Swappable distributed MIMO controller for a VCT engine

In the early days of computer control, only one centralized computer was responsible for executing the algorithms. Increasingly, computer control algorithms reside inside individual system components in a distributed fashion. Variable camshaft timing (VCT) is an appealing feature for automotive engines because it allows optimization of the cam timing over a wide range of operating conditions. In this paper, a method to distribute the discrete multiple-input mutiple-output controller for the VCT engine to improve the component swapping modularity of the VCT actuator and the EGO sensor components using network communications is presented. First, a discrete LQG controller is designed, and then this controller is distributed to the engine control unit, the VCT controller, and the EGO sensor controller in order to maximize the component swapping modularity of the system. A control oriented pre-optimization technique, which simplifies the optimization problem, and a candidate solution was devised to maximize component modularity. © 2006 IEEE

Combined component swapping modularity for a VCT engine controller

The use of bi-directional communication provides additional design freedom which can be used to maximize the swapping modularity of networked smart components. In this paper, application of a design method for combined swapping modularity of two or more system components is discussed. Development of measures for combined swapping modularity is important to be able to analyze more realistic engineering cases. The combined modularity problem is a more difficult problem compared to the individual component swapping modularity problem. First, two approaches (simultaneous and sequential) for combining component swapping modularity of two or more components are presented. Then these combined modularity approaches are used to design controllers which maximize the component-swapping modularity of the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) component (i.e. actuator and sensor) and the Exhaust Gas Oxygen (EGO) sensor for an internal combustion engine. Copyright © 2009 by ASME

Distributed Supervisory Controller Design for Battery Swapping Modularity in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles.

As industry strives to standardize engineering design, manufacturing, and maintenance processes, the focus on achieving component modularity is increasing. Component swapping modularity (CSM) in control systems allows component change without redesign of the system level controller, while achieving the required system performance. Opportunities to achieve CSM are emerging in control systems consisting of smart components connected by bidirectional communication networks. By distributing a part of the controller into the component module, controller recalibration can be limited to only the component module when the component changes. In this dissertation, a novel Direct Method is proposed to generate the distributed controller with CSM through a bi-level optimization. The distributed controller enables CSM and provides required system performance for each component variant. The Direct Method is applied to throttle actuator CSM design in engine idle speed control. The results demonstrate that the new Direct Method improves the CSM results compared to the previous 3-Step Method. In addition, the Direct Method permits the designer to trade off desired system performance versus achievable CSM. The Direct Method is then applied to design a distributed supervisory controller for battery CSM in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. A novel feedback based controller for the charge sustaining mode is proposed. For effective controller distribution, a method based on sensitivity analysis of the control signals with respect to the battery hardware parameter is introduced. The bi-level optimization problem for the distributed controller gains is solved using the Augmented Lagrangian Decomposition method. The results demonstrate that battery CSM can be achieved without compromising fuel economy compared to the centralized control case.Ph.D.Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/86264/1/sfli_1.pd

Concurrent design of energy management and vehicle traction supervisory control algorithms for parallel hybrid electric vehicles

In this paper, concurrent design of energy management (EM) and traction control algorithms for a vehicle equipped with a parallel hybrid powertrain is studied. This paper focuses on designing the two control algorithms together as one control design problem, which are traditionally considered separately. First, optimal control actions and operating points are obtained by applying dynamic programming (DP). Then, this information is used for developing a rule-based supervisory controller. Our objective is to minimize the fuel consumption and the wheel slip simultaneously. Two control problems are also solved separately and compared with the concurrent solution. Results show that promising benefits can be obtained by using the concurrent design approach rather than considering two control problems separately. Under the same conditions, the vehicle with the concurrent supervisory controller is 16% more efficient in fuel consumption and experiences 12% less wheel slip, assuming slippery road friction conditions. © 1967-2012 IEEE