Apparatus and method for controlling air/fuel ratio using ionization measurements

摘要

An air/fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine to reduce emissions and increase engine efficiencies includes an ionization apparatus for detecting and measuring ionization within a combustion cylinder and generating an ionization signal based upon the ionization detection and measurements. Also included is an air/fuel ratio controller in electrical communication with the ionization apparatus. The controller receives the ionization signal and controls the air/fuel ratio in the engine based at least in part upon the ionization signal. In a preferred embodiment of the control system, the controller controls the air/fuel ratio based upon a first local peak in the ionization signal. In another embodiment, the controller controls the air/fuel ratio based upon maximizing the first local peak in the ionization signal.