Browse Topic: Electronic control units

Items (242)
Effect of Diesel Injection Timing on Peak Pressure Rise Rate and Combustion Stability in RCCI Engine2018-01-17319/10/2018
In the present study, experiments of reactivity control compression ignition (RCCI) combustion mode is performed on a single cylinder automotive diesel engine with development ECU (electronic control unit). For achieving RCCI combustion mode, low reactivity fuel (i.e., gasoline/methanol) is injected into the intake manifold, and high reactivity fuel (i.e., diesel) is directly injected into the engine cylinder. Mass of fuel injection per cycle and their injection events are controlled using ECU. This study presents the experimental investigation on the effect of high reactivity fuel injection timings on peak pressure rise rate (PPRR) and combustion stability in RCCI engine. The combustion parameters, i.e., PPRR, indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and total heat release (THR) are calculated from the in-cylinder pressure measurement data. In-cylinder pressure is measured using a piezoelectric pressure transducer installed on the engine cylinder head. A crank angle encoder of 0.1 CAD resolution is used for determining the crank position for cylinder pressure data logging. In-cylinder pressure traces for 1000 consecutive engine cycles are recorded for the investigation of cyclic variations in IMEP, and THR. Statistical technique and wavelet transform are used for combustion stability analysis. Wavelet transform has a potential to analyze the non-stationary signal in frequency as well as time domain simultaneously. Diesel injection timing plays a significant role to achieve stable RCCI operation and allows to operate an engine within the limit of acceptable PPRR limit up to a specific engine load-speed condition. Results indicate that the advanced diesel injection timing leads to higher PPRR. The IMEP time series data was also analyzed by fitting different probability density functions. Generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution is found to cover the entire range of distribution shapes observed in IMEP ensemble at different RCCI operating conditions.
Saxena, Mohit RajMaurya, Rakesh Kumar
Evaluation of Engine Programming to Reduce Fuel Consumption2018-01-17579/10/2018
The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential for reducing fuel consumption of heavy-duty vehicles by modifying their engine power ratings through programming of their engine electronic control units. This paper summarizes the activities, observations, and results obtained from tests conducted on a test track to compare default settings with those optimized for potential economic gains and improved performance. Tests for long-distance and regional transport operations were conducted at constant speed. Results from these tests showed considerable fuel savings, of approximately 7%, when the engine power rating was reduced from 450 hp to 400 hp and speed from 105 km/h to 98 km/h. In these tests, the dynamic performance of the vehicles was not affected by the reduction in power. Tests for local delivery operations were conducted on a stop-and-go cycle and showed fuel savings of 4.5% when the engine power rating was reduced from 450 hp to 400 hp, with the driver using a moderate driving technique. Tests for urban transport operations were conducted on stop-and-go cycles and showed fuel savings of up to 5% when the engine power rating was reduced from 240 hp to 200 hp, with the driver using an eco-friendly driving technique. It is certain that limiting the available engine power will impact vehicle performance, depending on driving style. Consequently, technical considerations must be accompanied by training drivers, especially those with aggressive driving habits, to practice eco-friendly driving techniques. This training could be incorporated into a process of continuous improvement and monitoring of driver performance as part of incentive programs.
Surcel, Marius-DorinBonsi, Adime Kofi
Correlation of “Non-Zero” Speedometer Readings with EDR Data2018-01-05224/3/2018
Observations made during forensic automotive crash investigations have identified instances of non-zero, post-crash speedometer readings and created questions as to the validity of the indicated speed relative to the vehicle speed at impact. Previously published work has addressed many issues related to the reliability of non-zero, post-crash speedometer readings identified in vehicles as well as motorcycles. Much of this work established criteria that related the reliability of the post-crash needle position to the design of the stepper motor that controls the needle. Part of this criteria is related to the static torque associated with the speedometer needle shaft rotation due to outside (crash) forces. The published criteria were evaluated in staged crash tests which investigated the ability to maintain needle position under longitudinal and lateral forces after an electrical power loss. In an effort to extend the science, this paper compares non-zero, post-crash speedometer readings with event data recorder (EDR) data from twenty-one real-world crashes where both non-zero, post-crash speedometer readings and EDR data were available. Results from this study suggest a positive correlation between non-zero speedometer readings and vehicles experiencing both an electrical power loss and a single impact. However, this study also shows a negative correlation between non-zero speedometer readings and vehicles experiencing an electrical power loss and multiple impacts. Eighteen of the twenty-one vehicles had valid pre-crash EDR speeds. Of those eighteen vehicles, the speedometer position and EDR speed were within ±15% for fourteen of the vehicles. The current study also demonstrates that non-zero tachometer readings do not always improve confidence levels of non-zero speedometer readings. While the post-crash needle position may provide a good estimate of the travel speed of the vehicle at the time of power loss, there are numerous other factors which must be considered prior to accepting these readings.
