Hybrid modelling of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine dynamics—a survey

Abstract

The Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) principle holds promise to increase efficiency and to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines. As HCCI combustion lacks direct ignition timing control and auto-ignition depends on the operating condition, control of auto-ignition is necessary. Since auto-ignition of a homogeneous mixture is very sensitive to operating conditions, a fast combustion phasing control is necessary for reliable operation. To this purpose, HCCI modelling and model-based control with experimental validation were studied. A six-cylinder heavy-duty HCCI engine was controlled on a cycle-to-cycle basis in real time using a variety of sensors, actuators and control structures for control of the HCCI combustion. Combustion phasing control based on ion current was compared to feedback control based on cylinder pressure. With several actuators for controlling HCCI engines suggested, two actuators were compared, dual fuel and variable valve actuation (VVA). Model-based control synthesis requiring dynamic models of low complexity and HCCI combustion models were estimated by system identification and by physical modelling, the physical models aiming at describing the major thermodynamic and chemical interactions in the course of an engine stroke and their influence on combustion phasing. The models identified by system identification were used to design model-predictive control (MPC) with several desirable features and today applicable to relatively fast systems, the MPC control results being compared to PID control results. Both control of the combustion phasing and control of load-torque with simultaneous minimization of the fuel consumption and emissions, while satisfying the constraints on cylinder pressure, were included.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by Vinnova, Volvo Corp., Volvo Car and Scania Corp. under the contract GIHR of the Vehicle Research Program.

This research was partially done in the framework of the HYCON Network of Excellence, contract number FP6-IST-511368 and the Swedish Research Council grant 2006-5243.