ODYS has helped General Motors to develop a multivariable, constrained Model Predictive Control system for torque tracking in turbocharged gasoline engines. The control system is in production by GM since 2018.
The controller coordinates throttle, wastegate, intake, and exhaust cams in real-time to track a desired engine torque profile, based on measurements and estimates of engine torque and intake manifold pressure. MPC optimizes torque tracking during both transient and steady-state operations, minimizing specific fuel consumption and taking into account predefined fuel-efficient steady-state actuators positions, as well as constraints on inputs and outputs. The MPC engine torque controller meets production requirements and equips part of General Motors’ fleet starting in 2018.
Compared to more classical controls, model predictive control achieves a better coordination of multiple actuators for improved fuel economy and drivability. Moreover, the systematic, model-based framework developed for production enables an immediate adaptation of the design to different engine hardware architectures.
The project is described in the paper “Model Predictive Control of Turbocharged Gasoline Engines for Mass Production”. It has been presented at the SAE WCX World Congress Experience, held in Detroit, MI, in April 2018.
The first follow-up project is targeted at supervisory powertrain control and is also scheduled for production starting in 2018.
