Method for pressure regulation in a motor vehicle fuel system and gas pressure regulator

Abstract

The present application relates to a pressure regulating method in a vehicle fuel system, the method comprising: determining an effective area pre-control value based on an injector flow; determining an effective area correction value based on a pressure deviation, the pressure deviation reflecting a difference between a current actual pressure and a desired pressure of the vehicle fuel system; and determining an effective area of a regulator based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the vehicle fuel system. The present application also relates to a computer program product, an electronic device, and a pressure regulator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of regulator control, and more specifically, to a pressure regulation method, computer program product, electronic device, and air pressure regulator in an automotive fuel system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing regulator control technology, PID controllers are typically used to correct flow rate in order to achieve pressure control.

[0003] However, the existing technology has the following drawbacks: (1) long response time: under extreme conditions (such as sudden large throttle opening and drastic flow changes), the flow calculation response time based on the PID controller is long and cannot quickly meet the system requirements; (2) high risk of overshoot: the existing solution is prone to unexpected overshoot, which affects the response time and control accuracy of the entire system (such as the fuel injection system). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors of this application recognized that in existing solutions, since flow rate is used as the target for direct calculation and / or adjustment in the closed-loop control process, there are drawbacks such as long response time and high overshoot risk under extreme operating conditions. To address this drawback, one or more embodiments of this application propose using the effective area as the direct control target in the closed-loop control process, and controlling the current setting of the regulator by dynamically adjusting the effective area, thereby achieving pressure control.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, a pressure regulation method in an automotive fuel system is provided, the method comprising: determining an effective area pre-control value based on injector flow rate; determining an effective area correction value based on a pressure deviation, the pressure deviation reflecting the difference between the current actual pressure and the desired pressure of the automotive fuel system; and determining the effective area of ​​a regulator based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the automotive fuel system.

[0006] As a supplement or replacement to the above scheme, in the above method, determining the effective area pre-control value based on the injector flow rate includes: calculating the effective area pre-control value based on the injector flow rate and pressure ratio using a throttling equation model, wherein the pressure ratio indicates the ratio of the downstream pressure of the regulator to the upstream pressure of the regulator.

[0007] As a supplement or replacement to the above scheme, in the above method, determining the effective area correction value based on the pressure deviation includes: using a PID controller to process the pressure deviation in order to dynamically calculate the effective area correction value.

[0008] As a supplement or replacement to the above scheme, in the above method, determining the effective area of ​​the regulator based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the vehicle fuel system, includes: adding the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value to obtain the effective area setting value; and adjusting the current setting of the regulator based on the effective area setting value to achieve pressure control.

[0009] According to another aspect of this application, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described above.

[0010] According to another aspect of this application, an electronic device is provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the method described above.

[0011] According to another aspect of this application, a pressure regulator for an automotive fuel system is provided, the pressure regulator comprising: a regulating valve; and a control unit configured to: determine an effective area pre-control value based on injector flow rate; determine an effective area correction value based on a pressure deviation reflecting the difference between the current actual pressure and the desired pressure of the automotive fuel system; and determine the effective area of ​​the regulating valve based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the automotive fuel system.

[0012] As a supplement or replacement to the above scheme, in the above pressure regulator, the control unit is configured to calculate the effective area pre-control value based on the injector flow rate and pressure ratio using a throttling equation model, wherein the pressure ratio indicates the ratio of the downstream pressure of the regulator to the upstream pressure of the regulator.

[0013] As a supplement or replacement to the above solution, in the above pressure regulator, the control unit is configured to use a PID controller to process the pressure deviation in order to dynamically calculate the effective area correction value.

[0014] As a supplement or replacement to the above solution, in the above pressure regulator, the control unit is configured to add the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value to obtain the effective area setting value; and adjust the current setting of the pressure regulator according to the effective area setting value to achieve pressure control.

