Study on Multivariable Control for Air and Charging System of Gasoline Engine

This study explores the multivariable multi-input–multi-output technique based on nonlinear models to decouple actuator interaction and to reduce the calibration workload, as well as to increase control performances, under transient conditions, and also explores the robustness on model uncertainties and system parameter variations. The development of a nonlinear dynamic physical model of air in gasoline engine and its charging system provides the for the control technology. The model uses feedback linearization control to decouple the interaction between actuators and compensate the nonlinearity. A new set of inputs was defined through inversing the differential equation of the system. The relationship between the new inputs and the output is linear and decoupled. In addition, a linear control module is used to ensure transient and steady-state performance as well as closed-loop robustness. The control method has been confirmed on the bench test with a three-cylinder gasoline engine prototype for hybrid electric vehicles. Transient test results show that the controller is able to coordinate the actuator to achieve the targets.