Yannaccone, John R.Kinder, Robert
Vehicle lighting has become more demanding with different load requirements, strict Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements, accuracy requirements, and power consumption requirements. These requirements are all under the constraint of ever shrinking PCB’s driving up the cost of PCB real estate. Pulse width modulation (PWM) is used to control the interior and exterior lighting in vehicles and meet all these requirements. One or more electronic control units in the body domain of a vehicle contain a number of integrated circuits that drive loads using PWM signals. In addition to driving loads, PWM signals are used for things such as dimming and diagnostic functions. In current technology the PWM signal is usually composed of a trapezoidal wave or rounded wave which control bulbs and light emitting diodes (LED) loads in a vehicle. The trapezoidal or rounded wave may not be the most efficient way to meet requirements in the automotive industry due to their sharp rising edges so different methods have been developed to improve functionality and reduce cost. Using PWM with sine wave control could be an improvement over the current technology. This study looks at two integrated circuits that use each control method, the rounded wave and the sine wave. Both control methods are studied with the same PCB layout and environmental conditions then compared through testing such as radiated emissions testing and thermal testing. The comparison is used to determine which method is more beneficial for use in controlling automotive lighting. Other methods in recent literature are also reviewed along with future outlooks on controlling lighting loads in the automotive industry.
Bseileh, Mouhamed
Automotive engineering has been a game of delivering more value with minimal resources confronting conflicting design choices at every design step. As more and more electronics enters the game, it becomes imperative to critically evaluate various design choices to deliver a robust hardware backbone which guarantees a robust performance on an ever-reducing budget. Hardware interface with the outside environment in particular needs to be equipped with a significant robustness. Harsh transients, tough environmental conditions, further complicate the rules to the game.
Vaidya, Vishwas
Accident Reconstruction with Data Recorded by Electronic Control Units in Vehicles with a Pre-crash Safety System2018-01-14404/3/2018
Data recorded by vehicle-mounted electronic control units (ECUs) are highly useful in traffic accident reconstruction. In this context, event data recorders (EDRs) are airbag ECU components used to log information from crash events, typically providing data on speed, accelerator operation, RPMs and brake lamp activation for a period of around 5 s before a collision. Information on accelerator/brake lamp operation is very useful in understanding pre-crash driver actions, but the accuracy of EDR speed data must be checked in this regard. Such data are unlikely to reflect actual speed during brake-related skidding, for example, as they are determined from the rotational speed of the drive train. Thus, it is important to check the accuracy of EDR speed data in accident reconstruction. Meanwhile, pre-crash safety systems (PCSs) are also becoming more widespread in automobile usage today. Such systems automatically apply braking in hazardous situations, and the relevant data recorded in the ECU are promising in the field of accident reconstruction. This study involved physical tests in the form of simulated rear-end collisions and the collection of recorded PCS data at the post-test stage. A Subaru Levorg was used as the test vehicle equipped an EyeSight version 3 unit, which incorporates dual color stereo cameras near the rear-view mirror. A PCS provides single-frame data from the point at which system braking is applied, with information including vehicle speed and driver actions. The speed data produced were highly accurate, having been collected before hard braking was applied. Checking to determine the influence of PCS automatic braking on EDR speed data showed that high accuracy was maintained. This is attributable to the PCS limiting deceleration from automatic braking to less than 8.0 m/s2 (0.82 G) in order to prevent skidding.
Oga, RyoTakubo, NobuakiKato, KenshiroTerashima, TakaakiKida, YujiAkita, KimiyaAmbe, YuuichiroIshii, Akinori
An Analysis of EDR Data in Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and ZX-10R Motorcycles Equipped with ABS (KIBS) and Traction Control (KTRC)2018-01-14434/3/2018
Electronic control units (ECU) from Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and ZX-10R motorcycles were tested in order to examine the capabilities and behavior of the event data recorders (EDR). All relevant hexadecimal data was downloaded from the ECU and translated using known and historically proven applications. The hexadecimal translations were then confirmed using data acquisition systems as well as the Kawasaki Diagnostic Software (KDS)1. Numerous tests were performed to establish the algorithms which cause the EDR to record data. Issues of sensor and power loss were analyzed and discussed. Additionally, data sets were studied that involved maximum deceleration from ABS brakes. Similarly, data sets that involved traction control intervention were studied and analyzed. It was determined that the EDR recording ‘trigger’ was caused by the activation of the tip-over sensor, which in turn shuts the engine off. However, specific conditions must be met with regards to the rear wheel rotation prior to engine shut-down. An EDR event was only recorded if the motorcycle was commanded to shut-down by the tip-over sensor, and either had rear wheel movement at the time of shut-down or the rear wheel experienced a certain amount of deceleration in the several seconds prior to shut-down. The ‘time zero’ data element was synchronous with the tip-over commanded shut-down signal. Various data elements were stored at either 10 Hz or 2 Hz for a total of 8 seconds of data prior to the commanded engine shut-down. It was determined that ABS and traction control intervention at the rear wheel could still create a sudden deceleration significant enough to trigger an EDR event after tip-over.
