Title of Invention

ENGINE, ENGINE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE CONTROLLING APPARATUS, AND CONTROLLING METHOD

Abstract The present invention has been realized in order to keep the cylinder exhaust temperature of a gas engine within a predetermined range, and thereby prevent the generation of misfire and knocking. In the present invention, in S1, when the number of rotations of the engine is greater than a predetermined number, in S2, the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders are sampled at predetermined intervals, in S3, an average of the exhaust temperatures is calculated, in S4, the load factor at that point is determined, in S5, the average exhaust temperature Tave is compared with the exhaust temperature T(n) of each cylinder, and is determined whether the deviation ∆Tn is greater or smaller than the set deviation Tlimit for that load factor. When the deviation ∆Tn is smaller, the exhaust temperature is within the set deviation and there is no need to adjust the fuel spray period, and therefore the sequence returns to S2. When the deviation ∆Tn is greater, in S6, it is determined whether to increase or reduce the opening period, the sequence shifts to S8. Then, in S9, if the engine exceeds the predetermined number of rotations, the processes of S2 to S6 are repeated; in S9, if the engine is below the predetermined number of rotations, the control operation ceases.
Full Text DESCRIPTION
ENGINE, ENGINE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE CONTROLLING APPARATUS.
AND CONTROLLING METHOD
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an invention for controlling an electronic fuel spray
valve in an engine such as a gas engine, thereby automatically adjusting the exhaust
temperatures of cylinders so as to reduce variation between them, and more specifically
relates to an engine which can be controlled in this way, and a controlling apparatus and
a method for controlling the engine exhaust temperature, which make such control
possible.
2. Description of Related Art
In a multi-cylinder engine, the temperatures of the exhausts from the cylinders
do not match, and, in engines for commercial use, variation in the exhaust, temperatures
of the cylinders is presently regulated to less than an average of ± 15°C at a load of
100 %. The exhaust temperature of a cylinder which has exceeded this range is
adjusted by manually adjusting a gas-adjusting valve of the cylinder, thereby balancing
the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders.
However, since the gas-adjusting valve is adjusted at a load of 100 %, there is
greater variation between the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders at loads other than
100 %. Furthermore, even at a load of 100 %, the set value of the gas-adjusting valve
deviates from its initial setting as years pass, so that the set value may require re-
adjustment. Unless this deviation in the set value due to the passage of time is dealt
with, variation in the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders will greatly increase,
causing misfire and knocking.
Such misfire and knocking leads to considerable disadvantages when, for
example, operating a co-generation system. That is, in a co-generation system, when

the engine suffers misfire or knocking, the engine output (the amount of electricity generated by
system) is reduced as a first step of human or mechanical safety procedures, and, as a second step, the
engine is stopped; the result of reducing the engine output and stopping operating is not only to cease
supplying the expected power, but may sometimes be non-profitable, after compensation claims of
power contract infringement (demand-over).
Therefore, a technique for automatically controlling the exhaust temperatures in the cylinders,
so as to reliably balance the exhaust temperatures in the cylinders while the engine is operational, is
desirable. This technique is also important in, for example, safely and stably operating the co-
generation system mentioned above.
This invention has been realized in view of the problems described above, and aims to
provide an exhaust temperature control technique which can automatically control variation in the
exhaust temperatures of the cylinders, and prevent misfire and knocking by keeping the exhaust
temperatures of the cylinders within a predetermined range.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
A first aspect of this invention provides an engine comprising a plurality of cylinders, and a
plurality of electronic fuel spray valves which supply fuel and are provided in correspondence with
these cylinders; wherein the engine having an exhaust temperature measuring unit which measures
the exhaust temperatures of said cylinders, and outputs exhaust temperature signals for each of said
cylinders; and a control unit which samples the exhaust temperature signals from the exhaust
temperature measuring unit at predetermined time intervals, calculating an average exhaust

