CN110594027A

CN110594027A - Driver alert and load shedding control system and method

Info

Publication number: CN110594027A
Application number: CN201910764257.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: H·T·杨; K·P·内德利; S·西莱森; T·W·布朗
Original assignee: GE Global Sourcing LLC
Current assignee: Transportation IP Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2013-12-02
Filing date: 2014-04-01
Publication date: 2019-12-20
Also published as: JP2015105652A; AU2014201207A1; CA2845969C; CN104675541A; JP6420558B2; CN104675541B; AU2014201207B2; CA2845969A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a driver warning and load shedding control system and method. A driver warning and derating control system for a vehicle includes a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition, and a control unit in communication with the sensor. The control unit is configured to estimate a time before automatic derating of the engine based on engine operating conditions, and to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on the estimated time before automatic derating.

Description

Driver alert and load shedding control system and method

Description of the patent

The application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application with application date of 2014, 4 and 1, application number of 201410127015.4 and invention name of 'driver warning and load shedding control system and method'.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a control system for reducing emissions from an internal combustion engine. Other embodiments relate to control systems for reducing emissions from off-highway diesel engines.

Background

Emission standards are requirements that set certain limits on the amount of pollutants that can be released into the environment. The first U.S. federal standards for a new type of off-road diesel engine were adopted in 1994, with the most recent "class 4" standard that was going to be carried out synchronously in 2015 being even stricter. In particular, class 4 standards for off-road diesel engines, such as those used for mine haul trucks and other equipment commonly used in the mining industry, require Particulate Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Oxides (NO)_x) Is reduced by a further 90% with respect to the currently allowable level.

To comply with these standards, new off-road diesel engines typically include provisions for reducing NO_xExhaust aftertreatment systems for emissions, such as selective catalytic reduction. This particular type of exhaust aftertreatment includes injecting Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the exhaust as the exhaust passes through the engine, where the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) evaporates and decomposes to form ammonia and carbon dioxide. NO_xBy catalytic reduction of ammonia to water and nitrogen, both are harmless and are released by the exhaust gas. Along with exhaust aftertreatment systems, new off-road diesel engines typically include control techniques that limit the power output of the engine when emissions exceed set criteria. In particular, the engine may include a controller with a built-in warning and override system configured to automatically derate (performance derate) the engine to prevent operation without proper emission control. For example, the controller may be configured to overshoot the sensed emission levelOver allowable limits, such as when DEF supply is vented, resulting in NO_xWhen the wave crest is discharged, the load of the engine is automatically reduced.

However, existing emission control systems for off-road diesel engines may produce significant vehicle derating at undesirable times, such as when a loaded haul truck is operating uphill in a surface mine. As will be readily appreciated, automatic load shedding while climbing a hill, especially without adequate warning of the driver hauling the vehicle, can compromise safety and can also slow down mine production. In this regard, it is desirable to provide a driver warning/warning and load shedding control system that improves operational safety and limits production impact.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for a vehicle, such as a driver warning and load shedding control system. The system includes a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition of an engine of the vehicle, and a control unit configured to communicate with the sensor. The control unit is configured to determine an estimated time before automatic derating of the engine based on engine operating conditions, and to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on the estimated time before automatic derating.

In another embodiment, a method for controlling an engine (e.g., controlling derating) of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the following steps: the method includes estimating at least one automatic load shedding characteristic, issuing a preventative warning to an operator of the vehicle of the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic, and modifying an operating condition of the vehicle to avoid automatic load shedding.

In another embodiment, an engine control system for an off-highway vehicle or other vehicle is provided. The system includes a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition of an engine of the vehicle, and a control unit configured to communicate with the sensor. The control unit is configured to: estimating a time before automatic derating of the engine and a location in a haul cycle at which the derating will occur based on engine operating conditions; and modifying the performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on the estimated time before the automatic load shedding and the location of the automatic load shedding.

A system for a vehicle, comprising: a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition of an engine of a vehicle; and a control unit configured to communicate with the sensor; wherein the control unit is configured to determine an estimated time before automatic derating of the engine based on engine operating conditions; and wherein the control unit is configured to modify the performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on the estimated time before the automatic load shedding.

