Variable geometry turbocharger control

Abstract

A machine includes a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and a controller. The controller monitors a plurality of hardware limitation parameters associated with an engine of the machine based on causing the VGT to operate in accordance with a non-dynamic control scheme. The controller determines that a hardware restriction parameter of the plurality of hardware restriction parameters satisfies a dynamic threshold of the hardware restriction parameter, thereby causing the VGT to operate in accordance with the dynamic control scheme. The controller then monitors the plurality of hardware restriction parameters to determine that each of the plurality of hardware restriction parameters satisfies a non-dynamic threshold of the hardware restriction parameter. Thus, the controller causes the VGT to operate again according to the non-dynamic control scheme.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and, for example, to the control of the VGT. Background Art

[0002] A VGT is a turbocharger with adjustable geometry that can be used in a machine to promote optimized performance of the machine. For example, one or more components of the VGT can be adjusted to control the flow and / or pressure of the exhaust gas flowing through the VGT, which enables improved efficiency, improved power output, and better response in the machine. During the operating life of the VGT, one or more components of the VGT are subject to wear, such as due to the movement of one or more components (e.g., between different positions). This affects the durability of one or more components, which reduces the performance of the VGT and ultimately leads to failure of one or more adjustable components, and therefore to failure of the VGT. Therefore, there is a need for a control strategy for the VGT that allows the VGT to provide optimized performance of the machine and also reduces the number of unnecessary movements of the VGT (e.g., to improve the durability of one or more components of the VGT and avoid failure of the VGT).

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 8,302,397 (the '397 patent) discloses controlling a sequential turbocharger by generating a control mode signal based on an engine speed signal, an engine torque signal, and an engine mode signal. The control mode signal indicates one of an open-loop control mode and a closed-loop control mode. A feedforward value is determined based on the control mode signal, the engine speed signal, and the engine torque signal. When the control mode signal switches from the open-loop control mode to the closed-loop control mode, a loop control value is determined based on the feedforward value, a variable geometry turbine control signal, and an error signal.

[0004] While the '397 patent discloses some benefits for controlling a sequential turbocharger, the present invention is associated with a controller that controls the VGT of an engine by monitoring multiple hardware limiting parameters associated with the engine (rather than an engine speed signal, an engine torque signal, and an engine mode signal) and determining whether to operate the VGT according to a dynamic control scheme or a non-dynamic control scheme. This allows the VGT to provide optimized performance and improves the durability of one or more components of the VGT.

[0005] The controller of the present invention solves one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] In some implementations, a machine includes: a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT); and a controller configured to: cause the VGT to operate according to a non-dynamic control scheme; based on causing the VGT to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme, monitor a plurality of hardware limiting parameters associated with an engine of the machine during a first time period; based on monitoring the plurality of hardware limiting parameters during the first time period, determine that a hardware limiting parameter among the plurality of hardware limiting parameters satisfies a dynamic threshold value for the hardware limiting parameter; based on determining that the hardware limiting parameter satisfies the dynamic threshold value, cause the VGT to operate according to a dynamic control scheme; based on causing the VGT to operate according to the dynamic control scheme, monitor the plurality of hardware limiting parameters during a second time period; based on monitoring the plurality of hardware limiting parameters during the second time period, determine that each of the plurality of hardware limiting parameters satisfies the non-dynamic threshold value for the hardware limiting parameter; and based on determining that each hardware limiting parameter satisfies the non-dynamic threshold value for the hardware limiting parameter, cause the VGT to operate again according to the non-dynamic control scheme.

[0007] In some implementations, a controller of a machine includes one or more memories; and one or more processors configured to: identify that a VGT of the machine is operating according to a non-dynamic control scheme; after identifying that the VGT is operating according to the non-dynamic control scheme, monitor multiple hardware limit parameters associated with an engine of the machine; determine that a hardware limit parameter among the multiple hardware limit parameters satisfies a dynamic threshold based on monitoring the multiple hardware limit parameters; and cause the VGT to operate according to a dynamic control scheme based on determining that the hardware limit parameter satisfies the dynamic threshold.

[0008] In some implementations, a method includes identifying, by a controller of a machine, that a VGT of the machine is operating according to a dynamic control scheme; after identifying that the VGT is operating according to the dynamic control scheme, monitoring, by the controller, a plurality of hardware limit parameters associated with an engine of the machine; determining, by the controller and based on monitoring the plurality of hardware limit parameters, that the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfy a plurality of non-dynamic thresholds; and causing the VGT to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme, by the controller and based on determining that the hardware limit parameters satisfy the dynamic threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine described herein.

