Abstract:
Presented are control systems for operating rechargeable electrochemical devices, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles with intelligent battery charging and charging behavior feedback capabilities. A method of operating a rechargeable battery includes an electronic controller receiving battery data from a battery sensing device indicative of a battery state of charge (SOC). Using this battery data, the controller determines a number of low SOC excursions at which the battery SOC is below a predefined low SOC threshold and a number of high SOC excursions at which the battery SOC exceeds a predefined high SOC threshold. The controller then determines if the number of low SOC excursions exceeds a predefined maximum allowable low excursions and/or the number of high SOC excursions exceeds a predefined maximum allowable high excursions. If so, the controller responsively commands a resident subsystem to execute a control operation that mitigates degradation of the rechargeable battery.
Abstract:
A method for exhaust aftertreatment includes determining a diagnostic condition with respect to a threshold diagnostic condition, determining an SCR efficiency as a ratio of a readout of a first NOx sensor at a first NOx sensing position with respect to a readout of a second NOx sensor at a second NOx sensing position, the first NOx sensing position located about an engine out area within an exhaust stream before a DOC and the second NOx sensing position located about an output of an SCR device within the exhaust stream; and comparing the SCR efficiency to a threshold SCR efficiency range. If the SCR efficiency is less than the threshold SCR efficiency range, then trigger DOC failure for NO oxidation, and if the SCR efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold SCR efficiency range, then DOC is determined to be operating within specifications.
Abstract:
A method for diagnosing an Oxidation Catalyst (OC) device of an exhaust gas treatment system is provided. The method monitors a differential temperature across the OC device. The method determines whether the differential temperature reveals a temperature spike. The method determines that the OC device operates properly in response to determining that the differential temperature reveals a temperature spike.
Abstract:
A smart trailer coupler system includes a ball mount connectable to a vehicle, a hitch ball mechanically connected to the ball mount, a coupler selectively connectable to the hitch ball, and at least one sensor mounted to one of the ball mount, the hitch ball and the coupler. The at least one sensor detects a size compatibility between the coupler and the hitch ball. A signal system is operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The signal system provides at least one of a visual alert and an audible alert of the size compatibility between the hitch ball and the coupler.
Abstract:
A palladium-only (i.e., platinum free) oxidation catalyst body is used to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream of a diesel engine powered vehicle, which is operated at a fuel-lean air-to-fuel ratio (A/F) for much of the time it powers a vehicle. Periodically, a recent history of the temperatures of the exhaust gas at the inlet to the palladium oxidation catalyst body is prepared in a computer control module. And a recent history of the A/F of the operating engine is considered. These temperature and A/F values are then used in determining whether the engine should be temporarily operated in a fuel-rich or stoichiometric A/F mode to provide an exhaust gas composition suitable for rejuvenation of the palladium by reducing its oxide formed during lean operation of the engine.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for assessing and maintaining the use of a palladium-only (i.e., platinum free) oxidation catalyst body to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream of a diesel engine powered vehicle, which is operated at a fuel-lean air-to-fuel ratio (A/F) for much of the time it powers a vehicle. Periodically, a recent history of the temperatures of the exhaust gas at the inlet to the palladium oxidation catalyst body is prepared in a computer control module. And a recent history of the A/F of the operating engine is considered. These temperature and A/F values are then used in determining whether the engine should be temporarily operated in a fuel-rich or stoichiometric A/F mode to provide an exhaust gas composition suitable for rejuvenation of the palladium by reducing its oxide formed during lean operation of the engine.
Abstract:
Techniques are provided for reference electrode-based battery imbalance diagnosis. In one embodiment, the techniques involve determining a state of health of a cell group, determining a state of health of a cell of the cell group, determining a cell imbalance of the cell group based on a comparison of the state of health of the cell group and the state of health of the cell, and generating an alert signal or a control signal based on the cell imbalance.
Abstract:
A method for testing a sample of a battery cell includes arranging the sample of the battery cell in a sample pan of a test crucible; arranging a spacer on the sample of the battery cell; sealing the sample pan; and performing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing of the sample.
Abstract:
Presented are control systems for operating rechargeable electrochemical devices, methods for making/using such systems, and motor vehicles with intelligent battery pack charging and charging behavior feedback capabilities. A method of operating a rechargeable battery includes an electronic controller receiving battery data from a battery sensing device indicative of a battery state of charge (SOC). Using this battery data, the controller determines a number of low SOC excursions at which the battery SOC is below a predefined low SOC threshold and a number of high SOC excursions at which the battery SOC exceeds a predefined high SOC threshold. The controller then determines if the number of low SOC excursions exceeds a predefined maximum allowable low excursions and/or the number of high SOC excursions exceeds a predefined maximum allowable high excursions. If so, the controller responsively commands a resident subsystem to execute a control operation that mitigates degradation of the rechargeable battery.
Abstract:
A method for monitoring and diagnosing an engine exhaust treatment of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle includes monitoring a nitrogen oxides (NOx) storage catalyst disposed in an engine exhaust stream downstream of the engine, determining a first diagnostic condition of the NOx storage catalyst based on data from a first EGT sensor and a second EGT sensor; determining a second diagnostic condition of the NOx storage catalyst based on a comparison of temperatures reported by a first NOx sensor and a second NOx sensor, selectively pausing the first diagnostic condition and the second diagnostic condition during a predetermined NOx storage catalyst regeneration period, and selectively generating a notification for an operator of the motor vehicle.