BR102017024964A2 - PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR DRIVING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE THAT RUNS WITH ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOL ADDED FUELS - Google Patents

Abstract

process and device for driving an internal combustion engine that runs on alcohol and alcohol-additive fuels. the internal combustion engine has several cylinders (z1-z4), the cylinders (z1-z4) are associated with individual cylinder heating devices for fuel heating. when fulfilling a criterion (sa), which is indicative of an imminent start of the internal combustion engine and, when fulfilling criterion (tkw_sw1), which enables the heating devices to conclude on cold start, individual cylinders are activated. Each of the individual cylinder heating devices is checked for their normal function. In the event of a defect in a heating device, the fuel supply to the cylinder (z1-z4) to which the defective heating device is associated is interrupted. The internal combustion engine is started with a reduced number of cylinders (z1-z4) as the number of defective heating devices. During internal combustion engine operation, at least one quantity correlated with internal combustion engine temperature (tkw, n) is monitored. when a predetermined limit value (tkw_sw3, n_sw) is exceeded for said at least one correlated quantity (tkw, n), the fuel supply to the cylinder (z1-z4) to which the defective heating device is associated is released, and the heating devices are deactivated.

Description

(54) Title: PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR DRIVING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE THAT WORKS WITH ALCOHOL AND FUELS ADDITIVED WITH ALCOHOL (51) Int. Cl .: F02D 45/00 (30) Unionist Priority: 12/08/2016 DE 10 2016 224 427.2 (73) Holder (s): CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH (72) Inventor (s): CELINE GAMULESCU; RAINER HILD; ROBERT ZACK (74) Attorney (s): DANNEMANN, SIEMSEN, BIGLER & IPANEMA MOREIRA (57) Summary: PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR DRIVING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE THAT WORKS WITH ALCOHOL AND FUELS ADDED WITH ALCOHOL.

The internal combustion engine has several cylinders (Ζ1-Ζ4), the cylinders (Ζ1-Ζ4) are associated with heating devices for individual cylinders for heating the fuel. When filling in a criterion (SA), which is indicative of an imminent start of the internal combustion engine and, when filling in the criterion (TKW_SW1), which allows concluding about the cold start of the internal combustion engine, the heating devices of individual cylinders are activated. Each of the individual cylinder heating devices is checked for normal function. When there is a defect in a heating device, the fuel supply to the cylinder (Z1-Z4) to which the defective heating device is associated is interrupted. The internal combustion engine starts with a reduced number of cylinders (Z1-Z4) according to the number of defective heating devices.

During operation of the internal combustion engine, at least one largeÇ ..)

1/23

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR DRIVING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE THAT WORKS WITH ALCOHOL AND FUELS ADDED WITH ALCOHOL.

[0001] The present invention relates to a process and a device for starting an internal combustion engine that works with alcohol and fuels with alcohol, with an individual cylindrical heating device for heating the fuel.

[0002] There are known vehicles that can be driven with either alcohol or fuels with alcohol (fuels with variable alcohol content, when with Otto fuel (gasoline). Alcohol, that is, ethanol or methanol in the fuel, can be present in different ways portions in the range of 0 to 100%, such fuels are designated as „Flex Fuelo or Flexible Fuel and the vehicles that can be used with them as the Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) (a common fuel-gas mixture in Europe and in the USA, for example, E85, that is, 85% of ethanol in the fuel, in which the gasoline portion is 15%, especially in the Brazilian market vehicles are powered by the use of pure ethanol (E100). reference now to E100 as a fuel, then it should be considered that, as a rule, such fuel can contain 5-7% water.

[0003] Such vehicles offer the possibility of supplying both conventional gasoline and these fuels with ethanol, since, through an alcohol sensor or through a model calculation in the electronic engine control, the actual concentration of gasoline- ethanol in the fuel is recognized and corresponding parameters are adapted to control the internal combustion engine.

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2/23 [0004] The use of such fuel with high ethanol content has the disadvantage that the vehicle has difficulty can only be started with difficulty at low temperatures, since ethanol has a relatively high boiling point (78 () and low vapor pressure, that is, at low temperatures it vaporizes very badly. With the ethanol mixture, the total portion of fuel parts is easily volatile and this impairs the ability to start cold. The minimum starting temperature without additional cold starting systems is about -20 ° C with the use of E86 fuel and is about + 15C (ethanol flash point) with the use of E100 fuel with the use of +15 ° C (ethanol flash point) using E86 fuel.

