Analytical Target Cascading Framework for Diesel Engine Calibration Optimisation

Abstract

This paper presents the development and implementation of an analytical target cascading (ATC) multi-disciplinary design optimisation (MDO) framework for the steady state engine calibration optimisation problem. A case study on variable valve timing calibration for a gasoline engine was considered to illustrate the analysis and mathematical formulation of the calibration optimisation as an ATC framework, and its Matlab implementation with gradient based and evolutionary optimisation algorithms. The results and performance of the ATC are discussed comparatively with the conventional two-stage approach to steady state calibration optimisation. The conclusion is that ATC offers a powerful and efficient approach for engine calibration optimisation, delivering better solutions at both ‘Global’ and ‘Local’ levels. The ATC framework is flexible and scalable to the complexity of the calibration problem, and enables calibrator preference to be incorporated a priori in the optimisation problem formulation, delivering important time saving for the overall calibration development process.