Direct Metered Pump Pressure Control via Subcycle Mass Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine pressure control systems are suboptimal due to equal command of pumping events, leading to inefficiencies, noise, stress, and reduced durability, as they fail to respond effectively to changes in conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling engine pressure using a mass balance analysis over the smallest repeatable subcycle, calculating the total fuel delivery demand and allocating it to each pump event based on current engine conditions, incorporating a PID controller for precise pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If equal command is given to each pumping event, then pressure control simplicity is maintained, but pump operation efficiency deteriorates and responsiveness to condition changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pump operation into individual pump events within subcycles, allowing each event to be independently controlled based on specific conditions. The controller divides the overall pressure control task into discrete pump events, where each event can be commanded differently (e.g., skip, partial delivery, full delivery) rather than applying equal command to all events. This segmentation enables optimized pump operation while maintaining manageable control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by continuously adjusting pump commands based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors pressure deviations from target and dynamically determines the appropriate command for each pump event (skip event, partial delivery, full delivery). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond effectively to changing conditions, improving pump operation efficiency and responsiveness while maintaining pressure control.
2Ease of operation
If equal command is given to each pumping event, then control implementation is simplified, but responsiveness to condition changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump commands based on real-time pressure feedback and target comparisons. The controller evaluates whether to skip events, deliver partial quantity, or deliver full quantity for each pump event based on current pressure deviations from target. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automated decision-making while achieving high responsiveness to condition changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors actual pressure and compares it to target pressure. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts subsequent pump commands to correct pressure deviations. This feedback loop enables the system to respond adaptively to condition changes while maintaining straightforward control implementation through automated closed-loop control.
3Measurement precision
If pressure focused control is used, then pressure control is achieved, but pump durability and reliability deteriorate due to increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the pump to skip certain events or deliver only partial quantities in specific subcycles rather than always operating at full capacity. This selective operation reduces cumulative stress on the pump system while maintaining adequate pressure control through strategic full deliveries in other events. The approach balances pressure precision requirements with pump durability by avoiding unnecessary excessive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic subcycle-based control where pump events are organized into repeating subcycles. Within each subcycle, the controller determines optimal commands based on current conditions, creating a rhythmic pattern of pump operation. This periodic structure allows the system to maintain pressure control through regular full deliveries while interspersing skip or partial events to reduce stress, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing pressure precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling pressure of an engine, including a controller structured to implement the method and an engine system including the controller. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method based on a mass balance analysis of a fuel system to determine how much mass needs to be pumped to maintain or achieve a certain pressure for the engine. In some embodiments, the method analyzes how much mass can be pumped by each pumping event based on current engine conditions. The analysis is performed over the smallest repeatable pump events and cylinder events cycle, or “subcycle,” based on the number of pump events and cylinder events for a given engine configuration.