Adaptive spark energy control

Abstract

To provide adaptive spark energy control.SOLUTION: An ignition transformer has primary and secondary windings. A spark apparatus is connected with the secondary windings of the ignition transformer. One or more characteristics of a spark generated by the spark apparatus is provided. An electronic control unit is adapted to control the ignition transformer, such that, based on an identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and spark reference data, the electronic control unit sends control signals to the ignition transformer to modify the one or more characteristics of the spark. Modification of the one or more characteristics may occur in a same spark cycle as measurement of the one or more characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to power electronics, and more particularly to an ignition system that can be used in an internal combustion engine.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] Generally, an ignition system generates a high voltage that is sent to a spark plug to produce a spark, as understood by those skilled in the art. The spark then ignites the fuel-air mixture in one or more combustion chambers of the engine to drive the engine. An ignition coil (also called an ignition transformer) generally generates the high voltage. U.S. Patent No. 7,401,603, entitled "High tension capacitive discharge ignition with reinforcing triggering pulses," discloses an ignition system, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003]

[0003] Known ignition systems use open-loop control, i.e., they do not use feedback in the control of the spark. Such systems may suffer from undesirable drawbacks resulting from open-loop decision-making. For example, in known systems, the recognition of spark characteristics may be delayed by one or more engine revolutions, and thus changes cannot be made even in the next ignition event to optimize the spark for a particular application.

[0004]

[0004] Closed-loop control means that there is feedback information that is fed back to the controller of the system. As described below, observing the characteristics of a spark (e.g., in the same spark cycle) and adjusting that spark may be desirable to optimize the spark for a particular application.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005]

[0005] Thus, it is beneficial to have an alternative system and method for adaptive spark energy control.

[0006]

[0006] The needs described herein, as well as further and other needs and advantages, are addressed by the embodiments that exemplify the following solutions and advantages.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007]

[0007] One embodiment of a system according to the present teachings includes, without limitation, an ignition system. It includes an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and an electronic device (e.g., may have sensors or receive and store data from another source) that includes one or more characteristics of a spark generated by a spark device connected to the secondary winding. The data store has spark reference data. The control unit is adapted to send a control signal to the electronic device to modify one or more characteristics of the spark based on the identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data.

[0008]

[0008] In one embodiment, the identification includes both the position of the spark and the type of the spark.

[0009]

[0009] In one embodiment, the modification of the one or more characteristics occurs in the same spark cycle as the measurement of the one or more characteristics.

[0010]

[0010] In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics include at least one of primary current, secondary current, secondary voltage, spark placement, and combustion.

[0011]

[0011] In one embodiment, the control signal controls the spark current and / or the spark duration in a closed-loop manner.

[0012]

[0012] In one embodiment, the spark reference data includes a plurality of spark models, and the spark model is selected from the plurality of spark models based on one or more characteristics. The control unit provides model-based control of the engine using the spark model.

[0013]

[0013] One embodiment of a system according to the present teachings includes, but is not limited to, an engine system. It includes an engine having cylinders, an ignition system according to the present teachings, and a spark device adapted to generate a spark in the cylinders.

[0014]

[0014] In one embodiment, the engine includes a hydrogen fuel engine.

[0015]

[0015] In one embodiment, the spark device includes a spark plug.

[0016]

[0016] In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics include secondary current and / or secondary voltage.

[0017]

[0017] In one embodiment, the data store is within the ignition assembly.

[0018]

[0018] One embodiment of a system according to the present teachings includes, but is not limited to, an ignition controller. The data store has spark reference data. The control unit is adapted to communicate electronically with an ignition assembly having an electronic device that includes one or more characteristics of a spark generated by the spark device. The control unit is adapted to send a control signal to the electronic device to modify one or more characteristics of the spark based on the identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data.

[0019]

[0019] In one embodiment, the identification includes both the position of the spark and the type of the spark.

[0020]

[0020] In one embodiment, the modification of one or more characteristics occurs during the same spark cycle as the measurement of the one or more characteristics.

