Optimal and real-time control potential of a diesel-electric powertrain

Abstract

Real-time control strategies and their performance related to the optimal control trajectories for a diesel-electric powertrain in transient operation are studied. The considered transients are steps from idle to target power. A non-linear four state-three input mean value engine model, incorporating the important turbocharger dynamics, is used for this study. The strategies are implemented using the SAE J1939-standard for engine control and evaluated compared to both the optimal solution and the solution when the engine is restricted to follow its stationary optimal line. It is shown that with the control parameters tuned for a specific criteria both engine control strategies in the SAE J1939-standard, speed control and load control, can achieve almost optimal results, where engine load controlled shows a better trade-off between fuel economy and duration. The controllers are then extended and it is shown that it is possible to control the powertrain in a close to optimal way using the SAE J1939-standard, both with the engine speed and load controlled. However the mode where the engine is load controlled is seen to be more robust.