Control method for protecting an ic engine during extended heavy loading

Patent · Tue May 24 00:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6958477

Reifenberger, M G; Poirier, D C; Davis, M A; Martin, H M; Brand, G J

A control system for a spark ignition internal combustion engine is described including spark timing means for initiating engine combustion events in accordance with a spark timing signal, and fuel delivery control means for delivering fuel to the engine, the engine having a tuning range of speeds during which there is increased tendency for engine knock and/or preignition to occur. The control system comprises: optimum performance control means effective during engine operation for which engine performance concerns predominant for (1) supplying the spark timing means with a spark timing signal corresponding to an empirically determined MBT setting for substantially maximum engine torque and (2) causing the fuel delivery control means to deliver an extra amount of fuel to the engine if the engine speed is in the tuning range, permitting continued safe operation with the spark timing means controlled to the MBT setting; reduced performance control means activateable during engine operation; timing means for identifying periods of heavy engine loading above a threshold engine speed and load, and for integrating such periods over time to define cumulative heavy loading indication; and engine protection means effective when the cumulative heavy loading indication exceeds a reference time for activating the reduced performance control means to protect the engine from damage.

• Assignee: General Motors Corp., Detroit, MI
• Patent Number(s): US 4745901
• OSTI ID: 6958477
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 24 Feb 1987
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
DYNAMIC LOADS
ELECTRIC SPARKS
EQUIPMENT PROTECTION DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEMS
IGNITION SYSTEMS
OPERATION
OPTIMIZATION
TIMING PROPERTIES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ENGINES
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
330101* - Internal Combustion Engines- Spark-Ignition