Fatzinger, EdwardLanderville, Jon
The Combustion Modeling of the Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Based on Genetic Programming2017-01-218510/8/2017
More and more stringent emission regulations and the desire to reduce fuel consumption lead to an increasing demand for precise and close-loop combustion control of diesel engines. Cylinder pressure-based combustion control is gradually used for diesel engines in order to enhance emission robustness and reduce fuel consumption. However, it increases the cost. In this paper, a new prediction method of combustion parameters is presented for diesel engines. The experiment was carried out on a test bench to obtain the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) signals of a heavy-duty diesel engine by calibration software. The combustion parameters was measured by a combustion analyzer, such as maximum cylinder pressure (MCP), maximum combustion temperature (MCT), and combustion center of gravity (CA50). A combustion model using genetic programming (GP) is built. The input parameters are chosen from the ECU signals, such as engine speed, engine load, injection quantities, inlet air flow rate. The output parameters are MCP, MCT and CA50. The combustion model is trained and validated by measurement data. The results indicate that the combustion model can be built with the input variables of engine speed, fuel injection quantities, inlet air flow rate, inlet air temperature and exhaust air temperature. The correlation coefficient between simulation and experiment data for MCP, MCT and CA50 are over 0.90 and the average relative error is blow 4.0%.
He, ChaoLi, JiaqiangZhao, LongqingWang, YanyanGu, Wei
Electric versus Hydraulic Flight Controls: Assessing Power Consumption and Waste Heat Using Stochastic System Methods2017-01-20369/19/2017
Of all aircraft power and thermal loads, flight controls can be the most challenging to quantify because they are highly variable. Unlike constant or impulsive loads, actuator power demands more closely resemble random processes. Some inherent nonlinearities complicate this even further. Actuation power consumption and waste heat generation are both sensitive to input history. But control activity varies considerably with mission segment, turbulence and vehicle state. Flight control is a major power consumer at times, so quantifying power demand and waste heat is important for sizing power and thermal management system components. However, many designers sidestep the stochastic aspects of the problem initially, leading to overly conservative system sizing. The overdesign becomes apparent only after detailed flight simulations become available. These considerations are particularly relevant in trade studies comparing electric versus hydraulic actuation. These two actuation types use power in fundamentally different ways. This paper provides methods to quantify power consumption and waste heat, by applying stochastic system methods. Both electric (electromechanical and electrohydrostatic) and conventional hydraulic actuation are discussed. Formulas are derived to quantify average and peak power demand. A complete set of waste heat mechanisms is also discussed, and methods are provided to quantify each one. For electric actuation, a method is provided to estimate regenerative power. Approximate methods are also addressed, to facilitate quick engineering estimates. In addition, the physical locations of waste heat generation are identified because these can impact thermal management system architecture.
Schley, William
Adaptive Cascade Optimum Braking Control Based on a Novel Mechatronic Booster2017-01-25149/17/2017
BBW (Brake-by-wire) can increase the electric and hybrid vehicles performance and safety. This paper proposes a novel mechatronic booster system, which includes APS (active power source), PFE (pedal feel emulator), ECU (electronic control unit). The system is easily disturbed when the system parameters and the outside conditions change. The system performance is weakened. The cascade control technique can be used to solve the problem. This paper develops an adaptive cascade optimum control (ACOC) algorithm based on the novel mechatronic booster system. The system is divided into main loop and servo loop, both of them are closed-loop system. The servo-loop system can eliminate the disturbance which exists in the servo loop. So the robustness of the cascade control system is improved than which of the general closed-loop control system. Different control object is respectively chosen. The control-oriented mathematical model is designed. Based on the control-oriented model, optimum control algorithm(LQR) is used to design the servo-loop controller for optimum error and rapid response. To eliminate the system uncertainty and control the hydraulic pressure accurately, adaptive control algorithm, which includes the feedforward controller and the adaptive module based on the recursive least-square algorithm with a fixed forgetting factor(λ)(abbr. RFF), is used to design the main-loop controller. The performance of the novel mechatronic booster system is evaluated by co-simulation and bench test. Experimental results prove that the system fulfills the requirements of the brake system for automotive. Compared with using PI single-loop system and cascade PI system, the adaptive cascade optimum control algorithm can improve the rapidity and robustness of system. The system performance is also enhanced.
Han, WeiXiong, LuYu, ZhuopingLi, Haocheng
Virtual FMEA and Its Application to Software Verification of Electric Power Steering System2017-01-00663/28/2017
This paper presents the “Virtual Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (vFMEA)” system, which is a high-fidelity electrical-failure-simulation platform, and applies it to the software verification of an electric power steering (EPS) system. The vFMEA system enables engineers to dynamically inject a drift fault into a circuit model of the electronic control unit (ECU) of an EPS system, to analyze system-level failure effects, and to verify software-implemented safety mechanisms, which consequently reduces both cost and time of development. The vFMEA system can verify test cases that cannot be verified using an actual ECU and can improve test coverage as well. It consists of a cycle-accurate microcontroller model with mass-production software implemented in binary format, analog and digital circuit models, mechanical models, and a state-triggered fault-injection mechanism. In this paper, the vFMEA method was applied to the verification of the safety mechanisms implemented on an ECU of an EPS system. It was revealed that the software-implemented safety mechanism detected the drift fault injected into a current monitor circuit in the ECU and shut down the system properly as designed. This means that the software was verified with the vFMEA method for the case of a drift fault as well as an open fault and a short fault. In addition, a simulation result was compared with the experimental ones using an actual ECU in the case of a sinusoidal steering input. It was also revealed that motor torque for driver assistance gives results within range of the experimental ones. Therefore, we confirmed the validity of the vFMEA system as a simulation platform for safety-mechanism verification.
