Abstract:
One aspect of the invention relates to cooled internal EGR. Cooled internal EGR is achieved by selectively admitting exhaust to an intake manifold. A heat exchanger is used to cool the exhaust within the intake manifold. Another aspect of the invention related to an intake manifold adapted for internal EGR cooling. The manifold has a bulge to retain exhaust, whereby the exhaust admitted to the intake side for internal EGR generally does not flow past the intake manifold and significantly heat or foul any upstream portion of the system. The manifold further includes a heat exchanger for cooling the exhaust. A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of reducing the response time of an EGR system. The method comprises providing a temporary increase in an internal EGR rate during a transition from a first to a second external EGR rate.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to internal combustion engines and more particularly to exhaust gas recirculation systems for controlling NOx emissions from diesel engines. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   NO x  emissions from vehicles with internal combustion engines are an environmental problem recognized worldwide. Several countries, including the United States, have long had regulations pending that will limit NO x  emissions from vehicles. Manufacturers and researchers have put considerable effort toward meeting those regulations. In conventional gasoline powered vehicles that use stoichiometric fuel-air mixtures, three-way catalysts have been shown to control NO x  emissions. In diesel powered vehicles and vehicles with lean-burn gasoline engines, however, the exhaust is too oxygen-rich for three-way catalysts to be effective. 
   Several solutions have been proposed for controlling NOx emissions from diesel powered vehicles and lean-burn gasoline engines. One set of approaches remove NOx from the vehicle exhaust. These include the use of lean-burn NO x  catalysts, NO x  adsorber-catalysts, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). These methods are promising, but have associated costs in terms of equipment and often a fuel penalty. Complementary approaches focus on limiting NOx formation by the engine. 
   NOx formation can be limited by avoiding high combustion temperatures. Methods of avoiding high combustion temperatures include retarding the ignition timing, cooling intake air, and reducing the oxygen concentration through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Retarding the ignition timing makes combustion less efficient, and therefore has a fuel penalty. Cooling the intake air is helpful, but does not lower the temperature to the desired degree. 
   EGR can reduce NOx production. It is typically used selectively according to engine operation conditions (torque and speed). Generally speaking, there are two types of EGR, external EGR (sometimes referred to as cooled EGR) and internal EGR (sometimes referred to as non-cooled EGR). External EGR includes high pressure EGR and low pressure EGR. High pressure EGR involves recirculating exhaust drawn from a high pressure portion of the exhaust stream. Generally, a high pressure portion of the exhaust stream is a portion upstream of a turbine placed in the exhaust stream to drive an intake air turbo charger. Low pressure EGR involves drawing exhaust from a low pressure portion of the exhaust stream, such as a portion downstream of a turbine. Low pressure EGR requires a pump or compressor to pressurize the exhaust. External EGR systems normally include a heat exchanger to reduce the temperature of the recirculated exhaust to improve the volumetric efficiency of the engine. A heat exchanger is typically placed at the point from which the exhaust is drawn and typically uses engine coolant as a cooling medium. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,812 describes an EGR cooler for use in conjunction with an external EGR system. The cooler is said to be more compact than conventional EGR coolers, and is designed for mounting on an intake manifold with little or no modification to the intake manifold. 
   Internal EGR is achieved through valve timing. Internal EGR usually involves opening an exhaust valve during an intake stroke, whereby exhaust is drawn into the cylinder from the exhaust manifold. Internal EGR can also be achieved by early exhaust valve closing, which leaves a portion of the exhaust in the cylinder at the end of an exhaust stroke. A further method of achieving internal EGR is to open an intake valve during an exhaust stroke, whereby exhaust flows into the intake manifold, however, this approach is generally avoided because it results in heating of the intake manifold, which in turn heats the intake air, increasing its volume and disrupting the fuel-air ratio. 
   There continues to be a long felt need for better ways of limiting NOx emissions from diesel engines. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. The primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
   One aspect of the invention relates to cooled internal EGR. Cooled internal EGR is achieved by selectively admitting exhaust to an intake manifold and cooling the exhaust within the intake manifold. Variable valve timing can be used to control the amount of internal exhaust gas recirculation. A heat exchanger can be used to cool the exhaust within the intake manifold. 
   Another aspect of the invention related to an intake manifold adapted for internal EGR cooling. The manifold has a bulge to retain exhaust, whereby the exhaust admitted to the intake side for internal EGR generally does not flow past the intake manifold and significantly heat or foul parts upstream of the intake manifold. The manifold further includes a heat exchanger for cooling the exhaust. 
   A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of improving the responsiveness of an EGR system. The method comprises providing a temporary increase in an internal EGR rate during a transition from a first to a second external EGR rate. 
