AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RESTARTING AN ENGINE

摘要

An apparatus and method for restarting an internal combustion engine 2 in which, if a driver change of mind event occurs during an engine shut-down period, a compressed air motor 5 is activated to restart the engine 2 with minimal delay. An electronic control unit (ECU) 9 is used to control the operation of the air motor and to electronically control a valve to control the flow of air to the air motor 5 from an air reservoir 6. The ECU 9 may also control the operation of an electronically controlled clutch 4 driveably positioned between the air motor 5 and the engine 2. The air motor 5 may also be used as a pump to recharge the air reservoir, preferably when the vehicle is braking or when the engine is operating in an overrun condition.