[0021]

[0021] In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics include secondary current and / or secondary voltage. The control signal controls the spark current and / or the spark duration.

[0022]

[0022] In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of sensors that measure a plurality of characteristics of the spark.

[0023]

[0023] In one embodiment, the electronic control unit identifies the signature of the spark for model-based control of the engine.

[0024]

[0024] In one embodiment, the comparison of the spark reference data with the one or more characteristics is performed by the control unit.

[0025]

[0025] One embodiment of a system according to the present teachings includes, but is not limited to, an engine ignition system. It includes an engine having (at least one) cylinder and an ignition controller according to the present teachings.

[0026]

[0026] In one embodiment, the control signal controls the spark current and / or the spark duration in a closed-loop manner.

[0027]

[0027] One embodiment of a method according to the present teachings includes, but is not limited to, a method of controlling a spark in an ignition system. An ignition transformer is provided to generate the spark. A control unit is provided to control the ignition transformer. One or more characteristics of the spark are compared with desired characteristics. The control of the ignition transformer is adjusted to change the spark for the desired characteristics.

[0028]

[0028] Other embodiments of the system and method are described in detail below and are also part of the present teachings.

[0029]

[0029] For a deeper understanding of the present embodiment, together with these other aspects and further aspects, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description, the scope of which is indicated in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

[0030] It is a diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the present teaching.

Figure 2

[0031] It is a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present teaching.

Figure 3

[0032] It is a diagram of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an engine control system.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031]

[0033] Referring to the accompanying drawings in which the present embodiment is shown, the present teaching will be more fully described below. The following description is presented for illustrative purposes only and the present teaching is not limited to these embodiments. Any computer configuration and architecture that meets the speed and interface requirements described herein may be suitable for implementing the system and method of the present embodiment.

[0032]

[0034] In accordance with the law, the present teaching is described in specific terms, although to a varying degree, with respect to structural and method features. However, it should be understood that the present teaching is not limited to the specific features illustrated and described, as the systems and methods disclosed herein include preferred forms for carrying out the present teaching.

[0033]

[0035] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details of certain architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. are described to provide a sufficient understanding. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description with unnecessary details.

[0034]

[0036] A "computing system" can provide the functionality of the present teachings. The computing system can include software executed on a computer-readable medium that can be logically (but not necessarily physically) identified for a particular functionality (e.g., a functional module). The computing system can include any number of computers / processors that can communicate with each other over a network. The computing system can communicate electronically with a data store (e.g., a database) that stores control information and data information. Forms of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, disks, hard drives, random access memory, programmable read-only memory, or any other medium readable by a computer.

[0035]

[0037] In general, all terms used in the claims shall be construed according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to an element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. shall be construed openly as referring to at least one instance of that element, apparatus, component, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Any method steps disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. The use of "first", "second", etc. for different features / components of the present disclosure is only intended to distinguish the features / components from other similar features / components, and is not intended to impose an order or hierarchy on the features / components.

[0036]

[0038] In the interpretation of the claims appended to this specification, in order to assist the Patent Office and the readers of the patents issued with respect to this application, it should be noted that none of the appended claims or claim elements are intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the phrase "means for" or "step for" is expressly used in a particular claim.

[0037]

[0039] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.). When a range of values is recited as being "greater than," "less than," etc. a particular value, that value is included within the range. Directions such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "above," "below," and other directions and orientations referred to herein are described herein for clarity with reference to the figures and are not intended to limit the actual device or system, or the use of the device or system. Many of the devices, articles, or systems described herein can be used in a number of directions and orientations.

[0038]

[0040] Citations of references in this disclosure, or during its prosecution, are made with due care. The citations, whether in an information disclosure statement or otherwise, should not be construed as an admission that the cited references are eligible as prior art, or are from a field similar to, or directly applicable to, the present teachings.

