Common-Rail Throttle Valve Wear Reduction via Segmented Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The continuous closed-loop control of throttle valves in common-rail fuel supply systems leads to excessive wear, reducing their lifespan in diesel internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where only a first part of the throttle valves are operated using closed-loop control, while the remaining valves are controlled using open-loop control, with the latter having a fixed position, and periodically replacing or changing the valves activated by closed-loop control to reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all throttle valves are operated by closed-loop control, then the pressure control precision is improved, but the lifespan of the throttle valves deteriorates due to continuous wear
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle valves are divided into two groups: a first group operated by closed-loop control for precise pressure regulation, and a second group operated by open-loop control with fixed positions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain pressure control precision while reducing wear on the majority of valves, thereby extending their lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically switches which group of throttle valves is activated. By alternating between different valves in a periodic manner, the wear on individual valves is distributed over time, extending their operational lifespan while maintaining overall system performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all throttle valves are operated by closed-loop control with continuous position changes, then the adaptability to operating conditions is improved, but the wear and lifespan deterioration is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
Throttle valves are segmented into active valves subject to closed-loop control and inactive valves with fixed positions. This allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions through the active valves while the inactive valves remain stationary, reducing their wear and extending lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between different sets of throttle valves. By rotating which valves are actively controlled and which remain fixed, the wear is distributed across all valves over time, maintaining adaptability while extending the operational life of each individual valve.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If throttle valves are frequently changed or replaced, then the lifespan management is improved, but the device complexity and operational interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle valves are organized into multiple groups that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows for systematic rotation and replacement strategies, where valves are swapped in a structured manner rather than individually, reducing the overall complexity of lifespan management while extending valve life.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a common-rail fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine includes determining, dependent on an operating point of the engine, a set point rate of delivery of the high-pressure pumping device, and a set point pressure for the pressure storage system under high pressure, determining, dependent on a deviation between the set point pressure and an actual pressure in the pressure storage system, for a first part quantity of the throttle valves a closed-loop control portion for the position of the respective throttle valve, and activating the first part quantity of the throttle valves with the closed-loop control portion in addition to open-loop control for only the respective throttle valve of the first part quantity of the throttle valves. The, or each, throttle valve of a second part quantity of the throttle valves is exclusively activated with the open-loop control portion.