temperature of all the plurality of cylinders, and, in the case where deviation, determined by
comparing this average exhaust temperature with the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders, exceeds a
predetermined set deviation, controls the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valve of the
corresponding cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening period in accordance with the load
factor of the engine.
A second aspect of this invention provides an exhaust temperature control apparatus of an
engine for supplying fuel via an electronic fuel spray valve to a plurality of cylinders, comprising: an
exhaust temperature measuring unit which measures the exhaust temperatures of said cylinders, and
outputs exhaust temperature signals for each of said cylinders; and a control unit which samples the
exhaust temperature signals from the exhaust temperature measuring unit at predetermined time
intervals, calculates an average exhaust temperature of all the plurality of cylinders, and, in the case
where deviation, determined by comparing this average exhaust temperature with the exhaust
temperatures of the cylinders, exceeds a predetermined set deviation, controls the opening period of
the electronic fuel spray valve of the corresponding cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening
period in accordance with the load factor of the engine.
A third aspect of this invention provides an exhaust temperature control apparatus of an
engine comprising a plurality of cylinders which fuel is supplied to via electronic fuel spray valves,
comprising: an exhaust temperature measuring unit which measures the exhaust temperatures of said
cylinders, and outputs exhaust temperature signals for each of said cylinders; a load factor measuring
unit which detects the load factor of said engine and outputs a load signal; and a control unit which
sets a set deviation and control amount in accordance with the load factor of said engine, determines
the present load factor of said engine based on the load signal from said load factor measuring unit,

samples the exhaust temperature signals from the exhaust temperature measuring unit at
predetermined time intervals, calculates an average exhaust temperature of all the plurality of
cylinders, and, in the case where deviation, determined by comparing this average exhaust
temperature with the exhaust temperature of the cylinders, exceeds the set deviation in the present
load factor, controls the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valve of the corresponding
cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening period in accordance with the present load factor of
the engine.
A fourth aspect of this invention provides an exhaust temperature control method of an engine
having a plurality of cylinders in which fuel is supplied to from a plurality of electronic fuel spray
valves, comprising the steps of : measuring the exhaust temperatures of said cylinders at
predetermined time intervals and outputting exhaust temperature signals for each of said cylinders;
calculating an average exhaust temperature of all the plurality of cylinders, and; in the case where
deviation, determined by comparing this average exhaust temperature with the exhaust temperatures
of the cylinders, exceeds a predetermined set deviation, controlling the opening period of the
electronic fuel spray valve of the corresponding cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening
period in accordance with the load factor of the engine.
A fifth aspect of this invention provides an engine comprising: a plurality of cylinders, a
plurality of electronic fuel spray valves which are provided in correspondence with these cylinders
and opening period thereof can be controlled by control signals, exhaust temperature measuring units
which are provided in correspondence with said plurality of cylinders and output the exhaust
temperatures of said cylinders as exhaust temperature signals, and a load factor measuring unit which
detects the load factor of the engine and outputs a load signal; wherein a computer which controls

said engine being used as a control unit, which sets a set deviation and control amount in accordance
with the load factor of said engine, determines the present load factor of said engine based on the
load signal from said load factor measuring unit, samples the exhaust temperature signals from the
exhaust temperature measuring unit at predetermined time intervals, calculates an average exhaust
temperature of all the plurality of cylinders, and, in the case where deviation, determined by
comparing this average exhaust temperature with the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders, exceeds
the set deviation in the present load factor, controls the opening period of the electronic fuel spray
valve of the corresponding cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening period in accordance
with the present load factor of the engine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a control image diagram illustrating the essential points in controlling the exhaust
temperature in the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing the relationship between load factor and


