engine and method of operating engine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Kirk Anderson, Suman Goli, Phillip Alvin Hartz, Andrew Nathan Schifferer, Ryan Robert Stoffel, Patrick William Sullivan, JR..
Application Number | 20220056862 16/995940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005033461 |
Filed Date | 2022-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220056862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goli; Suman ; et
al. |
February 24, 2022 |
SYSTEM INCLUDING ENGINE AND METHOD OF OPERATING ENGINE
Abstract
A system includes an engine adapted to output a torque, a
parasitic load adapted to receive a portion of the torque from the
engine, and a controller communicably coupled to the parasitic
load. The controller is configured to determine an actual exhaust
temperature value of an exhaust gas flow exiting the engine and a
minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine. The controller
is configured to compare the actual exhaust temperature value with
an exhaust temperature threshold value of the exhaust gas flow to
determine a first difference between the actual exhaust temperature
value and the exhaust temperature threshold value. The controller
is configured to determine a target torque output of the engine
based on the first difference and the minimum fuel amount. The
controller is configured to cause the torque to be increased to
attain the target torque output using the parasitic load.
Inventors: |
Goli; Suman; (San Diego,
CA) ; Schifferer; Andrew Nathan; (Batavia, IL)
; Anderson; Kirk; (Yorkville, IL) ; Sullivan, JR.;
Patrick William; (Plainfield, IL) ; Stoffel; Ryan
Robert; (Oswego, IL) ; Hartz; Phillip Alvin;
(Sugar Grove, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000005033461 |
Appl. No.: |
16/995940 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02D 41/0245 20130101;
F02D 2200/1006 20130101; F02D 41/263 20130101; F02D 2250/18
20130101; F02D 41/1446 20130101; F02D 2200/0802 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F02D 41/02 20060101
F02D041/02; F02D 41/14 20060101 F02D041/14; F02D 41/26 20060101
F02D041/26 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: an engine adapted to output a torque; a
parasitic load adapted to receive a portion of the torque from the
engine; and a controller communicably coupled to the parasitic
load, wherein the controller is configured to: determine an actual
exhaust temperature value of an exhaust gas flow exiting the engine
and a minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine; compare
the actual exhaust temperature value with an exhaust temperature
threshold value of the exhaust gas flow to determine a first
difference between the actual exhaust temperature value and the
exhaust temperature threshold value; determine a target torque
output of the engine based on the first difference and the minimum
fuel amount to be injected into the engine; and cause the torque of
the engine to be increased to attain the target torque output using
the parasitic load.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further
configured to determine a first torque output value based on the
first difference.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is further
configured to determine a second torque output value based on the
minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine, and wherein the
target torque output corresponds to at least one of the first
torque output value and the second torque output value.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein a higher value of the first
torque output value and the second torque output value corresponds
to the target torque output.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller is further
configured to: receive an actual fuel amount injected into the
engine; compare the actual fuel amount injected into the engine
with the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine to
determine a second difference between the actual fuel amount and
the minimum fuel amount; determine the second torque output value
based on the second difference; and compare the second torque
output value with the first torque output value to determine the
target torque output of the engine.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller is further
configured to: receive an intake manifold air temperature value;
determine the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine
based on the intake manifold air temperature value; determine the
second torque output value based on the minimum fuel amount; and
compare the second torque output value with the first torque output
value to determine the target torque output of the engine.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the parasitic load is associated
with at least one of a hydraulic system of a machine and an
electrical system of the machine.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the parasitic load includes a
pump of the hydraulic system, and wherein the controller is
configured to transmit a signal to increase a stroke of the pump to
increase the torque of the engine.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the target torque output is
determined based on a minimum load on the engine needed to attain
the exhaust temperature threshold value.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the actual exhaust temperature
value is measured at an aftertreatment module coupled with the
engine.