[0015] By dynamically adjusting the effective area, the pressure regulation scheme or gas pressure regulator control scheme of the embodiments of this application can quickly respond to pressure changes, ensuring that the fuel (e.g., high-pressure natural gas) pressure rapidly recovers to the set value. Moreover, the dynamic adjustment mechanism of the effective area can precisely control the fuel pressure, ensuring that it is always maintained near the desired set value. This high-precision control helps optimize the fuel injection process and improve fuel economy. Finally, by combining a two-layer mechanism of pre-control and dynamic correction, the pressure regulation scheme or gas pressure regulator control scheme of the embodiments of this application can effectively avoid fuel pressure overshoot, ensuring system stability and fuel economy. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects and advantages of this application will become more fully clear from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of a pressure regulation method in an automotive fuel system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the control flow of a pressure regulator according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the control flow of a pressure regulator according to an embodiment of this application is shown; and

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a pressure regulator according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following, an automatic parking control scheme according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic flow diagram of a pressure regulation method 1000 in an automotive fuel system according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the method 1000 includes the following steps:

[0024] In step S110, the effective area pre-control value is determined based on the injector flow rate;

[0025] In step S120, an effective area correction value is determined based on the pressure deviation, whereby the pressure deviation reflects the difference between the current actual pressure and the desired pressure of the vehicle's fuel system; and

[0026] In step S130, the effective area of ​​the regulator is determined based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the vehicle fuel system.

[0027] In the context of this application, the term "automotive fuel system" refers to a component of an automotive engine whose primary function is to deliver fuel (such as fuel oil, high-pressure natural gas, etc.) from the fuel tank to the engine and to inject the fuel into the engine cylinders at the appropriate time, in the appropriate amount and pressure, to achieve efficient combustion and power output.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the automotive fuel system may include: a fuel tank, a fuel pump, a fuel filter, an injector, a pressure regulator, a fuel pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit (ECU), etc.

[0029] For example, a fuel tank, typically made of metal or plastic, stores fuel (such as gasoline, high-pressure natural gas, etc.) and has a certain capacity to meet the needs of vehicle operation. A fuel pump (including mechanical and electric fuel pumps) draws fuel from the fuel tank and pressurizes it for delivery to the fuel system. A fuel filter filters impurities and moisture from the fuel, ensuring clean fuel enters the engine. Injectors inject fuel (such as gasoline, high-pressure natural gas, etc.) into the engine cylinders according to instructions from the electronic control unit (ECU). Types include multi-point injection (MPI) and gas direct injection (GDI). A pressure regulator regulates fuel pressure to ensure a stable high-pressure fuel supply to the injectors under various operating conditions. A fuel pressure sensor monitors fuel pressure in real time and transmits the data to the ECU. The ECU controls the operation of the fuel system; for example, it can calculate the optimal fuel injection quantity and timing based on sensor data (such as fuel pressure, engine temperature, throttle position, etc.) and issue corresponding control signals.

[0030] It should be noted that, although the injector, pressure regulator, fuel pressure sensor, etc. are shown as multiple independent components in the above embodiments, in one or more embodiments, these components may be integrated together. For example, the pressure regulator may include a fuel pressure sensor and be integrated into the injector.

[0031] In the context of this application, "effective area" refers to the actual opening area through which fluid can pass at a given opening degree of a regulator (e.g., a regulating valve in a pressure regulator). The effective area determines the fluid flow rate; a larger area results in a higher flow rate, and a smaller area results in a lower flow rate. In one or more embodiments of this application, the effective area is determined based on two parts: an "effective area pre-control value" and an "effective area correction value."

[0032] As described in step S110, the effective area pre-control value can be determined based on the injector flow rate. Here, the injector flow rate refers to the amount of fuel passing through the injector per unit time, typically expressed as mass flow rate (kg / h) or volumetric flow rate (L / h). Injector flow rate is a parameter for fuel system design and control, which affects engine performance and fuel economy.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, a flow meter can be used to directly measure the flow rate of the injector. The flow meter can be a mass flow meter or a volumetric flow meter, which can monitor the fuel flow rate in real time.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the injector flow rate is affected by at least the following factors:

[0035] (1) Geometric shape of the nozzle: The diameter and shape of the nozzle directly affect the flow rate of the injector;

[0036] (2) Fuel pressure: The higher the fuel pressure, the greater the injector flow rate;

[0037] (3) Fuel viscosity: The higher the fuel viscosity, the lower the injector flow rate; and

[0038] (4) Injection pulse width: The longer the injector's opening time (pulse width), the greater the injection volume.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, step S110 includes inputting the injector flow rate and pressure ratio into a throttling equation model to calculate an effective area pre-control value. In this embodiment, "pressure ratio" indicates the ratio of downstream pressure to upstream pressure of the regulator. For example, the pressure ratio can be measured by a pressure sensor.