[0010] Figure 2 is a diagram of an exemplary engine described herein.

[0011] Figure 3 is a diagram of an exemplary environment in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented.

[0012] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary process associated with control of a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a controller, such as an engine control module (ECM), that controls a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), such as by causing the VGT to operate according to a particular control scheme among a plurality of control schemes. The controller and VGT as described herein have general applicability to any machine using such a controller and VGT. The term "machine" may refer to a vehicle, any machine that performs operations associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry, and any other machine that includes a VGT. As some examples, the machine can be a motor vehicle (e.g., a passenger car, a truck, or another vehicle), an off-road truck, a backhoe loader, a cold planer, a wheel loader, a compactor, a feller buncher, a forestry machine, a conveyor, a harvester, an excavator, an industrial loader, a clamp loader, a material handler, a motor grader, a pipelayer, a road reclaimer, a skid steer loader, a skid steer loader, a telehandler, a tractor, a bulldozer, a tractor-scraper, a pump, a generator set (e.g., a “genset”), fixed equipment, non-fixed equipment, or other above-ground equipment, underground equipment, aerial equipment, or marine equipment.

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine 100 as described herein. For example, machine 100 may include a mobile machine such as Figure 1 The wheel loader shown, or any other type of mobile machine. The machine 100 may include an operator station 120, one or more traction devices 140 (sometimes referred to as ground engaging), a power source 160 operably connected to provide power to drive at least one of the traction devices 140, and a controller 180 (e.g., an ECM) connected to one or more components of the machine 100. The controller 180 may perform operations related to controlling the VGT of the power source 160, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0015] As mentioned above, Figure 1 are provided as examples. Other examples may vary in combination with Figure 1 Examples described.

[0016] Figure 2is a diagram of an exemplary power system 200 as described herein that may be included in power source 160. Power system 200 may include a compression ignition internal combustion engine, or may include any other type of internal combustion engine. Additionally or alternatively, power system 200 may include a fuel cell, another type of internal combustion engine, and / or another type of energy conversion device. Power system 200 may be fueled by a fuel such as gasoline, biodiesel, dimethyl ether, a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen, natural gas, and propane, alcohol, ethanol, and / or any combination thereof. Figure 2 As shown, powertrain 200 may include compressor 202, intake manifold 204, power generation block 206, turbine 208, common shaft 210, sensor system 212, controller 180, and / or one or more other components (not shown). Compressor 202, turbine 208, and common shaft 210 together form VGT 214, as further described herein.

[0017] like Figure 2 As further shown in FIG. 2 , air (e.g., ambient air from an environment external to power system 200) may be introduced into power system 200, such as via compressor 202. In some implementations, exhaust gas (e.g., generated by power generation block 206 of power system 200) may be provided to compressor 202 (e.g., via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, not shown), and thus compressor 202 may introduce air and exhaust gas into power system 200. Compressor 202 may pressurize and provide air (or air and exhaust gas) to intake manifold 204. Intake manifold 204 may mix and distribute the air (or air and exhaust gas) to power generation block 206 for subsequent power generation processes (e.g., generating and providing power to drive at least one of traction devices 140 of machine 100).

[0018] As part of the power generation process, the power generation block 206 generates exhaust gas that flows out of the power generation block 206. For example, when the power generation block 206 includes multiple cylinders (e.g., six or more cylinders), the multiple cylinders can generate exhaust gas due to the combustion process. The exhaust gas can flow to the turbine 208. A portion of the exhaust gas can be provided to the compressor 202 (e.g., via an EGR system).

[0019] Turbine 208 may be positioned to receive exhaust gas from power generation block 206 and may be connected to compressor 202 via common shaft 210. As exhaust gas flows through turbine 208 and expands against its blades (and / or other components), turbine 208 may rotate and drive compressor 202 to pressurize air (or air and exhaust gas).

[0020] The turbine 208, the compressor 202, and the common shaft 210 may form a VGT 214. That is, the VGT 214 may include an assembly including the turbine 208, the compressor 202, and the common shaft 210 (e.g., where the turbine 208 and the compressor 202 are connected to the common shaft 210 via respective wheels), which is sometimes referred to as a "shaft and wheel" assembly. The turbine 208 may be a variable geometry turbine that includes one or more adjustable components, such as one or more adjustable vanes, an adjustable inlet, an adjustable outlet, and / or an adjustable flow area control element, each of which may be adjusted to vary the performance of the VGT 214. For example, the one or more adjustable vanes may be extended to a "closed" position or may be retracted to an "open" position or a "partially open" position, which may control how much the common shaft 210 rotates and thus may cause more or less energy from the exhaust flow to be transferred to the compressor 202 (e.g., via the common shaft 210). This may cause compressor 202 to change (e.g., increase or decrease) air flow (and / or flow of air and exhaust) to intake manifold 204. This in turn changes (e.g., increases or decreases) exhaust flow through VGT 214, which changes (e.g., increases or decreases) the speed of VGT 214 (e.g., the speed of the shaft and wheel assembly of VGT 214, the speed at which turbine 208 rotates on common shaft 210, and / or another speed associated with VGT 214).

