Patent attributes
A system is provided for automatically shutting down an engine in response to the engine operating while in an enclosed space to prevent dangers associated with carbon monoxide accumulating in the enclosed space. The engine has an oxygen sensor in its exhaust that is configured to detect oxygen in the exhaust or ambient. A controller can be programmed to shut down the engine based on a determination that the engine is operating in a confined or enclosed space by analyzing a rate of change of the oxygen content in the exhaust or ambient, and compares the rate to a threshold. The shutdown may be commanded if the rate exceeds the threshold. In some embodiments, the shutdown may additionally be in response to a temperature of the ambient air or intake air increasing, which furthers the confidence of the determination that the engine is operating in a confined or enclosed space.