[0039]

[0041] The present teachings include adaptive measurements in a spark cycle and modification of spark characteristics. In one embodiment, the characteristics of the spark are observed from a device that generates the spark (e.g., a spark plug). Thereafter, it is determined where and what type of spark is occurring. In this way, it is possible to modify the characteristics of the spark, including, but not limited to, those that manipulate the energy content, during the same spark event.

[0040]

[0042] The identification of the spark, such as the type and location of the spark, is not limited, but can be determined based on spark characteristics such as spark voltage and spark current. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, there are many spark characteristics, similar to the use of the present teachings to determine information about the spark using mathematical functions related to feedback (e.g., spark characteristics) and cylinder characteristics. As an example, a differential function related to the electrical characteristics of the spark can be used to determine whether the spark is at the starting point or the ending point of the gap.

[0041]

[0043] As a non-limiting example of the type of calculations that can be performed in accordance with the present teachings, the integral value of the KV signal can be analyzed (e.g., algorithmically) to consider changes in slope. This can be used to distinguish multiple slopes and to know whether the spark started from the starting point or the ending point of the spark plug electrode and how fast it is moving. A larger integral value may indicate that the spark started from the ending point of the electrode, and a smaller integral value may indicate that the spark started from the starting point of the electrode. This, in turn, can indicate whether more energy or less energy is required for the spark. Supplying excessive energy when not necessary can cause hot spots in the spark plug and the possibility of premature ignition of the volatile mixture. Not having sufficient energy when the electrode is absorbing energy (heat from the spark) means that the mixture may not burn. Therefore, it is possible to use the integral value and the slope to reduce plug wear and provide other advantages. Those skilled in the art will recognize the various calculations that can be performed in accordance with the present teachings.

[0042]

[0044] Known systems may only attempt to control the spark (using current) based on a setpoint. However, such systems lack an understanding of what the energy content is actually doing. For example, setting and maintaining a setpoint of X current may result in too much or not enough energy based on the type of spark generated. Such systems that rely on current control can only maintain the arc of the spark and have no idea whether the generated arc, whatever it is, is excessive or insufficient to meet the combustion needs.

[0043]

[0045] According to the present teachings, the spark can be controlled with higher precision and can provide higher efficiency. This is because, for example, the type of spark can be identified. Using this information, it is possible to modify the control of the spark (e.g., by changing the current setpoint) to maintain the energy of the cylinder. As an example, when the spark is located towards the end of the electrode, it requires less energy to combust the air / gas mixture than if it were initiated from the start of the electrode. Identification of the spark, such as its position and type, enables the ability to better control the spark.

[0044]

[0046] There are several reasons why this teaching has not been pursued previously. For example, combustion using conventional fuel sources (e.g., natural gas, gasoline) has high detonation resistance (abnormal combustion), slow flame speed, and low volatility. However, new fuel sources (such as hydrogen) have issues such as the desire to approach zero fluctuations as closely as possible. In addition, inductive ignition systems, which have mainly been used in automotive applications, have been too slow to develop this type of technology. Also, understanding the actual characteristics of the spark and what is happening based on the fact that the arc acts like a diode can be non-intuitive. More current can be applied, and the voltage drop can generally maintain the same state. Similarly, even if the KV increases, the current flowing outward may not decrease at the same rate. Therefore, in known systems, solving such problems is a difficult task and there has been no motivation.

[0045]

[0047] In accordance with this teaching, it may be desirable to vary the supply of the spark in a closed-loop manner so that an accurate spark matches the needs of the system. In this way, it can neither provide more nor less of the desired characteristics, but instead is optimized for a particular application. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, this can directly affect any spark system, including electrode wear, heat dissipation, spark temperature, ionization breakdown, and the like.

[0046]

[0048] In one embodiment, the system according to the present teachings is implemented using a computing system (e.g., a processor) and / or hardware (e.g., analog). It may be desirable to use analog hardware for speed so that complex mathematical functions and measurements (e.g., non-linear) can be calculated and so that the system can convert them to a digital output readable by the system. When physical hardware provides a mathematical function to a computing system (e.g., a microcontroller), the computing system can process them so as to be able to identify the type of spark. Subsequently, by performing, in a closed-loop manner, a unique technique for generating spark pulses, accurate spark characteristics such as, but not limited to, energy can be provided. There may be a measurement time for the first part of the spark and a characteristic adjustment period following the measurement.