Nakao, ShogoHyodo, AkihikoItabashi, MasakiSakashita, TomioObara, ShingoUno, TetsuyaSugure, YasuoFukano, YoshinobuSasaki, MitsuoMiyazaki, Yoshihiro
Safety Analysis of Heterogeneous Software Models at Implementation Stage2017-01-00513/28/2017
The assessment of the safety and the reliability for embedded systems is mainly performed early in the design cycle, at system level. The objective is to detect the potential failures which could lead to an undesirable event. Given the increasing critical feature of the functions executed by the software in automotive and aeronautics, it becomes necessary to perform safety analysis at lower level of the design cycle such as at implementation stage. However, software models at this stage are complex and heterogeneous so the analyses are often manually realized. As the software models are also very large (thousands of basic software components), the analysis is labor-intensive and error-prone so it is not obvious to obtain relevant results. Therefore, the analysis on software models at implementation stage is often neglected. This paper proposes an efficient safety analysis based on the generation of fault trees and failure modes and effects analysis to assist and induce the engineers to perform the analysis on software models at implementation stage. Our analysis considers the respective behavior of each used software components by introducing specific failure propagation rules. Also, special filters are introduced to find the exact paths leading to the studied undesirable events. Furthermore, these rules of propagation and filtering are characterized and summarized in semi-automated procedures and are implemented in a toolchain to facilitate the fulfillment of our safety analysis. This toolchain is intended to be used with the integrated development environment Matlab/Simulink and an extended library dedicated to rapid-prototyping development of electronic control unit. To illustrate the effectiveness of our methodology, a practical case study based on an accelerator function for autonomous vehicle prototype is presented.
Godot, JeanAlif, AdilSaudrais, SébastienBarbedette, BertrandLarouci, Cherif
Exploiting Consistency Among Heterogeneous Sensors for Vehicle Anomaly Detection2017-01-16543/28/2017
Modern vehicles house many advanced components; sensors and Electronic Control Units (ECUs) — now numbering in the 100s. These components provide various advanced safety, comfort and infotainment features, but they also introduce additional attack vectors for malicious entities. Attackers can compromise one or more of these sensors and flood the vehicle’s internal network with fake sensor values. Falsified sensor values can confuse the driver, and even cause the vehicle to misbehave. Redundancy can be used to address compromised sensors, but adding redundant sensors will increase the cost per vehicle and is therefore less attractive. To balance the need for security and cost-efficiency, we exploit the natural redundancy found in vehicles. Natural redundancy occurs when the same physical phenomenon causes symptoms in multiple sensors. For instance, pressing the accelerator pedal will cause the engine to pump faster and increase the speed of the vehicle. Engine RPM and vehicle speed are multiple sensors which respond in a related fashion to the same cause of the accelerator pedal. The challenge is identifying the relationship between similar but different sensors under normal operation and detecting anomalous be-havior accurately. In this paper, we develop the tools to capture the relationship between sensors. Specifically, we use the pairwise correlation between key variables, and use cluster-analysis to identify distinct behavior of drivers. Moreover, we show preliminary results of using these tools to detect attacks within a vehicular communication bus.
Ganesan, ArunRao, JayanthiShin, Kang
Development of Electric Powertrain for New Model Hybrid Sports Utility Vehicle2017-01-11583/28/2017
An electric powertrain has been developed for Honda’s 2017 model hybrid SUV. The electric powertrain developed for the hybrid model consists of a Twin Motor Unit (TMU), a high-output front motor mated to a 7-speed DCT for efficient power generation, a Power Control Unit (PCU), and an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). The TMU is made up of two motor units able to drive the left and right wheels independently, as employed in Honda’s flagship sedan and high-end sports cars. The PCU delivers electric power to the motors, and the IPU stores drive torque and regenerative energy. The high-output front motor and TMU are equipped with sports hybrid SH-AWD components, as used in existing mass-production models, in order to realize handling performance equaling that of the base SUV. Positioned under the floor outside the passenger cabin, the PCU has a newly developed 3-in-1 inverter, motor control ECU, and 12V DC-DC converter built-in, and is housed in a fully waterproof structure. The layout of battery cooling ducts in the IPU has been simplified to increase the compactness of the unit, allowing it to be positioned in the cabin beneath the first row of seats. These technologies have reduced the overall volume of the PCU and IPU by 39% against previous models. The positioning of the PCU and IPU under the floor has made it possible to realize equivalent seating comfort for seven adults to the base SUV. The use of these technologies in the hybrid SUV model has realized fuel economy performance of 26 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg for highway driving, for a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg.
fukazu, TomohiroMatsuo, Yuhei
Robust Model-Based Discrete Sliding Mode Control of an Automotive Electronic Throttle Body2017-01-05983/28/2017
Electronic throttle control is an integral part of an engine electronic control unit (ECU) that directly affects vehicle fuel economy, drivability, and engine-out emissions by managing engine torque and air-fuel ratio through adjusting intake charge flow to the engine. The highly nonlinear dynamics of the throttle body call for nonlinear control techniques that can be implemented in real-time and are also robust to controller implementation imprecision. Discrete sliding mode control (DSMC) is a computationally efficient controller design technique which can handle systems with high degree of nonlinearity. In this paper, a generic robust discrete sliding mode controller design is proposed and experimentally verified for the throttle position tracking problem. In addition, a novel method is used to predict and incorporate the sampling and quantization imprecisions into the DSMC structure. First, a nonlinear physical model for an electromechanical throttle body is derived. Parameters of the model are determined using techniques of model/parameter identification. Next, a DSMC is formulated for controlling the throttle position. The performance of the DSMC is examined under different sampling and quantization levels via the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The experimental results show that the controller tracking performance is significantly affected by the ADC imprecisions. To this end, ADC effects are modeled and the DSMC control law is reformulated to consider and overcome the uncertainty due to ADC imprecisions. Real-time experimental validation results show that the proposed robust DSMC improves the throttle position tracking performance, under ADC imprecisions, by up to 70% compared to a conventional controller.