[0021] During the operating life of the VGT 214, one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214 are subject to wear, such as due to the movement of the one or more adjustable components. For example, the one or more adjustable blades are subject to wear due to movement between a closed position, an open position, and a partially open position. This affects the durability of the one or more adjustable components, which reduces the performance of the VGT 214 and ultimately leads to failure of the one or more adjustable components, and thus to failure of the VGT 214. Therefore, it is important to control the VGT 214 (e.g., control the movement or adjustment of the one or more adjustable components) to reduce the amount of excessive movement of the one or more adjustable components and thereby improve the durability of the one or more adjustable components, which reduces the likelihood that impaired performance of the powertrain 200 and / or components of the powertrain 200 will be affected by a failure of the VGT 214.

[0022] As further described herein, the controller 180 may provide control of the power system 200 and / or components of the power system 200 (such as the VGT 214). The controller 180 may be implemented as a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. The processor may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The controller 180 may include one or more processors that can be programmed to perform functions. One or more memories including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) may store information and / or instructions for use by the controller 180. The controller 180 may include a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) capable of storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform one or more processes and / or methods described herein.

[0023] The sensor system 212 may provide measurements associated with various parameters used by the controller 180 to control the power system 200 and / or components of the power system 200. The sensor system 212 may include physical sensors and / or any suitable type of control system that generates sensed parameter values ​​based on a computational model and / or one or more measured parameters. As used herein, "sensed parameters" may refer to those measured parameters that are directly measured and / or estimated by one or more sensors (e.g., physical sensors, virtual sensors, and / or other sensors). Exemplary sensors may include temperature sensors (e.g., measuring oil temperature of an engine of power system 200), speed sensors (e.g., measuring speed of the engine of power system 200 and / or speed of VGT 214, such as in revolutions per minute (RPM)), position sensors (e.g., measuring respective positions of one or more components of VGT 214 (e.g., one or more blades of turbine 208)), pressure sensors (e.g., measuring pressure, such as intake manifold absolute pressure (IMAP) associated with intake manifold 204 and / or back pressure caused by exhaust treatment system of power system 200 on VGT 214, such as in kilopascals (kPa)), engine airflow sensors (e.g., measuring engine airflow rate, such as in cubic meters per minute, cubic feet per minute, etc.), and / or other sensors. Sensed parameters may also include any output parameter that may be measured indirectly by a physical sensor and / or calculated based on readings of a physical sensor.

[0024] As mentioned above, Figure 2 are provided as examples. Other examples may vary in combination with Figure 2 Examples described.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram of an example environment 300 in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented. Figure 3 As shown, environment 300 may include one or more control devices 310 (individually referred to as "control device 310" and collectively referred to as "control device 310") and one or more sensors 320 (individually referred to as "sensor 320" and collectively referred to as "sensor 320") and controller 180. The devices and / or components of environment 300 may be interconnected via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0026] The control device 310 may be any type of device that may be used by the controller 180 to control a performance characteristic of the power system 200. For example, the control device 310 may include one or more actuators, switches, etc. that are capable of controlling components of the power system 200. The control device 310 may be capable of adjusting one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214, such as one or more adjustable blades of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214 (e.g., from a first blade position to a second blade position). The sensor 320 may include any type of sensor configured to measure an operating condition of the power system 200. As described herein, the sensor 320 may be a sensor of the sensor system 212.

[0027] The controller 180 may include one or more devices configured to control one or more components of the power system 200. For example, the controller 180 may be configured to control the VGT 214, such as to change (e.g., control) the exhaust flow through the VGT 214 and / or the speed of the VGT 214, etc. The controller 180 may control one or more components of the power system 200 by sending one or more commands to one or more control devices 310.

[0028] The controller 180 may obtain information about the power system 200 from the sensor 320 (e.g., directly from the sensor 320 or via one or more other components or devices of the power system 200, such as a different controller). For example, the controller 180 may obtain information about the speed of the engine of the power system 200, information about the oil temperature of the engine of the power system 200, information about the setting of the VGT 214 (e.g., an “open” setting, a “closed” setting, or a “partially open” setting indicating a position of at least one component (e.g., at least one adjustable vane) of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214), and / or information about the speed of the VGT 214 (e.g., the speed of the turbine 208 of the VGT 214), etc. The controller 180 may obtain information about the power system 200 based on the operation of the machine 100. That is, the controller 180 may obtain the information while the machine is operating (e.g., the machine is powered on and operating).

[0029] In some implementations, the controller 180 may cause the VGT 214 to operate according to a control scheme, such as a non-dynamic control scheme or a dynamic control scheme.

[0030] For example, the controller 180 may cause the VGT 214 to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme. To cause the VGT 214 to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme, the controller 180 may identify a non-dynamic control map, which may be a pre-configured map indicating a suggested geometry of the VGT 214 (e.g., suggested positions of one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214) and a predicted IMAP associated with the suggested geometry (e.g., for different engine operating parameters). The controller 180 may determine the suggested geometry of the VGT 214 and the predicted IMAP of the engine associated with the suggested geometry based on the non-dynamic control map and one or more engine operating parameters associated with the operation of the engine of the powertrain 200 (e.g., speed of the engine of the powertrain 200 obtained from the sensor 320 and / or braking of the engine 320, among other examples). The controller 180 (e.g., by communicating with the sensor 320) may then identify the current IMAP of the engine and the current geometry of the VGT 214. Thus, the controller 180 may cause or prevent adjustment of the VGT 214 based on the predicted IMAP, the current IMAP, the suggested geometry of the VGT 214, and the current geometry of the VGT 214. For example, when the difference between the predicted IMAP and the current IMAP satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) an IMAP difference threshold (e.g., equal to a percentage of the predicted IMAP, such as 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 75%, among other examples), the controller 180 may cause adjustment of the VGT 214 (e.g., cause one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214 to move to a position indicated by the suggested geometry). As another example, when the difference between the predicted IMAP and the current IMAP does not satisfy (e.g., is less than) the IMAP difference threshold, the controller 180 may prevent adjustment of the VGT 214 (e.g., prevent one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214 from moving away from a position indicated by the current geometry).

[0031] As another example, the controller 180 may cause the VGT 214 to operate according to a dynamic control scheme. To cause the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme, the controller 180 may determine a recommended geometry of the VGT 214 and a predicted IMAP of the engine associated with the recommended geometry, such as by processing (e.g., using processing techniques rather than using a pre-configured map) one or more engine operating parameters and at least one of a plurality of hardware limiting parameters associated with an engine of the powertrain 200 (e.g., a peak cylinder pressure parameter, a VGT speed parameter, a compressor surge parameter, a compressor choke parameter, and / or an exhaust temperature parameter obtained from the sensor 320, among other examples). The controller 180 (e.g., by communicating with the sensor 320) may then identify the current IMAP of the engine and the current geometry of the VGT 214. Thus, the controller 180 may cause or prevent adjustment of the VGT 214 based on the predicted IMAP, the current IMAP, the recommended geometry of the VGT 214, and the current geometry of the VGT 214. For example, when the difference between the predicted IMAP and the current IMAP is different (e.g., not equal to each other) and the recommended geometry and the current geometry are different, the controller 180 may cause adjustment of the VGT 214 (e.g., cause one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214 to move to a position indicated by the recommended geometry). Otherwise, the controller 180 may prevent adjustment of the VGT 214.

[0032] Thus, when operating the VGT 214 according to a dynamic control scheme, the controller 180 may allow the VGT 214 to be actively adjusted to a target desired pressure associated with the VGT 214 (e.g., a target desired boost pressure), such as by being continuously adjusted to minimize the difference between the desired pressure and the current pressure (e.g., the current boost pressure). In contrast, when operating the VGT 214 according to a non-dynamic control scheme, the controller 180 may allow the VGT 214 to be passively adjusted (e.g., by using a non-dynamic control map, such as based on other parameters) to target the desired pressure associated with the VGT 214, such as by adjusting only when the difference between the desired pressure and the current pressure becomes too large.

