Search Results

The main result of this paper is a real-time closed loop demonstration of spark advance control by interpretation of ionization current signals. The advantages of such a system is quantified. The ionization current, obtained by using the spark plug as a sensor, is rich on information, but the signal is also complex. A key step in our method is to use parameterized functions to describe the ionization current [1]. The results are validated on a SAAB 2.3 1, normally aspirated, production engine, showing that the placement of the pressure trace relative to TDC is controlled using only the ionization current for feedback.

Because of legislative regulations like OBDII, on-board diagnosis has gained much interest lately. A model based approach is suggested for the diagnosis of the air intake system of an SI-engine. Important research issues are modeling concepts, residual generation and evaluation, overall performance, and limiting factors. The diagnosis system is based on a non-linear semi-physical model and uses a combination of different residual generation methods. It is capable of detecting and isolating faults in the throttle actuator, throttle sensor, air mass now sensor and manifold pressure sensor. The scheme is experimentally validated on a real production engine.