Provided is an engine control device which controls at least an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a fuel injection valve injecting a fuel into an intake pipe such that internal EGR is realized, in which timing of opening and closing of the intake valve is set to be later in comparison with a reference operation state which is a first operation state and timing of closing of the exhaust valve is set to be earlier in comparison with the reference operation state, and the fuel injection valve is caused to inject the fuel in a period which is: after a piston starts to rise which had been passed through a bottom dead center for the first time after an exhaust stroke is finished, which is followed by closing of the intake valve; and before the intake valve is opened.

Systems and methods are provided for cooling an overheated engine using a combination of variable displacement engine (VDE) technology and direct injection technology. In one example, a method may include deactivating a subset of engine cylinders based on an engine temperature and directly injecting liquid fuel into the deactivated cylinders. In this way, an increased thermal conductivity of the liquid fuel compared to air decreases the engine temperature at a faster rate than when air-based engine cooling methods are used, thereby preventing overheating-related engine degradation.

Systems and methods are provided for cooling an overheated engine using a combination of variable displacement engine (VDE) technology and direct injection technology. In one example, a method may include deactivating a subset of engine cylinders based on an engine temperature and directly injecting liquid fuel into the deactivated cylinders. In this way, an increased thermal conductivity of the liquid fuel compared to air decreases the engine temperature at a faster rate than when air-based engine cooling methods are used, thereby preventing overheating-related engine degradation.

Methods are provided for optimizing generation of water on-board a vehicle with reduced impact on fuel economy. Regenerative braking energy, and/or solar energy, in excess of what is required for charging a system battery, is used to operate a water extractor and save the captured energy as stored water. A proportion of the braking energy used to charge the battery versus operate the water extractor is adjusted as a function of operating conditions including a water level in a water reservoir on-board the vehicle.

Methods are provided for optimizing usage of water harvested or generated on-board a vehicle. An amount of water selected for injection or spraying purposes, as well as an order of water injection responsive to various vehicle operating conditions, is varied based on the amount of water to be delivered, as well as a current water level relative to a predicted future water level. The method allows water usage benefits to be maximized particularly when water availability is limited.

A method for spraying a fluid onto a charge air cooler of a motor vehicle includes measuring a first temperature with the aid of a first sensor of the motor vehicle; measuring a second temperature with the aid of a second sensor of the motor vehicle; comparing the first temperature with a first reference temperature by a controller of the motor vehicle; comparing the second temperature with a second reference temperature by the controller of the motor vehicle if the first temperature is higher than the first reference temperature or equal to the first reference temperature; and spraying at least some of the fluid onto the charge air cooler during a spray-on cycle if the second temperature is higher than the second reference temperature or equal to the second reference temperature.

A method for spraying a fluid onto a charge air cooler of a motor vehicle includes measuring a first temperature with the aid of a first sensor of the motor vehicle; measuring a second temperature with the aid of a second sensor of the motor vehicle; comparing the first temperature with a first reference temperature by a controller of the motor vehicle; comparing the second temperature with a second reference temperature by the controller of the motor vehicle if the first temperature is higher than the first reference temperature or equal to the first reference temperature; and spraying at least some of the fluid onto the charge air cooler during a spray-on cycle if the second temperature is higher than the second reference temperature or equal to the second reference temperature.

Systems and methods are provided for cooling an overheated engine using a combination of variable displacement engine (VDE) technology and direct injection technology. In one example, a method may include deactivating a subset of engine cylinders based on an engine temperature and directly injecting liquid fuel into the deactivated cylinders. In this way, an increased thermal conductivity of the liquid fuel compared to air decreases the engine temperature at a faster rate than when air-based engine cooling methods are used, thereby preventing overheating-related engine degradation.

Systems and methods are provided for cooling an overheated engine using a combination of variable displacement engine (VDE) technology and direct injection technology. In one example, a method may include deactivating a subset of engine cylinders based on an engine temperature and directly injecting liquid fuel into the deactivated cylinders. In this way, an increased thermal conductivity of the liquid fuel compared to air decreases the engine temperature at a faster rate than when air-based engine cooling methods are used, thereby preventing overheating-related engine degradation.

This invention is a simple method that would eliminate the need for a conventional liquid cooling system for an internal combustion engine with compression ignition (no spark plugs). It would replace the radiator, water pump, thermostat, etc. with computer controlled water injectors that fire directly into the combustion chamber(s). The engine control computer would control engine temperature by alternating the firing of the fuel and water injectors. Such an engine would be an internal combustion/steam engine hybrid when it reaches high temperatures.