setting deviation in the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing the relationship between load factor and
duration rate in the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sequence of controlling the exhaust temperature
of an engine in the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 6 is a manipulation image diagram of a case where the opening period of
an electronic fuel control valve is increased in the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 7 is a manipulation image diagram of a case where the opening period of
an electronic fuel control valve is decreased in the embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of changeover time in the exhaust
temperature of an engine which has been controlled by this invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
A preferred embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 6.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of this invention. A gas engine
of this invention has a plurality of cylinders. An electronic fuel spray valve 1 is
attached to the cylinder head 2 of each cylinder. Each electronic fuel spray valve 1 is
connected via a fuel gas pipe 3 to an unillustrated fuel supply source, and supplies gas
fuel to a combustion chamber inside the cylinder. Further, an exhaust temperature
gauge unit 4 is attached to each of the cylinder heads 2 of the cylinders. The exhaust
temperature gauge units 4 measure the exhaust temperature near the exit of the each
cylinder, and output an exhaust temperature signal 10 to a control unit 5, which is
explained later. For example, a temperature gauge such as a pyrometer can be used as
the exhaust temperature gauge unit 4. Incidentally, FIG. 1 shows one cylinder, and
therefore show one electronic fuel spray valve 1 and one exhaust temperature gauge unit
4, however in fact, the electronic fuel spray valve 1 and the exhaust temperature gauge
unit 4 are attached to each of a plurality of cylinders.
Furthermore, the gas engine of this invention comprises an exhaust temperature

control unit 5 (hereinafter abbreviated as "control unit") which controls an opening
period of the electronic fuel spray valve 1 in order to keep the exhaust temperature of
the cylinders within a predetermined range. The exhaust temperature gauge unit 4 and
the electronic fuel spray valve 1 of each cylinder are connected to the control unit 5, and
the exhaust temperature signal 10 is input from the exhaust temperature gauge unit 4; in
addition, a control signal 11 is output to each electronic fuel spray valve 1, the opening
period of each of the electronic fuel spray valves 1 being adjusted so as to keep the
exhaust temperature within the predetermined range.
More specifically, a computer, which adjusts the opening period of the
electronic fuel spray valves 1 by processing data according to a predetermined sequence
described later, and a governor, which has been set so that the same controls as the
computer are executed, are used as the control unit 5.
Moreover, the gas engine of this embodiment comprises a load factor measuring
unit 6 which measures the load factor of the engine, and a rotation number measuring
unit 7 which measures the number of rotations of the engine. These are connected to
the control unit 5, and respectively output a load factor signal 12 and a.rotation number
signal 13 to the control unit 5. The signals 12 and 13 are used as data by the control
unit 5 to adjust the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valves 1.
The gas engine of this embodiment is used as an engine for co-generation, and
drives an unillustrated electric generator. Therefore, the load of the engine described
above corresponds to the generated electrical power, and the load factor signifies the
power rate. More specifically, a signal representing the power generated by the
electric generator is sent to an unillustrated generator board, and the signal is output as
the load factor signal 12 from the generator board to the control unit 5. That is, in the
case of this embodiment, the electric generator and the generator board function as the
load factor measuring unit 6.
Furthermore, a non-contact type rotation number detecting element using light,
provided in the rotation drive section of the engine, can be used as the rotation number
measuring unit 7.

An input unit 8 for setting predetermined data required for control is connected
to the control unit 5 of the gas engine of this embodiment. The predetermined data
required for control comprises the following (1) to (5).
(1) Control start (end) number of rotations [rpm]
This is the number of rotations of the engine when the control starts when the
number of rotations exceeds this value, and ends when the number of rotations falls
below this value.
(2) Sampling set time [sec]
This is the time interval for sampling the exhaust temperature signal, and can be
set within a range of 0.1 seconds to 60 seconds in this embodiment.
(3) Set load [%]
This is the one or more load value which is set as the control split point in
controlling this embodiment, eight values of LO to L7 being set in this embodiment.
(4) Duration rate Rdur [deg • Crank Angle/sec]
This signifies the changing speed of the amount of control which is set in
accordance with the values of the set load. The amount of control represents the
opening period (in units of [degCA] ) of the electronic fuel spray valve 1, which is
directly controlled by the control unit 5 in this embodiment. In this case, a changing
amount of the opening period of the valve per a second is shown by the crank angle.
For example, 0.1 degCA represents the open angle of the fuel spray valve is increased
or decreased with 0.1 degCA in a second.
(5) Set deviation Tlimit [ºC]
This is the value which determines the permissible range of the deviation
between the actual exhaust temperature of each cylinder at the time of sampling, and the
average exhaust temperature of all the cylinders of the gas engine. This value is set
independently from the duration rate at each set load.
FIG. 2 schematically shows the control of the exhaust temperature in the engine
of this embodiment. The control sequence and function of the control unit 5 in this
embodiment will be explained with reference to this figure.