11. A method of operating an engine comprising: determining, by a
controller, an actual exhaust temperature value of an exhaust gas
flow exiting the engine and a minimum fuel amount to be injected
into the engine; comparing, by the controller, the actual exhaust
temperature value with an exhaust temperature threshold value of
the exhaust gas flow to determine a first difference between the
actual exhaust temperature value and the exhaust temperature
threshold value; determining, by the controller, a target torque
output of the engine based on the first difference and the minimum
fuel amount to be injected into the engine; and causing, by the
controller, a torque of the engine to be increased to attain the
target torque output using a parasitic load adapted to receive a
portion of the torque from the engine, wherein the parasitic load
is communicably coupled to the controller.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising determining a first
torque output value based on the first difference.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising determining a second
torque output value based on the minimum fuel amount to be injected
into the engine, wherein the target torque output corresponds to at
least one of the first torque output value and the second torque
output value.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising increasing the torque
of the engine based on a higher value of the first torque output
value and the second torque output value.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising: receiving an actual
fuel amount injected into the engine; comparing the actual fuel
amount injected into the engine with the minimum fuel amount to be
injected into the engine to determine a second difference between
the actual fuel amount and the minimum fuel amount; determining the
second torque output value based on the second difference; and
comparing the second torque output value with the first torque
output value to determine the target torque output of the
engine.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising: receiving an intake
manifold air temperature value; determining the minimum fuel amount
to be injected into the engine based on the intake manifold air
temperature value; determining the second torque output value based
on the minimum fuel amount; and comparing the second torque output
value with the first torque output value to determine the target
torque output of the engine.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the parasitic load is
associated with at least one of a hydraulic system of a machine and
an electrical system of the machine.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising transmitting, by the
controller, a signal to increase the stroke of a pump of the
hydraulic system to increase the torque of the engine.
19. The method of claim 11 further comprising determining, by the
controller, the target torque output based on a minimum load on the
engine needed to attain the exhaust temperature threshold
value.
20. The method of claim 11 further comprising measuring the actual
exhaust temperature value at an aftertreatment module coupled with
the engine.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system including an
engine and a method of operating the engine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Machines, such as wheel loaders, dozers, excavators, and the
like, are used to perform various tasks at a worksite. To
effectively perform these tasks, the machines include an engine,
such as an internal combustion engine, that provides a torque
output. Further, the machines include an aftertreatment module to
remove/reduce particulate matter from an exhaust gas flow exiting
the engine. The aftertreatment module includes a Diesel Oxidation
Catalyst (DOC) that is used to control diesel particulate
emissions, a particulate filter, and/or other catalyst/filters. In
some cases, the DOC may facilitate a regeneration of the
particulate filter for removing particulate matter from the
particulate filter. For example, the DOC may promote particulate
filter regeneration by oxidizing soot of the particulate filter
using heat from the exhaust gas flow. However, under certain
operating conditions, for example at low torque output, low
environmental temperatures, and/or the like, an exhaust temperature
of the exhaust gas flow may fall below a threshold value required
to provide regeneration of the particulate filter.
[0003] Moreover, a minimum amount of fuel needs to be present in
the exhaust gas flow being directed towards the aftertreatment
module. More particularly, the minimum amount of fuel is required
to enable adequate combustion to prevent hydrocarbon build-up in
the aftertreatment module. Thus, for efficient operation of the
aftertreatment module, the exhaust gas flow may have to achieve
high temperatures and also contain some amount of fuel therein.
[0004] WO Patent Application Number 2011/117188 describes a device
for carrying out a regeneration process in a soot particle filter.
An oxidizing catalyst being arranged upstream of the soot particle
filter in order to increase the temperature of an exhaust gas flow
that is supplied by a diesel engine. According to the invention, a
parasitic load is connected to a hydraulic circuit that is driven
by means of the diesel engine, if a trigger criterion that
indicates the regeneration of the soot particle filter is
satisfied.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system is
provided. The system includes an engine adapted to output a torque.
The system also includes a parasitic load adapted to receive a
portion of the torque from the engine. The system further includes
a controller communicably coupled to the parasitic load. The
controller is configured to determine an actual exhaust temperature
value of an exhaust gas flow exiting the engine and a minimum fuel
amount to be injected into the engine. The controller is also
configured to compare the actual exhaust temperature value with an
exhaust temperature threshold value of the exhaust gas flow to
determine a first difference between the actual exhaust temperature
value and the exhaust temperature threshold value. The controller
is further configured to determine a target torque output of the
engine based on the first difference and the minimum fuel amount to
be injected into the engine. The controller is configured to cause
the torque of the engine to be increased to attain the target
torque output using the parasitic load.
