Real-Time Combustion Parameter Estimation for Engine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine control systems face challenges in accurately retrieving and optimizing combustion parameters due to the hostile environment in combustion cylinders, leading to suboptimal engine efficiency and higher emissions, as they rely heavily on extensive calibration and limited feedback measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes prior knowledge through linear or non-linear transformations of measurement data to estimate combustion parameters in real-time, enabling adaptive control and improving the quality and robustness of estimates, allowing for closed-loop engine control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive calibration tests are performed to meet performance requirements under all driving conditions, then engine performance and emissions are optimized, but the calibration process becomes very time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously measuring combustion parameters (such as ionization current, pressure, or temperature) and using these measurements to adjust control variables in real-time. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for extensive pre-calibration by enabling the system to adapt and optimize performance dynamically during operation, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes control parameters (ignition timing, fuel injection quantity, air-fuel ratio) based on real-time combustion parameter measurements. By continuously adjusting these parameters according to actual combustion conditions rather than relying on fixed calibration maps, the system achieves optimized performance across varying driving conditions without requiring exhaustive calibration tests for every scenario.
2Loss of time
If continuous measurements of combustion conditions are implemented to eliminate extensive calibration, then calibration time is reduced, but the complexity of handling complex interrelations between combustion parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex combustion control problem into manageable components by focusing on key combustion parameters and their primary relationships. Instead of attempting to model all possible parameter interrelations simultaneously, the system divides the control strategy into distinct functional blocks (sensing, processing, actuation) and addresses parameter relationships in a structured, modular manner, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate processing layers between sensor measurements and final control actions. These intermediaries (such as signal processing algorithms, parameter estimation modules, or control strategies) simplify the handling of complex parameter interrelations by transforming raw combustion data into meaningful control signals, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the overall control system.
3Measurement precision
If more combustion parameter measurements are taken to improve control accuracy, then engine efficiency and stability are optimized, but the difficulty of retrieving information due to hostile environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermediary sensing approaches that indirectly measure combustion parameters without requiring direct exposure to the most hostile conditions. For example, using ionization current measurements taken through the spark plug electrode or pressure measurements taken at the cylinder head provides sufficient combustion information without placing sensors directly in the extreme temperature and pressure zones, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing detection difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical pressure sensor measurements with alternative sensing methods such as ionization current measurements or acoustic measurements. These substitutions use different physical principles that are less susceptible to the hostile combustion environment, thereby maintaining or improving measurement precision while reducing the difficulty of reliable information retrieval under extreme conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for combustion engine control comprising an engine, at least one sensor and at least one engine control unit (200) arranged to control the engine (100) by the use of real time sensor data S(k) characterized in that a prior (P1(k, j; z), P2(k; X, Y) is used to derive at least one combustion parameter estimate (X(k)) and/or at least one combustion parameter measurement (Y(k)) from the real lime sensor data (S(k)) and that the at least one combustion parameter estimate (X(k)) and/or the at least one combustion parameter measurement (Y(k)) is used in performing said engine control.