Advanced techniques for powertrain control

Powertrain management and control systems are required to meet demands from a number of sources. The environmental and legislative requirements for reduced exhaust emissions and improved fuel economy need to be achieved within an overall system which also provides good performance, drivability and reliability and is safe and cost effective. The paper discusses the problems facing the automotive industry in meeting these often conflicting objectives. It is argued that without recourse to modern control techniques such as optimal control the system is unlikely to be the best that could be achieved within the overall constraints. Design and development of powertrain systems is becoming an increasingly complex and expensive problem. The use of computer-aided engineering tools to facilitate this process is crucial to the cost effective implementation of advanced techniques. These techniques are needed to achieve optimum solutions. Examples are given of the use of dynamic models in the design, analysis and development of engine and transmission control systems. Recent moves by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are demanding that the emissions control equipment has an assured performance by increasing the level of on-board diagnostics. This paper discusses some of the technical challenges that need to be met in the light of this legislation and suggests some techniques which may be appropriate in providing solutions