[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
operating an engine is provided. The method includes determining,
by a controller, an actual exhaust temperature value of an exhaust
gas flow exiting the engine and a minimum fuel amount to be
injected into the engine. The method also includes comparing, by
the controller, the actual exhaust temperature value with an
exhaust temperature threshold value of the exhaust gas flow to
determine a first difference between the actual exhaust temperature
value and the exhaust temperature threshold value. The method
further includes determining, by the controller, a target torque
output of the engine based on the first difference and the minimum
fuel amount to be injected into the engine. The method includes
causing, by the controller, a torque of the engine to be increased
to attain the target torque output using a parasitic load, wherein
the parasitic load is adapted to receive a portion of the torque
from the engine and is communicably coupled to the controller.
[0007] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be
apparent from the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary machine having an
engine;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system associated with
the machine of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a logical diagram for operation of the system of
FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a logical diagram for operation of the system of
FIG. 2, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
and
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a method of operating the engine,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to specific aspects or
features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or corresponding parts.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary machine 100 is
illustrated. In the illustrated example, the machine 100 is a wheel
loader. Alternatively, the machine 100 may include any other type
of machine, such as a dozer, a haul truck, an excavator, and the
like. The machine 100 includes a frame 102 to support various
components of the machine 100 thereon. The machine 100 also
includes an engine enclosure 104 for receiving an engine 106 (shown
in FIG. 2) of the machine 100.
[0015] Further, the machine 100 includes an operator station 108, a
pair of ground engaging members 110, and a powertrain (not shown)
to drive the ground engaging members 110. Moreover, the machine 100
includes an implement 112 that may be used to perform one or more
work operations. The implement 112 may be operated based on
operation of one or more actuators 114 associated with the
implement 112. Further, the actuators 114 are operated by a
hydraulic system of the machine 100 based on user inputs.
[0016] Moreover, the hydraulic system includes a pump 117
(schematically shown in FIG. 2). In the illustrated example, the
pump 117 is embodied as an implement pump that pressurizes and
directs hydraulic fluid towards the actuators 114 for operating the
implement 112. Alternatively, the pump 117 may be used for
operation of any other component of the machine 100, without any
limitations. In some examples, the pump 117 may embody a hydraulic
pump or an electrohydraulic pump. In an example, the pump 117 may
embody a displacement controlled pump. Further, the pump 117 may
include a variable displacement pump or a fixed displacement
pump.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the machine 100 includes a system 118.
The system 118 includes the engine 106 that outputs a torque.
Overall, the torque may be used for operational and mobility
requirements of the machine 100. For example, the torque may be
used to perform operations, such as, moving the implement 112,
driving the ground engaging members 110, and/or operating various
devices in the operator station 108 of the machine 100. Further, a
portion of this torque is directed towards a parasitic load 116
that will be explained later in this section. The portion of the
torque that is directed towards the parasitic load 116 may be
referred to as a parasitic torque.
[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 106 is an internal
combustion engine that produces mechanical power output and/or
electrical power output. Moreover, the engine 106 is a four-stroke
diesel engine. In other embodiments, the engine 106 may be any
other type of internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine,
a gaseous fuel-powered engine, a dual fuel engine, and the like. In
other embodiments, a two-stroke internal combustion engine may also
be utilized.
[0019] The engine 106 may include various components (not shown),
such as, a fuel system, an intake manifold, engine cylinders in
selective fluid communication with the intake manifold, an air
induction system, a lubrication system, a cooling system, an
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, and the like. The EGR
system may reduce harmful emissions from an exhaust gas flow "F1"
of the engine 106 by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gas
flow "F1" back to the engine cylinders.
[0020] The fuel system of the engine 106 includes a fuel injector
for injecting fuel into the engine cylinders. Further, the fuel
system may include a fuel sensor 120 associated therewith. The fuel
sensor 120 may measure an actual fuel amount being injected into
the engine 106. The actual fuel amount may be based on a normal
loading condition of the engine 106. The fuel sensor 120 may
include, for example, a needle lift sensor, an optical sensor, a
piezoresistive pressure transmitter, and the like.
[0021] It should be noted that a minimum fuel amount needs to be
injected into the engine cylinders. The term "minimum fuel amount"
as referred to herein may be defined as an amount of fuel that may
be sufficient to reach a high combustion temperature in the engine
106 and also to effectively perform a regeneration process in an
aftertreatment module 122.
[0022] Further, the intake manifold directs intake air, that may
also include a portion of the recirculated exhaust gases, towards
the engine cylinders. The intake manifold may include a pressure
sensor (not shown), an Intake Manifold Air Temperature (IMAT)
sensor 124, and the like to detect characteristics of the intake
air. More particularly, an IMAT value is measured by the IMAT
sensor 124.
[0023] Further, the machine 100 includes the aftertreatment module
122. The aftertreatment module 122 may include a Diesel Oxidation
Catalyst (DOC) 126 and a particulate filter 128 (such as a diesel
particulate filter) positioned downstream of the DOC 126. In some
examples, the aftertreatment module 122 may also include a
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) module (not shown).
[0024] The DOC 126 receives the exhaust gas flow "F1" from the
engine 106. During the regeneration process in the aftertreatment
module 122, heat is generated in the DOC 126 during flameless
exothermic reaction between oxygen and fuel. Heat generated during
initial period of the regeneration process may be absorbed by the
DOC 126. Once the DOC 126 reaches a certain temperature level, the
particulate filter 128 starts to warm up and soot may start to
oxidize. It should be noted that the particulate filter 128 may be
heated by the exhaust gas flow "F1" from the engine 106, thereby
thermally aging or oxidizing particulate matter (e.g., soot)
deposited in the particulate filter 128 when an actual exhaust
temperature of the exhaust gas flow "F1" corresponds to an exhaust
temperature threshold value of the exhaust gas flow "F1". The term
"exhaust temperature threshold value" as referred to herein may be
defined as a value of the temperature of the exhaust gas flow "F1"
that is sufficient for the regeneration process to occur. In one
example, the exhaust temperature threshold value may be
approximately 290 degrees Celsius (C) or in a range of
approximately 280 degrees C. to 320 degrees C. Thus, it is
desirable that the actual exhaust temperature of the exhaust gas
flow "F1" is sufficiently high for the regeneration process to
occur. Moreover, it is also desirable to have some amount of fuel
present in the exhaust gas flow "F1" that enters the aftertreatment
module 122. More particularly, a portion of the fuel injected into
the engine cylinders may combust partially in the engine cylinders
and a remaining portion of the fuel may combust in the
aftertreatment module 122.
[0025] Further, an actual exhaust temperature value is measured at
the aftertreatment module 122 coupled with the engine 106. For this
purpose, the aftertreatment module 122 includes an exhaust
temperature sensor 130 that measures the actual exhaust temperature
value of the exhaust gas flow "F1". The exhaust temperature sensor
130 may be located upstream of the DOC 126, and more specifically,
proximate to an inlet of the DOC 126. Alternatively, the exhaust
temperature sensor 130 may be disposed downstream of the DOC 126,
and more specifically, proximate to an outlet of the DOC 126, or
within the DOC 126. In other examples, the exhaust temperature
sensor 130 may be located upstream of the SCR module.
[0026] Further, the system 118 also includes the parasitic load 116
that receives the portion of the torque from the engine 106. The
parasitic load 116, with regards to the machine 100, can be defined
as a load on the engine 106 that may not contribute to tractive
efforts. In an example, the parasitic load 116 is associated with
the hydraulic system of the machine 100 or an electrical system of
the machine 100. In the illustrated example, the parasitic load 116
includes the pump 117 of the hydraulic system. Alternatively, the
parasitic load 116 may embody any other component of the machine
100 that receives the torque from the engine 106 for operation
thereof. In an example, the pump 117 may be embodied as the
implement pump. In other examples, the pump 117 may include any
other pump that operates one or more components of the machine 100,
without any limitations. Accordingly, the pump 117 may embody an
electrohydraulic/hydraulic pump of variable displacement type that
can be infinitely varied to vary engine loading. In other examples,
the pump 117 may include a fixed displacement type pump, without
any limitations.