Preferably, the control unit is further configured to receive a signal indicative of an engine operating condition, compare the signal to an allowable range of engine operating conditions, and predict future engine performance based on the comparison.

Preferably, the sensor is NO_xSensor and engine operating condition is NO_xAnd (4) concentration.

Preferably, the system further comprises: a driver alert mechanism configured to issue a preventative warning indicating modification of the performance parameter.

Preferably, the preventative warning is one or more of a light, a sound or a vibration.

Preferably, the system further comprises: a position tracking mechanism configured to communicate with the control unit, the position tracking mechanism configured to forward a signal related to the geographic position of the vehicle to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to modify the performance parameter based on the geographic position of the vehicle.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the estimated time before the automatic load shedding based on a drive system parameter of a drive system of the vehicle.

Preferably, the performance parameter is at least one of engine acceleration rate, tractive horsepower, or vehicle speed.

A method for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: estimating at least one automatic load shedding characteristic; issuing a preventative warning to an operator of the vehicle of at least one automatic load shedding feature; and modifying a performance parameter of the vehicle to avoid automatic load shedding.

Preferably, the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic is a time before automatic load shedding.

Preferably, the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic is a position of the vehicle in the haul cycle at the time of automatic load shedding.

Preferably, the step of modifying the performance parameter of the vehicle comprises at least one of: limiting an engine acceleration rate; limiting traction horsepower; or to limit the speed of the vehicle.

Preferably, the step of modifying the performance parameters of the vehicle comprises utilizing variable engine acceleration rates, tractive horsepower, and speed limits based on the position of the vehicle in the haul route and the at least one learned parameter.

Preferably, the at least one learned parameter is the speed of the vehicle in a previous haul cycle.

Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of: issuing a secondary warning to the operator indicating the modified performance parameter.

Preferably, the step of estimating at least one automatic derating characteristic includes receiving a signal indicative of current engine operation, comparing the signal to an allowable range of engine operation, and predicting future engine performance based on the comparison.

Preferably, the signal is indicative of NO_xThe emission level.

Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of: receiving data relating to a geographic location of a vehicle; wherein the step of modifying the performance parameter of the vehicle to avoid automatic load shedding is based on the data relating to the geographical location.

A system for a vehicle, comprising: a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition of an engine of a vehicle; and a control unit configured to communicate with the sensor; wherein the control unit is configured to estimate a time before automatic derating of the engine and a location in a haul cycle at which the derating will occur based on engine operating conditions; and wherein the control unit is configured to modify the performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on the estimated time before the automatic load shedding and the location of the automatic load shedding.

Preferably, the sensor is NO_xSensor and operating condition is NO_xAnd (4) concentration.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood from the following description of non-limiting embodiments, read with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a haul truck having a diesel engine in which the driver alert and derate control system of the present invention may be incorporated.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a driver warning and load shedding control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a simplified method for controlling the derating of an engine of a vehicle.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with respect to haul trucks used in the surface mining industry having diesel engines, embodiments of the present invention are also generally suitable for use with internal combustion engines and vehicles employing such engines. For example, the vehicle may be an off-highway vehicle ("OHV") designed to perform operations associated with a particular industry (such as mining, construction, farming, etc.) and may include haul trucks, cranes, earth moving machines, mining machines, farming equipment, tractors, material handling equipment, earth moving equipment, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle may be a road vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer rig, a road dump truck, or the like. As used herein, "derating" means reducing the power output of the engine of the vehicle, which is used to reduce the emission concentration. As used herein, "in electrical communication" or "electrically coupled" means that certain components are configured to communicate with each other by direct or indirect signaling by means of direct or indirect electrical connections.

FIG. 1 illustrates a haul truck 10 in which the driver alert and derate control system of the present invention may be incorporated. Haul truck 10 is a dump truck specifically designed for use in high-production mining and heavy construction environments, and includes a power system 100 that powers haul truck 10. (haul truck 10 generally illustrates a vehicle, but in an embodiment, particularly implementing the systems and/or methods of the present invention on a haul truck.) referring to FIG. 2, power system 100 includes an engine 102 and a control system 150. The engine 102 may be a diesel engine, however, other types of internal combustion engines such as, for example, a gasoline engine or an engine powered by gaseous fuel (e.g., an engine operating on diesel and/or natural gas) are equally suitable.

