Dynamic Optimization of Spark Advance and Air-Fuel Ratio for a Natural Gas Engine

An adaptive control system which determines the optimum system parameters based on the engine response to changes in those parameters, has been tested as an ignition timing control system on several gaseous fueled engines. The changes in the MBT timing for speed, load, air-fuel ratio, and fuel type were explored. The ability of the control system to correct the timing for these parameters was demonstrated. An air-fuel ratio control based on the same technique is also discussed.