Control method and apparatus for use in an alcohol fueled internal combustion engine
US7237539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for controlling a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The method is employed with a fuel system having a source of alcohol-containing liquid fuel, at least one fuel injector, a heat source for heating the liquid fuel in the at least one fuel injector, the heat source capable of heating the liquid fuel to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and a metering valve operable to achieve a range of flow rates characterized by a valve open versus valve closed duty cycle. The method includes the steps of metering a predetermined amount of fuel based on engine operating conditions, controlling power supplied to the heat source of the at least one fuel injector to achieve a target temperature, determining alcohol concentration of the fuel and adjusting the power supplied to the heat source of the at least one fuel injector based on the alcohol concentration determination. A method of determining alcohol concentration and a fuel system for use in an alcohol fueled internal combustion engine is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.