As best shown in fig. 2, the engine 102 includes a plurality of cylinder heads 104 that at least partially define a plurality of combustion chambers 106. The engine 102 further includes a fuel system 108, an air-intake system 110, and an exhaust system 112. The fuel system 108 is configured to direct pressurized fuel into the combustion chamber 106 of the engine 102, and the air-intake system 110 is configured to direct air into the combustion chamber 106, where the air and fuel are combusted within the engine 102 to produce power and an exhaust stream, as is known in the art. Exhaust system 112 is configured to direct the exhaust flow to the atmosphere, as is also known in the art.

The fuel system 108 includes a manifold 114 through which fuel may be pumped via fuel lines to fuel injectors 116 disposed within the cylinder head 104. The fuel injectors 110 are operable to inject an amount of pressurized fuel into associated combustion chambers at predetermined times and fuel pressures, as controlled by the control system 150. In particular, by altering the injection timing and pressure of the injected fuel, the control system 150 may alter the performance of the engine 102, as discussed in detail below.

As further shown in FIG. 2, air-intake system 110 is configured to introduce pressurized air into combustion chamber 106 to facilitate combustion. In an embodiment, the control system 150 may additionally or alternatively control the power output of the engine 102 by controlling the air flow to the combustion chambers 106, as also discussed below.

The exhaust system 112 includes an exhaust manifold 118 in fluid communication with the combustion chamber 116. As is known in the art, the exhaust system is configured to remove exhaust gas from the steamThe cylinder 104 is directed to the atmosphere. In an embodiment, the control system 150 may control the power output of the engine 102 by increasing exhaust gas recirculation, and/or by varying the backpressure of the engine 102. As also shown in fig. 2, the exhaust system 112 may also include a DEF injector 112, the DEF injector 112 configured to inject an amount of diesel exhaust fluid ("DEF") from a DEF reservoir 122 into the exhaust stream before the exhaust exits the manifold 118 to the atmosphere. As is known in the art, DEF reacts with exhaust gas within the manifold 118 to remove undesirable nitrous oxides from the exhaust gas, and thereby reduce NO_xAnd (5) discharging.

The control system 150 may include a control unit 152 and a plurality of sensors for monitoring various engine operating conditions. In particular, an exhaust gas sensor 154 may be positioned near the exhaust manifold outlet and electrically coupled to the control unit 152. Sensor 154 is configured to monitor NO_xEmissions, and provide an indication to control unit 152 of NO in the exhaust stream_xSignal of concentration. Additionally, the DEF sensor 156 may be positioned within the DEF reservoir 122 and configured to monitor the DEF level in the reservoir 122. The DEF sensor 156 is also electrically coupled to the control unit 152 and provides a signal to the control unit 152 indicating the amount of DEF remaining at the reservoir 122 at any given time. While embodiments of the present invention contemplate electrical coupling, the components herein may be coupled in other ways such that data and signals may be communicated between the components, such as by wireless communication.

In an embodiment, the control unit 152 may be a microprocessor or microprocessors that include means for controlling the operation of the fuel system 108, the air-intake system 110, and/or the exhaust system 112, and may be in communication with the fuel injectors 116, the components of the air-intake system 110 and the exhaust system, as well as various sensors (such as sensors 154 and 156).

In an embodiment, the control system 150 further includes a location tracking mechanism 158, such as a GPS unit, radio frequency transmitter, or other mechanism known in the art for sending a signal to the control unit 152 indicating the exact location of the vehicle 10. As also shown in fig. 2, the driver alert mechanism 160 is electrically coupled to the control unit 152. As discussed below, the driver alert mechanism 160 provides a warning or alert to the operator of the haul truck 10 or other vehicle of a predicted engine derate due to predicted and/or actual exceeding of allowable emission levels.

