Method and apparatus for controlling engine exhaust gas recirculation

• US 6,460,522 B1
• Filed: 12/15/2000
• Issued: 10/08/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Original Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Rimnac, Phillip F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirsch, Paul J.
• Application Number:
  US09/738,091
• Time in Patent Office: 662 Days
• Field of Search: 123/568.23, 123/568.24, 606/052
• US Class Current: 123/568.24
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 29/0406 Layout of the intake air cooling or coolant circuit
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 37/24 by using pumps or turbines with adjustable guide vanes
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 23/00 Controlling engines characterised by their being supercharged
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/0077 Control of the EGR valve or actuator, e.g. duty cycle, closed loop control of position EGR valve position sensor F02M26/48
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 26/05 High pressure loops, i.e. wherein recirculated exhaust gas is taken out from the exhaust system upstream of the turbine and reintroduced into the intake system downstream of the compressor
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 26/10 having means to increase the pressure difference between the exhaust and intake system, e.g. venturis, variable geometry turbines, check valves using pressure pulsations or throttles in the air intake or exhaust system
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 26/32 Liquid-cooled heat exchangers
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 26/54 Rotary actuators, e.g. step motors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 Improving ICE efficiencies

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine. The engine includes a variable flow exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The method includes providing a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) in communication with the EGR system for controlling exhaust gas recirculation. The geometry of the VGT is varied by adjustably controlling a rotary electric actuator (REA) operatively connected to the VGT. A position-adjustable proportional flow EGR valve is adjusted by adjustably controlling a second rotary electric actuator (REA) operatively connected to the position-adjustable proportional flow valve.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an internal combustion engine, the engine including a variable flow exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, the method comprising:

a) providing a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) in communication with the EGR system for controlling exhaust gas recirculation; and

b) varying the geometry of the VGT by adjustably controlling a rotary electric actuator (REA) operatively connected to the VGT.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a position-adjustable proportional flow EGR valve as part of the EGR system, and varying the position of the proportional flow EGR valve by adjustably controlling a second rotary electric actuator (REA) operatively connected to the position-adjustable proportional flow EGR valve.

3. An engine comprising:

an intake manifold;

an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in communication with the intake manifold and including a position-adjustable proportional flow EGR valve and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT);

a first rotary electric actuator (REA) operatively connected to the VGT for controlling recirculation of exhaust gases; and

a second rotary electric actuator (REA) operatively connected to the EGR valve to enhance said controlling of recirculation of exhaust gases.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising a first linkage connecting the first REA to the VGT and a second linkage connecting the second REA to the EGR valve.

5. A method of controlling an internal combustion engine, the engine including a variable flow exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with a position-adjustable proportional flow EGR valve and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) for controlling exhaust gas recirculation, the method comprising:

a) varying the geometry of the VGT by adjustably controlling a rotary electric actuator (REA) operatively connected to the VGT; and

b) varying the position of the proportional flow EGR valve by adjustably controlling a second rotary electric actuator (REA) operatively connected to the position-adjustable proportional flow EGR valve.