A control algorithm for the magnetic drive of an air-pulse valve of an internal combustion engine

Abstract

This paper proposes an adaptive control algorithm for the fast-acting electromagnetic air pulse valve (APV) of an internal combustion engine (ICE) without specialized position and speed sensors. The APV generates wave activity in the intake system via fast adjustment of the APV to open and close the intake passage and generates resonance in the cylinder-intake manifold in the whole range of ICE rotation frequencies. The electromagnetic drive is installed directly before the ICE intake valve and adjusted via a control system to ensure the required dynamical performance of the drive under external influences. The existing systems and methods of control to ensure required dynamical performance under external influences presuppose the use of specialized position or speed sensors, which makes the system more complicated; increases its weight, dimensions, and cost; and makes it less reliable in general. A complex mathematical model of the ARV mechatronic drive has been designed to analyze the operating performance of the magnetic drive and control methods. The suggested control method makes it possible to indirectly determine in real time the position in space and speed of the armature approaching the terminal by the type of armature voltage and changes in current, taking account of all destabilizing factors. This paper also presents the results of studying the influence of the magnet armature on failures of current as well as the influence of the current pickup on the armature seating speed. The method of calculating the armature startup time by the voltage alteration in the control magnet winding is described. As proven by the experiments, the suggested control algorithm ensures a final valve seating speed of <0.4 mps for a switchover time of about 3–4 ms; thus the efficiency of the suggested algorithm has been proven.