   To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects and implementations of the invention. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a cylinder of an exemplary engine according to one aspect of the invention in the midst of an exhaust stroke; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the cylinder of  FIG. 1  in the midst of an intake stroke; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an intake manifold according to one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an intake manifold according to another embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an intake manifold according to a further embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a vehicle having high and low pressure EGR systems; 
       FIG. 7  is a plot of valve timing for a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a cylinder  10  of an exemplary engine according to one aspect of the invention in the midst of an exhaust stroke. The cylinder  10  has a piston  11 , an intake valve  12 , an exhaust valve  13 , an intake manifold  14 , an exhaust manifold  15 , and a fuel injector  16 . According to the invention, the intake valve  12  is open during a portion of the exhaust stroke, generally during the early part of the exhaust stroke. Opening the intake valve during the exhaust stroke causes exhaust to flow into the intake manifold  14  where the exhaust mixes with fresh air and is cooled. Cooling may occur before, during, or after mixing.  FIG. 2  illustrates the cylinder  10  during an intake stroke. Exhaust released into the intake manifold  14 , cooled and mixed with intake air, is drawn into the cylinder  10 . 
   The intake manifold  14  preferably includes a bulge  20 . A bulge can be any swelling of the intake manifold to a size beyond that which is dictated by its function of channeling air to one or more cylinders without significantly increasing the pressure drop along the intake path. A bulge does not have to be a clearly identifiable portion of the intake manifold  14 . Preferably, the intake manifold  14  with its bulge  20  has at least enough volume to retain as much as exhaust as the engine is designed to release directly to the intake manifold  14 , whereby the exhaust does not travel upstream of the intake manifold  14 . 
   Preferably, the vehicle is designed to internally recirculate exhaust representing at least about one quarter of each cylinder volume, more preferably at least about one third of each cylinder volume. The intake manifold  14  is sized to accommodate the peak volume of internally recirculated exhaust. 
   The intake manifold  14  can serve all or just a portion of the engine&#39;s cylinders. If all the cylinders served by the intake manifold  14  have different timings and the vehicle is designed to internally recirculate exhaust corresponding to up to one third of each cylinder volume, the bulge  20  provides a volume of at least about one third of a single cylinder volume. If the cylinders are 1000 cc, this would be at least about 350 cc. If two cylinders served by the intake manifold  14  are on the same timing, then the bulge  20  provides a volume of at least about two thirds of a single cylinder volume. 
   More preferably, the intake manifold  14  with its bulge  20  is not only large enough to hold all the recirculated exhaust but also to hold the exhaust while mixing it with intake air. Preferably, the total volume is at least two times the maximum volume of exhaust the vehicle is designed to release directly to the intake manifold  14 . A long mixing time between internally recirculated exhaust and intake air is a potential advantage of the present invention. 
   In one embodiment, the intake manifold  14  is divided into two channels such that intake air flows primarily through one channel and exhaust releasing to the intake manifold  14  flows primarily through the other channel. The intake manifold  14  has a separator  21  that creates two channels. Optionally, the intake manifold  14  has a turbine to promote circulation and cooling within the intake manifold  14 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates an intake manifold  30  having a turbine  31  to promote cooling and mixing. The turbine  31  can be driven by exhaust flowing from the intake manifold  14 , in which case the turbine  31  can be used as an auxiliary power source. Alternatively, the turbine  31  can be driven in any suitable fashion. Cooling can be provided by a coolant flowing through the axis  32  of the turbine  31  or in any other suitable fashion, including a heat exchanger separate from the turbine  31 . 
   The intake manifold  14  is adapted to actively cool the exhaust. Active cooling is cooling going beyond the incidental cooling that results from heat uptake by the body of the intake manifold  14 , heat exchange with charge air, and incidental heat loss to the surroundings in the absence of specific structures to promote heat transfer. Active cooling can involve structures to promote heat exchange, such as fins, and/or circulation of a coolant. Preferably, cooling reduces the temperature of the exhaust, but does not reduce it to a point where water condenses (about 100° C.). 
   Preferably, cooling the exhaust involves forced circulation of a cooling fluid in heat exchange contact with the intake manifold  14 . Forced circulation means using a fan or pump to induce circulation of a cooling fluid. Any cooling fluid can be used, including for example engine coolant, a heating fluid for a passenger compartment, or ambient air. Preferably the cooling fluid is a liquid such as engine coolant. 
