Implementation and Assessment of a Model-Based Controller of Torque and Nitrogen Oxide Emissions in an 11 L Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine

Abstract

A previously developed model-based controller of torque and nitrogen oxides emissions has been implemented and assessed on a heavy-duty 11 L FPT prototype Cursor 11 diesel engine. The implementation has been realized by means of a rapid prototyping device, which has allowed the standard functions of the engine control unit to be by-passed. The activity was carried out within the IMPERIUM H2020 EU Project, which is aimed at reducing the consumption of fuel and urea in heavy-duty trucks up to 20%, while maintaining the compliance with the legal emission limits. In particular, the developed controller is able to achieve desired targets of brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) (or brake torque) and engine-out nitrogen oxides emissions. To this aim, the controller adjusts the fuel quantity and the start of injection of the main pulse in real-time. The controller is based on a previously developed low-throughput combustion model, which estimates the heat release rate, the in-cylinder pressure, the BMEP (or torque) and the engine-out nitrogen oxide emissions. The controller has been assessed at both steady-state and transient operations, through rapid prototyping tests at the engine test bench and on the road.