[0005] In order to avoid problems with cold starting without special precautions, in cars that allow driving with fuels having very high alcohol concentrations (up to 100%), fixedly embedded fuel containers, which contain a small amount, are not provided. of starting fuel, for example gasoline. To start the vehicle below certain temperatures, gasoline is used as a starting fuel or additionally injected into alcohol, so that a fuel mixture appears. The problem here is that, when cold starting, only very small amounts of starting fuel are removed from the auxiliary container and, over time, that fuel gets worse and worse. By worst it is understood, in this context, that the easily volatile carbon parts, such as propane and butane, evaporate easily through the high temperatures in the engine compartment during the operation of the internal combustion engine and, therefore, the vehicle, as well as through high temperatures in the summer months, thus escaping the auxiliary container. The components required for cold starting are lost or at least reduced ConPetition 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 16/99

3/23 siderably. In certain circumstances, it is no longer possible to perform a cold start.

[0006] US 4,911,116 A and US 4,646,691 A describe fuel systems for internal combustion engines in a car, which are powered by alcohol and have separate cold start tanks, which contain gasoline which is used to start the engine. Then, if the engine is started and starts to warm up, instead of the cold starting fuel, the main tank is switched on with fuel containing alcohol. In this case, it is disadvantageous that both tanks require separate filling, that is, supply lines to the outside of the body and, among other things, separate tank covers must be provided. The driver must also monitor the fuel level in both tanks in order to be able to refuel in time. In addition, he has to distinguish between two different tank nozzles, which can lead to supply errors in the two tanks in case of distraction.

[0007] In addition, cold starting systems for actionable cars with a high alcohol content in the fuel are already known, which heat the fuel to higher temperatures by means of electrical energy from the on-board power supply (battery). Fuel heating can take place in the injector or in the fuel gauge using a resistive or inductive heating principle. [0008] Document DE 10 2008 056 892 A1 describes a fuel supply device to support the cold start of an internal combustion engine designed for operation with alcohol or mixture of alcohol with gasoline, with an injection ruler in which the fuel alcohol or mixture of alcohol with gasoline requested by pressure for the cold start of the internal combustion engine is storable and is connected with injectors that have a respective electric heating device for heating the competition 870170089887, of 22/11 / 2017, p. 17/99

4/23 alcohol fuel or mixture of alcohol and gasoline and with the injection rule, so that the injectors can be filled with the fuel of alcohol or mixture of alcohol with stored gasoline. In this case, the injectors are configured as pressure control valves, which open automatically, which open when a predetermined pressure is reached in the injection ruler dosed to the fuel cylinders of alcohol or mixture of alcohol with gasoline individually in a section of suction of the internal combustion engine. In addition, this document describes a process for controlling a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine, where, when there is a signal that warns of an imminent start of the internal combustion engine, the main fuel pump it is activated and, when at least one cold start condition is fulfilled for the internal combustion engine, it is closed in a cold start, and the heating device is activated. After a certain period of time and when there is another signal that triggers the supposed imminent start of the internal combustion engine, the fuel pump of the fuel supply device is controlled in such a way that the pressure in the injection strip reaches the opening pressure of the injectors.

[0009] JP 57-052665 provides a heating device for heating an inlet pipe, the heating device being controlled as the output of an alcohol concentration sensor is output and in which the amount of heat generation increases when the alcohol concentration assumes a reference value or is higher than this.

[00010] If the heating device for the fuel consists of electric heaters associated with respective individual cylinders, for example in the form of heated injectors, then

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5/23 in the case of a defective heater or, in the worst case, several defective heaters, the fuel for the corresponding cylinder or cylinders is not heated, and it is not possible to form a flammable mixture in the defective cylinder or cylinders . Through the unburned fuel, there may be an interruption of the lubricating film between the piston and the cylinder or cylinder wall in question, and through the cold fuel there is a greater discharge of fuel in the lubricating oil of the internal combustion engine.

[00011] The invention has the objective of providing a process and a device for operating an internal combustion engine that works with alcohol and alcohol mixture, which, even with high alcohol content in the fuel and at low external temperatures, ensure a safe and low-emission start of the internal combustion engine.

