MPC Throttle Control for Engine Torque Accuracy

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional engine control systems for internal combustion engines lack accuracy in controlling engine output torque and fail to provide rapid responses to control signals, as well as coordinate torque control among various devices affecting engine output.

Innovation Solution

An engine control system utilizing model predictive control (MPC) to generate target values for throttle valve pressure ratios, wastegate openings, EGR valve openings, intake and exhaust phaser angles, and other parameters, allowing for precise control of engine torque output by determining predicted operating parameters and selecting the optimal set of target values based on cost analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional engine control systems are used to control engine output torque, then the control system is simple to implement, but the torque control accuracy is insufficient and response speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque control accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments torque control into multiple independent control targets: engine torque, transmission torque, and motor torque. Each torque component has its own control module that independently calculates and adjusts torque output, enabling precise overall torque control through coordinated segmentation of control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs preliminary calculation of target torque values before actual torque delivery. The processor calculates target engine torque, target transmission torque, and target motor torque in advance based on driver input and vehicle conditions, then executes these pre-calculated torque targets to achieve rapid and accurate torque control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If traditional engine control systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the response speed to control signals is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs preliminary calculation of target torque values before actual torque delivery. The processor calculates target engine torque, target transmission torque, and target motor torque in advance based on driver input and vehicle conditions, then executes these pre-calculated torque targets to achieve rapid and accurate torque control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors actual torque output from the engine, transmission, and motor, comparing it with target torque values. Based on the torque deviation detected, the system dynamically adjusts control signals to correct discrepancies, ensuring rapid response and accurate tracking of desired torque targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional engine control systems are used, then the control architecture is simple, but the coordination among various torque-affecting devices is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordinate control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments torque control into multiple independent control targets: engine torque, transmission torque, and motor torque. Each torque component has its own control module that independently calculates and adjusts torque output, enabling precise overall torque control through coordinated segmentation of control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system applies a unified torque control strategy across multiple power sources (engine and motor) and transmission components. The same control algorithm and calculation methodology are universally applied to coordinate engine torque, transmission torque, and motor torque, enabling seamless integration and cooperative operation of diverse torque-affecting devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9528453B2Throttle control systems and methods based on pressure ratio

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A torque requesting module generates a torque request for an engine based on driver input. A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on the torque request, each of the sets of possible target values including target pressure ratios across a throttle valve; determines predicted operating parameters for the sets of possible target values, respectively; determines cost values for the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the cost values; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets, respectively, the target values including a target pressure ratio across the throttle valve. A target area module determines a target opening area of the throttle valve based on the target pressure ratio. A throttle actuator module controls the throttle valve based on the target opening.