[0027] Further, the parasitic load 116 may embody an air
compressor, a motor, a blower, radiator fans, an alternator, a
lightning system of the machine 100, an external load, an air
conditioner, and the like. In some examples, the parasitic load 116
may be associated with a pneumatic system of the machine 100.
Further, the parasitic load 116 may embody other components of the
machine 100 that can be turned to an on state or an off state. It
may be contemplated that the parasitic load 116 may embody a number
of components associated with the machine 100, apart from those
mentioned above, that may utilize the torque from the engine
106.
[0028] The system 118 further includes a controller 132
communicably coupled to the parasitic load 116. The controller 132
is also communicably coupled to various components of the machine
100, such as the engine 106, the fuel sensor 120, the IMAT sensor
124, the exhaust temperature sensor 130, and the like. The
controller 132 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, a control unit, an Engine
Control Unit (ECU), a processor, or another type of processing
component. In some embodiments, the controller 132 may include one
or more processors capable of being programmed to perform certain
functions/operations.
[0029] The controller 132 is in communication with a memory 134.
The memory 134 may be an external memory or the controller 132 may
itself include the memory 134. The memory 134 may include, for
example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM),
and/or another type of dynamic or static storage device such as a
flash memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, and the like.
This memory 134 stores information and/or instructions for use by
the controller 132. In some examples, the memory 134 may store
various look up tables 136, 138, 140 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) that
will be explained later in this section. Further, the memory 134
may also store information corresponding to the exhaust temperature
threshold values and the minimum fuel amount to be injected into
the engine 106.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of the present
disclosure. More particularly, FIG. 3 is a logical diagram 300
describing a set of operations that may be performed by the
controller 132 (see FIG. 2). The controller 132 determines the
actual exhaust temperature value of the exhaust gas flow "F1" (see
FIG. 2) exiting the engine 106 and the minimum fuel amount to be
injected into the engine 106. A first block 302 represents the
actual exhaust temperature value of the exhaust gas flow "F1"
herein. The controller 132 determines the actual exhaust
temperature value based on information received from the exhaust
temperature sensor 130 (see FIG. 2). Further, the controller 132
retrieves the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine
106 from the memory 134 (see FIG. 2). A second block 304 represents
the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine 106
herein.
[0031] Further, the controller 132 compares the actual exhaust
temperature value with the exhaust temperature threshold value of
the exhaust gas flow "F1" to determine a first difference 306
between the actual exhaust temperature value and the exhaust
temperature threshold value. A third block 308 represents the
exhaust temperature threshold value of the exhaust gas flow "F1"
herein. The controller 132 may retrieve the exhaust temperature
threshold value from the memory 134. The controller 132 may analyze
the actual exhaust temperature value from the exhaust temperature
sensor 130 and the exhaust temperature threshold value to determine
the first difference 306. It should be noted that the first
difference 306 is embodied as a temperature error herein. Further,
the controller 132 determines a first torque output value 310 based
on the first difference 306. More particularly, the controller 132
may determine the first torque output value 310 using the first
look up table 136. For example, the first look up table 136 may
identify the first difference 306 and the first torque output value
310 corresponding to the first difference 306. The first look up
table 136 may store various values for the first difference 306 and
corresponding values 310 for the first torque output.
[0032] Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 132
receives the actual fuel amount injected into the engine 106. A
fourth block 312 represents the actual fuel amount injected into
the engine 106 herein. The actual fuel amount injected into the
engine 106 is determined by the controller 132 based on inputs from
the fuel sensor 120 (see FIG. 2). The controller 132 also compares
the actual fuel amount injected into the engine 106 with the
minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine 106 to determine
a second difference 314 between the actual fuel amount and the
minimum fuel amount. The controller 132 may analyze the actual fuel
amount and the minimum fuel amount to determine the second
difference 314. It should be noted that the second difference 314
is embodied as a fuel error herein.
