Engine Torque Control via Model Predictive Valve Lift Anticipation

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional engine control systems fail to accurately control engine output torque and do not provide rapid responses to control signals, especially when dealing with changes in valve lift state and cylinder activation, leading to suboptimal fuel economy.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a model predictive control (MPC) system that adjusts target values for engine actuators, including valve lift and cylinder activation, based on predicted future parameters and a mathematical model of the engine, to minimize the cost of torque deviation and improve airflow control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional engine control systems are used to control valve lift and cylinder activation, then the system structure is simple, but the engine torque control accuracy deteriorates and response speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine torque control accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future valve lift states and cylinder activation patterns before they occur. The MPC controller uses a mathematical model to anticipate the effects of upcoming control decisions on engine torque, allowing the system to pre-adjust other actuators (throttle, fuel injection, spark timing) to compensate for anticipated torque variations, thereby improving torque control accuracy without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control by continuously updating the mathematical model predictions and adjusting control strategies in real-time based on current engine operating conditions. The MPC framework dynamically optimizes control decisions across multiple future time steps, enabling the system to adapt to changing valve lift states and cylinder activation patterns while maintaining accurate torque control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If traditional engine control systems are used, then the control system is simple, but the response speed to control signals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future valve lift states and cylinder activation patterns before they occur. The MPC controller uses a mathematical model to anticipate the effects of upcoming control decisions on engine torque, allowing the system to pre-adjust other actuators (throttle, fuel injection, spark timing) to compensate for anticipated torque variations, thereby improving torque control accuracy without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control by continuously updating the mathematical model predictions and adjusting control strategies in real-time based on current engine operating conditions. The MPC framework dynamically optimizes control decisions across multiple future time steps, enabling the system to adapt to changing valve lift states and cylinder activation patterns while maintaining accurate torque control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If valve lift state changes are not anticipated, then the control system is simple, but the fuel economy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future valve lift states and cylinder activation patterns before they occur. The MPC controller uses a mathematical model to anticipate the effects of upcoming control decisions on engine torque, allowing the system to pre-adjust other actuators (throttle, fuel injection, spark timing) to compensate for anticipated torque variations, thereby improving torque control accuracy without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10094300B2System and method for controlling an engine using model predictive control to minimize the effect of changes in valve lift state on engine operation

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine actuator control module and at least one of a valve lift control module and a cylinder activation module. The valve lift control module adjusts a target lift state of a valve actuator of an engine to adjust an amount by which at least one of an intake valve of a cylinder of the engine and an exhaust valve of the cylinder is lifted from a valve seat. The cylinder activation module determines a target number of activated cylinders in the engine. The engine actuator control module that controls a first actuator of the engine at a present time based on at least one of the target lift state at a future time and the target number of activated cylinders at the future time. The first actuator is different than the valve actuator.