[00012] This objective is achieved according to the characteristics of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and configurations of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

[00013] The invention is distinguished by a process and a corresponding device for operating an internal combustion engine that works with alcohol or with fuel mixed with independent ignition alcohol with several cylinders, with cylinders associated with heating devices individual electrical devices for heating the fuel. When a criterion is satisfied that is indicative of the imminent start of the internal combustion engine and when a criterion is satisfied that allows concluding about the cold start of the internal combustion engine, the heating devices of individual cylinders are activated. Each individual cylinder heating device is checked for regular function. When a defect in a heating device is detected 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 19/99

6/23 cement, the fuel supply to the cylinder to which the defective heating device is attached is blocked. The internal combustion engine is started with a reduced number of cylinders in the number of defective heating devices. During the operation of the internal combustion engine, at least one quantity corrected with the temperature of the internal combustion engine is monitored. When a predetermined limit value is exceeded for said at least one quantity to be corrected, the fuel supply to the cylinder to which the heating device is associated is released and the heating device is deactivated.

[00014] According to the invention, the deactivation of the heating device and the diagnosis of the heating devices are coupled with events that, from a temporal point of view, are still before the internal combustion engine starts.

[00015] With the process according to the invention, it is possible, on the one hand, to significantly reduce the time for heating the fuel and, thus, the waiting time for the car driver until he can start the combustion engine internal security. On the other hand, even before the internal combustion engine starts, a diagnosis of the electric heating devices of individual cylinders is made. Thus, it is possible that, when a defect in one or more heating devices is found, measures may be taken to prevent cylinders from being filled with cold fuel through the failure of a preheated cylinder, there is no flammable mixture in the combustion chamber. By blocking the fuel supply to the cylinders to which a defective heating device is associated, no fuel is discharged into the lubricating oil and the interruption of the fuel film between the piston and the cylinder wall is safely prevented.

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7/23 [00016] According to an advantageous configuration, a cold start is concluded when the internal combustion engine's refrigerant temperature is below a limit value, which is determined according to the alcohol concentration in the fuel . Electric heating devices are only activated as necessary for a safe start of the internal combustion engine. As the capacity of an automobile's on-board supply network is limited, this contributes to a relief of the on-board supply network.

[00017] Considering a temperature limit value depending on the alcohol concentration in the fuel, an exact finding results when a pre-heating of the fuel has to occur. This temperature limit value is preferably stored in a characteristic field of a control device memory that controls and / or regulates the internal combustion engine.

[00018] The fuel supply to the cylinders in question is only released again if a quantity that represents the temperature of the internal combustion engine exceeds a predetermined limit value, that is, the cylinders in question only work if the higher temperature allows a burning efficient.

[00019] As a determining quantity, when the fuel supply to the cylinders in question, previously blocked, is released again, the internal combustion engine temperature is used, which is adjusted based on the heated cylinder, especially the engine coolant temperature. internal combustion. If it is additionally included as a criterion, then there is still a more precise time to switch on the fuel injection.

[00020] Other configurations and advantages of the invention result from the description of an embodiment example which is explained in more detail below based on the drawing. They are shown:

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8/23 [00021] Fig. 1 in schematic view, an internal combustion engine operable with gasoline, alcohol or any mixture ratio of these fuels, with associated control device, and [00022] Fig.2 a flow chart for operation of an internal combustion engine.

[00023] Figure 1 shows, in schematic representation, an internal combustion engine 10 operable both for gasoline, alcohol, and with any mixture ratios of these fuels in a car. Such automobiles are referred to as flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) (flexible fuel vehicle) or variable fuel vehicles (VFV) (variable fuel vehicles).

[00024] If the term fuel is now used, then a fuel consisting of either gasoline (Otto fuel), a mixture of any proportions of gasoline and alcohol or pure alcohol, especially pure ethanol (E100) ). [00025] Figure 1 shows only the components necessary for understanding the invention. Especially the ignition device (spark plug and corresponding controls) needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture is omitted. The invention is clarified with an internal combustion engine 10 with 4 cylinders Z1-Z4, but it is also applicable for internal combustion engines with another number of cylinders> / - 3.

[00026] The internal combustion engine 10 is associated with a suction section 12, which is connected to the combustion chambers of the cylinders Z1-Z4 of the internal combustion engine 10, by means of intake valves not shown. The internal combustion engine 10 is supplied with fresh air necessary for the combustion of the fuel-alcohol mixture. The gases that arise with the combustion of the fuel / air mixture are purified in an exhaust gas treatment device not shown, disposed in the exhaust gas section.

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9/23 escape 12, and reach the environment through a sound absorber also not shown.

[00027] For starting the internal combustion engine 10, a starting device is provided, which, among other things, comprises an electric starter 46, a car battery 35 that supplies electric current at starter 46, as well as an ignition switch and start 31.

