Model Predictive Control of an Advanced Multiple Cylinder Engine With Partially Premixed Combustion Concept

Partially premixed combustion (PPC) is an advanced combustion concept and powertrain technology, which has a great potential to improve the fuel economy of vehicles. The process of PPC is driven by both chemical kinetics and mixing process, and is, therefore, sensitive to inlet conditions and injection process. This article presents a control-oriented combustion and air-path model of a PPC multicylinder engine, and also proposes a model predictive control framework for its transient control. The control system was validated in a transient scenario and its capability was demonstrated through a large range of load transient operation.