[0040] The term "throttle equation model" is a mathematical model used to describe the relationship between flow rate and parameters such as pressure, temperature, and throttling coefficient when a fluid passes through a throttling device. It is typically based on fundamental equations such as Bernoulli's equation, the continuity equation, and the energy equation, reflecting the changes in pressure, velocity, and energy of the fluid as it passes through the throttling device. In one or more embodiments, the "throttle equation model" can be used to calculate the effective area pre-control value based on the ejector flow rate and pressure ratio. This model helps determine the opening of regulating devices (such as control valves in a pressure regulator) to control the flow rate and pressure of the fluid.

[0041] In one embodiment, the throttling device is an injector with an integrated pressure regulator. The throttling equation model is as follows:

[0042]

[0043] Where, q m ρ is the mass flow rate (kg / h), and ρ is the inlet density (kg / m³). 3 ),A e Effective area (also known as interception area, unit is m) 2 ), γ is the isentropic exponent, where 1.4 is the isentropic exponent for dry air, p0 is the absolute pressure at the nozzle tip (in Pa), p e This represents the absolute pressure at the cutoff surface (in Pa).

[0044] Starting from the above throttling equation model formula, the effective area (pre-control value) A can be solved. e As shown below:

[0045]

[0046] Thus, the measured or calculated injector flow rate q m Inlet density ρ, isentropic exponent γ, absolute pressure at the nozzle tip p0, and absolute pressure at the cutoff surface p e Substituting into the above formula (Note: In injectors with integrated air pressure regulators, the pressure ratio usually refers to the absolute pressure p0 at the nozzle tip and the absolute pressure p at the injector cross-section), e The ratio of the two values ​​is used to calculate the effective area pre-control value A. e .

[0047] The effective area correction value can be determined based on the pressure deviation, as described in step S120. In the context of this application, "pressure deviation" reflects the difference between the current actual pressure and the desired pressure of an automotive fuel system. Monitoring and adjusting the pressure deviation in an automotive fuel system plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of the system. By precisely controlling the fuel pressure, the fuel injection process can be optimized, improving engine performance and fuel economy.

[0048] In one embodiment, step S120 includes inputting the pressure deviation into the PID controller to obtain an effective area correction value. It is understood that the process described in this step is part of closed-loop control to ensure that the pressure of the fuel system can be quickly and accurately adjusted to the desired value.

[0049] For example, pressure deviation can be obtained by monitoring the actual pressure of the fuel system in real time using a pressure sensor and comparing it with the set pressure (i.e., the desired pressure). This deviation reflects the difference between the current fuel pressure and the desired pressure.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the PID controller is used to adjust the system response based on the pressure deviation. Specifically, it calculates a control signal using a combination of three parameters: proportional (P), integral (I), and derivative (D), to adjust the system output (i.e., the effective area correction value). In one embodiment, the output formula of the PID controller is as follows:

[0051]

[0052] Where u(t) represents the controller output, i.e., the effective area correction value; e(t) represents the pressure deviation, K p For proportional gain, K i For integral gain, and K d This is the differential gain.

[0053] Therefore, the effective area of ​​the regulator can be adjusted based on the output of the PID controller. In one embodiment, this correction value (i.e., the effective area correction value) is used to dynamically adjust the opening of the control valve, thereby quickly responding to pressure changes and ensuring that the fuel pressure remains stable near the desired value. Overall, this method can quickly respond to pressure changes, reduce overshoot, and improve system stability and fuel economy.

[0054] In step S130, the effective area of ​​the regulator is determined based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the vehicle fuel system. The effective area pre-control value allows the regulator (e.g., the regulating valve in a pressure regulator) to be set in a timely manner to meet the demands of the vehicle fuel system. On the other hand, calculating the effective area correction value (e.g., using a PID controller) helps reduce pressure deviation.