[00028] The internal combustion engine 10 has a fuel supply system, which, among other things, features a fuel tank 13 and an electrically driven low pressure fuel pump 14, which carries fuel from the fuel tank 13, through a low pressure fuel line 15, to a fuel distribution pipe 18. Each cylinder of the internal combustion engine Z1 to Z4 has its own suction tube, to which a respective fuel injector is associated. fuel 19, with the help of which fuel can be injected into the individual suction tubes. The individual injectors 19 are in fluid connection with the fuel distribution pipe 18, through lines not designated in detail.

[00029] As the operating behavior of the internal combustion engine 10 also depends substantially on the type and composition of the fuel employed, an alcohol concentration sensor 26 is provided in the fuel supply system, which detects the proportion of alcohol in the fuel ALC_KONZ. In the example of the embodiment according to figure 1, this alcohol concentration sensor 26 is arranged in the low pressure fuel line 15. Alternatively, the alcohol concentration in the fuel can be determined by modeling the parameters of operation of the internal combustion engine 10, that is to say, from existing measuring quantities, for example,

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10/23 by using the signal from an exhaust gas sensor 28 disposed in the exhaust gas tube 12, as, for example, is described in US 6,257,174 B1.

[00030] In order to safely start the internal combustion engine 10 when running on fuel with a high alcohol content also at low temperatures, a heating system for the fuel is provided, which is described in more detail hereinafter.

[00031] Each of the individual fuel injectors 19 is provided with an electrical heating device 20. The individual heating devices 20 can be installed in the respective injectors 19, for example, in the form of a heating coil, a heating mat, or be integrated in the injectors 19, as indicated in document DE 10 2006 058 881 A1. A set of nozzles for an injection valve with a nozzle body is disclosed which has a nozzle body recess extended in the direction of a longitudinal axis, which is hydraulically coupled to a fluid supply, to a nozzle needle disposed of axially movable in the nozzle body recess, which, in a closed position, prevents fluid flow through at least one injection port and otherwise releases the fluid flow, and a heatable heating element from inductive mode, which is disposed between the nozzle body and the nozzle needle, the heating element being configured with at least part distance from the nozzle body, and one side of the heating element facing the body of the mouth of the heating element as well as one side of the heating element facing the nozzle needle are traversed by the fluid during the operation of the injection valve.

[00032] Alternatively electric heating devices

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11/23 can also be arranged in the connection lines between the fuel distribution line 18 and the individual injectors 19. [00033] For the process or the device according to the invention, however, it is not as important as the heating devices electrical 20 are configured and, according to which principle (resistive or inductive heating principle) they work. It is only necessary to ensure that the fuel is heated in individual cylinders.

[00034] In a configuration of the invention, each fuel injector 19 is provided with a temperature sensor 21 that detects the temperature of the fuel in the respective fuel injector 19. Alternatively, these temperatures can be determined by changing the material properties fuel injectors 19.

[00035] To control and / or regulate the electrical heating devices 20, a heating control device 30 (HCU, Heating Control Unit) is provided. The heating control device 30 contains a calculation unit 36, which is coupled to a program memory 37, and a value memory 38 (data memory). Calculation unit 36, program memory 37 and value memory 38 can comprise one or more microelectronic constructive elements respectively. Alternatively, these components can be integrated, partially or completely, in a single microelectronic component. In program memory 37 or value memory, programs or values that are necessary for the operation of heating devices 20 are stored. In particular, a process for adjusting the heat output and for checking the regular function of individual heating devices 20 is implemented, which are executed by calculation unit 36 before and / or during the running of the competition engine 870170089887, dated 11/22/2017, p. 25/99

12/23 internal bust 10, as explained in more detail with reference to figure 2.

[00036] For this, among other things, the signals from the temperature sensors 21 for the fuel, the TKW signal from a refrigerant temperature sensor 25 of the internal combustion engine 10, the number of revolutions N of the internal combustion engine 10 , which is deviated from the signal of a crankshaft angle sensor 27, the ALC_KONZ signal from the alcohol concentration sensor 26 and eventually other parameters are evaluated by the heating control device 30, as explained in more detail in figure 2. The heating control device 30 is connected to the ignition and starter switch 31, which, in position I, releases the ignition and, in position II, activates starter 46 for starting the internal combustion engine 10, for example , an electric start.

[00037] Reference number 32 designates an electrical connection element, the activation of which can be interpreted as an indication of a brief start-up process of the internal combustion engine 10. This can activate the signal of a door closing of the switch arranged in the driver's door lock or a door opening contact that, for example, activates the internal lighting of the passenger compartment. If the passenger seat is equipped with a sensor device for recognizing seat lighting, then the signal can also be used by that sensor.

