Predictive EGR Control Using Electronic Horizon Slowdown Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial vehicles face challenges in effectively utilizing EGR systems for energy conservation and emission reduction due to frequent high loads, which affect torque output and increase NOx emissions.

Innovation Solution

A predictive EGR control method that adjusts EGR rates based on electronic horizon data to anticipate slowdown sections, calculating torque adjustments to maintain vehicle speed and reduce emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If EGR rate is increased to reduce NOx emissions, then harmful gas emissions decrease, but engine output torque is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx emissionsVSAvoidengine output torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses electronic horizon data to predict upcoming slowdown sections and pre-adjusts the EGR rate before the vehicle enters these sections. By calculating required torque adjustments in advance and preparing the EGR valve positioning, the system reduces NOx emissions during high-load conditions without compromising actual driving performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The EGR control system dynamically adjusts the EGR rate based on real-time driving conditions, engine load, and predicted terrain information. The control strategy transitions from static EGR management to dynamic predictive control, optimizing the balance between emissions reduction and torque maintenance according to actual operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If EGR valve is closed during high load to maintain power, then engine output torque is maintained, but NOx emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine output torqueVSAvoidNOx emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system predicts upcoming slowdown sections using electronic horizon data and pre-adjusts the EGR rate before high-load conditions occur. This allows the engine to operate with optimized EGR settings in advance, reducing NOx emissions during emission-critical phases while maintaining power when actually needed during acceleration or climbing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically switches EGR valve positioning based on predicted driving conditions rather than maintaining a fixed closed position during high load. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to achieve emissions reduction during appropriate phases while preserving torque output when performance is critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-generated harmful factors

If EGR rate is increased during high load for emission reduction, then NOx emissions decrease, but vehicle speed stability is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx emissionsVSAvoidvehicle speed stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates torque adjustments and EGR rate changes in advance based on predicted slowdown sections and terrain information. By preparing the EGR valve positioning beforehand and coordinating with engine torque management, the system achieves emissions reduction while maintaining vehicle speed stability through proactive rather than reactive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors actual vehicle speed, engine load, and EGR valve positioning, comparing these with predicted values from electronic horizon data. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustments to maintain speed stability while achieving emission reduction goals, correcting deviations as they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The method enables efficient energy conservation and emission reduction by optimizing EGR rates during high-load conditions using terrain information, ensuring stable vehicle speed and minimizing harmful gas emissions.

Implementation Method 1

An EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system, as disclosed for example in US 2006/0247093 A1, recirculates exhaust gas of the diesel engine into the engine for combustion to reduce the oxygen concentration in the combustion gas mixture and reduce the combustion temperature, thus reducing the amount of harmful gas NOx produced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExhaust gas recirculation:

Data Source

PatentEP4180646B1Predictive EGR control method, terminal device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 XIAMEN YAXON ZHILLAN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4180646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4180646B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4180646B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a predictive EGR control method and terminal device, and a storage medium. The method includes: determining, according to electronic horizon data ahead of a vehicle, whether there is a slowdown section ahead of the vehicle, and if so, calculating an engine output torque to be reduced for travelling from a current position of the vehicle to a start position of the slowdown section and/or an engine output torque to be increased for travelling from the start position of the slowdown section to an end position of the slowdown section, and thereby adjusting an EGR rate of the vehicle at the current position of the vehicle according to the engine output torque to be reduced and/or adjusting the EGR rate of the vehicle at the start position of the slowdown section according to the engine output torque to be increased. By making full use of the information of the terrain ahead provided in the electronic horizon, before the vehicle running at a high load enters the slowdown section, an EGR valve can be opened in advance to increase the EGR rate, thereby reducing harmful gas emissions.