The control unit 5 regularly samples the exhaust temperature of each cylinder
and the load of the engine at predetermined time intervals (tsamp [seconds]), and
determines the set deviation (Tlimit [°C]) in accordance with the load; in addition, in the
control of this embodiment, the control unit 5 calculates the average exhaust
temperature (Tave [°C]) of all the cylinders.
The deviation upper limit value and deviation lower limit value in FIG. 2
respectively represent (average exhaust temperature Tave + set deviation Tlimit) [ ºC] and
(average exhaust temperature Tave-set deviation Tlimit) [°C]. Even in the case where
one of six cylinders departs from the range of the set deviation at a given time, as shown
by the broken line in FIG. 2, according to the exhaust temperature control of this
embodiment, the exhaust temperature of the cylinder is adjusted to within, the range of
the set deviation (between the deviation upper limit and deviation lower limit).
Here, in the control shown in FIG. 2, at a sampling set time of, for example, 0.1
seconds, the control unit 5 performs the above calculation every 0.1 seconds.
Furthermore, at a sampling set time of sixty seconds, the control unit 5 performs the
above calculation every sixty seconds. In this embodiment, the sampling set time is
two seconds.
In the above calculation, at each sampling set time, the control unit 5 measures
the exhaust temperature at the cylinder exit of each cylinder, calculates the average
exhaust temperature of all the cylinders, compares the average exhaust temperature with
the actual exhaust temperatures at the cylinder exits of the cylinders, and determines
whether the exhaust temperature of each cylinder is below the predetermined set
deviation. As mentioned above, this set deviation is the plus-minus (upper limit and
lower limit) deviation with respect to the average value of the exhaust temperature.
Then, the control unit 5 controls the electronic fuel spray valve 1 of any cylinder where
the difference between the average exhaust temperature and the actual exhaust
temperature departs from the set deviation.
At the time of controlling the electronic fuel spray valve 1, the opening amount
of the electronic fuel spray valve 1 is changed by using the duration rate, and the

exhaust temperature of the cylinder being controlled is adjusted so as to be within the
set deviation. Incidentally, as described above, the set deviation and the duration rate
can be set to different values at each set load.
FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the set load (load factor, horizontal axis)
and the duration rate Rdur [deg • Crank Angle/sec] (vertical axis). Any number of set
loads from L0 to L0 can be set; in this embodiment, n = 7 and there are a total of eight
set loads. For instance. L0 is set at 0 %, L1 at 25 %, etc. Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 3, the duration rate between the points of the set loads (L0, L1. ...) is set so as to
link them in straight lines.
FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the set load (load factor, horizontal axis)
and the set deviation Tlimt (vertical axis). Similarly in the case of set deviation, any
number of set loads from L0 to Ln can be set; in this embodiment, n = 7 and there are a
total of eight set loads, as described above. Incidentally, the set loads at this time can
be set independently from the set loads of the duration rate. Further, as shown in FIG.
4, each point of the set loads (L0, L1,...) is set so as to link them in straight lines.
Furthermore, when the set deviation is set at 10°C. for example, the permissible
range for the average exhaust temperature of the cylinders becomes plus or minus 10°C.
and no control is carried out as long as the difference between the actual exhaust
temperature and the average exhaust temperature is within this range; control is carried
out when the difference is departed from this range.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sequence for controlling the exhaust temperature
according to a control program which is written in the control unit 5. In FIG. 5,
reference numerals S1 to S9 correspond to steps 1 to 9. The control sequence whereby
the control unit 5 and the program written therein act in co-operation, and the control
functions of the control unit 5 which are thereby realized, will be explained with
reference to FIG. 5.
As shown in FIG. 5, after the engine is started, when the control unit 5 starts to
operate, in step S1, the control unit 5 detects the number of rotations of the engine based
on the rotation number signal 13, output by the rotation number measuring unit. Here,

