The Engine Combustion Phasing Prediction Based on the Support Vector Regression Method

Abstract

While traditional one-dimensional and three-dimensional numerical simulation techniques require a lot of tests and time, emerging Machine Learning (ML) methods can use fewer data to obtain more information to assist in engine development. Combustion phasing is an important parameter of the spark-ignition (SI) engine, which determines the emission and power performance of the engine. In the engine calibration process, it is necessary to determine the maximum brake torque timing (MBT) for different operating conditions to obtain the best engine dynamics performance. Additionally, the determination of the combustion phasing enables the Wiebe function to predict the combustion process. Existing studies have unacceptable errors in the prediction of combustion phasing parameters. This study aimed to find a solution to reduce prediction errors, which will help to improve the calibration accuracy of the engine. In this paper, we used Support Vector Regression (SVR) to reconstruct the mapping relationship between engine inputs and responses, with the hyperparametric optimization method Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm. We chose the engine speed, load, and spark timing as engine inputs. Combustion phasing parameters were selected as engine responses. After machine learning training, we found that the prediction accuracy of the SVR model was high, and the R2 of CA10−ST, CA50, CA90, and DOC were all close to 1. The RMSE of these indicators were close to 0. Consequently, SVR can be applied to the prediction of combustion phasing in SI gasoline engines and can provide some reference for combustion phasing control.