Amini, Mohammad RezaRazmara, MeysamShahbakhti, Mahdi
Development of New Generation Battery Management ECU2017-01-12033/28/2017
Recent electric vehicles use Li-ion batteries to power the main electric motor. To maintain the safety of the main electric motor battery using Li-ion cells, it is necessary to monitor the voltage of each cell. DENSO has developed a battery Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that contributes greatly to the reduction of the cost and the improvement of the reliability of the system. Each manufacturer has been developing a dedicated IC for monitoring the voltages of each cell of a battery. However, since the number of cells that can be monitored is limited, more than one IC is required to measure the voltages of a large number of cells. The increase in the number of ICs and the amount of insulator leads to the rise in system cost. DENSO has developed a dedicated IC that uses a proprietary high-breakdown voltage process, and which enables monitoring up to 24 cells with a single IC chip. A battery management ECU using this type of IC helps reduce the cost and physical size of the system by decreasing the numbers of ICs and the amount of insulator. We have also succeeded in cutting down on the variations in the current consumption of the main battery by providing each monitoring IC with power from an insulated power supply on the low-voltage side, which is based on the fact that variations in the current consumed by the monitoring ICs is one of the causes for non-uniform cell voltages. Controlling the variations has resulted in decreasing the equalizing discharge current, which reduces the amount of heat generated inside the battery management ECU and enhances the reliability of the unit that is used under severe conditions where high voltage is constantly applied.
Inamoto, TakashiAlger, Lawrence
The Development of ECU-Integrated Electric Oil Pump for Powertrain2017-01-12293/28/2017
Electric oil pumps (EOP) for automobiles are used to lubricate and cool moving parts and supply oil pressure to components. Conventional EOPs consist of two separate units including a motor driver and a pump system comprised of a motor and a pump, which impedes layout flexibility for vehicles. To overcome this shortcoming, we have developed an ECU (electronic control unit)-integrated oil pump in which a driver, a motor and a pump are incorporated as a single unit. In the course of the project, we focused on improving vibration resistance and developing a compact design. The first challenge was to improve vibration resistance because of the driver located in close proximity to the powertrain. Since the driver is installed on the motor unit via electrically welded bus bars, the joints of the driver and the bus bar become susceptible to vibration. As a solution, the newly developed spring plate is inserted in the limited space between the bearing holder and the bus bar ring, which significantly reduces resonance of the bus bar ring. The next focus was to develop a compact design by shortening the shaft length and developing a highly efficient internal gear pump. The shaft length is significantly reduced by fewer bearing parts and the single motor/pump shaft design. The total shaft length is 27 % shorter and the developed EOP is 10 % lighter, compared to conventional EOPs. To improve the efficiency, we obtained the optimized gear pump side clearance applicable to a wide range of oil temperatures ranging from -30 °C to 130 °C. These design improvements have led to the total efficiency of the motor and the pump exceeding 50 %, which is double the efficiency of conventional EOPs. With these technologies, we have successfully developed a compact and highly-efficient ECU-integrated oil pump that offers greater layout flexibility.
Yamamoto, KenSadakata, NobuyasuOkada, HidetoshiFujita, Yusuke
Alternative Engine Speed Sensing Using the Electric Signals of the Alternator2016-32-008811/8/2016
In the low-cost segment for 2-Wheelers legislative, economic and ecologic considerations necessitate a reduction of the emissions and further improvement in fuel consumption. To reach these targets, the commonly used carburetors are being replaced by engine management systems (EMS). One option to provide these systems for acceptable and attractive system costs is to save a sensor device and to substitute its measure by an estimation value. In many motorcycles the rotor of the vehicle's alternator is rigidly attached to the crankshaft. Therefore, the voltage and current signals of the alternator contain information about the engine's speed, which can be retrieved by evaluating these electric signals. After further processing of this information inside the electronic control unit (ECU), the absolute crankshaft position can be obtained. A high-resolution speed signal without mechanical distortions like tooth errors is gained, whose signal quality equals the one of a common speed sensor. Hence, it can be used for the timing of injection and ignition and for calculations of more elaborate speed based control functions. Because the existing alternator signals are used to determine the speed and no extra installations inside the crankcase are necessary, this method may ease the transition from carburetors to EMS.