when the number of rotations of the engine is, for example, more than 950 rpm, a
control operation is carried out and the sequence proceeds to step S2. On the other
hand, when the number of rotations or the engine is below 950 rpm, no control
operation is carried out, and step 1 is repeated after an appropriate interval.
Incidentally, the number of rotations of the engine at which control should be carried
out can be set as desired from the input unit.
In step 2, the control unit 5 starts sampling the exhaust temperature. That is.
based on the exhaust temperature signal 10 which was output from the exhaust
temperature gauge unit 4, the control unit 5 detects the exhaust temperature of each
cylinder at each predetermined sampling set time tsamp [seconds].
In step 3, the control unit 5 instantly calculates the average exhaust temperature
Tave [°C] from the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders, input at each sampling set time
tsamp, [seconds].
In step 4, the control unit 5 determines the load factor of the engine from the
load factor signal 12, output by the load factor measuring unit 6. Then, from this load
factor, the control unit 5 calculates the set deviation Tmlimit [°C] to determine whether to
control the electronic fuel spray valve 1 based on FIG. 4, and in addition, when it has
been determined to control the electronic fuel spray valve 1 based on FIG. 3, the control
unit 5 calculates the duration rate Rdur [deg • CA/sec] to be used. Moreover, the
control unit 5 compares the average exhaust temperature Tave [°C], which was
calculated in step 3, with each (maximum of eighteen cylinder, minimum of six.
cylinders) exhaust temperature T(n) [°C] , and calculates the deviation ∆Tn [°C] between
them.
In step 5, the control unit 5 determines whether the absolute value | ∆Tn | of the
deviation ∆Tn [°C] in the cylinders is greater or smaller than the set deviation Tlimit [°C]
in the abovementioned load factor, and thereby determines whether to control the
electronic fuel spray valve 1 of each cylinder.
In the case where | ∆Tn | >Tlimit, control is necessary since the exhaust
temperature deviation ∆Tn [°C] of the cylinder exceeds the set deviation Tlimit [°C] .

Therefore, the sequence proceeds to the subsequent step 6 (equation (1) in step 5 of FIG.
5). In the case where | ∆Tn | ≤Tlimit, there is no need to adjust the fuel spray period in
the electronic fuel spray valve 1 of the cylinder, since the exhaust temperature deviation
ATn [ºC] of the cylinder is within the set deviation Tlimit [°C]. Therefore, the control
unit 5 returns to step 2 and repeats the same sequence (equation (2) in step 5 of FIG. 5).
In step 6, the control unit 5 calculates the code of the exhaust temperature
deviation ∆Tn [°C] , and determines whether the present exhaust temperature T(n) [°C]
of the cylinder has departed toward the high temperature side or the low temperature
side. That is. when ∆Tn >0 (equation (1) in step 6 of FIG. 5). the exhaust temperature
T(n) temperature T(n) [°C] of the cylinder has departed toward the low temperature side.
When ATnthe
average exhaust temperature Tave, and it is determined that the present exhaust
temperature T(n) [°C] of the cylinder has departed toward the high temperature side.
In step 6, when the exhaust temperature T(n) of the cylinder exhaust temperature Tave (i.e. when ∆Tn>0), the present exhaust temperature of the
cylinder has departed from the lower limit value toward the low temperature side, and
consequently, the control unit 5 proceeds to step 7, where the exhaust temperature of the
cylinder is increased. That is, the control unit 5 uses the duration rate Rdur [deg • CA
/sec], which is the changing speed of the opening period of the electronic fuel spray
valve 1 of the cylinder and is determined in step 4, to calculate a target value for the
opening period as shown in FIG. 6, applies the output signal 11 to the electronic fuel
spray valve 1, and changes the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valve 1.
More specifically, when tc represents the time lapse from determining that control was
required in step 5 and passing the loop of steps 9, 2, 3, 4, ... until it is finally determined
in step 5 that control is unnecessary and control is stopped, the target value for the
initial value D0 of the target value of the opening period of the valve is expressed by the
following equation.
Target value of opening period [degCA] = D0 + Dc

