Physically-Based Volumetric Efficiency Model for Diesel Engines Utilizing Variable Intake Valve Actuation

Advanced diesel engine architectures employing flexible valve trains enable emissions reductions and fuel economy improvements. Flexibility in the valve train allows engine designers to optimize the gas exchange process in a manner similar to how common rail fuel injection systems enable optimization of the fuel injection process. Modulating valve timings directly impacts the volumetric efficiency of the engine. In fact, the control authority of valve timing modulation over volumetric efficiency is three times larger than that due to any other engine actuator. Traditional empirical or regression-based models for volumetric efficiency, while suitable for conventional valve trains, are therefore challenged by flexible valve trains. The added complexity and additional empirical data needed for wide valve timing ranges limit the usefulness of these methods. A physically-based volumetric efficiency model was developed to address these challenges. The model captures the major physical processes occurring over the intake stroke, and is applicable to both conventional and flexible valve trains. The model inputs include temperature and pressure in the intake and exhaust manifolds, intake and exhaust valve timings, bore, stoke, connecting rod length, engine speed and effective compression ratio, ECR. The model is physically-based, requires no regression tuning parameters, is generalizable to other engine platforms, and has been experimentally validated using an advanced multi-cylinder diesel engine equipped with a flexible variable intake valve actuation system. Experimental data was collected over a wide range of the operating space of the engine and augmented with air handling actuator and intake valve timing sweeps to maximize the range of conditions used to thoroughly experimentally validate the model for a total of 217 total operating conditions. The physical model developed differs from previous physical modeling work through the novel application of ECR, incorporation of no tuning parameters and extensive validation on unique engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation.