Engine Exhaust Temperature Estimator Using Observer Error Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature estimation methods for internal combustion engine exhaust temperatures are inadequate due to long response times of temperature sensors, which fail to provide precise and rapid data necessary for effective engine control and component protection.

Innovation Solution

A temperature estimator is introduced, comprising a module for receiving sensor measurements and external data, with an observer capable of determining estimated temperatures and adjusting for measurement errors, incorporating a dynamic compensation gain to improve precision and response time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a temperature sensor is used to measure exhaust temperature, then temperature data can be obtained, but the response time is too long (several seconds to reach 60% of loop deviation)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an observer as an intermediary computational system that processes sensor measurements and fluid dynamics models to generate corrected temperature estimates. This observer acts as a mediator between the slow physical sensor and the fast control system, providing rapid temperature estimates without requiring additional physical sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical/physical temperature sensing approach with a computational approach using an observer algorithm. Instead of relying solely on physical sensor response, the system uses mathematical models and computational correction to accelerate temperature estimation, substituting mechanical response limitations with computational processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If a linear model of sensor response is used to estimate temperature, then response time is improved, but model instability occurs and coupling with other models is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidmodel stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite estimation model that combines multiple components: sensor measurements, fluid dynamics models, and correction algorithms. This composite approach integrates different modeling techniques to achieve both fast response and stability, overcoming the limitations of simple linear models while maintaining coupling capability with other system models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The observer implements feedback mechanisms where temperature estimates are continuously refined based on sensor measurements and model predictions. This feedback loop ensures model stability by correcting deviations and maintaining consistency with actual system behavior, preventing the instability issues seen in open-loop linear models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If the sensor response is considered as input for temperature estimation, then temperature can be estimated, but the measurement error is not corrected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature information availabilityVSAvoidtemperature estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The observer serves as an intermediary that processes raw sensor inputs and applies correction algorithms to eliminate measurement errors. This intermediary layer transforms inaccurate sensor data into accurate temperature estimates by compensating for sensor dynamics and fluid effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters used for temperature estimation by incorporating fluid dynamics parameters (flow rate, pressure, temperature gradients) alongside sensor measurements. This parameter transformation allows the system to correct measurement errors by using alternative physical relationships to infer accurate temperature values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4093956B1Estimator and method for estimating a temperature of a fluid flow passing through an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 HORSE POWERTRAIN SOLUTIONS S L U
  • EP4093956B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4093956B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4093956B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The temperature estimator (32) is intended to be incorporated into a motor vehicle internal combustion engine. It comprises a first module (36) for receiving a parameter measured by a sensor located in a fluid flow passing through the internal combustion engine (2), a second module (38) for receiving an external data item, and a module (44) for determining a temperature of the fluid flow. The determination module (44) comprises an observer capable of determining an estimated temperature of the fluid flow and an estimated parameter linked to the sensor, the observer being configured to determine the estimated temperature of the fluid flow taking account of a measurement error in the estimated parameter.