l1 optimisation techniques for robust automotive control

The work presented involves the use of the l¹ optimisation technique to provide a robust controller for the idle speed control problem of a spark ignition automotive engine. The idle speed control problem arises when an engine is “ticking over”. The vehicle is at rest with the only additional load on the engine being that of electronic apparatus such as air conditioning, heating, lights, radio etc. The engine has only to consume enough fuel to maintain its operation without stalling, but not so little an amount to cause rough, erratic running. It is this control of the fuel used that is referred to as the idle speed control problem. A robust controller is required to cope with uncertainties, the nonlinearities in the system and additional loads