System and method for storing crankcase gases to improve engine air-fuel control

• US 9,260,991 B2
• Filed: 04/16/2014
• Issued: 02/16/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Lewis, Donald J., Hepburn, Jeffrey Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): MCMAHON, MARGUERITE J
• Application Number:
  US14/254,708
• Publication Number:
  US 20140224233A1
• Time in Patent Office: 671 Days
• Field of Search: 123572-574
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 13/00 Crankcase ventilating or breathing
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 13/0011 Breather valves
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 2013/0038 Layout of crankcase breathing systems
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2250/08 Engine blow-by from crankcase chamber
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 25/06 adding lubricant vapours
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 Improving ICE efficiencies

Abstract

A system and method for improving processing of gases contained within the crankcase of an internal combustion engine is presented. The system is especially suited for single boiling point fuels because it allows the storage of such fuels until the fuel can be opportunistically combusted.

Claims

1. A method for processing gases from an engine crankcase, comprising:

purging gases from the crankcase to an intake while bypassing a canister comprising hydrocarbon storage media for a first duration;

then

storing gases from the crankcase in the canister for a second duration;

then

purging the stored gases from the canister to the intake while delivering exhaust-heated fresh air to the canister during a third duration.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting an electrically adjustable valve capable of regulating flow of gases from the canister to an intake manifold, the valve located between the canister and the intake manifold, a position of the valve being adjusted by a controller to regulate flow of crankcase gases into the canister.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising regulating flow of air through the canister and through a throttle in response to an engine torque request.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting an electrically adjustable valve capable of regulating flow of gases from the canister to an intake manifold, the valve located between the crankcase and the canister, a position of the valve being adjusted by a controller to regulate flow of crankcase gases into the canister, the controller regulating flow of air through the canister and through a throttle in response to an engine torque request.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising regulating flow of air through the canister and through the throttle in response to the engine torque request.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the gases from the crankcase during predetermined engine operating conditions.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the predetermined engine operating conditions comprise a temperature of the engine.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the temperature of the engine is a coolant or oil temperature.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the gases from the crankcase to an intake engine while purging the stored gases from the canister.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein an amount of fuel delivered to the engine by fuel injection is decreased when purging the stored gases from the canister.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein a controller adjusts an average position of a valve during a time interval to regulate flow of gases from the canister to the engine.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting a position of a valve to control a purge rate of gases from the canister.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising combusting the purged gases in the engine.

14. A method for processing gases from an engine crankcase comprising:

purging gases from the crankcase to an intake while bypassing a canister for a first duration;

then

storing gases from the crankcase in the canister for a second duration;

then

purging the stored gases from the canister for a third duration, wherein each of the first, second, and third durations are based on a fuel alcohol content.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein purge gases from the canister are introduced to the engine downstream of an intake throttle.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the engine is a direct injection engine.

17. A method for processing gases from an engine crankcase, comprising:

purging gases from the crankcase to an intake while bypassing a canister comprising hydrocarbon storage material for a first duration;

then

storing gases from the crankcase in the canister for a second duration;

then purging the stored gases from the canister for a third duration, wherein purge gases from the canister are introduced to the engine downstream of an intake throttle, fresh air from upstream of the intake throttle routed through the canister to purge the canister; and

combusting the purged gases in the engine.