Glow Plug Voltage Control for Diesel Engine Start Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel engine glow plugs face reduced lifespan due to high initial voltage usage and prolonged start times with lower voltages, necessitating a method to optimize voltage phases for efficient heating and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts a first phase voltage based on engine start time parameters and couples it with a lower second phase voltage to achieve desired temperatures, using look-up tables and flow-charts to determine optimal voltage profiles for extended glow plug life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a fixed higher voltage (11V) is applied to the glow plug for a predetermined time to reduce start time, then the engine start time is reduced, but the glow plug life is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage application is divided into multiple phases: a first phase with higher voltage (11V) applied for a controlled duration, followed by a second phase with lower voltage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve rapid initial heating while limiting the cumulative damage from high voltage exposure, thereby extending glow plug life while maintaining acceptable start times.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage magnitude is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature feedback from the glow plug. The control system monitors glow plug temperature and adapts the voltage level accordingly, transitioning from high voltage when cold to lower voltage as the glow plug heats up, optimizing both start time and component longevity.
2Reliability
If a lower voltage is applied to the glow plug to extend its life, then the glow plug life is extended, but the engine start time becomes unacceptably long
Solution Approach 1:
A higher voltage is applied initially for a predetermined time period to rapidly heat the glow plug to a temperature conducive for combustion. This preliminary high-voltage action ensures quick engine start capability, after which the voltage is reduced to maintain temperature while preserving glow plug life.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage application follows a periodic pattern with distinct phases: an initial high-voltage phase for rapid heating, followed by a lower voltage phase for temperature maintenance. This periodic voltage structure optimizes both start time and glow plug durability by matching voltage levels to the thermal requirements at different stages.
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 enhances glow plug durability by reducing the initial high voltage phase duration and extending the useful life of the glow plug while maintaining efficient engine start times.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically heated glow plug to assist in starting
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for controlling a glow plug temperature in a diesel engine are herein described. In one example, a controller may adjust a first phase voltage coupled to the glow plug in relation to a parameter associated with engine start time, and couple a lower second phase voltage to the glow plug in order to control the cylinder temperature and thereby the engine start time. In one particular example, the reduced second phase voltage allows the operating cycle push phase to be extended, which increases glow plug durability and further allows for the useful life of the glow plug to be extended.