Here. Dc [degCA] = Rdur [degCA/sec] x tc [sec].
Furthermore, in step 6. when the exhaust temperature T(n) of the cylinder -'the
average exhaust temperature Tave (i.e. when ∆T0 the cylinder has departed from the higher limit value toward the high temperature side,
and consequently, the control unit 5 proceeds to step 8, where the exhaust temperature
of the cylinder is decreased. That is, the control unit 5 uses the duration rate Rdur
[deg • CA/sec], which is the changing speed of the opening period of the electronic
fuel spray valve 1 of the cylinder and is determined in step 4, to calculate a target value
for the opening period as shown in FIG. 7, applies the output signal 11 to the electronic
fuel spray valve 1, and changes the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valve 1.
More specifically, when to represents the time lapse from determining that control was
required in step 5 and passing the loop of steps 9, 2, 3, 4, ... until it is finally determined
in step 5 that control is unnecessary and control is stopped, the target value for the
initial value D0 of the target value of the opening period of the valve is expressed by the
following equation.
Target value of opening period [degCA] = D0 — Dc
Here, Dc [degCA] = Rdur [degCA/sec] X to [sec].
After the fuel spray amount has been adjusted by adjusting the opening period of
the electronic fuel spray valve 1 to keep it within the set deviation during the duration
control, (i.e. in step 7 and step 8), in step 9, the control unit 5 detects the number of
rotations of the engine in the same manner as in step 1 and, when the number of
rotations of the engine is greater than, for example, 950 rpm, the control sequence
returns to step 2 and repeats the procedures of steps 2 through 7, and 8. As a
consequence, by increasing or decreasing the opening period of the electronic fuel spray
valve 1 with the duration rate Rdur [degCA/sec], set at each load of the engine,
cylinders which have departed from their set deviations are continuously controlled so
that their exhaust temperatures are kept within the set deviation. When the number of
rotations of the engine is less than 950 rpm in step 9, the control operation stops.
Incidentally, the same reference number of rotations is set in step 1 and step 9.

In the control described above, variation in the exhaust temperature is generally
greater when at low load, and smaller at high load. When variation in the exhaust
temperature at low load is reduced in the same way as at high load, there is a possibility
that unwarranted control will diffuse the exhaust temperature (make it non-divergent).
Conversely, it is sometimes difficult to carry out control when the duration rate value is
high at high load, and the control speed may be reduced when the duration rate value is
low at low load. That is, the duration rate has appropriate amount of adjustment which
varies according to the load.
To deal with this, the set deviation and duration rate at each load may be
changed so that the exhaust temperature remains within an exhaust temperature range
which is appropriate for that load. Generally, the set deviation and duration rate tend
to increase as the load decreases, and decrease and medium and high load. Since the
set deviation and duration rate are independent, there is a merit that precise control
appropriate for the load can be performed.
FIG. 8 is a graph showing effects of controlling the engine according to this
embodiment.
In this case, the operational status of the engine is changed from a load factor of
50 % to one of 80 %, and the load factor is then returned to 50 %. The set deviation
Tlimit [°C] is set to plus or minus 10°C from the exhaust temperature average value at the
cylinder exits of all the cylinders. The duration rate Rdur [degCA/sec] is set to 0.05
[degCA/sec] at a load factor of between 50 % and 80%.
In FIG. 8. there is a cylinder having an exhaust temperature which has departed
from the deviation upper limit and deviation lower limit of the set deviation at the point
where the load factor is approximately 65%. Usually, unless controlled, the exhaust
temperature would not be restored and the cylinders would operate with unbalanced
exhaust temperatures; however, due to the effect of the control, as shown in FIG. 8. the
exhaust temperature is thereafter restored to within its normal range. Thus, according
to the control, even in circumstances where there is a possibility of variation in the
exhaust temperatures, the variation can be automatically corrected, and as a result.

