Extended Range Cam Phasing Effects on Engine Stop/Start Quality

Engine stop/start systems are one technology being developed to meet ever tightening fuel economy regulations. Several production vehicles in the market have adopted stop/start systems with 12 volt batteries and enhanced starters. During engine autostart events (restart after autostop), the engine/vehicle vibration may be objectionable to customers. In this paper, the impact of extended range retarded intake cam phasing on first cycle combustion and vehicle vibration during engine autostart is provided. The engine intake cam phasers of a production vehicle were modified so the effective compression during autostart could be set as low as 3.5. Achieving these autostart conditions while maintaining typical cam timing positions under cold start conditions is achievable with an innovative dual park phaser. NVH measurements and engine speed traces indicate that this approach reduced vibration during engine autostart by a measurable amount. Subjective driver feedback was also positive. Cylinder pressure measurements at various intake cam timing settings during autostart indicate that retarded intake cam phaser can reduce the tendency of pre-ignition, reduce peak cylinder pressure, and improve combustion control with retarded spark timing.