Auto-Ignited Combustion Control in an Engine Equipped with Multiple Boosting Devices

The combustion timing of auto-ignited combustion is determined by composition, temperature, and pressure of cylinder charge. Thus, for a successful auto-ignition, those key variables must be controlled within tight target ranges, which is challenging due to (i) nature of coupling between those variables, and (ii) complexity of managing multiple actuators in the engine. In this article, a control strategy that manages multiple actuators of a boosted homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine is developed to maintain robust auto-ignited combustion. The HCCI engine being considered is equipped with multiple boosting devices including a supercharger and a turbocharger in addition to conventional actuators and sensors. Since each boosting device has its own pros and cons, harmonizing those boosting devices is crucial for successful transient operation. To address the multi-variable transient control problem, speed-gradient control methodology is applied to minimize coupling between boosting devices. Simulation results show that the control strategy overcomes turbo lag by utilizing the supercharger during transient. The controller developed is still appliable to manage multiple boosting devices with conventional engines as well as HCCI engine.