knocking and misfire caused by an unbalance in the exhaust temperatures of the
cylinders can be prevented.
Incidentally, the engine used in the embodiment described above has a cylinder
diameter of 220 mm and six cylinders, but the present invention can achieve similar
effects even when the cylinder diameter and number of cylinders are changed.
Furthermore, although the duration rate and the set deviation are divided into a total of
eight loads, this number can be increased or decreased as necessary.
Furthermore, although this embodiment relates to a gas engine, it can be applied
in any other type of gas engine in which the opening period of an electronic fuel spray
valve is adjusted in order to control the exhaust temperature.

WE CLAIM :
1. An engine comprising: a plurality of cylinders, and a plurality of electronic fuel spray valves
which supply fuel and are provided in correspondence with these cylinders; wherein the engine
having an exhaust temperature measuring unit which measures the exhaust temperatures of said
cylinders, and outputs exhaust temperature signals for each of said cylinders; and a control unit
which samples the exhaust temperature signals from the exhaust temperature measuring unit at
predetermined time intervals, calculating an average exhaust temperature of all the plurality of
cylinders, and, in the case where deviation, determined by comparing this average exhaust
temperature with the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders, exceeds a predetermined set deviation,
controls the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valve of the corresponding cylinder by using a
rate of change of the opening period in accordance with the load factor of the engine.
2. An exhaust temperature control apparatus of an engine for supplying fuel via an electronic
fuel spray valve to a plurality of cylinders, comprising: an exhaust temperature measuring unit which
measures the exhaust temperatures of said cylinders, and outputs exhaust temperature signals for
each of said cylinders; and a control unit which samples the exhaust temperature signals from the
exhaust temperature measuring unit at predetermined time intervals, calculates an average exhaust
temperature of all the plurality of cylinders, and, in the case where deviation, determined by
comparing this average exhaust temperature with the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders, exceeds a
predetermined set deviation, controls the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valve of the
corresponding cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening period in accordance with the load
factor of the engine.

3. An exhaust temperature control apparatus of an engine comprising a plurality of cylinders
which fuel is supplied to via electronic fuel spray valves, comprising: an exhaust temperature
measuring unit which measures the exhaust temperatures of said cylinders, and outputs exhaust
temperature signals for each of said cylinders; a load factor measuring unit which detects the load
factor of said engine and outputs a load signal; and a control unit which sets a set deviation and
control amount in accordance with the load factor of said engine, determines the present load factor
of said engine based on the load signal from said load factor measuring unit, samples the exhaust
temperature signals from the exhaust temperature measuring unit at predetermined time intervals,
calculates an average exhaust temperature of all the plurality of cylinders, and, in the case where
deviation, determined by comparing this average exhaust temperature with the exhaust temperature
of the cylinders, exceeds the set deviation in the present load factor, controls the opening period of
the electronic fuel spray valve of the corresponding cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening
period in accordance with the present load factor of the engine.
4. An exhaust temperature control method of an engine having a plurality of cylinders in which
fuel is supplied to from a plurality of electronic fuel spray valves, comprising the steps of: measuring
the exhaust temperatures of said cylinders at predetermined time intervals and outputting exhaust
temperature signals for each of said cylinders; calculating an average exhaust temperature of all the
plurality of cylinders, and; in the case where deviation, determined by comparing this average
exhaust temperature with the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders, exceeds a predetermined set
deviation, controlling the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valve of the corresponding
cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening period in accordance with the load factor of the
engine.


