Model predictive control of HCCI using variable valve actuation and fuel injection

Control of work output and combustion phasing on a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine is essential to realize the benefits of superior efficiency and emissions. This paper presents a model predictive control approach for cycle-by-cycle control of HCCI while respecting constraints on actuators that might exist on a production implementation. The strategy is based on a physical model developed in previous work and uses valve actuation and split fuel injection to achieve the control objectives. In addition, it considers constraints on air-fuel ratio, ensuring that the system stays away from very lean or rich regions. Simulation and experimental results show that the controller works well over a range of conditions, and demonstrate the potential of this approach as a practical cycle-by-cycle control strategy for HCCI. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.