Controller and method for controlling operation of a direct injection internal combustion engine

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a controller () and method () for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine (). The controller () is configured to: receive a first request signal indicative of a request to stop fuel being supplied to the engine (), and cause an intake valve () of a cylinder () of the internal combustion engine () to remain closed during the current revolution of the internal combustion engine () and revolutions of the internal combustion engine () immediately following the current revolution of the internal combustion engine () in dependence on at least one of: the intake valve () being closed at the time of receiving the first request signal; or a next opening of the intake valve having not been scheduled. The controller () is also configured to cause injection of fuel into the cylinder () and subsequently cause the intake valve () to remain closed during revolutions of the internal combustion engine () immediately following a next closing of the intake valve (), in dependence on at least one of: the intake valve () being open at the time of receiving the first request signal; and a next opening of the intake valve () having already been scheduled at the time of receiving the first request signal and said next opening of the intake valve () is to be performed.