Air-charge estimation and prediction in spark ignition internal combustion engines

We consider the problem of air-charge estimation and prediction for a spark-ignition engine equipped with an intake manifold pressure sensor and an exhaust gas recirculation valve. Accurate prediction of air-charge is needed to determine the engine fuelling rate for optimal performance of the three way catalyst. Using the standard mean-value model of the intake manifold filling and emptying, we propose simple and robust estimator and predictor. Performance has been evaluated in simulation and experimentally in a vehicle