To comply with stricter emissions standards (particularly, class 4 emissions standards), control system 150 is configured to automatically derate engine 112 by means known in the art when the emissions level exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, upon detection of an emission level (e.g., NO)_xEmissions) are above the allowable limit, the control unit 152 may alter the injection timing and pressure of the injected fuel, limit air flow to the combustion chamber 106, increase exhaust gas recirculation, and/or change the back pressure of the engine 102 to limit the power output of the engine until the emissions return to the allowable level. However, as discussed above, automatic engine derating is particularly undesirable in certain situations, such as when the haul truck 10 or other vehicle is hauling a load up a grade.

Accordingly, the control system of the present invention is configured to predict when an automatic engine load shedding may occur and alert the operator of a haul truck or other vehicle so that the operator may take corrective action or the operator may seek a safe location before emission levels trigger an automatic load shedding. In particular, the control system 150, and in particular the control unit 152, of the present invention is configured to estimate the time before engine derating, and where in the haul cycle derating will likely occur.

In an embodiment, the control system 150 is configured to estimate the time before engine derating based on engine and/or DEF sensor feedback (i.e., based on detected or estimated engine operating conditions). For example, the control unit 152 may receive signals indicative of operating conditions of the engine 102, and may anticipate an impending engine load shedding based on such conditions. Additionally, the control unit 152 may continuously monitor the emission concentration by means of the sensor 154, such that the control unit 152 may use a steady or sharp rise in the detected emission concentration to predict future exhaust emission concentrations, as well as to predict when the engine 102 will be automatically derated. (for example, a vehicle may be configured for emission levelsAutomatic derating is initiated when a specified emissions level threshold is exceeded. ) The control system may be configured to infer when a specified emission level threshold is to be exceeded based on a current emission level of the vehicle and the determined rate of change of the emission level. The determined rate of change may be determined based on past measurements of emission levels and a known (e.g., empirically determined) relationship (e.g., a linear relationship) of how the values change over time given a set of current operating conditions. In another embodiment, the control unit 152 may monitor the DEF level in the DEF reservoir 122 by means of the DEF sensor 156. By monitoring the amount of DEF remaining, the control unit 152 can accurately predict when DEF will be drained, and thus accurately predict NO_xWhen emissions will increase due to no more DEF (which will trigger an engine load reduction).

In an embodiment, the control unit 152 may also estimate the time before engine derating based on a drive system parameter, such as how much horsepower the engine 102 is outputting at a given time. Since emissions must increase as engine output (i.e., horsepower) increases, the control unit 152 may predict when the emission level will likely exceed an allowable threshold based on the horsepower output by the engine at any given time, the average engine output over a given period of time, or the prevailing horsepower.

In an embodiment, the control system 150 may utilize a learning algorithm to learn the haul profile of the haul truck 10 or other vehicle. For example, the control system 150 may utilize a trending analysis in which the control unit 152 monitors one or more engine operating parameters (or sensor readings) at certain predetermined time intervals and stores the one or more engine operating parameters in memory, and then predicts future engine operating parameters or sensor readings based on the trending of the recorded parameters or sensor readings. In particular, the control unit may monitor NO via the sensor 154 at predetermined time intervals_xAnd (5) discharging. Next, the control unit 154 may analyze the recorded NO_xEmission value to predict future probable NO_xAnd (5) discharging. In this manner, if the concentration of harmful emissions is readily indicated to increase and would exceed regulatory thresholds such that automatic derating would be initiated, the operator may be notified,and/or corrective action may be taken, as discussed below.

Additionally, the control unit 152 may also utilize feedback from the position tracking mechanism 158 and a learning algorithm to predict a peak in the emission concentration. For example, as the haul truck 10 or other vehicle travels along the route, its emissions (or other engine operating parameters, such as horsepower, etc.) at a particular location may be determined and recorded in memory. Such recording of the operating parameters and emission concentrations at a given location may be referred to as a "haul profile". The control unit 152 may then analyze this recorded data to determine precisely where in the haul cycle (e.g., the GPS determined location of the haul truck 10 or other vehicle) an increase in emission concentration and/or derate will occur so that corrective action may be taken to avoid automatic derating.