Reineke, BastianMüller, JonathanGrodde, StefanFischer, WolfgangHeikes, Henning
Performance Analysis of Data-Driven Plant Models on Embedded Systems2016-32-008611/8/2016
Data-driven plant models are well established in engine base calibration to cope with the ever increasing complexity of today’s electronic control units (ECUs). The engine, drive train, or entire vehicle is replaced with a behavioral model learned from a provided training data set. The model is used for offline simulations and virtual calibration of ECU control parameters, but its application is often limited beyond these use cases. Depending on the underlying regression algorithm, limiting factors include computationally expensive calculations and a high memory demand. However, development and testing of new control strategies would benefit from the ability to execute such high fidelity plant models directly in real-time environments. For instance, map-based ECU functions could be replaced or enhanced by more accurate behavioral models, with the implementation of virtual sensors or online monitoring functions. This paper focuses on Gaussian process regression models, a Bayesian modeling framework with practical advantages regarding achievable accuracy and usability. An approach for a more compact model expression is shown and evaluated to meet the real-time requirements of embedded systems without a significant loss in model quality. The particular systems under investigation are: a rapid prototyping target (RP), a development engine ECU, and a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) system. Performance is then validated with an identification example from an internal combustion engine. This paper outlines all necessary steps to port the developed plant models onto the particular real-time target.
Gutjahr, Tobias
Control Development for an Engine-Disconnect Clutch in a Pre-Transmission Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle2016-01-222410/17/2016
This paper details the development of the control algorithms to characterize the behavior of an electrohydraulic actuated dry clutch used in the powertrain of the Wayne State University EcoCAR 3 Pre-Transmission Parallel hybrid vehicle. The paper describes the methodology and processes behind the development of the clutch physical model and electronic control unit to support the calibration of the vehicle’s hybrid supervisory controller. The EcoCAR 3 competition challenges sixteen North American universities to re-engineer the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro to reduce its environmental impact without compromising its performance and consumer acceptability. The team is in final stages of Year Two competition, which focuses on the powertrain components integration into the selected hybrid architecture. The dry clutch used by the team to enable the coupling between the engine and the electric motor is a key component of the Pre-Transmission Parallel configuration. It is therefore of utter importance to fully characterize the component’s behavior prior to integration in the vehicle. The paper introduces the algorithms developed for the supervisory controller for the engagement of the dry clutch. Clutch engagement and comprehensive simulations for the system are conducted in MathWorks MATLAB 2015b. The configurations developed within the bench testing stage are detailed along with the variables monitored and the expected results.
Di Russo, MiriamKu, JerryBriones Idrovo, Juan
Powertrain Testing - New Generation Injection Valves in Laboratory and Production2016-01-219110/17/2016
This paper will focus on a powertrain injector application solution for R&D and production. PIA is a product for triggering and analyzing current and newly developed injection valves (both solenoid and piezoelectric). The article examines an important obstacle of injection testing, which is creating realistic environmental conditions for injectors. It shows how PIA realizes this through high-end ECU simulation for current and new generations, creating different operating conditions. Berghof Testing combined control, performance and measuring technology into PIA. The compact, intelligent and economical device can be integrated into all existing injector test systems. In addition to the standard version the application offers enhancements such as intelligent injections, injector calibration, polarity detection and image processing for spray analyses. This excludes evaluations based on erroneous fundamentals of the injection behavior to make sure injection can in fact get cleaner by improving fuel consumption and lowering emissions. Currently PIA is used by automotive Tier 1 suppliers to verify injection valves in laboratory environments. Tests include injector opening and closing times, spray pattern and flow volume at different triggering parameters. New generation ECUs utilize analysis functions, creating real life measurements, for autonomous trigger optimization. For future use of PIA these complex in-car functions can be simulated. The solution integrates future-oriented technologies like real-time operating systems, FPGA and automotive BUS systems (CAN, LIN, FlexRay). With PIA various procedures for laboratory based optimization can be realized and transferred into production.
Deckelmann, PeterDietrich, Tina
Offline Electro-Hydraulic Clutch Bench Testing Alternatives for a Pre-Transmission Parallel Hybrid Powertrain2016-01-222510/17/2016
This paper details the development of a test-bench simulation to characterize the behavior of an electro-hydraulic actuated dry clutch used in a pre-transmission parallel hybrid powertrain architecture of Wayne State University EcoCAR 3. Engage and disengage systems play a crucial role in a pre-transmission parallel hybrid architecture. The most common device used to meet the purpose of physically connecting internal combustion engine and electric powertrains is a dry clutch. Its own characteristics and capabilities allow its usage for this application. The transition between the pure electric and hybrid modes is dictated by the main control strategy. Therefore, the engaging system will be widely used when switching from charge depleting to charge sustaining mode, and vice versa. In addition, when torque is required from both sources for higher performance, the clutch will be responsible for mechanically connecting both torque sources. Testing this system is significantly helpful prior to implementation in the vehicle. In order to perform bench testing, a motor dynamometer setup has been used and modified at WSU facilities emulating the engine and electric motor of a vehicle. The control strategy includes speed matching, friction plate position, and torque monitoring. The hybrid clutch system has been modeled in Simulink, tested, and validated as a component in the loop with its own soft ECU. Bench testing for this component is also discussed due to the wide range of applications, e.g. clutch-assisted engine start which will be analyzed by the team for future implementation.
