Patent Application
20050149248
This invention relates to engine emission controls and, more particularly, to a location-sensitive emission control system and method of operating an engine within emission standards.
In order to meet various emissions standards, engines may be tuned or adjusted to control exhaust gas emissions. Unfortunately, tuning an engine to reduce exhaust gas emissions may also reduce fuel economy and/or engine performance.
Due to the various emissions standards throughout the world, an engine meeting emissions standards for one locality may not meet emissions requirements for other localities. In addition, changes to emissions regulations may cause a compliant engine to become noncompliant after a change. In some circumstances, emissions may be taxed based upon use.
A method of determining emission control requirements at a certain time and location coupled with a system for altering engine emissions to meet the requirements is desired. In addition, a method of recording and relaying emissions information such as horse power, engine run time, and location is desired to determine tax liability based upon usage in a particular location.
The present invention provides an engine emission control system and method which varies an engines emissions based upon geographic location and local emissions regulations. The emissions control system may further be used to record and transmit emissions information for use in determining emissions tax liability.
The emission control system includes a position locating system (PLS) interfacing with a control logic which in turn interfaces with an engine control. The PLS determines location coordinates and relays the coordinates to the control logic. The coordinates are then compared to an emission map within the control logic to determine the emission requirements at the given coordinates and corresponding engine control settings. The control settings are then relayed to the engine control which adjusts the engines control settings to meet the emissions requirements.
If desired, emissions information may be stored to create an emissions log for usage with emission taxation. An antenna may be used to transmit the emissions log to a government agency such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to record and determine emissions tax liability.
The emissions map contained within the control logic may be updated to reflect changes in emissions regulations. Preferably, the control logic is updated through a radio transmission received by the antenna interfacing with the control logic.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description of certain specific embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings.
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The control logic 14 stores an emissions map which is compared to the incoming coordinates. The control logic 14 compares the coordinates to the map and determines the emissions requirements at the given coordinates. The emissions requirements are then converted to one or more specific engine control settings which are then relayed to the engine control 16. Preferably, the control logic 14 will chose the engine control settings, which give the best fuel economy or performance allowable under the applicable emission requirements.
The engine control system 16 adjusts the corresponding engine parameters to operate within the given emissions requirements. Emissions may be controlled by adjusting diesel fuel injection timing, ignition spark timing, varying valve timing or applying any other suitable method of emission control.
If desired information such as the time, location, and emissions output may be stored within the control logic 14 to create an emissions log. The emissions log may be locally stored within the control logic 14 for later use or transmitted through the antenna 18 or other means to a governmental agency, such as the EPA, to record and determine emissions tax liability.
The emissions map contained within the control logic 14 may be updated to reflect changes in emission regulations. Preferably, the control logic is updated through a radio transmission received by the antenna 18 interfacing with the control logic 14. However, updates to the control logic 14 may be obtained in other ways such as uploading through a local port or interface.
In operation, a vehicle equipped with the emissions control system 10 actively monitors emissions requirements and varies engine exhaust gas emissions accordingly. When the vehicle enters an area where emissions regulations are less stringent or not applicable, the emissions control system 10 adjusts engine operating parameters, within the emissions limits, for the maximum fuel efficiency or performance possible. When the vehicle enters an area where emissions regulations are more stringent, the emissions control system 10 further adjusts the engine operating parameters to comply with the regulations while maintaining maximum fuel efficiency and performance.
If an emission regulation changes over time, the change may be transmitted to the emissions control system 10 through antenna 18 to update the emissions map contained within the control logic 14. As the control logic 14 receives emissions map updates, the emissions control system 10 will respond by altering the engines operating parameters to operate at the maximum allowable fuel efficiency and performance under the limits of the new emissions map.
In areas where emissions are taxed based upon use, the emissions control system 10 will store and/or transmit the emissions log for determining tax liability. In addition, the emissions control system 10 may also adjust engine operating parameters to minimize emissions and thereby reduce tax liability.
While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but that it have the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims.