Estimating the time before the offloading and where in the haul cycle the offloading will occur is only one aspect of the present invention. The driver alert and derate control system of the present invention is also configured to issue a preventative warning to the operator of the haul truck or other vehicle once the control system 150 is predicted to have automatic derate action using one or more of the methods discussed above. In an embodiment, the preventative warning may be issued by a driver alert mechanism 160, which driver alert mechanism 160 may be located in the cab of the operator of the haul truck 10 or other vehicle and electrically connected to the control unit 152. The preventative warning may take the form of one or more of the following: light, sound, or control vibration. In an aspect, preventative indicates a warning that occurs prior to an automatic load shedding action. In addition, a preventative warning may inform the operator that corrective action is required to avoid automatic offloading.

After the preventative warning has been issued, intelligent driver alerts may be initiated. The intelligent driver alert may present a suggested truck/vehicle behavior modification (i.e., performance parameter modification) that will automatically proceed without an operator override to prevent automatic engine derating. Suggested truck/vehicle behavior/performance parameter modifications may be indicated to the operator by the driver alert mechanism 160. In an embodiment, truck/vehicle behavior modification (also referred to herein as performance parameter modification) may include limiting engine acceleration rate, limiting traction horsepower, and/or limiting vehicle speed, all of which result in reduced emission concentrations, and may prevent automatic engine derating. The performance parameter modification may also include limiting the engine acceleration rate, tractive horsepower, and vehicle speed depending on the location of the haul truck 10 or other vehicle in the haul route, as well as depending on learned parameters discussed above, such as speed in the previous haul cycle. Additionally, the control unit 152 may effect the truck/vehicle performance parameter modification by altering the injection timing and pressure of the injected fuel, restricting air flow to the combustion chamber 106, increasing exhaust gas recirculation, and/or changing the backpressure of the engine 102 as previously discussed. This performance parameter modification can be considered as a "controlled load shedding", which means that the load shedding is voluntarily performed in order to avoid uncontrolled and automatic load shedding.

In an embodiment, the control system 150 is configured to make the determined truck/vehicle behavior/performance parameter modification after a predetermined period of time without an operator override. When the load shedding begins, a load shedding warning may be issued by the driver alert mechanism 160. However, the operator may override the plan action modification to avoid offloading during a hill climb or other inappropriate time. As will be readily appreciated, intelligent driver alerts, automatic truck/vehicle behavior modification, and load shedding overrides provide seamless operation during appropriate critical portions of the haul cycle (such as preventing load shedding when the haul load is climbing a hill). In other embodiments, the modification of truck/vehicle behavior in response to an estimated automatic engine load reduction may be initiated manually.

FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of the driver warning and load shedding control system of the present invention. As shown therein, at step 200, the system first estimates the time before the load shedding, and where in the haul cycle the load shedding will likely occur. As discussed above, this may be accomplished through a learning algorithm, through drive system parameters, and/or through monitoring various engine parameters and sensor feedback. Once the time and location of the load shedding is determined to some extent, at step 202, the system will issue a warning to the operator via the driver alert mechanism 160 to alert the operator that the load shedding will occur unless the vehicle behavior is modified. As shown therein, at step 204, the system will then alert the driver to prevent the type of behavioral modification to be taken by the automatic offloading, and such modification will be made without operator override.

In embodiments where the haul truck 10 is a hybrid haul truck or other hybrid OHV or other hybrid vehicle, the control system 150 may utilize the stored energy to provide optimal performance. For example, when a load shedding is planned while climbing a hill, the stored energy may be utilized to provide the additional power needed to assist the haul truck 10 or other vehicle in ascending a hill.