[00038] If the vehicle has a so-called active or passive keyless access system, then the sign of a mobile identification indicator can be used, which serves to open and close doors of the car powered by the internal combustion engine 10. In the simpler case, the activation of the transmitter of a radio operation for central locking of the doors and the luggage compartment can be indicated

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13/23 as an indication, for example, of a brief imminent departure process. In figure 1 such a transmitter is designated with reference number 33 and the driver's side receiver associated with reference number 34.

[00039] Said devices 32, 33, 34 already make it possible to activate the individual heating devices 20 of the injectors 19 and carry out a diagnosis of the heating devices 20, before the car driver activates the ignition switch and starts 31 or a key start-stop to start the internal combustion engine.

[00040] Furthermore, the heating control device 30 is connected to the voltage source, preferably to the vehicle battery 35 of the on-board power supply. It supplies, among other things, the electrical energy for the starter 46 and heating devices 20, through final stages of power.

[00041] To control and regulate the internal combustion engine 10, an engine control device (ECU - electronic control unit) 24 is provided, which is connected to the heating control device 30 by means of a CAN 40 bus. Thus, signals and data can be exchanged bi-directionally, especially input signals from the sensors, which are fed directly to the heating control device 30, and are transmitted to the motor control device 24 also to continue processing. In addition, other operating quantities and / or calculated quantities can be exchanged via this CAN 40 bus.

[00042] The motor control device 24 is equipped with other sensors, which detect various measured quantities and determine the respective measured value. Operating quantities include, in addition to the measured quantities, derived quantities as well. The motor control device 24, due to at least

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14/23 minus one of the measurement variables and / or the operation variables, determine the adjustment variables that are converted into one or more signals for control of the adjustment members by means of a corresponding adjustment drive.

[00043] The sensors, for example, are, for example, the temperature sensor 25 for the refrigerant temperature TKW, the crankshaft angle sensor 27, which detects a crankshaft angle, to which it is then associated a number of revolutions N, the sensor the alcohol concentration sensor 26, an air mass meter 23 that serves as the load sensor and the exhaust gas sensor 28 in the exhaust gas pipe 12 and others, sensors required for the operation of the internal combustion engine 10, which are not shown explicitly, and whose signs are usually indicated with the reference ES.

[00044] The adjustment members are, for example, a throttle valve 29 in the suction line 11, the fuel injectors 19 and the low pressure fuel pump 14. Other signals for other adjustment members, which are necessary for the operation of the internal combustion engine 10, but are not shown explicitly, they are generally designated with the reference AS. [00045] The motor control device 24 contains, in a known manner, a calculation unit 41, which is coupled to the program memory 42 and a value memory 43 (data memory). In addition, an error memory 44 is provided, which is coupled to the error indication device 45, for non-volatile storage of errors determined by the most diverse diagnostics, for example on-board diagnostics (On-Bord-Diagnose). [00046] Among other things, the engine control device 24 determines the appropriate ignition point and the injection duration, depending on a load signal L and the number of revolutions N, see Petition 870170089887, of 11/22/2017 , p. 28/99

15/23 using the proportion of ALC_KONZ alcohol in the fuel.

[00047] In program memory 42 or value memory 43, programs or values that are necessary for the operation of the internal combustion engine 10 are stored. In value memory 43, among other things, characteristic fields KF1, KF2 are stored. and several limit values, the meaning of which is explained in more detail with the description in figure 2. In addition, in the motor control device 24, a time counter (Timer) 47 is implemented, whose function is also clarified in more detail with reference to the description of figure 2.

[00048] In the configuration of the invention the heating control device 30 can also be integrated into the motor control device 24.

[00049] Figure 2 shows, in the form of a flowchart, a process for operating the internal combustion engine during the starting process.

[00050] The process is started in step S0, in which eventually variable is started and counter states are inverted.

[00051] In the next step S1, it is checked whether at least one criterion is met, which is indicative of an imminent start of the internal combustion engine 10 (start requirement sign AS). As a criterion or indication that causes a start of the internal combustion engine 10, it can be used, for example, the touch or activation of the door handle of the driver's door, by one. By evaluating the signal from a switch or a door opening contact arranged in the door lock, which, for example, also activates the internal lighting of the passenger compartment, it is possible to indicate a possibly imminent start of the combustion engine internal.

