Actuator Positioning via Predictive Engine Torque Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current engine control strategies face challenges in optimizing engine performance parameters such as fuel consumption and NOx emissions simultaneously, as increasing power often contradicts reducing fuel consumption and emissions, leading to sacrifices in engine parameter control.

Innovation Solution

A method that predicts future engine torque and speed to determine optimal actuator positions using weighted parameters for fuel consumption, NOx emissions, and thermal power, allowing for improved transient control and optimization of engine performance parameters by controlling actuators based on predicted future behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If engine power is increased to meet performance requirements, then engine thermal power is improved, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine thermal powerVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary prediction of future engine torque and speed requirements based on driving patterns, then proactively adjusts actuator positions in advance. This allows the engine to operate in optimal efficiency ranges before high-power demands occur, reducing overall fuel consumption while meeting power requirements when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts actuator positions based on real-time engine operating conditions and predicted future demands. By continuously adapting the actuator positions rather than using fixed positions, the system can optimize the trade-off between power output and fuel consumption across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If engine power is increased to meet performance requirements, then engine thermal power is improved, but NOx emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine thermal powerVSAvoidNOx emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system predicts future engine operating conditions and pre-adjusts actuator positions to minimize NOx formation during high-power events. By preparing the engine state in advance, the system can achieve required power output while maintaining lower NOx emissions through optimized combustion conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key combustion parameters by adjusting actuator positions based on predicted operating conditions. This includes modifying injection timing, EGR rates, and other combustion-critical parameters to reduce NOx formation while maintaining the required power output level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional control strategies are used without future predictions, then control simplicity is maintained, but optimization of engine performance parameters is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol strategy complexityVSAvoidoptimization of engine performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a prediction module as an intermediary between the driver's power demand and the actuator control. This intermediary predicts future engine torque and speed requirements, enabling optimized actuator positioning that improves performance parameters while keeping the overall control architecture manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3452710B1A method for determining a position of at least one actuator
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP3452710B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3452710B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3452710B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining a position of at least one actuator of an internal combustion engine arrangement, the method comprising the steps of: receiving parameter values for engine performance parameters of the internal combustion engine arrangement at a first point in time; predicting at least one engine performance parameter value at an at least one second, future point in time; and determining an actuator position for the at least one actuator by means of an optimization using the parameter values at the first point in time and at the at least one second point in time as input.