Engine Controller Optimization via Iterative Combustion Perturbation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engine systems face challenges in optimizing fuel economy and emissions control due to increasing complexity and varying operating conditions, with existing solutions failing to account for manufacturing variations and aging effects, while also managing reductant consumption and battery health effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method of iterative multivariate optimization that controls charge constituents in internal combustion engines and aftertreatment systems, perturbing combustion inputs to optimize fuel consumption and emissions, while meeting NOx emissions criteria, using a controller to adjust parameters such as EGR fraction, fueling quantity, and reductant dosing based on real-time data and geographical variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing control strategies are used to optimize fuel consumption, then fuel economy improves, but emissions requirements are not met and manufacturing variations are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts to manufacturing variations and aging effects by continuously adjusting control parameters based on actual system performance. The controller modifies combustion inputs in real-time to account for component degradation and manufacturing tolerances, transforming a static control approach into a dynamic one that evolves with the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters such as EGR fraction, fueling quantity, and combustion timing to optimize performance across different operating conditions. By varying these parameters adaptively, the system accounts for manufacturing variations and aging effects while maintaining fuel efficiency and emissions compliance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If aftertreatment systems are added to control emissions, then emissions are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by optimizing combustion inputs before exhaust gases reach the aftertreatment system. By pre-conditioning the exhaust through controlled combustion parameters (EGR, fueling, timing), the system reduces the burden on aftertreatment components and enables simpler aftertreatment designs to achieve the same emissions performance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If combustion inputs are adjusted to meet emissions criteria, then NOx emissions are controlled, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes multiple combustion parameters simultaneously (EGR fraction, fueling quantity, injection timing) to achieve the desired balance between NOx emissions and fuel consumption. By coordinating changes across multiple parameters rather than adjusting a single parameter, the system achieves emissions compliance with minimal impact on fuel economy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts combustion parameters based on real-time operating conditions to maintain the optimal balance between emissions and fuel consumption. The controller continuously monitors system state and modifies combustion inputs adaptively, allowing the system to meet NOx criteria while minimizing fuel penalty under varying operating conditions.
4Productivity
If iterative multivariate optimization is implemented, then multiple parameters are optimized simultaneously, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the optimization problem by treating different combustion parameters (EGR fraction, fueling quantity, timing) as separate controllable variables. The controller independently adjusts each parameter while considering their interdependencies, breaking down the complex multivariate optimization into manageable segments that can be controlled and tuned separately.
Data Source
AI summary
One illustrative embodiment is a method comprising operating an engine and an aftertreatment system by controlling a plurality of charge constituents provided the engine, iteratively perturbating one or more combustion inputs effective to vary operation of the engine, and determining fuel consumption and emissions information at the operating points effective to seek a weighted optimization of multiple parameters including fuel consumption and reductant consumption while also meeting a predetermined NOx emissions criterion. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the description and figures.