Importance

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Abstract

An electronic control system and a device is disclosed proving improved control and diagnostics of glow plugs as are typically energized in diesel engines prior to and during cold start and also during engine warmup, especially for motor vehicles under human operator control. These improved control functions result in: Increased life of the glow plugs, longer service life, greater reliability, a simplified maintainence diagnostic interface, greater diagnostic capability, reduced emission of undesirable hydrocarbons, reduced unburned fuel as white smoke, more complete fuel combusion, reduced lubricating oil contamination, quiter and smoother operation, increased engine power, reduced fuel consumption, and quicker engine warmup all by controlling power applied to the glow plugs based upon electronically controlled fixed and/or adaptive functional algorithms based upon input variables such as battery voltage, glow plug voltages, glow plug currents, engine temperature based upon algorithms which can correct for sensing system hysteresis and time lag, ambient air termperature ambient air density, ambient air humidity, fuel injector duration and timing, intake mass air flow, exhaust gas composition, exhaust gas temperature, alternator output, engine speed, engine torque, engine power, engine compression, engine age, fuel type, and the like for affecting an on and off cycling using open loop control and/or closed loop feedback control of glow plug power so as to maintine glow plugs more closely within an optimal temperature range specific to engine system operational conditions and consistent with improved glow plug life.

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First Claim