[0033] In some implementations, operating the VGT 214 according to a dynamic control scheme may allow the VGT 214 to be adjusted (e.g., by the controller 180 and / or the one or more control devices 310) at an adjustment rate that satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) a threshold adjustment rate. For example, when the threshold adjustment rate is once per second, the controller 180 may allow the VGT 214 to be adjusted (e.g., by the controller 180 and / or the one or more control devices 310) at an adjustment rate that is several times per second. Additionally, operating the VGT 214 according to a non-dynamic control scheme may prevent the VGT from being adjusted at an adjustment rate that satisfies the threshold adjustment rate. For example, when the threshold adjustment rate is once per second, the controller 180 may prevent the VGT 214 from being adjusted more than once per second. Thus, when the VGT 214 is operating according to a dynamic control scheme, the VGT 214 may be allowed to be adjusted at a first maximum adjustment rate, and when the VGT 214 is operating according to a non-dynamic control scheme, the VGT 214 may be allowed to be adjusted at a second maximum adjustment rate (e.g., different from the first maximum adjustment rate). The first maximum regulation rate may be greater than the second maximum regulation rate.

[0034] In some implementations, the controller 180 may determine that the VGT 214 is to be operated according to a non-dynamic control scheme, and may thereby cause the VGT 214 to be operated according to the non-dynamic control scheme. For example, during an initial startup of the machine 100 and / or an engine associated with the power system 200, the controller 180 may determine that the VGT 214 is to be operated according to a non-dynamic control scheme. Therefore, the controller 180 may cause (e.g., by communicating with one or more control devices 310) the VGT 214 to be operated according to the non-dynamic control scheme.

[0035] The controller 180 may determine that the VGT 214 is to be operated according to the dynamic control scheme, and may thereby cause the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme. For example, the controller 180 may identify that the VGT 214 is operating according to the non-dynamic control scheme (e.g., after causing the VGT to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme). Accordingly, the controller 180 may monitor (e.g., based on causing and / or identifying that the VGT is operating according to the non-dynamic control scheme) a plurality of hardware limit parameters associated with the engine (e.g., during a first time period associated with operation of the VGT 214 according to the non-dynamic control scheme). The plurality of hardware limiting parameters may include at least two (or at least three, four, or more) of a peak cylinder pressure parameter (e.g., indicating a peak cylinder pressure associated with a plurality of cylinders of the power generation block 206); a VGT speed parameter (e.g., indicating a speed of a shaft and wheel assembly of the VGT 214, a speed at which the turbine 208 rotates on the common shaft 210, and / or another speed associated with the VGT 214); a compressor surge parameter (e.g., indicating a compressor surge value associated with the compressor 202 of the VGT 214); a compressor choke parameter (e.g., indicating a compressor choke value associated with the compressor 202 of the VGT 214); or an exhaust temperature parameter (e.g., indicating a temperature of the exhaust before, during, and / or after flowing through the turbine 208 of the VGT 214), as well as other examples.

[0036] Each hardware limit parameter may be associated with a corresponding dynamic threshold. When a hardware limit parameter satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) the dynamic threshold associated with the hardware limit parameter, the VGT 214 should be operated according to the dynamic control scheme (e.g., to prevent the hardware limit parameter from increasing to a level that has a potential for causing damage to the VGT 214, the powertrain 200, and / or the machine 100). Thus, the controller 180 may determine (e.g., based on monitoring the plurality of hardware limit parameters during a first time period) that a hardware limit parameter among the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfies the dynamic threshold for the hardware limit parameter. Thus, the controller 180 causes (e.g., by communicating with one or more control devices 310) the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme (e.g., based on determining that the hardware limit parameter satisfies the dynamic threshold).

[0037] The controller 180 (e.g., after causing the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme) may determine that the VGT 214 is to operate (e.g., operate again) according to the non-dynamic control scheme, and may thereby cause the VGT 214 to operate (again) according to the non-dynamic control scheme. For example, the controller 180 may monitor (e.g., may again monitor) a plurality of hardware limit parameters (e.g., during a second time period associated with the operation of the VGT 214 according to the dynamic control scheme). Each hardware limit parameter may be associated with a corresponding non-dynamic threshold value. When each hardware limit parameter satisfies (e.g., is less than or equal to) the non-dynamic threshold value associated with the hardware limit parameter, the VGT 214 should be operated according to the non-dynamic control scheme (e.g., because dynamic control of the VGT 214 is not required to prevent damage to the VGT 214, the powertrain 200, and / or the machine 100). Therefore, the controller 180 may determine (e.g., based on monitoring the plurality of hardware limit parameters during the second time period) that the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfy the plurality of non-dynamic threshold values ​​(e.g., each of the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfies the non-dynamic threshold value of the hardware limit parameter). The controller 180 (eg, based on determining that the plurality of hardware limiting parameters satisfy the plurality of non-dynamic thresholds) may therefore (eg, via communication with the control device 310) cause the VGT 214 to (again) operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme.

