Predictive Pressure Control with Multiple Injections

Abstract This paper introduces a predictive combustion-engine controller for efficient fulfillment of constraints on peak pressure, exhaust temperature and NO emissions. The controller utilizes a in-cylinder pressure sensor, actuation of multiple fuel injections and numerical optimization. A physical model is used to predict pressure changes due to fuel-injection variation. The predicted pressure is used to compute changes in fuel-injection timings and durations by solving a model-predictive control problem every engine cycle. A method for separating the heat-release among different injections is presented along with a method for varying the number of injections, since the optimal number of injections varies with operating conditions. Experimental results are presented showing controller performance in the mid-load region of a Scania D13 heavy-duty engine, running on a gasoline.