[0033] The controller 132 also determines a second torque output
value 316 based on the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the
engine 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 132
determines the second torque output value 316 based on the second
difference 314. More particularly, the controller 132 may determine
the second torque output value 316 using the second look up table
138. For example, the second look up table 138 may identify the
second difference 314 and the second torque output value 316
corresponding to the second difference 314. The second look up
table 138 may store various values for the second difference 314
and corresponding values 316 for the second torque output.
[0034] Further, the controller 132 determines a target torque
output 318 of the engine 106 based on the first difference 306 and
the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine 106. The
term "target torque output" as referred to in the present
disclosure may be defined as a value of the torque output that
corresponds to the exhaust temperature threshold value and/or the
minimum fuel amount. In one example, the target torque output 318
is determined based on a minimum load on the engine 106 needed to
attain the exhaust temperature threshold value. Further, the target
torque output 318 corresponds to the first torque output value 310
or the second torque output value 316. More particularly, the
controller 132 compares the second torque output value 316 with the
first torque output value 310 to determine the target torque output
318 of the engine 106. It should be noted that a higher value of
the first torque output value 310 and the second torque output
value 316 corresponds to the target torque output 318. In some
cases, the controller 132 may determine the target torque output
318 based on a first selector 320. For example, the first selector
320 may analyze the first torque output value 310 and the second
torque output value 316 to determine the higher value that
corresponds to the target torque output 318.
[0035] Further, the controller 132 causes the torque of the engine
106 to be increased to attain the target torque output 318 using
the parasitic load 116 (see FIG. 2). More particularly, the
controller 132 may send a command 322 to the engine 106 to cause
the torque of the parasitic load 116 to be increased based on the
target torque output 318. In one example, the controller 132 may
transmit the command 322 to the engine 106 to cause a torque of the
implement 112 (see FIG. 1) to be increased. For example, the
controller 132 transmits the command 322 to increase a stroke of
the pump 117 to increase the torque of the engine 106. In other
examples, when the parasitic load 116 is embodied as any other
component of the machine 100, the controller 132 may transmit the
command 322 to the engine 106 to cause a torque of the said
component to be increased.
[0036] In some cases, the controller 132 may determine if the
torque output needs to be increased and accordingly transmits the
command 322 based on a second selector 324. The second selector 324
may determine whether the torque output needs to be increased, or
whether no action is to be taken (indicated by a block 326), based
on a set of conditions 328. The set of conditions 328 may include a
first condition 330 that the engine 106 has requested the
regeneration process using the parasitic load 116, a second
condition 332 that the engine 106 is operational, a third condition
334 that regeneration assist is enabled, and a fourth condition 336
that the DOC 126 (see FIG. 2) is operational (for example, not
associated with an error state), and the like. When the set of
conditions 328 are satisfied, the controller 132 may cause the
torque output to be increased using the torque.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the present
disclosure. More particularly, FIG. 4 is a logical diagram 400
describing a set of operations that may be performed by the
controller 132 (see FIG. 2). The controller 132 determines the
actual exhaust temperature value of the exhaust gas flow "F1" (see
FIG. 2) exiting the engine 106 and the minimum fuel amount to be
injected into the engine 106. A first block 402 represents the
actual exhaust temperature value of the exhaust gas flow "F1"
herein. The controller 132 determines the actual exhaust
temperature value based on information received from the exhaust
temperature sensor 130 (see FIG. 2). Further, the controller 132
retrieves the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine
106 from the memory 134 (see FIG. 2).
[0038] The controller 132 also compares the actual exhaust
temperature value with the exhaust temperature threshold value of
the exhaust gas flow "F1" to determine the first difference 404
between the actual exhaust temperature value and the exhaust
temperature threshold value. A second block 406 represents the
exhaust temperature threshold value of the exhaust gas flow "F1".
The controller 132 may retrieve the exhaust temperature threshold
value from the memory 134. The controller 132 may analyze the
actual exhaust temperature value from the exhaust temperature
sensor 130 and the exhaust temperature threshold value to determine
the first difference 404. It should be noted that the first
difference 404 is embodied as the temperature error herein.
