Patent ID: 10443518

Abstract:
An engine system for a vehicle includes an engine comprising X cylinders (X≥4) and Y deactivation mechanisms (X/2<Y<X), each of the Y deactivation mechanisms being configured to deactivate a different one of the X cylinders and wherein the Y deactivation mechanisms are arranged an optimal Y of the X cylinders for a defined firing order of the X cylinders. The engine system further includes a controller configured to: determine a torque request for the engine, determine a set of potential firing fractions of the engine, each firing fraction representing a particular Z of the X cylinders being deactivated (0<Z≤Y) based on the torque request, determine an optimal firing fraction of the set of potential firing fractions, based on the optimal firing fraction, command a corresponding Z of the Y deactivation mechanisms to deactivate the determined Z of the X cylinders, and command firing of a remainder the X cylinders.