[0047]

[0049] The advantages of such a system include direct effects on several items related to the spark system. For example, these may include electrode wear, heat dissipation, spark temperature, ionization breakdown, etc. It improves the functionality and capabilities of engines and other devices that use a spark device with any type of combustion fuel. For example, improvements are seen in, but not limited to, normal natural gas operation and new fuels such as hydrogen.

[0048]

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 1, a diagram of an embodiment of a system 100 according to the present teachings is shown. An ignition assembly 102 (e.g., an ignition coil / transformer, data storage, electronics, etc.) can supply energy to a spark mechanism 110 (e.g., a spark plug) so that a spark can be generated for an ignition system, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. This may be via a secondary coil path 114.

[0049]

[0051] The ignition assembly 102 can include, but is not limited to, electronics (such as a processor, one or more characteristics of a spark, one or more sensors, stored reference data, etc.) for identifying high voltage, low voltage, and voltage operations. Specifically, this may include a voltage sensor.

[0050]

[0052] The control logic 104 (such as a central control unit, a control circuit, etc.) can send an electronic signal to drive the primary side of the ignition transformer within the ignition assembly 102. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, various wires 112 can be used to exchange data signals between the control logic 104 and the ignition assembly 102. The control logic 104 (such as driver electronics) can include, but is not limited to, the ability to sense current and voltage, and the ability to perform mathematical functions.

[0051]

[0053] The control logic 104 can generally send a control signal that is timed with the combustion event (or, to some extent, before and after top dead center of the cylinder). Electrical characteristics (such as current / voltage / others) can be sensed anywhere at the load point, that is, they can be sensed locally using circuits that have sufficient integrity and minimize losses due to degradation. One skilled in the art would understand the locations and methods for sensing primary and / or secondary electrical characteristics, including voltage and current.

[0052]

[0054] The desired spark system input 106 can include, but is not limited to, things such as a desired primary current, secondary current, spark placement, secondary voltage, combustion, and any combination thereof. One skilled in the art would understand the different characteristics that can be used in accordance with the present teachings. The input 106 can include data that corresponds to, or can be converted to correspond to, a type of feedback. This can be derived from, but is not limited to, modeling, testing, experimentation, etc. for obtaining desired engine results.

[0053]

[0055] The primary and secondary electronic devices 108 may be combined or remain separated, depending on the application. For example, but not limited to, it may be desirable to obtain signal integrity.

[0054]

[0056] As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the system may include a data store (e.g., a database) capable of storing data such as spark reference models (e.g., signatures), spark reference characteristics, desired characteristic ranges, etc. For example, the measured spark characteristics may be compared to reference data in the data store to identify the spark, among other things. The data store (and other functionality) may be in electronic communication with a network (e.g., the Internet) so that the reference data can be updated (wired or wirelessly). The reference data may be stored in a table, in a database, or in other forms, as desired and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. This can enable further verification of the system and can also enable artificial intelligence (AI) to teach and modify the operation of the system with better predictability.

[0055]

[0057] In one exemplary use according to the present teachings, the electrical characteristics of the arc of a spark can be measured. This can include, but is not limited to, spark current (e.g., secondary current) and spark voltage. Various attributes of these signals, such as peak, average, differential, integral, etc., can be measured. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, there are many different ways to perform such measurements in electronic devices.

[0056]

[0058] Such measurements can provide a "signature" of the spark between the spark plug electrodes. This signature can directly provide knowledge about things like the flow rate between the electrode gaps and can be used in conjunction with model-based control to predict various engine operating scenarios. In this way, the ignition system can be tailored to a particular engine and particular operating conditions to improve efficiency.

[0057]

[0059] Based on such predictions, the spark current or spark duration can be adjusted, but is not limited thereto. As an example, by adjusting the spark characteristics based on the measured conditions, it is possible to enhance the control of engine combustion phasing.