[00052] If the driver's seat is equipped with a provision 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 29/99

16/23 sensor position for seat occupancy recognition, then a signal generated by this sensor device can be indicated as an indication for an imminent start of the internal combustion engine 10. [00053] If the vehicle powered with the internal combustion engine 10 features a so-called keyless access system, so activating the sensor of a remote operating device or radio key that serves to open and close vehicle doors can be used as a clue to a possibly imminent internal combustion engine starting process 10. The signal from a radio remote control to open a garage door in which or in front of which the vehicle is parked can be interpreted as an indication for a soon imminent start of the internal combustion engine 10. [00054] If none of these criteria or indications is fulfilled and, therefore, there is no sign of demand for departure SA, then the inquiry in step S1 is repeated as many times until the query provides a positive result, possibly after the expiration of a predetermined length of time t_WAIT.

[00055] But if in step S1 there is an indication indicating a soon imminent start of the internal combustion engine 10, the engine control device (ECU) 24 and the heating control device (HCU) 30 are activated, that is , placed from a rest mode to an operating mode, and it is asked whether a heating of the fuel is necessary (Step S2). A heating of the fuel is necessary especially when the fuel contains a portion of alcohol and there are low external temperatures, since alcohol evaporates very easily at low temperatures and, therefore, a cold start of the internal combustion engine 10 is difficult or even impossible .

[00056] Especially the temperature of the TKW refrigerant and the percentage of alcohol ALC_KONZ are used in step S2 for decision 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 30/99

17/23 dir if fuel heating is necessary.

[00057] If the temperature of the TKW refrigerant, which closely reflects the temperature of the internal combustion engine 10, is below a predetermined threshold value TKW_SW1, then the heating devices 20 are activated. Since the temperature at which a safe cold start can still be carried out depends on the percentage of alcohol ALC_KONZ in the fuel, this limit value TKW_SW1 dependent on the percentage of alcohol ALC_KONZ is deposited in a characteristic field KF1 within the value memory 43 of the device engine control 24. The higher the percentage of ALC_KONZ alcohol in the fuel, the more the limit value TKW_SW1, from which the heating devices 20 must be activated, moves to higher temperature values.

[00058] The dating of the characteristic field KF1 occurs by means of attempts on the verification status by varying the temperature of the TKW refrigerant and the concentration of ALC_KONZ alcohol in the fuel, and then attempts to start the internal combustion engine.

[00059] The value for the temperature of the TKW refrigerant is obtained from the signal of the temperature sensor 25, the value of the alcohol percentage ALC_KONZ is obtained from the signal of the alcohol concentration sensor 26. However, both values can be determined directly from the parameters by means of calculations and / or model formation.

[00060] If the refrigerant temperature TKW is above a second limit value TKW_SW2, this value being significantly higher than the limit value dependent on the alcohol concentration KW_SW1, then it is assumed that a heating of the fuel does not it is more necessary and even independent of the percentage Petition 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 31/99

18/23 gem of ALC_KONZ alcohol. This limit value TKW_SW2 is also determined empirically and is stored in the value memory 43. [00061] If the query in step S2 indicates that heating of the fuel is not necessary, then in step S3 a conventional start of the internal combustion engine is introduced 10 Conventional starting means, in this context, that there are conditions that allow an internal combustion engine 10 to start, without having to resort to conventional heating measures for the fuel. With step S14 the process is completed.

[00062] If the inquiry in step S2 indicates that heating of the fuel is necessary for a normal start of the internal combustion engine 10, in step S4 the predicted heating devices 20, individual, corresponding to the number of cylinders Z1-Z4, are controlled by signals from the heating control device 30 (HCU), that is, supplied with electricity. Then, in step S5, it is checked that all heating devices 2 are working in order.

[00063] For checking the heating devices 20, any processes known in the art can be used. Then, by detecting and evaluating the electrical voltage placed on the electrical heating devices 20, the electrical current that is established, the assumed electrical performance, among others, it is possible to conclude both on an open heating circuit and on a short circuit or insufficient heating performance.

[00064] If the inquiry in step S5 indicates that all heating devices 20 of individual cylinders work in order, then it is verified, in a step S6, if the heating of the fuel can be completed again, or if it is necessary to heat up even more . As a criterion for this, the time interval T_AH obtained by

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19/23 middle of the time counter 47 since the activation of the heating devices 20 or the temperature signals delivered to the injectors 19 can be evaluated. The time interval t_AH equal to or longer than a predetermined threshold value _AH_SW, which is stored as a function of the refrigerant temperature TKW and the alcohol concentration ALC_KONZ in the value memory 43 of the control device 24, so there is no need to overheat fuel, and current supplies to heating devices 20 are turned off in step S7. Alternatively, the current supplies to the heating devices 20 are switched off if the signals delivered by the temperature sensors 43 of the control device 24 exceed a limit value T_KST_SW stored in the value memory 43 of the control device 24.