In other embodiments, the haul truck 10 or other vehicle may be a trolley equipped vehicle, i.e., a vehicle equipped to receive electricity from an off-board line. (e.g., a route may be deployed along a portion of the route of the vehicle.) in such embodiments, the drive and control system of the vehicle may be configured to manage the derating to avoid transitioning from full trolley power to derated engine power even when off-line. Thus, in an embodiment, a system for a vehicle includes a trolley system attached to the vehicle for receiving tractive power for the vehicle from an off-board line positioned along a route of the vehicle and a control unit on-board the vehicle. (traction-powered means electricity used to power the traction motors of the vehicle to move the vehicle along the route.) the control unit is configured to control the engine of the vehicle to a first power level that is greater than a specified derated power level of the engine. This is done in response to: (i) the vehicle transitions from receiving traction power to no longer receiving traction power; and (ii) one or more engine operating conditions indicative of a derated power level. That is, if the one or more engine operating conditions indicate a derated power level (i.e., if the one or more engine operating conditions would cause the vehicle to be controlled to the derated power level under other conditions), and when the vehicle transitions from receiving off-board power to operating using the vehicle's engine without the off-board power, the control unit controls the engine to the first power level, but not the derated power level. This is done for at least the transition period after the vehicle is no longer receiving traction power. For example, the transition period may be a specified period of time long enough to prevent the power level from dropping (steeply dropping) at a specified rate, and/or to facilitate the driver alert and derate control methods set forth herein.

Another embodiment relates to a system for a mining haul truck or other vehicle. The system includes a sensor configured to monitor engine operating condition(s) of an engine of the vehicle, a control unit carried by the vehicle and in communication with the sensor, and a location tracking mechanism carried by the vehicle and in communication with the control unit, the location tracking mechanism configured to determine a geographic location of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to determine whether offloading of the engine is planned to occur within a specified geographic boundary (e.g., a portion of a route in which the vehicle will travel on a non-zero grade) based on the determined geographic location of the vehicle and the monitored engine operating condition(s). If so, the control unit is configured to modify the performance parameters of the vehicle to avoid offloading within the boundary before the vehicle enters the designated geographic boundary.

As will be readily appreciated, the intelligent driver alert and derating control system of the present invention is proactive in nature in that it predicts when and where in the haul cycle emissions may exceed allowable threshold levels (and thus when the engine may be automatically derated to comply with stringent emission standards) so that corrective action may be taken to avoid derating at undesirable times. This is in contrast to prior systems, which are only reactive in nature, which automatically and undesirably derate the engine only when the emission concentration actually exceeds the allowable limit, resulting in a potentially unsafe ramp derate. By predicting when offloading will occur, preventative action can be taken to avoid offloading while climbing a hill, thereby improving safety and limiting production impact.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a driver warning and load shedding control system for a vehicle. The system includes a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition, and a control unit in communication with the sensor. The control unit is configured to estimate a time before automatic derating of the engine based on engine operating conditions, and to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on the estimated time before automatic derating.

In an embodiment, the control unit is further configured to receive a signal indicative of an engine operating condition, compare the signal to an allowable range of engine operating conditions, and predict future engine performance based on the signal. In an embodiment, the performance parameter is one of an engine acceleration rate, a tractive horsepower, and a vehicle speed.

In an embodiment, the sensor is NO_xSensor and operating condition is NO_xAnd (4) concentration.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a driver warning mechanism. The driver alert mechanism may be configured to issue a preventative warning indicating a modification of the performance parameter. The preventative warning may be one or more of light, sound, and vibration.

In another embodiment, the system may further include a position tracking mechanism in communication with the control unit. The position tracking mechanism may be configured to forward signals related to the geographic position of the vehicle to the control unit.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate the time before automatic load shedding based on the drive system parameter.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to modify the performance parameter based on a geographical location of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, a method for controlling engine derating of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the following steps: the method includes estimating at least one automatic load shedding characteristic, issuing a preventative warning to an operator of the vehicle of the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic, and modifying a performance parameter of the vehicle to avoid automatic load shedding.

In an embodiment, the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic is a time before automatic load shedding. In an embodiment, the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic is a position of the vehicle in a haul cycle at the time of the automatic load shedding.

In an embodiment, the step of modifying the performance parameter of the vehicle comprises at least one of: limiting engine acceleration rate, limiting tractive horsepower, and limiting vehicle speed. In another embodiment, the step of modifying the performance parameter of the vehicle includes utilizing variable engine acceleration rates, tractive horsepower, and speed limits based on the position of the vehicle in the haul route and the at least one learned parameter. In an embodiment, the at least one learned parameter is the speed of the vehicle in a previous haul cycle.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of issuing a secondary warning to the operator indicative of the modified performance parameter.

