Engine Torque Control Using Horizon-Based Setpoint Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coordinated torque control systems for gasoline compression ignition engines fail to accurately predict and rapidly respond to user demands, and do not effectively coordinate engine torque control among various devices.
Innovation Solution
An engine control system comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) with constraint modules and an engine torque control module, which includes an engine setpoint optimizer module and actuation blocks, determines actuator setpoints to facilitate precise engine torque response by anticipating user needs and coordinating actuator operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional coordinated torque control systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the engine torque prediction accuracy and response speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple specialized modules: constraint modules for determining horizon requests, engine setpoint optimizer module for calculating optimal setpoints, engine setpoint control module for coordinate control, and actuation blocks for individual actuator management. This segmentation allows each module to focus on specific tasks, improving overall prediction accuracy and response speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining horizon requests that anticipate future engine torque requirements before they are actually needed. The constraint modules calculate optimal engine setpoints in advance, and the engine setpoint control module prepares coordinate control strategies proactively, enabling the system to respond rapidly to changing driving conditions without waiting for real-time torque demands to materialize.
2Speed
If traditional torque control systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the response speed to control signals is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The engine setpoint optimizer module determines optimal engine setpoints in advance by calculating horizon requests that anticipate future torque needs. This preliminary calculation allows the engine setpoint control module to execute coordinate control actions immediately when needed, significantly reducing response time while the automated optimization process maintains operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the engine setpoint control module continuously monitors actual engine torque output and compares it with predicted values from the horizon requests. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to coordinate control strategies, improving response speed by dynamically adapting to actual engine behavior while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
3Reliability
If traditional torque control systems are used, then the system architecture is simple, but the coordination among various actuators is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into specialized modules with distinct responsibilities: constraint modules for horizon request determination, engine setpoint optimizer for optimal setpoint calculation, engine setpoint control module for coordinate control of multiple actuators, and individual actuation blocks for each actuator. This segmentation improves actuator coordination effectiveness by ensuring each actuator receives precisely tailored control signals while maintaining systematic management of overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine setpoint control module merges the control functions of multiple actuators into a unified coordinate control strategy. By integrating the control of fuel injection, ignition timing, and other actuators into a single coordinated framework that operates based on optimized engine setpoints, the system achieves effective multi-actuator coordination while presenting a simplified interface through the actuation blocks that manage individual actuator details.
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
The system provides a rapid and accurate engine torque response, reducing shocks during vehicle acceleration and enhancing the driving experience by anticipating and coordinating the actions of multiple actuators.
Implementation Method 1
Coordinated torque control systems have been developed to predict and control a future engine torque output according to a user's future driving needs
Implementation Method 2
The engine setpoint optimizer module receives the horizon request as an array of engine setpoint quantities (ESQ) and determines an array of Individual Engine Setpoints (IES) based on the array of ESQ
Implementation Method 3
The actuation blocks convert the actuator setpoints into voltage signals. The actuators facilitate a combustion reaction in the engine based on the voltage signals
Implementation Method 4
Gasoline compression ignition (GCI) is a method of gasoline ignition for an internal combustion engine that relies on compressing a mixture of fuel and air in a piston cylinder, resulting in the self-ignition of the fuel and air mixture
Implementation Method 5
Recirculating the exhaust gases aids in the combustion process by diluting the combustible mixture with the inert exhaust gases, which reduces the maximum temperature generated by the combustion reaction
Data Source
AI summary
An engine for enabling a desired engine torque response of a vehicle includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and actuators. The ECU includes constraint modules and an engine torque control module, which includes an engine setpoint optimizer module, an engine setpoint control module, and actuation blocks. The constraint modules determine a horizon request for the engine. The engine torque control module receives the horizon request. The engine setpoint optimizer module receives the horizon request as an array of engine setpoint quantities (ESQ) and determines an array of Individual Engine Setpoints (IES) based on the array of ESQ. The engine setpoint control module determines actuator setpoints for the actuators to be set to based on the array of IES. The actuation blocks convert the actuator setpoints into voltage signals. The actuators facilitate a combustion reaction in the engine based on the voltage signals.