[0038] In a similar manner as described above, the controller 180 (e.g., after causing the VGT 214 to operate again according to the non-dynamic control scheme) may determine that the VGT 214 is to operate (e.g., operate again) according to the dynamic control scheme, and may thereby cause the VGT 214 to operate (again) according to the dynamic control scheme. For example, the controller 180 may monitor (e.g., monitor again) a plurality of hardware limit parameters, and thereby may determine that a hardware limit parameter among the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfies a dynamic threshold value. Then, based on determining that the hardware limit parameter satisfies the dynamic threshold value, the controller 180 may cause the VGT to operate (again) according to the dynamic control scheme.

[0039] It is noteworthy that for each of the multiple hardware limit parameters, the dynamic threshold value of the hardware limit parameter and the non-dynamic threshold value of the hardware limit parameter can be different. For example, the dynamic threshold value can be greater than the non-dynamic threshold value. This allows the controller 180 to cause the VGT 214 to operate according to a dynamic control scheme of the value of the hardware limit parameter, otherwise the value of the hardware limit parameter will not be sufficient to cause the controller 180 to switch the operation from the non-dynamic control scheme to the dynamic control scheme, but unnecessary switching between control schemes can be prevented. In this way, the controller 180 provides a hysteresis function for controlling the VGT 214.

[0040] The controller 180 may delay switching between control schemes (e.g., when the VGT 214 is operating according to the non-dynamic control scheme, causing the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme may be delayed, and vice versa). This may prevent unnecessary switching between control schemes. For example, the controller 180 that causes the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme (after operating according to the non-dynamic control scheme) may determine a first time that the controller 180 determines that the hardware limit parameter satisfies the dynamic threshold value (e.g., as described above), and may cause the VGT to operate according to the dynamic control scheme at a second time after the first time. As another example, the controller 180 that causes the VGT 214 to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme (after operating according to the dynamic control scheme) may determine a first time that the controller 180 determines that each hardware limit parameter satisfies the non-dynamic threshold value of the hardware limit parameter (e.g., as described above), and may cause the VGT 214 to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme at a second time after the first time. It is worth noting that in each example, the difference between the first time and the second time can meet (e.g., can be greater than or equal to) a time difference threshold (e.g., in other examples, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds). In this way, the controller 180 provides a debouncing function for controlling the VGT 214.

[0041] In some implementations, the controller 180 may cause the VGT 214 to adjust at a higher speed when operating according to a dynamic control scheme, and to adjust at a lower speed when operating according to a non-dynamic control scheme. For example, in order to cause the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme, the controller 180 may increase the adjustment speed of the VGT 214, thereby causing the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme (e.g., based on the increased adjustment speed). This may allow the VGT 214 to quickly provide optimized performance when the VGT 214 operates according to the dynamic control scheme. As another example, in order to cause the VGT 214 to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme, the controller 180 may reduce the adjustment speed of the VGT 214, and thereby causing the VGT 214 to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme (e.g., based on the reduced adjustment speed). This may allow the VGT 214 to reduce stress on one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214 (e.g., that would otherwise be caused by the increased adjustment speed), thereby improving the durability of one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214.

[0042] Figure 3 The number and arrangement of the devices shown in FIG. 1 are provided as examples. In practice, Figure 3 devices, fewer devices, different devices, fewer devices, different devices, or differently arranged devices. In addition, Figure 3Two or more of the devices shown may be implemented in a single device, or Figure 3 The single device shown may be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, one or more devices of environment 300 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of environment 300.

[0043] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary process 400 associated with controlling a VGT. Figure 4 One or more processing blocks of may be executed by a controller (eg, controller 180). In some implementations, Figure 4 One or more processing blocks may be performed by another device or group of devices separate from or including the controller, such as a control device (eg, control device 310) and / or a sensor (eg, sensor 320).

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, process 400 may include causing the VGT to operate according to a non-dynamic control scheme (block 410). For example, as described above, the controller may cause the VGT to operate according to a non-dynamic control scheme.

[0045] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include monitoring a plurality of hardware limit parameters associated with the engine based on operating the VGT according to a non-dynamic control scheme (block 420 ). For example, as described above, the controller may monitor a plurality of hardware limit parameters associated with the engine based on operating the VGT according to a non-dynamic control scheme.

[0046] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include determining that a hardware constraint parameter among the plurality of hardware constraint parameters satisfies a dynamic threshold value of the hardware constraint parameter (block 430). For example, as described above, the controller may determine that a hardware constraint parameter among the plurality of hardware constraint parameters satisfies a dynamic threshold value of the hardware constraint parameter based on monitoring the plurality of hardware constraint parameters.

[0047] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include causing the VGT to operate according to a dynamic control scheme (block 440 ). For example, as described above, based on determining that a hardware limit parameter satisfies a dynamic threshold, the controller may cause the VGT to operate according to the dynamic control scheme.

