Variable ETC Control Cycle for Engine RPM Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cogeneration systems face challenges in stabilizing engine RPM due to varying loads, leading to RPM hunting and instability, which affects power generation efficiency and reliability.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method of adjusting the control cycle of electronic throttle control (ETC) based on the range of engine RPM variation and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) to minimize RPM fluctuations and maintain stable engine operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the control cycle of electronic throttle control (ETC) is fixed, then the control system is simple, but the engine RPM hunting increases under varying load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidengine RPM stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the ETC control cycle variable rather than fixed. The control cycle is dynamically adjusted based on the current operating conditions of the engine, specifically adapting to varying load conditions. This allows the control system to respond appropriately to different operational states, reducing RPM hunting while maintaining manageable complexity through rule-based adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the ETC control cycle is adjusted frequently, then the engine RPM tracking performance improves, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRPM tracking precisionVSAvoidcontrol cycle adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the ETC control cycle parameters based on detected engine operating conditions. Specifically, the control cycle duration is adjusted as a parameter in response to changes in load conditions, allowing the system to optimize RPM tracking precision without requiring a completely complex control architecture. The adjustment is based on measurable parameters like load variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the engine responds quickly to load variations, then the power generation efficiency improves, but the RPM fluctuation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidengine RPM stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring engine operating conditions and using this information to adjust the ETC control cycle. The system detects load variations and RPM deviations, then feeds this information back to modify the control strategy. This closed-loop approach allows the engine to respond efficiently to load changes while actively correcting RPM fluctuations through adaptive control adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3343006B1Method of controlling engine
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3343006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3343006B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3343006B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a method of controlling an engine, which is capable of efficiently controlling the engine during power generation, and an engine generation system using the same. The method of controlling an engine for driving a generator in an engine generation system includes performing engine revolution-per-minute (RPM) tracking control so that the engine is driven at a target engine RPM, driving the engine according to a control cycle of electronic throttle control (ETC) set in a table in accordance with a corresponding engine RPM when a load is in a fixed state, determining a range of variation in the RPM of the engine, adjusting the control cycle of ETC according to the range of variation, and driving the engine according to the adjusted control cycle of ETC.