Further, the controller 132 determines a first torque output value
408 based on the first difference 404. More particularly, the
controller 132 may determine the first torque output value 408
using the first look up table 136. For example, the first look up
table 136 may identify values for the first difference 404 and
corresponding values 408 for the first torque output.
[0039] Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 132
receives the IMAT value. A third block 410 represents the IMAT
value herein. The IMAT value is received by the controller 132 from
the IMAT sensor 124 (see FIG. 2). The controller 132 also
determines the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine
106 based on the IMAT value. More particularly, the controller 132
may determine the minimum fuel amount using the third look up table
140. For example, the third look up table 140 may identify the IMAT
value and the minimum fuel amount corresponding to the IMAT
value.
[0040] The controller 132 further determines a second torque output
value 412 based on the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the
engine 106. More particularly, the controller 132 may determine the
second torque output value 412 using the third look up table 140.
For example, the third look up table 140 may identify the minimum
fuel amount and the second torque output value 412 corresponding to
the minimum fuel amount. The third look up table 140 may store
various IMAT values and corresponding values for the minimum fuel
amount and the values 412 for the second torque output.
[0041] The controller 132 determines a target torque output 414 of
the engine 106 based on the first difference 404 and the minimum
fuel amount to be injected into the engine 106. It should be noted
that the target torque output 414 is determined based on the
minimum load on the engine 106 needed to attain the exhaust
temperature threshold value. Further, the target torque output 414
corresponds to the first torque output value 408 or the second
torque output value 412. More particularly, the controller 132
compares the second torque output value 412 with the first torque
output value 408 to determine the target torque output 414 of the
engine 106. It should be noted that a higher value of the first
torque output value 408 and the second torque output value 412
corresponds to the target torque output 414. In some cases, the
controller 132 may determine the target torque output 414 based on
a first selector 416. For example, the first selector 416 may
analyze the first torque output value 408 and the second torque
output value 412 to determine the higher value that corresponds to
the target torque output 414.
[0042] Further, the controller 132 causes the torque of the engine
106 to be increased to attain the target torque output 414 using
the parasitic load 116 (see FIG. 2). More particularly, the
controller 132 may send a command 418 to the engine 106 to cause
the torque of the parasitic load 116 to be increased based on the
target torque output 414. In one example, the controller 132 may
transmit the command 418 to the engine 106 to cause the torque of
the implement 112 (see FIG. 1) to be increased. For example, the
controller 132 transmits the command 418 to increase the stroke of
the pump 117 to increase the torque of the engine 106. In other
examples, when the parasitic load 116 is embodied as any other
component of the machine 100, the controller 132 may transmit the
command 418 to the engine 106 to cause a torque of the said
component to be increased.
[0043] In some cases, the controller 132 may determine if the
torque output needs to be increased and accordingly transmits the
command 418 based on a second selector 420. The second selector 420
may determine whether the torque output needs to be increased, or
whether no action is to be taken (indicated by a block 422), based
on a set of conditions 424. The set of conditions 424 may include
the first condition 426, the second condition 428, the third
condition 430, and the fourth condition 432 similar to the first,
second, third, and fourth conditions 330, 332, 334, 336,
respectively, that were explained in relation to the first
embodiment of FIG. 3. When the set of conditions 424 are satisfied,
the controller 132 may cause the torque output to be increased
using the torque.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 of operating the engine 106.
At step 502, the controller 132 determines the actual exhaust
temperature value of the exhaust gas flow "F1" exiting the engine
106 and the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine 106.
Further, the actual exhaust temperature value is measured at the
aftertreatment module 122 coupled with the engine 106. At step 504,
the controller 132 compares the actual exhaust temperature value
with the exhaust temperature threshold value of the exhaust gas
flow "F1" to determine the first difference 306, 404 between the
actual exhaust temperature value and the exhaust temperature
threshold value. Further, the controller 132 determines the first
torque output value 310, 408 based on the first difference 306,
404.