[0058]

[0060] Next, referring to FIG. 2, a diagram of an embodiment of method 200 according to the present teachings is shown. One or more characteristics of the spark can be sensed (202). The sensed characteristics may be compared (204) to desired characteristics (e.g., for identifying a spark, for identifying the most preferred spark, etc.). The control of the ignition transformer may be adjusted to change the spark for the desired characteristics (206).

[0059]

[0061] Next, referring to FIG. 3, diagrams of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an engine control system are shown. As illustrated, the control unit 300 can communicate electronically with one or more ignition control assemblies 304, 306. Each assembly may include electronics 304 (e.g., spark characteristics, sensors, data storage, etc.) and an ignition coil 306. Communication between the central control device 300 and the electronics 304, 304', 304'' can be performed via one or more communication links 302, 302', 302''. Each assembly can send energy to spark plugs 308, 308', 308''. The spark plugs can then drive a crankshaft (e.g., one or more spark plugs in each engine cylinder) within the engine 310, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0060]

[0062] Although the present teachings have been described above with respect to specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present teachings are not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Many variations and other embodiments will come to mind to those skilled in the art in relation thereto, and these are intended to be and are encompassed by the present disclosure. The scope of the present teachings is intended to be determined by the proper interpretation and construction of its legal equivalents, as would be understood by those skilled in the art relying on the disclosure of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0061] 100 System 102 Ignition Assembly 104 Control Logic 106 Input 108 Electronic Device 110 Spark Mechanism 112 Wire 114 Secondary Coil Path 300 Control Unit 302, 302’, 302’’ Communication Link 304, 304’, 304’’ Electronic Device 306, 306’, 306’’ Ignition Coil 308, 308’, 308’’ Spark Plug 310 Engine

Claims

1. an ignition assembly having an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and electronics for containing one or more characteristics of a spark generated by a spark device connected to the secondary winding; a datastore having spark reference data; a control unit adapted to send control signals to the electronics to modify the one or more characteristics of the spark based on an identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data; Equipped with an ignition system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the identification includes a location of the spark and a type of the spark.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the modifying of the one or more characteristics occurs in the same spark cycle as the measuring of the one or more characteristics.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more characteristics include at least one of a primary current, a secondary current, a secondary voltage, a spark placement, and a combustion.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control signal controls spark current and / or spark duration in a closed loop manner.

6. the spark reference data includes a plurality of spark models, a spark model being selected from the plurality of spark models based on the one or more characteristics; The system of claim 1 , wherein the control unit provides model-based control of an engine using the spark model.

7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of sensors that measure a plurality of characteristics of the spark.

8. an engine having a cylinder; An ignition system according to claim 1; a spark device adapted to generate a spark at the cylinder; Including, the engine system.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the engine comprises a hydrogen fueled engine.

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the spark device comprises a spark plug.

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the one or more characteristics include a secondary current and / or a secondary voltage.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data store is within the ignition assembly.

13. a datastore having spark reference data; a control unit adapted to be in electronic communication with the ignition assembly having electronics including one or more characteristics of the spark generated by the spark device; The control unit is adapted to send a control signal to the electronics to modify the one or more characteristics of the spark based on an identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data.

14. The controller of claim 13 , wherein the identification includes a location of the spark and a type of the spark.

15. The controller of claim 13 , wherein the modifying of the one or more characteristics occurs in the same spark cycle as the measuring of the one or more characteristics.

16. the one or more characteristics include a secondary current and / or a secondary voltage; The controller of claim 13 , wherein the control signal controls spark current and / or spark duration.

17. The controller of claim 13 , wherein the electronic control unit identifies a signature of the spark for model-based control of an engine.

18. The controller of claim 13 , wherein the comparison of the spark reference data to the one or more characteristics is performed by the control unit.

19. an engine having a cylinder; An ignition controller according to claim 13; including the engine ignition system.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the control signal controls spark current and / or spark duration in a closed loop manner.

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