Model-Based Control for Two-Stage Electrical Turbo Boosting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine control methods for two-stage boosting systems face challenges in efficiently managing boost air flow and turbo lag, particularly in engines with both conventional and electrical charging systems, which affects engine performance and emissions.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage air boosting system with a control module that utilizes a model-based approach to modulate the position of by-pass valves and variable-geometry turbines, along with controlling the electrical compressor, to optimize boost pressure and reduce turbo lag, while also incorporating sensors for real-time feedback and adaptive PID control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a two-stage boosting system is implemented to increase engine output, then engine power and air flow are improved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine outputVSAvoidboosting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The boosting system is divided into two independent stages: a first air boosting system (turbocharger or electrical) and a second air boosting system (the other type), allowing each stage to be controlled separately and independently optimized for different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control through a control module that adjusts by-pass valve positions and variable-geometry turbine configurations in real-time based on operating conditions, enabling adaptive optimization of boost pressure and air flow characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional control methods are used for two-stage boosting, then system operation is maintained, but turbo lag and inefficient boost air flow management occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operationVSAvoidturbo lag
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control module proactively manages boost air flow by anticipating demand changes and adjusting the first and second air boosting systems in advance, reducing turbo lag by preparing the system for upcoming load requirements rather than reacting to them

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A plurality of sensors provides real-time feedback on system operation including inlet conditions of the second air boosting system compressor, enabling the control module to continuously optimize control commands and minimize turbo lag through closed-loop control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If model-based control with power split and power balance models is implemented, then control precision and engine performance are improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system utilizes model-based approaches including power split control models and power balance control models that dynamically adjust control parameters based on real-time sensor feedback, achieving precise control of boost pressure and air flow through calculated optimization rather than simple mechanical control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables significant engine downsizing, fast torque acceleration, and potential CO2 benefits by effectively managing boost pressure and reducing the need for vehicle calibrations, while improving engine performance and emissions control.

Implementation Method 1

A turbocharger utilizes pressure in an exhaust system of the engine to drive a compressor providing boost air to the engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

A turbocharger utilizes pressure in an exhaust system of the engine to drive a compressor providing boost air to the engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbine: Turbine

Data Source

PatentUS10054069B2Method and apparatus for model based control of electrical boosting system
Publication Date: 2018.08.21 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US10054069B2 patent drawing
  • US10054069B2 patent drawing
  • US10054069B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A two-stage air boosting system for an internal combustion engine has a first air boosting system which is one of an electrical air boosting system or a turbocharger air boosting system. The two-stage air boosting system also includes a second air boosting system which is the other one of the electrical air boosting system or the turbocharger air boosting system and is positioned intermediate the first air boosting system and an air intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. A plurality of sensors provides information relating to operation of the two-stage air boosting system including inlet conditions of a compressor of the second air boosting system. A control module is configured to receive a plurality of inputs including the information relating to operation of the two-stage air boosting system, and is further configured to provide a system control command for the two-stage air boosting system responsive to the inputs.