[00065] In a next step S8, the internal combustion engine 10 can also be safely started to lower TKW refrigerant temperatures and high concentrations of ALC_KONZ alcohol in the fuel, without starting difficulties.

[00066] However, if the inquiry in step S5 gives a negative result, that is, at least one of the existing heating devices 20 of individual cylinders is defective, then, in a step S9, the fuel supply in those cylinders is interrupted. which the heating device (s) 20 is (are) associated. In addition, the existence of a defective heating device 20 with indication of the cylinder to which this heating device 20 is associated is recorded in the error memory 44, and this, optionally, is acoustically and / or optically informed via the heating device. error indication 45 (step S9 ').

[00067] Thus, in a start of the internal combustion engine 10 to be carried out, the injector or injectors are not / are requested with fuel and, therefore, no fuel is fed to the cylinders corPetição 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, page . 33/99

20/23 respondents Z1-Z4, and the internal combustion engine 10, in the presence of defective heating devices 20, will only be operated with a number of cylinders less than the number of defective heating devices 20 (step S10).

[00068] So it should be noted that only a maximum number of defective heating devices 20 have to occur to ensure a safe and stable start of the internal combustion engine 10. In an internal combustion engine 10 with 3 cylinders it may be defective at most one heating device 20 in an internal combustion engine with 4 cylinders can be defective at most 2 heating devices 20. In general, it is worth noting that as many heating devices 20 fail as the more cylinders the internal combustion engine 10 present. [00069] After the internal combustion engine 10 has been started with a reduced number of activated cylinders Z1-Z4, the temperature of the TKW refrigerant of the internal combustion engine 10 and the number of revolutions N of the internal combustion engine are continuously monitored.

[00070] In step S11 it is checked whether the refrigerant temperature TKW of the internal combustion engine 10 has reached a predetermined limit value TKW_SW3 and the number of revolutions N has reached a predetermined limit value N_SW. Only when both limit values TKW_SW3, N_SW are exceeded, the cylinders switched off in step S9 by interrupting the fuel supply are restarted, that is, the fuel injection is released again, through control of the corresponding injectors 19, for these cylinders too (step S12). The two limit values TKW_SW3, N_SW are determined through trials and are stored in the value memory 43 of the motor control device 24.

[00071] In a simple variant of the process, one can dispense with the

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21/23 checking the number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine 10 during starting with a restricted number of cylinders, since the main criterion of when the disconnected cylinders can be switched on again represents the refrigerant temperature TKW of the combustion engine internal combustion 10. With a unique evaluation of the number of revolutions N, it may be the case that the limit value N_SW is exceeded, but the cylinders previously disconnected remain very cold, so that a greater discharge of lubricating oil cannot be excluded. crank housing and / or a break in the lubricating film between piston and cylinder wall.

[00072] As the starting process of the internal combustion engine 10 is now successfully completed, no further heating of the fuel is required and, in step S13, the current supplies for the completed heating devices 20 are turned off, and the process is completed in step S14.

[00073] The invention has been clarified in an example in which the motor control device 24 and the heating control device 30 are represented. However, it is possible to integrate the heating control device 30 with the corresponding final steps for the device heater 20 fully to the motor control device 24, or just the control electronics, and arrange the final steps for the heater devices 20 externally.

LIST OF CONCEPTS / REFERENCE NUMBERS

Internal combustion engine

Suction piping

Exhaust gas pipe

Fuel tank

Low pressure fuel pump

Low pressure fuel line

Fuel distribution pipe (rail)

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Fuel injector

Electric heating device

Temperature sensor, Injector

Air mass sensor, load sensor

Engine control device (ECU, electronic control unit)

Temperature sensor refrigerant

Alcohol concentration sensor

Crankshaft Angle Sensor

Exhaust gas sensor

Choke valve

Heating control device (HCU, heater control unit)

Ignition switch start

Electrical connection element

Remote operating transmitter, mobile identification indicator

Remote operation receiver

Voltage source, Vehicle battery

HCU calculation unit

HCU program memory

Value memory, HCU data memory

CAN-Bus

ECU calculation unit

ECU program memory

Value memory, ECU data memory

Error memory

Error indication device

Internal combustion engine starter

Timer

ALC_KONZ Proportion of alcohol in fuel, concentration of alcohol

AS Start signals, Adjustment signals

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ES Input signals

KF1, KF2 Characteristic field

L Charge signal

N Number of revolutions

N_SW Limit value for number of revolutions

SA Departure requirement

S0..S14 Process step

T_KST_SW Limit value, fuel temperature

TKW Coolant temperature

TKW_SWi Limit value, coolant temperature t_WAIT Waiting time duration t_AH Period since activation of heating devices t_AH_SW Limit value for period since activation of heating devices

