A method of controlling a reciprocating internal combustion engine comprising: a cylinder defining a cavity having a first end and a second end; and a piston moveable within the cavity of the cylinder between the first end and the second end, the method comprising: receiving at least a first signal; determining a quantity of liquid air to be injected using at least the received first signal; controlling injection of the determined quantity of liquid air into the first end of the cavity at a first time when the piston is closer to the first end than the second end.

A method of controlling a reciprocating internal combustion engine comprising: a cylinder defining a cavity having a first end and a second end; and a piston moveable within the cavity of the cylinder between the first end and the second end, the method comprising: controlling injection of a quantity of liquid air, without fuel, into the first end of the cavity at a first time when the piston is closer to the first end than the second end to cause the piston to perform a first power stroke; and controlling injection of fuel into the first end of the cavity at a second time when the piston is closer to the first end than the second end to cause the piston to perform a second power stroke.

A method of controlling a reciprocating internal combustion engine comprising: a cylinder defining a cavity having a first end and a second end; and a piston moveable within the cavity of the cylinder between the first end and the second end, the method comprising: controlling injection of a quantity of liquid air, without fuel, into the first end of the cavity at a first time when the piston is closer to the first end than the second end to cause the piston to perform a first power stroke; and controlling injection of fuel into the first end of the cavity at a second time when the piston is closer to the first end than the second end to cause the piston to perform a second power stroke.

A combined-cycle combustion control type three-cylinder engine includes: a cylinder block; and cylinders arranged in a row in the cylinder block and consisting of first, second, and third cylinders so that four-cycle combustion is performed in two of the first, second, and third cylinders and two-cycle combustion is performed in the remaining cylinder. A crankshaft is provided in first, second, and third pistons and converting reciprocating motions of the respective first, second, and third cylinders into rotational motions. A camshaft receives a rotational force from the crankshaft to control intake and exhaust timings for each of the first, second, and third cylinders.

A combined-cycle combustion control type three-cylinder engine includes: a cylinder block; and cylinders arranged in a row in the cylinder block and consisting of first, second, and third cylinders so that four-cycle combustion is performed in two of the first, second, and third cylinders and two-cycle combustion is performed in the remaining cylinder. A crankshaft is provided in first, second, and third pistons and converting reciprocating motions of the respective first, second, and third cylinders into rotational motions. A camshaft receives a rotational force from the crankshaft to control intake and exhaust timings for each of the first, second, and third cylinders.

Methods and systems for providing engine braking for a two stroke diesel engine are described. In one example, a flow through a mechanically driven supercharger is adjusted to provide engine braking for a two stroke diesel engine when engine braking is requested. The level or amount of engine braking may be adjusted via increasing or decreasing flow through the mechanically driven supercharger.

Methods and systems for providing engine braking for a two stroke diesel engine are described. In one example, a flow through a mechanically driven supercharger is adjusted to provide engine braking for a two stroke diesel engine when engine braking is requested. The level or amount of engine braking may be adjusted via increasing or decreasing flow through the mechanically driven supercharger.

A method for cleaning an exhaust valve of a two-stroke internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises: requesting an exhaust valve cleaning cycle if at least one of a first condition or a second condition is satisfied; initiating the exhaust valve cleaning cycle if at least one of a third condition or a fourth condition is satisfied; and aborting the exhaust valve cleaning cycle if at least one of the at least one of the third or fourth conditions is no longer satisfied. The first condition is a time elapsed since a previous cleaning cycle has been completed being greater than a predetermined time. The second condition is a rate of opening of the exhaust valve being less than predetermined rate. The third condition is a throttle valve being closed. The fourth condition is an engine speed being less than a predetermined engine speed.

A method for cleaning an exhaust valve of a two-stroke internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises: requesting an exhaust valve cleaning cycle if at least one of a first condition or a second condition is satisfied; initiating the exhaust valve cleaning cycle if at least one of a third condition or a fourth condition is satisfied; and aborting the exhaust valve cleaning cycle if at least one of the at least one of the third or fourth conditions is no longer satisfied. The first condition is a time elapsed since a previous cleaning cycle has been completed being greater than a predetermined time. The second condition is a rate of opening of the exhaust valve being less than predetermined rate. The third condition is a throttle valve being closed. The fourth condition is an engine speed being less than a predetermined engine speed.

An exhaust valve assembly for a two-stroke internal combustion engine has a valve actuator, and a two-part valve having a primary and secondary valves defining first and second decompression passages respectively. The primary valve is operatively connected to the valve actuator. The primary valve is in first, second and third primary valve positions when the valve actuator is in first, second and third actuator positions respectively. The secondary valve is in a first secondary valve position when the valve actuator is in the first or the second actuator position and in a second secondary valve position when the valve actuator is in the third actuator position. The first and second valve decompression passages fluidly communicate with each other when the valve actuator is in the second actuator position, and are fluidly separate from each other when the valve actuator is the first or the third actuator position.