Modeling and Validation of Automotive Engines for Control Algorithm Development

There is considerable interest in coordinated automotive engine/transmission control to smooth shifts, and for traction control of front wheel vehicles. This paper outlines a nonlinear dynamic engine model of a port fuel-injected engine, which can be used for control algorithm development. This engine model predicts the mean engine brake torque as a function of the engine controls (i.e., throttle angle, spark advance, fuel flow rate, and exhaust gas recirculation (E. G. R.) flow rate). The model has been experimentally validated for a specific engine, and includes: • intake manifold dynamics, • fuel delivery dynamics, and • process delays inherent in the four-stroke engine. This model is used in real time within a control algorithm, and for system simulation. Also, it is flexible enough to represent a family of spark ignition automotive engines, given some test and/or simulation data for setting parameters.