Briones Idrovo, Juan SebastianKu, Jerry
Diagnostic Method for a Landing Gear and Doors Actuation System Based on a State Machine Control Algorithm2016-01-20469/20/2016
A Landing Gear Control and Actuation System (LGCAS) is one of the most complex aircraft systems. Due to the large landing gear masses and high performance requirements, aircraft hydraulic power with multiple hydraulic actuators and valves is used to provide system dynamic. LGCAS also requires a electrical source of energy for the electro-mechanical components, sensors and electronic control unit. For many years, correct fault isolation in a complex kinematic system, such as an aircraft landing gear actuation system, has been a great challenge with limited success. The fault isolation design challenge rests on the fact that landing gear control and actuation system has many so called “passive” components, whose basic function cannot be continuously monitored without additional sensors, transducers, and designated health monitoring equipment. Driven by a philosophy that adding any nonessential component or system on the aircraft will increase system complexity, weight, and cost, this article is considers a mathematical algorithm which can be applied on the existing LGCAS to enhance the onboard diagnostic and fault isolation process. Aircraft landing gear actuation can be considered as a sequence of events where the control algorithm can be implemented as a state machine. As such, a state machine vector can be used to narrow down a number of “passive” components whose single failure cannot be detected. From the reduced number of landing gear control and actuation system components, further mathematical algorithm has been developed to identify and isolate a single failed component.
Novakovic, Neno
Communication Infrastructure for Hybrid Test Systems - Demands, Options, and Current Discussions2016-01-20519/20/2016
The application of a communication infrastructure for hybrid test systems is currently a topic in the aerospace industry, as also in other industries. One main reason is flexibility. Future laboratory tests means (LTMs) need to be easier to exchange and reuse than they are today. They may originate from different suppliers and parts of them may need to fulfill special requirements and thus be based on dedicated technologies. The desired exchangeability needs to be achieved although suppliers employ different technologies with regard to specific needs. To achieve interoperability, a standardized transport mechanism between test systems is required. Designing such a mechanism poses a challenge as there are several different types of data that have to be exchanged. Simulation data is a prominent example. It has to be handled differently than control data, for example. No one technique or technology fits perfectly for all types of data. There are certain requirements that have to be fulfilled. For example, the mechanism for data exchange needs to have adequate performance to satisfy the demands of the industry. Another requirement is that it must rely on well-established standards to ensure stability and be future-proof. This paper describes the architecture of hybrid test systems, with special emphasis on the communication infrastructure. On the basis of this, it then analyzes the requirements for realizing a suitable communication infrastructure of hybrid test systems. Finally, it presents a proposal of how to devise a standardized interface to this communication infrastructure.
Himmler, AndreasStockmann, LarsHoller, Dominik
Development and Implement of a Model-Based Design Controller for PEPS System2016-01-00214/5/2016
PEPS (Passive Entry and Passive Start) system is gradually becoming a main stream option in automotive keyless entry application, which improves the convenience and vehicle anti-theft performance. Based on the complex functions and safety technical requirements of the PEPS controller, and due to the development method of the model-based system design widely used in the automotive electronics industry, this paper presents a model-based on the development of PEPS controller method, which introduces the process of modeling and automatic code generation for the PEPS controller. Through Simulink/Stateflow of PEPS controller using logic system modeling, the PEPS controller complex system functions are divided into different function layers with each functional layer modeling respectively, and implement logic function design by the graphical language. Based on the model, it describes the process of model debugging and validation, the coverage analysis of the model, MIL (Model In the Loop) testing and SIL (Software In the Loop) testing. Based on the automatic code generation tool called TargetLink software supplied by dSPACE Company and called Simulink/Embedded Coder supplied by MathWorks Company, automatic generated production code of the PEPS controller is achieved. This paper also describes the comparison of the process of generating C-code by Embedded Coder and TargetLink. In the case of ensuring the quality of the code generation, the model-based design method also contributes a lot to improve work efficiency, shorten the development cycle, reduce development costs, and enhance the quality and security of product.
Zhang, XiaodongWu, JianHe, RuiLiu, Haizhen
A Two-Layer Approach for Predictive Optimal Cruise Control2016-01-06344/5/2016
Optimization-based strategy planning for predictive optimal cruise control has the potential for significant improvements in passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. It is, however, associated with a high computational complexity that complicates its implementation in an electronic control unit. When implementing predictive cruise control, real-time capability must be ensured while maintaining optimal control performance in the presence of disturbance and model uncertainty. Real-time capability can be achieved either by a significant simplification of the optimization problem or by a layered control approach, combining the strategy planner with a low-level controller. Both approaches, however, are prone to deteriorate optimal control performance, particularly in the presence of disturbance. We present a model-predictive controller structure that extends the layered control approach by using the same optimization algorithm on two layers. A low-frequency planner that generates the optimal control strategy is combined with a high-frequency stabilization planner that tracks the strategy and closes the control loop on a short planning horizon. This reduces the computational load while maintaining an optimal response to disturbance. The approach is applied to a predictive cruise control system and compared to existing stabilization schemes in a simulation environment.
