Control Systems for Automotive Vehicle Fuel Economy: A Literature Review

Abstract

This paper is a review of current research on applications of control systems and theory to achieve energy conservation in automotive vehicles. The development of internal combustion engine control systems that modulate fuel flow, air flow, ignition timing and duration, and exhaust gas recirculation is discussed. The relative advantages of physical and empirical models for engine performance are reviewed. Control strategies presented include optimized open-loop schedule type systems, closed-loop feedback systems, and adaptive controllers. The development of power train and hybrid vehicle control systems is presented, including controllers for both conventional transmissions and those employing flywheel energy storage.