[0048] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include monitoring a plurality of hardware limiting parameters (block 450 ). For example, as described above, the controller may monitor a plurality of hardware limiting parameters based on operating the VGT according to a dynamic control scheme.

[0049] like Figure 4As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include determining that each of the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfies a non-dynamic threshold value for the hardware limit parameter (block 460). For example, as described above, the controller may determine that each of the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfies the non-dynamic threshold value for the hardware limit parameter based on monitoring the plurality of hardware limit parameters during the second time period.

[0050] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include causing the VGT to operate again according to the non-dynamic control scheme (block 470 ). For example, as described above, based on determining that each hardware limiting parameter satisfies the non-dynamic threshold value of the hardware limiting parameter, the controller may cause the VGT to operate again according to the non-dynamic control scheme.

[0051] Although Figure 4 Exemplary blocks of process 400 are shown, but in some implementations, process 400 may include Figure 4 Additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in process 400. Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks of process 400 may be performed in parallel.

[0052] Industrial Applicability

[0053] The above-described techniques allow the controller 180 of the machine 100 to control the VGT 214 (e.g., one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214) associated with the power source 160, which may include the power system 200. The controller 180 monitors a plurality of hardware limiting parameters associated with the engine associated with the power source 160 and determines whether to cause the VGT 214 to operate according to a dynamic control scheme (e.g., allowing active adjustment of the VGT 214 to target a desired pressure associated with the VGT 214) or a non-dynamic control scheme (e.g., allowing passive adjustment of the VGT 214 to target a desired pressure associated with the VGT 214).

[0054] Thus, when the hardware limit parameter satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) the dynamic threshold, the controller 180 causes the VGT 214 to operate according to the dynamic control scheme, which reduces the likelihood that the VGT 214 will operate in a manner that is harmful to the VGT 214, the powertrain 200, the power source 160, and / or the machine 100. Additionally, when the VGT 214 is operating according to the dynamic control scheme, the VGT 214 is allowed to regulate at a regulation rate that satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) the threshold regulation rate, which enables the VGT 214 to quickly provide optimized performance.

[0055] In addition, when the plurality of hardware limiting parameters meet (e.g., are less than or equal to) the plurality of non-dynamic thresholds (e.g., when the risk of operating the VGT 214 in a manner that causes damage to the VGT 214, the power system 200, the power source 160, and / or the machine 100 is reduced), the controller 180 causes the VGT 214 to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme. When the VGT 214 is operating according to the non-dynamic control scheme, the VGT 214 is prevented from adjusting at an adjustment rate that meets (e.g., is greater than or equal to) a threshold adjustment rate, which reduces the number of excessive movements of one or more adjustable components of the VGT 214. Thus, this improves the durability of the one or more adjustable components and reduces the likelihood of failure of the VGT 214, which reduces the likelihood of impaired performance of the power system 200, the power source 160, and / or the machine 100 due to a failure of the VGT 214.

[0056] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementation to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the foregoing disclosure, or may be obtained from the practice of the implementation. In addition, any implementation described herein may be combined, unless the above disclosure explicitly provides reasons why one or more implementations cannot be combined. Even though specific combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various implementations. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of the various implementations includes the combination of each dependent claim with each other claim in the claim set.

[0057] When a "processor" or "one or more processors" (or another device or component, such as a "controller" or "one or more controllers") is described or claimed (either within a single claim or across multiple claims) as performing or being configured to perform multiple operations, the language is intended to broadly cover a variety of processor architectures and environments. For example, unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., by use of "a first processor" and "a second processor" or other language that distinguishes the processors in the claims), the language is intended to cover a single processor that performs or is configured to perform all of the operations, a group of processors that collectively perform or are configured to perform all of the operations, a first processor that performs or is configured to perform a first operation and a second processor that performs or is configured to perform a second operation, or any combination of processors that perform or are configured to perform the operations. For example, when a claim has "one or more processors configured to: perform X; perform Y; and perform Z," the claim should be interpreted to mean "one or more processors configured to perform X; one or more (possibly different) processors configured to perform Y; and one or more (possibly different) processors configured to perform Z."

