Model Predictive Control for Engine Torque Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional engine control systems fail to accurately control engine output torque and do not provide rapid responses to control signals, nor coordinate torque control among various devices affecting engine output torque effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a model predictive control (MPC) module, an actuator module, and a remedial action module to predict operating parameters, determine costs, select target values, and control engine actuators, while monitoring iteration time and taking remedial actions to ensure efficient and accurate torque control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional engine control systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the engine output torque control accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with a computer-based model predictive control system. The ECU executes MPC algorithms to calculate optimal control parameters, substituting mechanical control linkages and simple feedback mechanisms with electronic sensing, computational processing, and electronic actuation. This substitution enables precise torque control through iterative optimization while managing system complexity through integrated electronic architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements model predictive control by continuously changing control parameters (throttle position, spark timing, fuel injection quantity) based on predicted future engine states. The system iteratively adjusts these parameters to minimize a cost function that evaluates torque control accuracy, fuel consumption, and emissions. This dynamic parameter optimization achieves high torque control precision by adapting control settings in real-time based on predicted engine behavior.
2Speed
If traditional engine control systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the response speed to control signals is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements model predictive control by performing preliminary calculations of future engine states and optimal control actions before actual changes are needed. The MPC algorithm predicts future torque requirements and pre-calculates the sequence of control parameter adjustments needed to achieve target torque. This preliminary action enables rapid response to torque requests because the control strategy is prepared in advance through iterative optimization, reducing the time needed to react to changing operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional engine control systems are used, then the control loop period is fixed, but the coordination of torque control among various devices is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified model predictive control architecture that simultaneously controls multiple torque-affecting devices including the throttle valve, spark timing, and fuel injection system. The single MPC algorithm optimizes all these actuators together based on a comprehensive cost function that evaluates their coordinated performance. This universal control approach enables seamless coordination among various torque control devices by treating them as an integrated system rather than separate control loops, achieving adaptive torque management across different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system according to the present disclosure includes a model predictive control (MPC) module, an actuator module, and a remedial action module. The MPC module performs MPC tasks that include predicting operating parameters for a set of possible target values and determining a cost for the set of possible target values based on the predicted operating parameters. The MPC tasks also include selecting the set of possible target values from multiple sets of possible target values based on the cost and setting target values to the possible target values of the selected set. The actuator module controls an actuator of an engine based on at least one of the target values. The remedial action module selectively takes a remedial action based on at least one of an amount of time that elapses as the MPC tasks are performed and a number of iterations of the MPC tasks that are performed.