69491 - INTERNAL COMBUSTION AND HYBRID ENGINES M

Learning outcomes

The course has the objective of better understanding modern internal combustion engines for motor vehicles and hybrid propulsion systems, with particular reference to their architecture, functionality, environmental impact and control system. Students develop the ability to model dynamic systems, with a control-oriented approach and with particular application to internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles (electric, mechanical, hydraulic,…). Finally, the course provides the knowledge necessary to develop control strategies based on physical models of the system (motor and / or vehicle), and oriented to the minimization of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.

Course contents

Internal combustion engine cycle simulation. Model objecti ves: to determine the main engine operating parameters time (or crank-angle based) histories. Mass and energy balance application to the main engine sub-volumes. Crank-angle vs time based simulation. Discrete vs continuous engine models. Intake air mass flow simulation: throttle model. Four-cylinder engine model. Wide Open Throttle (WOT) and load step simulations. Engine calibration. Simulation of steady-state conditions. Comparison between Alfa-N, Speed-Density and MAF systems for determining intake air mass flow. Lambda closed-loop control. Fuel film model and compensator. Cruise control system. Idle speed control system.

The second part of the course will introduce a control-oriented model of a hybrid vehicle, and will analyze possible strategies for fuel consumption minimization.

Readings/Bibliography

• "Introduction to modeling and control of internal combustion engine systems", L. Guzzella, C. H. Onder, Springer-Verlag, 2004
• “Vehicle Propulsion Systems: Introduction to Modeling and Optimization”, L. Guzzella, A. Sciarretta, Springer-Verlag, 2005

Teaching methods

A personal computer will be used to show some PowerPoint presentations. Possibly, each student will use a personal computer running Matlab/Simulink during the simulation sessions.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is finalized through a final oral examination, which takes place for about 60-90 minutes, answering a few questions in writing (diagrams, equations, diagrams, drawings, ...) and then discussing them with the instructor.

This test is intended to verify the student knowledge about the main subjects of the course. The final vote takes into account the ability to solve problems in the matters discussed during the lectures, and the acquisition of engineering methodologies for assessing the performance of automotive energy conversion systems.

Teaching tools

Some class notes will be distributed to the students.

Also the matlab code and simulink models that will be developed and analysed during the lectures will be made available to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Nicolò Cavina