Cylinder deactivation during dynamic diesel engine operation

Cylinder deactivation can be implemented at low loads in diesel engines to improve efficiency and aftertreatment thermal management through reductions in pumping work and airflow, respectively. The rate of increase of torque/power during diesel engine transients is limited by the engine's ability to increase the airflow quickly enough to allow sufficient fuel addition to meet the desired torque/power. The reduced airflow during cylinder deactivation needs to be managed properly so as to not slow the torque/power response. This paper demonstrates that it is possible to operate a diesel engine at low loads in cylinder deactivation without compromising its transient torque/power capabilities, a key finding in enabling the practical implementation of cylinder deactivation in diesel engines.