The Application and Evaluation of a Novel Engine Management System Based on Intelligent Control and Diagnostics Algorithms and Utilising Innovative Sensor Technology

Abstract

Conventional Engine Management Systems (EMS) are primarily parameter based systems in which there is no underlying model to describe the behaviour of the engine. Such systems therefore require many parameters to control the engine under steady-state, transient and varying ambient conditions. The introduction of Model Based Control in order to overcome this problem has been hindered mainly by the lack of inexpensive sensing devices which can closely monitor the engine’s performance. In particular, the measurement of cylinder pressure which would give valuable information on the engine’s performance, has been very expensive due to the harsh environment of the combustion chamber. In recent years, attention has focused upon the development of inexpensive cylinder pressure sensors in order to realise a system more appropriate for the application of Model Based control. This paper describes the application of new robust pressure sensing technology coupled with Model Based control and diagnostics algorithms.