[0045] At step 506, the controller 132 determines the target torque
output 318, 414 of the engine 106 based on the first difference
306, 404 and the minimum fuel amount to be injected into the engine
106. Further, the controller 132 also determines the second torque
output value 316, 412 based on the minimum fuel amount to be
injected into the engine 106. The target torque output 318, 414
corresponds to the first torque output value 310, 408 or the second
torque output value 316, 412. In an example, the controller 132
receives the actual fuel amount injected into the engine 106.
Further, the controller 132 compares the actual fuel amount
injected into the engine 106 with the minimum fuel amount to be
injected into the engine 106 to determine the second difference 314
between the actual fuel amount and the minimum fuel amount. The
controller 132 also determines the second torque output value 316
based on the second difference 314. Moreover, the controller 132
compares the second torque output value 316 with the first torque
output value 310 to determine the target torque output 318 of the
engine 106.
[0046] In another example, the controller 132 receives the IMAT
value. The controller 132 also determines the minimum fuel amount
to be injected into the engine 106 based on the IMAT value.
Further, the controller 132 determines the second torque output
value 412 based on the minimum fuel amount. Moreover, the
controller 132 compares the second torque output value 412 with the
first torque output value 408 to determine the target torque output
414 of the engine 106. Further, the controller 132 increases the
torque of the engine 106 based on the higher value of the first
torque output value 310, 408 and the second torque output value
316, 412. It should be noted that the controller 132 determines the
target torque output 318, 414 based on the minimum load on the
engine 106 needed to attain the exhaust temperature threshold
value.
[0047] At step 508, the controller 132 causes the torque of the
engine 106 to be increased to attain the target torque output 318,
414 using the parasitic load 116. The parasitic load 116 receives
the portion of the torque from the engine 106 and is communicably
coupled to the controller 132. In an example, the parasitic load
116 is associated with the hydraulic system of the machine 100 or
the electrical system of the machine 100. In some examples, the
controller 132 transmits the command 322, 418 to increase the
stroke of the pump 117 of the hydraulic system to increase the
torque of the engine 106.
[0048] In some cases, the system 118 and the method 500 may operate
in a close-loop manner. For example, the controller 132 may
iteratively determine the actual exhaust temperature values and
compare the actual exhaust temperature values with the exhaust
temperature threshold value to determine the target torque output
318, 414.
[0049] The method 500 and the system 118 described herein may be
implemented in a number of machines having different types of
transmission systems. Further, the method 500 and the system 118
may be implemented on existing machines. The method 500 and the
system 118 described herein may provide an efficient solution for
increasing the exhaust temperature of the exhaust gas flow "F1" as
well as maintaining some amount of fuel in the exhaust gas flow
"F1". This technique may in turn allow efficient operation of the
aftertreatment module 122 at low torque output conditions, low
environment temperatures, and the like. Additionally, the system
118 and the method 500 utilizes inputs such as the minimum fuel
amount injected into the engine 106 or the IMAT value that may aid
in maintaining a minimum fuel consumption by the engine 106.
Further, presence of some amount of fuel in the exhaust gas flow
"F1" allows the exhaust gas flow "F1" to achieve a higher
temperature in the aftertreatment module 112 as the fuel combusts
during the regeneration process. This approach may lead to
efficient regeneration of the particulate filter 128 and may also
allow particulate filter longevity by oxidizing particulate matters
using the high temperature exhaust gas flow "F1" before occurrence
of exothermic events.
[0050] Further, the controller 132 may cause the torque output to
be increased, therefore increasing a load of the engine 106. The
method 500 and the system 118 described herein may allow the
minimum load on the engine 106 to be maintained using the torque.
Further, the torque may be added only if an actual load on the
engine 106 is less than the minimum load to maintain the exhaust
temperature threshold value. In the illustrated embodiment, the
parasitic load 116 may embody a variety of machine components.
Further, when the parasitic load 116 is embodied as the pump 117,
the pump 117 may include the fixed displacement pump or the
variable displacement pump. Moreover, the parasitic load 116 may be
turned on/off or an operation of the parasitic load 116 may be
variably controlled to cause the torque to be increased, based on
application requirements.
[0051] While aspects of the present disclosure have been
particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments
above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the
modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such
embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the
present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *