Engine Ignition Exciter Control for Adaptive Spark Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine ignition systems lack precise control over spark rate and energy storage charging, leading to inefficiencies and potential wear on components due to inconsistent energy demands based on environmental and engine conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electronic controller separate from the exciter to manage excitation commands and feedback signals, allowing for pulse width modulation and precise control of energy storage charging, sparking frequency, and component health monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the exciter operates at the fastest possible charge rate of the energy storage device, then the maximum spark rate is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability to varying environmental and engine conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the exciter charging rate through a controller that adjusts the charge rate based on real-time engine operating conditions and environmental parameters. The system transitions from a fixed maximum charge rate to a variable charge rate that adapts to changing conditions, optimizing both spark rate and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging parameter (charge rate) of the energy storage device based on detected engine conditions and environmental factors. By dynamically adjusting the charge rate parameter rather than operating at a fixed maximum, the system achieves both high productivity when needed and adaptability to varying conditions.
2Reliability
If continuous sparks are produced at a prescribed rate until commanded to stop, then the ignition function is maintained, but energy is wasted and components experience unnecessary wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller monitors engine operating conditions, combustion status, and igniter performance. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the spark generation commands to the exciter, maintaining reliable ignition function while eliminating unnecessary continuous sparking that wastes energy and causes component wear.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous sparks at a fixed prescribed rate, the system uses periodic spark action controlled by the feedback system. Sparks are generated only when needed based on real-time conditions, transforming the continuous operation into conditional periodic operation that reduces energy loss while maintaining ignition reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a separate electronic controller is implemented to manage excitation commands and feedback signals, then precise control over spark rate and energy storage charging is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate electronic controller is designed to perform multiple functions: managing excitation commands to the exciter, processing feedback signals from the engine, determining optimal spark timing and rate, and controlling energy storage charging parameters. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves precise control while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method can include controlling firing of an exciter of an engine with an electronic controller separate from the exciter as a function of at least one excitation command from the electronic controller and at least one feedback signal from the exciter operatively connected to the electronic controller.