Abstract:
A method for controlling the combustion behavior of an engine is provided. The engine is equipped with a plurality of actuators that influence combustion in the engine. The method includes receiving a target value for each of a plurality of charge air properties. The method further includes communicating signals operative to control the plurality of actuators so as to urge the actual values of the charge air properties to their target values.
Abstract:
A method for starting a compression ignition engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston located therein, an intake valve configured to control the intake of air to an intake port of the cylinder and an exhaust valve configured to control the expulsion of gas from an exhaust port of the cylinder. The method includes the steps of: cranking the engine, conditioning intake air at the intake port of the cylinder to raise the temperature of air in the cylinder, controlling a valve timing the intake valve and/or the exhaust valve to allow the piston to compress the air within the cylinder, thereby increasing the temperature of the air within the cylinder, and injecting fuel into the cylinder when the air within the cylinder has been heated to a temperature sufficient to support compression ignition of a gasoline and air mixture within the cylinder.