Hierarchical Engine Control with Decoupled Subsystem Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engine systems face challenges in efficiently calibrating and controlling subsystems with different response times, leading to long calibration cycles and resource constraints, while meeting performance, efficiency, and emission requirements.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that interprets basis variable sets for fuel, air handling, and aftertreatment subsystems, determining reference values based on their respective response times and operational information, and providing control commands to manage the engine's performance, reducing the need for extensive table calibration and processing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If integrated calibration utilizing complex modeling of the entire engine system with all subsystems is performed, then adequate capture of behavior and interactions between subsystems is achieved, but calibration cycles become long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engine control system into multiple hierarchical levels (e.g., cylinder level, bank level, engine level) and calibrates each level independently with appropriate complexity. This allows calibration of critical interactions while avoiding the computational burden of modeling every detail at the highest level, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining adequate capture of subsystem interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different modeling complexities to different parts of the system based on their importance and dynamics. Critical subsystems with significant interactions receive more detailed modeling, while less critical areas use simplified models. This local differentiation maintains accuracy where needed while reducing overall calibration complexity and time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If engine systems are calibrated to meet performance requirements under varying conditions, then performance goals are achieved, but calibration complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic calibration approaches where control parameters are adjusted based on operating conditions. The system transitions between different calibration modes or tables depending on the current operating state, allowing the engine to meet performance requirements across varying conditions without requiring a single overly complex calibration that covers all scenarios equally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based calibration where key operating parameters (load, speed, temperature, etc.) define the calibration state. By organizing calibration data around these parameters and using interpolation between parameter values, the system achieves adaptability to varying conditions while maintaining manageable calibration complexity through structured parameter relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for control of an internal combustion system having subsystems, each with different response times. Subsystems may include a fuel system, an air handling system, and an aftertreatment system, each being operated in response to a set of reference values generated by a respective target determiner. Calibration of each subsystem may be performed independently. The fuel system is controlled at a first time constant. The air handling system is controlled on the order of a second time constant slower than the first time constant. The aftertreatment system is controlled on the order of a third time constant slower than the second time constant. A subsystem manager is optionally in operative communication with each target determiner to coordinate control. Generally, dynamic parameters from slower subsystems are treated as static parameters when determining reference values for controlling a faster subsystem.