[0058] As used herein, "one", "a" and "a group" are intended to include one or more items and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more items related to the article "the" and can be used interchangeably with "the one or more". In addition, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part". In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is inclusive when used continuously and can be used interchangeably with "and / or", unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, if used in combination with "either" or "only one"). In addition, for ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below", "lower", "above", "upper" etc. can be used here to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. In addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of equipment, devices and / or elements in use or operation. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used here can also be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A machine comprising: variable geometry turbocharger (VGT); as well as A controller, the controller being configured to: causing the VGT to operate according to a non-dynamic control scheme; monitoring a plurality of hardware limit parameters associated with an engine of the machine during a first time period based on operating the VGT according to the non-dynamic control scheme; determining, based on monitoring the plurality of hardware constraint parameters during the first time period, that a hardware constraint parameter among the plurality of hardware constraint parameters satisfies the dynamic threshold value of the hardware constraint parameter; causing the VGT to operate according to a dynamic control scheme based on determining that the hardware limit parameter satisfies the dynamic threshold; monitoring the plurality of hardware limit parameters during a second time period based on operating the VGT according to the dynamic control scheme; determining, based on monitoring the plurality of hardware constraint parameters during the second time period, that each of the plurality of hardware constraint parameters satisfies a non-dynamic threshold value for the hardware constraint parameter; as well as Based on determining that each hardware limiting parameter satisfies the non-dynamic threshold value of the hardware limiting parameter, the VGT is again caused to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme.

2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the controller that causes the VGT to operate or re-operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme is configured to: Identify non-dynamic control mappings; determining a suggested geometry configuration for the VGT and a predicted intake manifold absolute pressure (IMAP) for the engine associated with the suggested geometry configuration based on the non-dynamic control map and one or more engine operating parameters associated with the engine; identifying a current IMAP of the engine and a current geometry of the VGT; and Adjustment of a VGT is caused or prevented based on the predicted IMAP, the current IMAP, the suggested geometry of the VGT, and the current geometry of the VGT.

3. The machine of any one of claims 1-2, wherein in order to cause the VGT to operate according to the dynamic control scheme, the controller is configured to: determining a suggested geometry configuration for the VGT and a predicted IMAP for the engine associated with the suggested geometry configuration by processing the plurality of hardware limiting parameters and at least one of one or more engine operating parameters associated with the engine; identifying a current IMAP of the engine and a current geometry configuration of the VGT; as well as Adjustment of a VGT is caused or prevented based on the predicted IMAP, the current IMAP, the suggested geometry of the VGT, and the current geometry of the VGT.

4. The machine of any one of claims 1-3, wherein for each hardware constraint parameter of the plurality of hardware constraint parameters, a dynamic threshold value of the hardware constraint parameter and a non-dynamic threshold value of the hardware constraint parameter are different.

5. The machine of any one of claims 1-4, wherein in order to cause the VGT to operate according to the dynamic control scheme, the controller is configured to: determining a first time when the controller determines that the hardware limit parameter satisfies the dynamic threshold; and causing the VGT to operate according to the dynamic control scheme at a second time after the first time, in, The difference between the first time and the second time is greater than or equal to a time difference threshold.

6. The machine of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the plurality of hardware limitation parameters include at least two of the following: Peak cylinder pressure parameter; VGT speed parameters; Compressor surge parameters; Compressor blocking parameters; or Exhaust gas temperature parameter.

7. A controller for a machine, comprising: one or more memories; as well as One or more processors configured to: identifying that a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of the machine is operating according to a non-dynamic control scheme; monitoring a plurality of hardware limit parameters associated with an engine of the machine after identifying that the VGT is operating according to the non-dynamic control scheme; determining, based on monitoring the plurality of hardware limit parameters, that a hardware limit parameter in the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfies a dynamic threshold; and Based on determining that the hardware limit parameter satisfies the dynamic threshold, the VGT is operated according to a dynamic control scheme.

8. The controller according to claim 7, wherein: causing the VGT to operate according to the dynamic control scheme to allow the VGT to be adjusted at an adjustment rate greater than or equal to a threshold adjustment rate; as well as Operating the VGT according to the non-dynamic control scheme prevents the VGT from being adjusted at an adjustment rate greater than or equal to the threshold adjustment rate.

9. The controller according to any one of claims 7-8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: after causing the VGT to operate according to the dynamic control scheme, again monitoring the plurality of hardware limit parameters; Determining, based on again monitoring the plurality of hardware limit parameters, that the plurality of hardware limit parameters satisfy a plurality of non-dynamic thresholds; and Based on a determination that the plurality of hardware limiting parameters satisfy the plurality of non-dynamic thresholds, the VGT is again caused to operate according to the non-dynamic control scheme.

10. The controller according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the dynamic threshold value and the non-dynamic threshold value of the plurality of non-dynamic threshold values ​​are associated with the hardware limit parameter of the plurality of hardware limit parameters. The dynamic threshold and the non-dynamic threshold are different.

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