[0055] In one embodiment, step S130 includes: adding the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value to obtain the effective area setting value; and adjusting the current setting of the regulator according to the effective area setting value to achieve pressure control.

[0056] In one embodiment, the effective area is set to value A. 设置 It can be calculated using the following formula:

[0057] A 设置 =A 预控制 +A 校正 ,

[0058] Among them, A 预控制 This represents the effective area pre-control value, while A 校正 This indicates the effective area correction value.

[0059] In one embodiment, the current setting of the regulator can be adjusted according to the effective area setting, thereby changing the opening of the regulating valve and achieving pressure control. For example, if the current setting of the regulator is linearly related to the effective area, the following formula can be used:

[0060] I = I0 + k·(A) 设置 -A0),

[0061] Where I is the regulator's current setting, I0 is the initial current setting, k is the proportional coefficient, and A0 is the initial effective area.

[0062] In this way, by adding the effective area pre-control value and the correction value, the set value of the effective area is obtained. Based on this set value, the current setting of the regulator can be adjusted, thus achieving precise control of the vehicle's fuel system pressure. This method combines pre-control and dynamic correction mechanisms, significantly improving the system's response speed and control accuracy.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the pressure regulation method 1000 in an automotive fuel system of this application can be performed in a pressure regulator. For example, see reference... Figure 2 It illustrates a schematic diagram of the control flow of a pressure regulator integrated in an injector according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the effective area pre-control value 220 is determined based on the injector flow rate 210. The effective area correction value 240 is determined based on the pressure deviation 230; the effective area pre-control value 220 and the effective area correction value 240 are added together to determine the effective area 250 of the regulator, and then the current setting 260 of the pressure regulator is obtained.

[0064] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the control flow of a pressure regulator integrated in an injector, according to another embodiment of this application, is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the injector flow rate 325 and pressure ratio 330 are input into the throttling equation model 335 to calculate the effective area pre-control value 340. On the other hand, the pressure deviation 310 is input into the PID controller 315 to obtain the effective area correction value 320. Subsequently, the effective area pre-control value 340 and the effective area correction value 320 are added together to determine the effective area 345 of the regulator, and then the current setting 350 of the pressure regulator is obtained.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the pressure regulation method 1000 in an automotive fuel system provided in one or more embodiments of this application can be implemented by a computer program. For example, the computer program is included in a computer program product, and when executed by a processor, it implements the pressure regulation method 1000 in an automotive fuel system according to one or more embodiments of this application. As another example, when a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a USB flash drive) storing the computer program is connected to a computer, running the computer program executes the pressure regulation method 1000 in an automotive fuel system according to one or more embodiments of this application.

[0066] refer to Figure 4 It illustrates a pressure regulator 4000 in an automotive fuel system according to an embodiment of this application, the pressure regulator 4000 including: a regulating valve 410; and a control unit 420 configured to: determine an effective area pre-control value based on injector flow; determine an effective area correction value based on a pressure deviation reflecting the difference between the current actual pressure and the desired pressure of the automotive fuel system; and determine the effective area of ​​the regulating valve 410 based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the automotive fuel system.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the regulating valve 410 is the core component of the pressure regulator, and its opening degree can control the fuel flow and pressure. The control unit 420 is responsible for monitoring the system pressure and flow and adjusting the opening degree of the regulating valve 410 according to a preset algorithm.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the control unit 420 is configured to input the injector flow rate and pressure ratio into a throttling equation model to calculate an effective area pre-control value, wherein the pressure ratio indicates the ratio of downstream pressure to upstream pressure of the regulator. In one embodiment, the control unit 420 is configured to monitor the injector flow rate in real time, obtain the pressure ratio by calculating the ratio of downstream pressure to upstream pressure of the regulator, and finally input the injector flow rate and pressure ratio into the throttling equation model to calculate the effective area pre-control value.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the control unit 420 is configured to input the pressure deviation into a PID controller to obtain the effective area correction value. In one embodiment, the control unit 420 is configured to monitor the difference between the actual pressure and the set pressure via a pressure sensor; then input the pressure deviation into the PID controller to calculate the effective area correction value.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the control unit 420 is configured to: add the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value to obtain the effective area setting value; and adjust the current setting of the pressure regulator according to the effective area setting value to achieve pressure control.

