Patent ID: 6886336
Filing Date: 2005-05-03
Classification: F02B,F02D,F02M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling condensation in an engine system, the engine system having an engine including an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, an exhaust gas recirculation valve that regulates an amount of exhaust gas recirculated from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold, a first signal indicative of an intake manifold temperature, a second signal indicative of an intake manifold pressure, a third signal indicative of an engine speed, a fourth signal indicative of an air humidity, a fifth signal indicative of an air temperature, and a sixth signal indicative of a mass flow rate of exhaust gas recirculated to the intake manifold, the method comprising the steps of: calculating as a function of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth signals a critical value indicative of the potential for condensation in the intake manifold; determining whether the critical value exceeds a threshold value indicative of the point at which condensation will occur in the intake manifold; and closing the exhaust gas recirculation valve if the threshold value is exceeded for a set period of time.