Z1-Z4 Internal combustion engine cylinder

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Claims (12)

1. Process for operating an internal combustion engine (10) with independent ignition, which runs on alcohol fuel mixed with alcohol, with several cylinders (Z1-Z4), the cylinders (Z1-Z4) being associated with the cylinders electric heating devices (20), with individual cylinders to heat the fuel and, with the fulfillment of a criterion (SA), which is active for an imminent start of the internal combustion engine (10) and with the fulfillment of a criterion ( TKW_SW1), which allows concluding on a cold start of the internal combustion engine (10), the individual heating devices (20) are activated, characterized by the fact that - each of the heating devices (20) of individual cylinders is checked as to whether their function is in order, - when there is a defect in a heating device (20), the fuel supply to the cylinder (Z1-Z4) to which the defective heating device (20) is associated is interrupted, - the internal combustion engine (10) starts with a reduced number of cylinders (Z1-Z4) according to the number of defective heating devices (20), - during operation of the internal combustion engine (19) at least one quantity correlated with the temperature of the internal combustion engine (10) (TKW, N) is monitored, - when a predetermined limit value (TKW_SW3, N_SW) is exceeded for said at least one correlated quantity (TKW, N), the fuel supply to the cylinder (Z1-Z4) to which the heating device is associated is interrupted ( 20) defective, and - the heating devices (20) are deactivated. Process according to claim 1, characterized Petition 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 38/99 2/3 due to the fact that a cold start of the internal combustion engine is concluded, when the refrigerant temperature (TKW) of the internal combustion engine is below a limit value (TKW_SW1), which is verified in function the concentration of alcohol in the fuel (ALC_KONZ). Process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the magnitude is the coolant temperature (TKW) of the internal combustion engine (10). 4. Process according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the correction quantity is the number of revolutions (N) of the internal combustion engine (10). 5. Process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, as a criterion for an imminent start of the internal combustion engine (10), the touch or activation of the door handle of the driver's door of the driven car is used with the internal combustion engine (10). Process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that, as a criterion for an imminent start of the internal combustion engine (10), the switch signal arranged in a door lock on the door is used or a car driver's door opening contact activated with the internal combustion engine (10). 7. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that, as a criterion for an imminent start of the internal combustion engine (10), the signal from a sensor device is used to detect seat occupancy the driver's seat of the car powered by the internal combustion engine. 8. Process according to any of the claimsPetition 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 39/99 3/3 sections 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that, as a criterion for an imminent start of the internal combustion engine (10), the sign of a mobile identification indicator (33) is used to open and close doors the car powered by the internal combustion engine (10). 9. Process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, in the case of a detected defect in a heating device (20), with indication of the corresponding cylinder (Z1-Z4), a corresponding registration occurs in a error memory (44) of an engine control device (24) that controls and / or regulates the internal combustion engine (10). 10. Device to operate an internal combustion engine (10) with independent ignition, which works with alcohol and fuel of alcohol mixture, with several cylinders (Z1-Z4), characterized by the fact that the cylinders (Z1-Z4) ( Z1-Z4) are associated electric heating devices (20) of individual cylinders for heating the fuel, and, when the fulfillment of a criterion (SA), which is indicative of an imminent start of the internal combustion engine (10) and, when filling in a criterion (TKW_SW1), which allows concluding on a cold start of the internal combustion engine (10), the individual cylinder heating devices (20) are activated, and the device is configured to perform a process as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the electric heating devices (20) are arranged in the associated fuel injectors (19) of the individual cylinders (Z1-Z4). Device according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the electric heating devices (20) are arranged in the lines that connect the individual injectors (19) to a fuel distribution pipe (18). Petition 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 40/99 1/2 FIG1 Petition 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 7/99 2/2 FIG 2 Indication of engine start, SA? ítwAiTI ¹ Not Not Heating i.O. for Z1-Z4 Heating required? TKW_SW1 TKW SW2 Yes Heating, activated S3 Traditional engine start S9- Injection, individual cylinder TKW> TKW_SW3 (N> N SW) Not Yes S12. S13. Injection, individual cylinder Heating process completed? Yes , Heating, disabled Engine start 58 S14 Heating, disabled ( ^End ) Petition 870170089887, of 11/22/2017, p. 8/99 1/1