Exhaust Manifold Temperature Estimation via Thermodynamic Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for estimating exhaust manifold temperature in internal combustion engines face inaccuracies and limitations, particularly in dynamic conditions and areas where physical sensors are impractical or ineffective, such as within a turbocharger or exhaust manifold.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that estimates exhaust manifold temperature by receiving fuel and air signals, calculating mean effective pressure, and generating temperature change values to estimate both incoming and outgoing exhaust gas temperatures, thereby determining the manifold temperature accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical sensors are used to measure exhaust manifold temperature, then measurement capability is provided, but sensor accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to harsh physical conditions within the exhaust manifold and turbocharger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a turbocharger as an intermediary component between the exhaust manifold and the measurement point. The turbocharger allows indirect measurement of exhaust manifold temperature through its inlet temperature, which is a less harsh environment for sensors. This mediator approach enables accurate temperature measurement without exposing sensors directly to the most extreme conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermocouples to create thermal copies or representations of the temperature conditions. By placing thermocouples at the turbocharger inlet and using thermal modeling, the system creates an indirect copy of the exhaust manifold temperature condition, allowing measurement without direct sensor exposure to harsh conditions.
2Measurement precision
If physical sensors are placed within the exhaust manifold, then direct temperature measurement is achieved, but sensor degradation and failure increase due to extreme heat and corrosive environment
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust manifold acts as an intermediary in the thermal modeling approach. Instead of placing sensors directly in the harshest conditions, the system uses the exhaust manifold's thermal characteristics and inlet temperature measurements to model and infer the temperature distribution, reducing direct sensor exposure to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/physical sensing with a thermal modeling and calculation system. By using thermodynamic equations and heat transfer models, the system substitutes physical sensor placement with computational estimation, eliminating the need for sensors to withstand extreme heat and corrosion directly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If regression or system identification techniques are used to estimate engine parameters, then diagnostic capability is provided, but estimation accuracy is insufficient for dynamic conditions and certain engine types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the estimation problem by changing the approach from regression/system identification to thermodynamic modeling with explicit temperature calculations. By using fundamental thermodynamic equations and heat transfer parameters, the system achieves higher accuracy across different engine types and dynamic conditions, improving both adaptability and precision.
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 provides more accurate and reliable estimates of exhaust manifold temperature, enhancing fuel efficiency and emission reduction by improving control over internal combustion engine operations, even in conditions where physical sensors are inadequate.
Implementation Method 1
generating an estimated exhaust manifold temperature based at least in part on the rate of temperature change value for the exhaust manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include at least one processor configured to receive a fuel signal indicative of an amount of fuel supplied to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, receive an air signal indicative of a quantity of air supplied to the cylinder, and estimate a mean effective pressure in the cylinder based at least in part on the fuel signal and the air signal. The system may estimate an exhaust gas temperature for exhaust gas entering an exhaust manifold associated with the internal combustion engine, generate a rate of temperature change value for the exhaust manifold based at least in part on the exhaust gas temperature, generate an estimated exhaust manifold temperature based at least in part on the rate of temperature change value for the exhaust manifold, and estimate an exhaust gas temperature for exhaust gas exiting the exhaust manifold and entering a turbine of a turbocharger.