[0071] In one embodiment, the effective area is set to value A. 设置 It can be calculated using the following formula:

[0072] A 设置 =A 预控制 +A 校正 ,

[0073] Among them, A 预控制 This represents the effective area pre-control value, while A 校正 This indicates the effective area correction value.

[0074] In one embodiment, the control unit 420 is configured to adjust the current setting of the regulating valve 410 according to a set value of the effective area, thereby changing the opening degree of the regulating valve 410 to achieve pressure control. For example, if the current setting of the regulating valve 410 is linearly related to the effective area, the following formula can be used:

[0075] I = I0 + k·(A) 设置 -A0),

[0076] Where I is the current setting of regulating valve 410, I0 is the initial current setting, k is the proportional coefficient, and A0 is the initial effective area.

[0077] In this way, the pressure regulator 4000 can adjust the fuel pressure in real time, ensuring a stable fuel supply to the engine under various operating conditions. This pressure regulator control scheme significantly improves the response speed and control accuracy of the fuel system, optimizing engine performance and fuel economy.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, the pressure regulator 4000 may be implemented in a gas-powered vehicle (e.g., a gas-powered truck).

[0079] In summary, by dynamically adjusting the effective area, the pressure regulation scheme or pressure regulator control scheme of the embodiments of this application can quickly respond to pressure changes, ensuring that the fuel pressure rapidly recovers to the set value. Moreover, the dynamic adjustment mechanism of the effective area can precisely control the fuel pressure, ensuring that it is always maintained near the desired set value. This high-precision control helps optimize the fuel injection process and improve fuel economy. Finally, by combining a two-layer mechanism of pre-control and dynamic correction, the pressure regulation scheme or pressure regulator control scheme of the embodiments of this application can effectively avoid fuel pressure overshoot, ensuring system stability and fuel economy.

[0080] The above examples primarily illustrate the pressure regulation scheme or air pressure regulator control scheme of the embodiments of this application. Although only some embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art should understand that this application can be implemented in many other forms without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the examples and embodiments shown are considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and this application may cover various modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of this application as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A pressure regulation method in an automotive fuel system, characterized in that, The method includes: The effective area pre-control value is determined based on the injector flow rate; The effective area correction value is determined based on the pressure deviation, which reflects the difference between the current actual pressure and the desired pressure of the vehicle's fuel system; and The effective area of ​​the regulator is determined based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the vehicle fuel system.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, Determining the effective area pre-control value based on ejector flow rate includes: The effective area pre-control value is calculated using a throttling equation model based on the injector flow rate and pressure ratio, wherein the pressure ratio indicates the ratio of downstream pressure to upstream pressure of the regulator.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, Determining the effective area correction value based on pressure deviation includes: The pressure deviation is processed using a PID controller to dynamically calculate the effective area correction value.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, Determining the effective area of ​​the regulator based on the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the vehicle fuel system, includes: The effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value are added together to obtain the set value of the effective area; and The current setting of the regulator is adjusted according to the effective area setting value to achieve pressure control.

5. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A pressure regulator in an automotive fuel system, characterized in that, The pressure regulator includes: Control valve; and The control unit is configured to: determine an effective area pre-control value based on injector flow rate; determine an effective area correction value based on pressure deviation, the pressure deviation reflecting the difference between the current actual pressure and the desired pressure of the vehicle fuel system; and determine the effective area of ​​the regulating valve according to the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value, thereby regulating the pressure in the vehicle fuel system.

8. The pressure regulator as described in claim 7, wherein, The control unit is configured to calculate the effective area pre-control value based on the injector flow rate and pressure ratio using a throttling equation model, wherein the pressure ratio indicates the ratio of downstream pressure to upstream pressure of the regulator.

9. The pressure regulator as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The control unit is configured to use a PID controller to process the pressure deviation in order to dynamically calculate the effective area correction value.

10. The pressure regulator as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The control unit is configured to add the effective area pre-control value and the effective area correction value to obtain the set value of the effective area; And based on the set value of the effective area, the current setting of the pressure regulator is adjusted to achieve pressure control.

Images