Extremum seeking methods for optimization of variable cam timing engine operation

Optimization of modern automotive engines via classical engine mapping has become very time consuming due to an increasing number of variable parameters. In this paper, we explore extremum seeking (ES) as an alternative approach. Our ES task was to search on-line for parameter settings that minimize fuel consumption of a dual-independent variable cam timing engine running at fixed speed and torque in a dynamometer test-cell. We have modified and applied as ES controllers several optimization algorithms from the literature. The details about the controllers and the experimental results they produced are presented and discussed in the paper.