In an embodiment, the step of estimating at least one automatic derating characteristic includes receiving a signal indicative of current engine operation, comparing the signal to an allowable range of engine operation, and predicting future engine performance based on the signal.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of receiving data relating to the geographical location of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the step of modifying the performance parameter of the vehicle to avoid automatic load shedding may be based on data relating to the geographical location.

In an embodiment, the signal indicates NO_xThe emission level.

In another embodiment, an engine control system for an off-highway vehicle is provided. The system includes an engine, an exhaust system associated with the engine, a fuel system associated with the engine, an air intake system associated with the engine, a sensor configured to monitor an operating condition of the engine, and a control unit in communication with the sensor. The control unit is configured to estimate a time before automatic load shedding of the engine and a location in the haul cycle where the load shedding will occur based on the engine operating conditions, and to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on the estimated time before automatic load shedding and the location of the automatic load shedding.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the embodiments described above (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in conjunction with one another. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-english equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein". Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," and the like are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Additionally, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in a format that is means-plus-function and are not intended to be interpreted based on the 35 u.s.c § 112 sixth paragraph unless and until such claims are limited to the phrase "intended" clearly used following the recitation of a function without additional structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising," "including," or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Since certain changes may be made in the driver alert and load shedding control system without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as illustrative examples illustrating the inventive concepts herein and shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention.

Claims

1. A system for a vehicle, comprising:

a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition of an engine of the vehicle; and

a control unit configured to communicate with the sensor;

wherein the control unit is configured to determine an estimated time before automatic derating of the engine based on the engine operating conditions; and is

Wherein the control unit is configured to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on the estimated time before the automatic load shedding.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to:

receiving a signal indicative of the engine operating condition,

comparing the signal to an allowable range of engine operating conditions, an

Predicting future engine performance based on the comparison.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein:

said sensor is NO_xA sensor, and

the engine operating condition is NO_xAnd (4) concentration.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a driver alert mechanism configured to issue a preventative warning indicating modification of the performance parameter.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein:

the preventative warning is one or more of a light, a sound, or a vibration.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a position tracking mechanism configured to communicate with the control unit, the position tracking mechanism configured to forward a signal related to the geographic location of the vehicle to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to modify the performance parameter based on the geographic location of the vehicle.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the control unit is configured to determine the estimated time before the automatic load shedding further based on a drive system parameter of a drive system of the vehicle.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the performance parameter is at least one of an engine acceleration rate, a tractive horsepower, or a vehicle speed.

9. A method for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

estimating at least one automatic load shedding characteristic;

issuing a preventative warning to an operator of the vehicle of at least one automatic load shedding feature; and is

Modifying a performance parameter of the vehicle to avoid automatic load shedding.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein:

the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic is a time prior to automatic load shedding.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein:

the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic is a position of the vehicle in a haul cycle at the time of automatic load shedding.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of modifying the performance parameter of the vehicle comprises at least one of:

limiting an engine acceleration rate;

limiting traction horsepower; or

Limiting the speed of the vehicle.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of modifying the performance parameter of the vehicle comprises:

utilizing variable engine acceleration rates, tractive horsepower, and speed limits based on the vehicle's position in the haul route and at least one learned parameter.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein:

the at least one learned parameter is a speed of the vehicle in a previous haul cycle.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of:

issuing a secondary warning to the operator indicating the modified performance parameter.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of estimating the at least one automatic load shedding characteristic comprises:

a signal indicative of current engine operation is received,

comparing the signal with an allowable range of engine operation, and

predicting future engine performance based on the comparison.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein:

the signal being indicative of NO_xThe emission level.

18. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of:

receiving data relating to a geographic location of the vehicle;

wherein the step of modifying a performance parameter of the vehicle to avoid automatic load shedding is based on the data relating to the geographic location.

19. A system for a vehicle, comprising:

a control unit configured to communicate with the sensor;

characterized in that the control unit is configured to estimate a time before automatic load shedding of the engine and a position in a haul cycle in which the load shedding will occur, based on the engine operating conditions; and is

Wherein the control unit is configured to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence on an estimated time before the automatic load shedding and a location of the automatic load shedding.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein:

said sensor is NO_xA sensor, and

the emission condition is NO_xAnd (4) concentration.