Operating techniques for internal combustion engines

US6408625B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• CUMMINS ENGINE COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Peter Vinson Woon · Columbus, US
• Axel Otto zur Loye · Columbus, US
• Larry J. Brackney · Columbus, US
• Jay F. Leonard · Greenville, US
• Eric Bradley · Beaverton, US
• Terry M. Vandenberghe · Columbus, US
• Jacqueline M. Yeager · Columbus, US
• Julie A. Wagner · Columbus, US
• Greg Moore · Temple, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 19, 2000
• Grant date: Jun 25, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 19, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/30
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An electric power generation system is disclosed, which includes a back-up electric power generator driven by a four-cycle internal combustion engine. The engine includes a plurality of reciprocating cylinders each rotatably coupled to a crankshaft, which drives the electric power generator. The engine also includes a compressor along an intake pathway to deliver pressurized air to the cylinders and a turbine along an exhaust pathway to power the compressor when driven by exhaust discharged from the cylinders. The engine is prepared to accept a generator load by increasing boost pressure provided by the compressor. This increase is accomplished by skip-firing the cylinders in a selected pattern, retarding ignition timing for the cylinders, or a combination of these techniques. A unique skip-fueling control pattern is also disclosed.