Engine Fuel Efficiency Determination via Power Loss Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems fail to accurately determine fuel efficiency due to variations in external conditions such as air temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure, which affect actual torque output differently than controlled conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel efficiency estimation system that calculates power loss based on the difference between optimal and estimated power output, using modules to determine air intake, fuel mass rate, and power loss, incorporating engine speed, torque, coolant temperature, and cam phaser positions to adjust for varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dynamometer is used to evaluate vehicle performance under controlled conditions, then optimal engine torque output can be determined, but actual torque output under varying external conditions (air temperature, humidity, barometric pressure) differs from the optimal torque output
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fuel efficiency calculations by continuously monitoring external conditions (air temperature, humidity, barometric pressure) and engine operating parameters (coolant temperature, air intake, fuel mass rate). This allows the fuel efficiency determination to adapt in real-time to varying external conditions rather than relying on fixed controlled-condition data from dynamometer testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including air intake value, fuel mass rate, coolant temperature, and external environmental parameters to compute power loss and determine fuel efficiency. By monitoring and adjusting these parameters based on actual operating conditions, the system achieves accurate fuel efficiency determination across diverse external environments.
2Device complexity
If fuel efficiency is determined without accounting for external conditions, then the determination process is simpler, but the accuracy of fuel efficiency assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: it monitors engine operating parameters (air intake, fuel mass rate, coolant temperature), tracks external environmental conditions (air temperature, humidity, barometric pressure), calculates power loss, and determines fuel efficiency. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated control module.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring engine parameters and external conditions, comparing actual performance against expected performance, and using the difference (power loss) to adjust fuel efficiency determination. This feedback mechanism enables accurate fuel efficiency assessment across varying conditions without requiring complex manual adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A module that calculates power loss for an internal combustion engine includes an air intake calculation module that determines a final air per cylinder (APC) value. A fuel mass rate calculation module that determines a fuel mass rate value based on the final APC value. A power loss calculation module that determines a power loss value for the internal combustion engine based on the fuel mass rate value.