   The intake manifold  14  can be provided with a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger can involve cooling fins and or passages through which coolant travels.  FIG. 4  illustrates an intake manifold  40  having cooling fins  41 . The cooling fins  41  optionally include passages  42  for a cooling fluid.  FIG. 5  illustrates an intake manifold  50  having tubes  51  through which a cooling fluid flows. 
   In order to provide sufficient cooling without condensing water, a control system may be provided for a heat exchanger used in association with intake manifold  14 . Control may involve measuring a temperature within or on the intake manifold  14  using a suitable temperature measuring device. A suitable temperature measuring device could be, for example, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, or a thermistor. The cooling rate can be controlled in response to the measurement by adjusting a coolant flow rate, for example. Feedback control is typically a combination of proportional, integral, and/or differential control. Feed forward control can also be used, in which case a temperature measuring device may not be required. 
   In contrast to high pressure external EGR, which is generally only effective at low engine torque and steady operation, internal EGR can be provided during any engine operating condition. Nevertheless, internal EGR is typically provided selectively and in varying degrees based on engine speed-torque conditions. Optionally, internal EGR is combined with external EGR. In such a case, internal EGR may be used primarily during warm up and transient operating conditions. 
   During warm-up, internal EGR can improve engine heating in comparison to external EGR. For this purpose, it is desireable to suspend or avoid internal EGR cooling. Internal EGR cooling can be avoided during warm-up by recirculating the exhaust to the exhaust manifold side. 
   External EGR has a slow response time in comparison to internal EGR. In one aspect of the invention, an internal EGR system can be used over an external EGR system&#39;s response period to maintain a target EGR rate during the response period. 
   Internal and external EGR rates are generally adjusted through electronically controlled valves, which in turn can be operated by a vehicle&#39;s electronic control unit (ECU). 
   An external EGR system can be either a low pressure external EGR system or a high pressure external EGR system.  FIG. 6  illustrates a vehicle  100  with options for both low pressure and high preesure EGR, as well as a system for cooled internal EGR. The vehicle  100  comprises engine  101  having cylinders  102 , intake manifold  103 , exhaust manifolds  104 , turbine  105 , compressor  106 , catalytic diesel particulate filter (CDPF)  107 , low pressure EGR valve  108 , and high pressure EGR valve  109 . Exhaust from exhaust manifolds  104  drives the turbine  105 , which in turn drives the compressor  106 , which pressurizes charge air. High pressure EGR valve  109  admits exhaust from a high pressure portion of the exhaust stream to combine with charge air and can be used whenever the exhaust pressure is sufficiently higher than the charge air pressure. Low pressure EGR valve  108  can admit exhaust from any portion of the exhaust stream to the compressor, provided the exhaust is treated by the CDPF  107 . Low pressure EGR can be used at any time. Providing both high and low pressure EGR and using high pressure EGR instead of low pressure EGR when possible can increase the lifetimes of the CDPM  107  and the compressor  106 . 
   High and low pressure EGR systems normally include coolers near their corresponding EGR valves, however, according to one aspect of the invention, the internal EGR cooler is designed with a high cooling capacity and externally recirculated exhaust is cooled primarily or exclusively in the intake manifold. In another embodiment, the EGR cooler has a smaller capacity, in which an external EGR system has a separate cooler and external EGR is used when large volumes of EGR are required. 
   Low pressure EGR is preferred over high pressure EGR. High pressure EGR can only be used when the exhaust manifold pressure is sufficiently high in comparison with the intake manifold pressure. High pressure EGR is particularly problematic during high torque operation. Low pressure EGR, on the otherhand, can be used at any time. One embodiment of the invention combines low pressure external EGR with a cooled internal EGR system. 
   Variable valve timing is used to control the amount of internal EGR. Variable valve timing can be achieved by any suitable mechanism. In a cam-less engine, the valve timing is electronically controlled and can be freely selected. In a system with a cam, any number of mechanisms are available for adjusting the timing, including for example, mechanisms for selecting a portion of the cam driving a rocker arm that lifts the valve and mechanisms for creating an offset in the mechanical system running from the cam to the valve. 
     FIG. 7  is a plot of valve lift versus crank angle for a preferred valve timing according to the present invention. The curve  71  illustrates the primary exhaust valve opening and the curve  72  illustrates the primary intake valve opening. The curve  73  illustrates a supplemental intake valve opening that occurs during the exhaust stroke to admit exhaust directly into the intake manifold for internal EGR. Any suitable mechanism can be used to selectively implement the valve timing of  FIG. 7 . 
   The invention has been shown and described with respect to certain aspects, examples, and embodiments. While a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several aspects, examples, or embodiments, the feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other aspects, examples, or embodiments as may be advantageous for any given or particular application.