A controller according to the present disclosure, in each combustion cycle that composes a change cycle, calculates the average .sub.n of control amounts from the first combustion cycle to the nth (1<=n<=N) combustion cycle and calculates the error .sub.n-.sub.o of the average .sub.n with respect to the average .sub.o of a reference normal population. Also, the controller sets both a positive threshold Z.sub./2*.sub.o/n.sup.1/2 and a negative threshold Z.sub./2*.sub.o/n.sup.1/2 based on the standard error .sub.o/n.sup.1/2 of the reference normal population in the case where the number of data is n. Then, the controller chooses an operation amount to be changed from a plurality of operation amounts, based on a comparison between a series of the errors .sub.n-.sub.o and a series of the positive thresholds Z.sub./2*.sub.o/n.sup.1/2 and a comparison between the series of the errors .sub.n-.sub.o and a series of the negative thresholds Z.sub./2*.sub.o/n.sup.1/2.

Methods and systems are provided for conducting a diagnostic on a fuel tank isolation valve that regulates a flow of fuel vapors from a fuel tank to an evaporative emissions system. In one example, a method comprises determining whether the fuel tank isolation valve is stuck in a first open position or a second open position based on a time duration between commanding open a canister purge valve to direct fuel vapors to an engine, and an exhaust gas sensor indicating a rich air-fuel ratio. In this way, appropriate mitigating action may be taken in response to the fuel tank isolation valve being stuck in either the first open position or the second open position.

A multiple fuel tank purge system and method includes providing a pair of fuel tanks, including a main fuel tank for containing impure fuel and a separate, auxiliary fuel tank that contains commercial canned fuel. The engine runs on the impure fuel from the main fuel tank while the engine is in normal use, and then employs a shutdown cycle that switches to the commercial canned fuel from the auxiliary fuel tank for some pre-set time period. This arrangement allows the engine to be purged of the impure fuel (by burning the impure fuel during the shutdown cycle) and replaced by the commercial pre-mixed fuel before the engine is finally shut down. The system may further include a novel fuel cap with a fuel line, a tank within a tank fuel container, and/or an electronically actuated shutdown cycle mechanism.

A synchronous dynamometer assembly for applying a load to an engine during at least one portion of the combustion cycle of the engine in a synchronised manner so as to be repeatable each cycle of the engine comprises a dynamometer having a non-inductive load which is applied to the engine during operation to vary the speed of the engine. The non-inductive load is variable by varying the current delivered to it. Crankshaft monitoring means monitors the rotational position of the engine crankshaft, and combustion detection means detects a combustion event in a cylinder of the engine. Control means is operatively connected to the dynamometer for applying the load from the dynamometer to the engine for at least one part of the combustion cycle in real time such that the different loads may be applied to the engine for different parts of the combustion cycle.

A synchronous dynamometer assembly for applying a load to an engine during at least one portion of the combustion cycle of the engine in a synchronised manner so as to be repeatable each cycle of the engine comprises a dynamometer having a non-inductive load which is applied to the engine during operation to vary the speed of the engine. The non-inductive load is variable by varying the current delivered to it. Crankshaft monitoring means monitors the rotational position of the engine crankshaft, and combustion detection means detects a combustion event in a cylinder of the engine. Control means is operatively connected to the dynamometer for applying the load from the dynamometer to the engine for at least one part of the combustion cycle in real time such that the different loads may be applied to the engine for different parts of the combustion cycle.

In at least some implementations, a system includes a pump having an electric motor and a pump outlet, a controller coupled to the pump to vary the power provided to the motor to vary the flow rate of liquid discharged from the pump outlet, a pressure regulator having an inlet communicated with the pump outlet, a regulator outlet from which liquid is discharged from the regulator, a bypass outlet through which liquid is discharged from the regulator, and a pressure responsive valve that opens to permit liquid flow through the bypass outlet, and a flow sensor. The flow sensor is communicated with the bypass outlet to sense or determine a flow rate of liquid at or downstream of the bypass outlet, the flow sensor also communicated with the controller to provide an indication of the bypassed liquid flow rate to the controller.

A method for operating a speed-controlled fluid pump includes: providing an electrical control current for the fluid pump; providing a maximum value for the electrical control current, which maximum value corresponds to a maximum permissible pressure at an outlet side of the fluid pump; providing a threshold value for the control current, the threshold value corresponding to a further maximum permissible pressure at the outlet side of the fluid pump and is predefined in dependence upon at least one boundary condition, the threshold value being less than the maximum value for the electrical control current; and controlling the fluid pump with not more than the threshold value for the control current, if it has been determined that the at least one boundary condition holds, so as to limit the pressure at the outlet side of the fluid pump to a value provided for the at least one boundary condition.

A system includes a sensor array and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is operable to: store a policy; receive the sensor information from the sensor array; receive horizon information from a horizon system; input the sensor information and the horizon information into the policy; determine an output of the policy based on the input of the sensor information and the horizon information; control operation of a vehicle system according to the output; compare the sensor information received after controlling operation of the vehicle system according to the output relative to a reward or penalty condition; provide one of a reward signal or a penalty signal in response to the comparison; update the policy based on receipt of the reward signal or the penalty signal; and control the vehicle system using the updated policy to improve operation in view of the operating parameter.

A system includes a sensor array and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is operable to: store a policy; receive the sensor information from the sensor array; receive horizon information from a horizon system; input the sensor information and the horizon information into the policy; determine an output of the policy based on the input of the sensor information and the horizon information; control operation of a vehicle system according to the output; compare the sensor information received after controlling operation of the vehicle system according to the output relative to a reward or penalty condition; provide one of a reward signal or a penalty signal in response to the comparison; update the policy based on receipt of the reward signal or the penalty signal; and control the vehicle system using the updated policy to improve operation in view of the operating parameter.

A method and system for predicting the occurrence of a knock which will have a predetermined intensity or higher (intense knock) in an engine that burns an air-fuel mixture of gasoline fuel. The pressure in a combustion chamber is detected during an initial stage of combustion. This pressure is compared with a preset reference value to determine whether or not the cylinder inner pressure exceeds the reference value during the combustion. When the cylinder inner pressure exceeds the reference value, it is predicted that the intense knock will occur before an end of the combustion. If the intense knock is predicted, additional fuel or other material can be injected into the combustion chamber to prevent the occurrence of the intense knock.