Engine Control via Target Pressure Curve Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control methods require significant time and expense to create specific diagrams or maps for controlling engine injection, and they struggle with quick response to variable engine conditions, leading to inefficiencies in combustion noise and pollutant emission.
Innovation Solution
A method and controller that determine a target pressure curve and heat release model for a vehicle engine, automatically adjusting fuel injection to achieve the target pressure curve, and adapt these parameters based on real-time pressure curve differences between subsequent combustion cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific diagrams or maps are used for engine control, then control accuracy is improved, but significant time and expense are needed to build up the diagrams through experiments and test drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/experimental approach of building diagrams through physical test drives with a computational model-based approach. The control unit uses a simulation model of the combustion chamber to calculate optimal injection timing and pressure values directly, eliminating the need for extensive experimental data collection and diagram creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or simulation model of the combustion chamber that replicates its behavior. This model allows the control unit to predict combustion outcomes and optimize injection parameters without needing to perform repeated physical experiments, thus reducing time and resource requirements.
2Measurement precision
If specific diagrams or maps are used for engine control, then control accuracy is improved, but significant expense is needed to build up the diagrams through experiments and test drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive experimental and test drive processes with computational simulations. The control unit calculates optimal control parameters using a simulation model, eliminating the need for costly physical testing and data collection campaigns.
Solution Approach 2:
By using a virtual simulation model of the combustion chamber, the system avoids the expensive process of building empirical diagrams through physical experiments. The model serves as a cost-effective substitute for extensive testing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional control methods are used, then control stability is maintained, but the system struggles with quick response to variable engine conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control approach where the control unit continuously calculates optimal injection timing and pressure values based on current engine conditions using the simulation model. This allows the system to adapt quickly to changing conditions while maintaining stability through model-based predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from actual engine operation to continuously update and refine the control parameters. The control unit compares predicted vs. actual combustion outcomes and adjusts injection parameters accordingly, enabling quick response to variable conditions while maintaining control stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach optimizes combustion efficiency by predicting and adjusting fuel injection profiles, reducing combustion noise and pollutant emissions while maintaining low computational requirements and decoupling in-cylinder pressure from rail pressure, enabling real-time, flexible engine control.
Implementation Method 1
determine a target pressure curve for a cylinder of the engine for a first combustion cycle
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example method of controlling an engine of a vehicle, includes determining a target pressure curve for a cylinder of the engine for a first combustion cycle, determining a heat release model for the cylinder for the first combustion cycle, determining a mass flow of fuel from the heat release model to achieve the target pressure curve during the first combustion cycle, and automatically controlling opening of an injector of the cylinder of the engine during the first combustion cycle to provide the determined mass flow of fuel to the cylinder. The method includes determining a real pressure curve during the first combustion cycle and automatically adjusting at least one of the heat release model or the mass flow for a second, subsequent combustion cycle based on a difference between the target pressure curve and the real pressure curve.