Model-Based Control for Mode Transition Between Spark Ignition and HCCI Combustion

While the homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion has its advantages of high thermal efficiency with low emissions, its operational range is limited in both engine speed and load. To utilize the advantage of the HCCI combustion, an HCCI capable spark ignition (SI) engine is required. One of the key challenges of developing such an engine is to achieve smooth mode transition between SI and HCCI combustion, where the in-cylinder thermal and charge mixture properties are quite different due to the distinct combustion characteristics. In this paper, a control strategy for smooth mode transition between SI and HCCI combustion is developed and experimentally validated for an HCCI capable SI engine equipped with electrical variable valve timing (EVVT) systems, dual-lift valves, and electronic throttle control (ETC) system. During the mode transition, the intake manifold air pressure is controlled by tracking the desired throttle position updated cycle-by-cycle; and an iterative learning fuel mass controller, combined with sensitivity-based compensation, is used to manage the engine torque in terms of net mean effective pressure (NMEP) at the desired level for smooth mode transition. Note that the NMEP is directly correlated to the engine output torque. Experiment results show that the developed controller is able to achieve smooth combustion mode transition, where the NMEP fluctuation is kept below 3.8% during the mode transition.