Internal-combustion engines – Igniters – Incandescent
Patent
1987-11-27
1989-08-22
Dolinar, Andrew M.
Internal-combustion engines
Igniters
Incandescent
219497, F02P 1902
Patent
active
048585769
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for controlling igniting devices of an internal combustion engine and more particularly to an apparatus for continually regulating the resistance of glow plugs over the temperature range of an operating engine.
2. Background Art
In today's world of dwindling and unsteady petroleum supplies, many human resources are devoted to the selection and refinement of alternate fuels. Furthermore, many "third world" countries that cannot afford high priced foreign petroleum are forced to use various types of domestic fuel. However, the use of most alternate fuels causes the malfunction of traditional engines and the deterioration of their components.
Recently, new polymers have substantially cured the latter problem, leaving the functional problem as the greatest challenge to overcome. This problem manifests itself in inefficient combustion. Ignition of some of these fuels requires a catalyst. Diesel engines, for instance, must provide heat, in addition to compression, to ignite the alternate fuel.
Glow plugs assist combustion in alcohol fueled engines. Unfortunately, energizing a glow plug in the continuously changing temperature of an operating engine poses additional problems. Glow plugs are utilized primarily for starting engines and can be damaged quite easily if used over longer periods of time.
Precision voltage controls attempt to prolong glow plug life. These controls maintain a constant glow plug voltage. As the engine heats, the glow plug remains driven by the constant voltage. Soon cylinder temperature exceeds the temperature required for combustion. Therefore, the glow plugs waste energy and glow plug life shortens.
Additionally, in many systems, each glow plug requires a separate control to step down the vehicle electrical system voltage to levels which provide satisfactory fuel combustion and adequate glow plug life. A control scheme of this type wastes money and is unnecessarily complex. For example, a six cylinder engine requires six controls.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention an apparatus controls the resistance of a glow plug over various operating temperature ranges of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus is electrically powered by a first alternator. A means produces a resistance error signal in response to the glow plug's resistance differing from a preselected glow plug resistance. A second alternator means delivers a voltage signal to the glow plug to control glow plug's resistance relative to the preselected resistance in response to receiving the resistance error signal.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention an apparatus controls the resistance of a glow plug over various operating temperatures of an engine. The current through the glow plug is sensed and a signal relative to the sensed current is delivered. The voltage across the glow plug is sensed and a signal relative to the magnitude of the sensed voltage is delivered. The sensed current and voltage signals are modified to include a preselected resistance. The modified current signal is compared to the modified voltage signal to produce a resistance error signal in response to a difference between the compared signals. A voltage signal is delivered to the glow plug to control the glow plug resistance relative to the preselected resistance to response to receiving the resistance error signal.
Alternate fuels, such as alcohol, are becoming commonplace in many areas of the world. In order to burn alcohol fuel in a diesel engine, additional heat must be supplied, usually from the glow plugs already present in the engine. Since glow plugs are not designed for prolonged use, they typically fail within a short period of time. Precision voltage controls attempt to regulate the glow plugs during operation to lengthen their usable lives. As the engine operates and its temperature changes
REFERENCES:
patent: 4322604 (1982-03-01), Kawamura et al.
patent: 4377138 (1983-03-01), Mitani et al.
patent: 4552102 (1985-11-01), Egle
patent: 4594975 (1986-06-01), Shigenobu
patent: 4726333 (1988-02-01), Verheyen
Jeffries James R.
Verheyen Michael R.
Caterpillar Inc.
Dolinar Andrew M.
Muir Robert E.
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