Cummins Engine Company, Inc.

Matthew S Carroll

Jeff S O'Neill

Martin A Iwamuro

Jim A Zigan

John A Connally

Robert J Thomas

Terry M Vandenberghe

An internal combustion engine system is disclosed that improves regulation of engine speed relative to a speed setpoint. The system controls ignition timing, throttle plate actuation, fuel valve actuation or a combination thereof in accordance with maintaining a setpoint speed. The system also includes a transient air flow estimation for further improving setpoint speed accuracy.

System for regulating speed of an internal combustion engine

One embodiment of the present invention includes sensing speed or an internal combustion engine that includes a manifold coupled to an air pathway and a gaseous fuel line, sensing manifold pressure, and sensing manifold temperature. Air mass flow rate is determined as a function of the sensed engine spaced, manifold pressure, and manifold temperature. Fuel mass flow rate in the fuel line is sensed and fuel is controlled through the fuel line in accordance with the air mass flow rate and the fuel mass flow rate.

Internal combustion engine with air/fuel ratio control

Engine (60) has manifold (62) and includes an air pathway (20) and a fuel line (30) coupled to the manifold (62) for supplying a fuel charge. Fuel line (30) has a controllable valve (40) for regulating fuel flow and a first sensor (38) providing a fuel signal corresponding to mass flow rate of fuel through the fuel line. A second sensor (65) provides a speed signal corresponding to rotational speed of the engine. A third sensor (63) provides a temperature signal corresponding to temperature within the manifold. A fourth sensor (64) provides a pressure signal corresponding to pressure within the manifold. A fifth sensor (76) provides an exhaust signal corresponding to air/fuel ratio for combusted air and fuel in the exhaust pathway. A controller (80) responsive to the controllable valve (40) and sensors (38), (63), (64), (65), and (76) determines an air signal corresponding to the mass flow rate of air through the air pathway (20) as a function of the speed signal, temperature signal, and pressure signal. The controller actuates a valve control signal in accordance with the air signal, fuel signal, and exhaust signal to actuate fuel control valve actuator (42).

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Nashville, IN, United States of America

Matthew S Carroll