Bauer, Kai-LukasGauterin, Frank
Advanced Statistical System Identification in ECU-Development and Optimization2015-01-27969/29/2015
The use of design of experiment (DoE) and data-driven simulation has become state-of-the-art in engine development and base calibration to cope with the drastically increased complexity of today's engine ECUs (electronic control units). Based on the representation of the engine behavior with a virtual plant model, offline optimizers can be used to find the optimal calibration settings for the engine controller, e.g. with respect to fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions. This increases the efficiency of the calibration process and reduces the need for expensive test stand runs. The present paper describes the application of Gaussian process regression, a statistical modeling approach with practical benefits in terms of achievable model accuracy and usability. The implementation of the algorithm in a commercial tool framework enables a broad use in series engine calibration. Recent developments have extended the approach towards dynamic systems identification and simulation of transient behavior. Due to the data-driven nature, the generated plant models can further be used to replace time-consuming 1-D simulations (meta-modeling) without loss in model quality while meeting real-time requirements, e.g. for utilization in hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) environments. The application and benefits of the statistical modeling approach are shown on several examples.
Gutjahr, TobiasKleinegraeber, HolgerHuber, ThorstenKruse, Thomas
Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation of Electro-Pneumatic Brake Systems2015-01-27459/29/2015
A Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) system for Electronic Control Units (ECU) of electro-pneumatic brake systems is presented. The HiL system runs a real-time capable vehicle model comprising of both the vehicle dynamics and the electro-pneumatic brake system. The dynamic behaviour of the vehicle can be simulated either by a real-time multi-body vehicle model or by a simpler system dynamic (double-track) model. To assess the quality of the system dynamic vehicle model, it is compared to a multi-body vehicle model which was validated with comprehensive experimental results. Discrepancies can be seen for highly unsteady manoeuvres. Reasons for these discrepancies caused by the modelling topology of the system dynamic vehicle model are given. In order to simulate the electro-pneumatic brake system, a real-time model has been developed and validated. The different topologies of brake systems can be assembled from components and integrated into the vehicle model. The model of the brake system determines the transient response of brake torques at the wheels as a result of the electrical signals given by the ECU. The HiL system allows the simulation of anti-lock braking manoeuvres as well as manoeuvres that feature interventions of the Electronic Stability Control system (ESC). Using this developed approach, it is possible to estimate the consumption of air during an anti-lock braking manoeuvre or to assess the performance of the ESC during various manoeuvres. In the future, the presented system can support the homologation process of ESC by adjusting the parameters of the system in advance or by a virtual homologation of some of the numerous vehicle variants.
Bauer, FlorianFleischhacker, Jan
Five Novel Bio Based Diesels Tested in a Light-Duty Road Going Engine2015-01-08994/14/2015
As a result of research made during EuroBioRef, five alternative bio based diesel fuels have been produced and tested. The fuels consisted of three different products made from castor oil: Esterol A, Esterol Lot BP093 and Methyl-UCT. The two remaining fuels were POM-Methyl 2.8 and 3-Methylheptane. For the test, the fuels were blended with a reference diesel at a 30%vol ratio. The fuels were tested in a euro 4, 1.6L light-duty high-speed road going turbocharged engine with an EGR-system. The engine was configured with standard injectors and standard ECU settings. The tests were performed on an eddy current dynamometer in four different modes. Analysis shows that the NOx level increased slightly for Esterol A, Methyl-UCT and POM-methyl 2.8. It also showed that CO level was higher for POM-Methyl 2.8 and 3-Methylheptane during highest speed and load. A heat release analysis performed on each fuel in each mode showed a difference in combustion of the pilot injection at 2000rpm, where POM-Methyl 2.8 and 3-Methylheptane apparently did not obtain auto-ignite at pilot injection. At highest speed and load, where the temperature of the system was higher, POM-Methyl 2.8 and 3-Methylheptan auto-ignited earlier in the cycle than the other fuels. This caused a slow burning rate due to incomplete fuel air mixing. Based on the results, POM-Methyl 2.8 and 3-Methylheptane are inadvisable to use as alternative fuels for light-duty high-speed road engines. Esterol Lot BP093, Esterol A and Methyl-UCT are all excellent suggestions for blends with diesel and might be able to be certified after further analysis.
Jeppesen, Jacob BenjaminDevaux, Jean-FrancoisDubois, Jean-Luc
Improved ECU End of Line Testing using Multicore Microcontroller2015-01-01864/14/2015
End of Line tests are brief set of tests intended to evaluate ECU's in order to ensure correct functioning of its intended functionality. As these tests are executed on the production line, available time to perform these tests is limited. On one hand, faster production demands require these tests and its framework to be designed in a time optimized manner. On the other hand, increase in ECU functionality translates to an increase in test's functional coverage, requiring more time. Therefore the time taken to execute the tests reaches a critical point in overall ECU production. Availability of multicore microcontrollers with increase in clock speed can increase the performance of end of line tests, but design challenges e.g. synchronization do not guarantee a linear performance increase. Therefore, design of test execution framework is absolutely critical to increase performance of test execution. This paper attempts to provide a framework design that uses multicore based microcontroller solution to increase test execution. The paper details out currently available test setup, followed by a design analysis to outline critical areas limiting EOL performance. Subsequently, mechanisms using multicore based solutions such as dynamic task allocation will be detailed to overcome these limitations and new requirements for the same shall be specified. The paper will also provide information on the implementation and comparison results with a single core solution. As the concluding step, future challenges shall be outlined. The microcontroller mentioned in this paper refers to Infineon 32-bit Tricore™ MCU, TC178x and AURIX™.
Kazmi, Syed ArshadPark, Jin SeoHarnisch, Jens
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