5. An engine comprising: a plurality of cylinders, a plurality of electronic fuel spray valves
which are provided in correspondence with these cylinders and opening period thereof can be
controlled by control signals, exhaust temperature measuring units which are provided in
correspondence with said plurality of cylinders and output the exhaust temperatures of said cylinders
as exhaust temperature signals, and a load factor measuring unit which detects the load factor of the
engine and outputs a load signal; wherein a computer which controls said engine being used as a
control unit, which sets a set deviation and control amount in accordance with the load factor of said
engine, determines the present load factor of said engine based on the load signal from said load
factor measuring unit, samples the exhaust temperature signals from the exhaust temperature
measuring unit at predetermined time intervals, calculates an average exhaust temperature of all the
plurality of cylinders, and, in the case where deviation, determined by comparing this average
exhaust temperature with the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders, exceeds the set deviation in the
present load factor, controls the opening period of the electronic fuel spray valve of the
corresponding cylinder by using a rate of change of the opening period in accordance with the present
load factor of the engine.

The present invention has been realized in order to keep the cylinder exhaust temperature of a
gas engine within a predetermined range, and thereby prevent the generation of misfire and knocking.
In the present invention, in S1, when the number of rotations of the engine is greater than a
predetermined number, in S2, the exhaust temperatures of the cylinders are sampled at predetermined
intervals, in S3, an average of the exhaust temperatures is calculated, in S4, the load factor at that
point is determined, in S5, the average exhaust temperature Tave is compared with the exhaust
temperature T(n) of each cylinder, and is determined whether the deviation ∆Tn is greater or smaller
than the set deviation Tlimit for that load factor. When the deviation ∆Tn is smaller, the exhaust
temperature is within the set deviation and there is no need to adjust the fuel spray period, and
therefore the sequence returns to S2. When the deviation ∆Tn is greater, in S6, it is determined
whether to increase or reduce the opening period, the sequence shifts to S8. Then, in S9, if the engine
exceeds the predetermined number of rotations, the processes of S2 to S6 are repeated; in S9, if the
engine is below the predetermined number of rotations, the control operation ceases.

Documents:

507-KOLNP-2003-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

507-KOLNP-2003-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

507-KOLNP-2003-FORM 27 1.1.pdf

507-KOLNP-2003-FORM 27.pdf

507-KOLNP-2003-FORM-27-1.pdf

507-KOLNP-2003-FORM-27.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-abstract.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-assignment.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-claims.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-correspondence.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-description (complete).pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-drawings.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-examination report.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-form 1.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-form 13.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-form 18.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-form 3.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-form 5.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-gpa.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-priority document.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-specification.pdf

507-kolnp-2003-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf


Patent Number 231365
Indian Patent Application Number 507/KOLNP/2003
PG Journal Number 10/2009
Publication Date 06-Mar-2009
Grant Date 04-Mar-2009
Date of Filing 23-Apr-2003
Name of Patentee NIIGATA POWER SYSTEM CO., LTD.
Applicant Address 9-7, YAESU 2-CHOME, CHOU-KU, TOKYO
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 ONO YOSHIHARU 50-1 B410, KITAKARUI-ZAWA, NISHI-KU, YOKOHAMA-SHI, KANAGAWA-KEN
2 NISHI YOSHIFUMI C/O NIIGATA POWER SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 9-7, YAESU 2-CHOME, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
3 NAKAYAMA SADAO C/O NIIGATA POWER SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 9-7, YAESU 2-CHOME, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
4 GOTO SATORU C/O NIIGATA POWER SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 9-7, YAESU 2-CHOME, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
PCT International Classification Number F02D 41/14
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP02/08728
PCT International Filing date 2002-08-29
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2001-259848 2001-08-29 Japan