Adaptive Engine Control Using GPS-Based Parasitic Load Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine control systems fail to adequately coordinate regeneration events of exhaust after-treatment components with engine operating conditions, leading to negative impacts on engine performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic controller system that predicts parasitic loads based on driving conditions using GPS and geographic information to adjust the timing of regeneration processes, ensuring engine performance and efficiency are maintained at or above predetermined levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regeneration events are initiated at predetermined time intervals or distances, then exhaust after-treatment system performance is optimized, but engine performance and efficiency deteriorate due to uncoordinated parasitic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting future parasitic loads using GPS location and geographic information before initiating regeneration events. The controller forecasts upcoming engine loads based on terrain data, route information, and historical patterns, then schedules regeneration events to occur during periods of predicted low load. This advance planning allows coordination of multiple parasitic loads (regeneration, air conditioning, radio) to prevent simultaneous occurrence, thereby maintaining engine performance while ensuring after-treatment system reliability.
2Productivity
If exhaust gas temperature is artificially raised for regeneration, then soot removal efficiency is improved, but fuel consumption increases due to additional energy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the timing parameter of regeneration events based on predicted driving conditions and geographic information. By analyzing future route data including elevation changes, traffic patterns, and terrain, the controller selects optimal moments when engine load is naturally lower, allowing temperature raising events to occur with minimal impact on overall fuel consumption. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures effective soot removal while minimizing the energy penalty associated with artificial temperature increases.
3Reliability
If multiple parasitic loads are operated simultaneously, then exhaust after-treatment regeneration is achieved, but engine power output is reduced due to cumulative parasitic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary scheduling of multiple parasitic loads by forecasting future engine power requirements using geographic information and GPS data. It identifies time windows where predicted engine load is low, then coordinates the timing of regeneration events, air conditioning operation, and radio power consumption to occur within these windows. This prevents simultaneous operation of multiple parasitic loads that would otherwise cause excessive power demand, maintaining engine power output while ensuring regeneration completion.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an electronic controller (15) for an internal combustion engine (12) of a motor vehicle. The electronic controller includes a location detection module (32) configured to identify a location of the motor vehicle by a global positioning system (GPS) device (18). Also, the electronic controller includes a driving condition prediction module (34) configured to determine a direction of travel and access geographic information data for a path to be traveled by the motor vehicle. The electronic controller also has a simulation module (36) configured to simulate engine performance including effects from parasitic loads. Still further, the electronic controller includes a parasitic load control module (38) configured to adjust the timing for one or more of a regeneration process for an exhaust filter and at least one other parasitic load in order to maintain engine performance at or above a predetermined threshold.


