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The transition towards electrification in commercial vehicles has received more attention in recent years. This paper details the conversion of a production Medium-Duty class-5 commercial truck, originally equipped with a gasoline engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, into a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The conversion process involved the removal of the internal combustion engine, transmission, and differential unit, followed by the integration of an ePropulsion system, including a newly developed dual-motor beam axle that propels the rear wheels. Other systems added include an 800V/99 kWh battery pack, advanced silicon carbide (SiC) inverters, an upgraded thermal management system, and a DC fast charging system. A key part of the work was the development of the propulsion system controls, which prioritized drivability, NVH suppression, and energy optimization.

Using a 3 liter, 4 valves per cylinder, V6 Diesel engine model, this study investigates late intake valve closing (LIVC) time in an effort to reduce the fuel consumption of the engine. Two different intake cam duration technologies for diesel engines are evaluated using a 1-D engine simulation software code. The first method utilized for duration control delays the effective closing of the intake valve by moving one intake cam lobe with respect to the other baseline intake cam lobe. In the second method, the closing of both intake valves is delayed by the introduction of an adjustable dwell period during the closing portion of the valve motion. During this mid-lift dwell period, the lift is held at a constant value until it goes into the closing phase. The systems are evaluated and compared at 4 operating points of varying engine speed and load. At each operating point, while engine load is held constant, intake valve closing time is varied.

In our introductory paper on the VEMB system (SAE 2010-01-1222) we discussed the concept of a divided exhaust period turbocharging system controlled by a concentric cam system, and we presented several fixed speed/load point sets of results that demonstrated the expected BSFC benefits. The BSFC reductions (2.5% to 4%) correlated to reduction in pumping work and to improvement in combustion phasing at knock-limited points from substantial reductions in Residual Gas Fraction compared to the conventionally-boosted baseline engine. In this paper we present additional results from engine tests in the areas of full-load performance and emissions with and without Scavenge-sourced EGR. To demonstrate the WOT performance potential of a VEMB engine, we show the effect of turbocharger matching steps, with results that exceed the baseline engine output across the engine speed range.

Prior work with the concept of dividing the exhaust process into an early and late phase has shown the potential of applying only the early stage (blow-down) of the exhaust period directly to a turbocharger or turbocharger system, and the later stage (scavenge) arranged to bypass the turbine. In this manner, the exhaust backpressure required to extract high turbine work from the engine can be isolated from the displacement phase of the exhaust stroke and thereby greatly reduce the exhaust pumping work and Residual Gas Fraction. In previously-published efforts, the challenges of valve-event control and high turbine inlet temperature have been revealed. The BorgWarner Engine Systems Group, in conjunction with Presta, has applied a cam-phaser controlled concentric camshaft system to the exhaust side of a divided exhaust port 4-valve per cylinder DOHC GDI engine, to enable variable phasing between the Blow-down and Scavenge cam profiles.

This paper presents the transient power optimization of an organic Rankine cycle waste heat recovery (ORC-WHR) system operating on a heavy-duty diesel (HDD). The optimization process is carried on an experimentally validated, physics-based, high fidelity ORC-WHR model, which consists of parallel tail pipe and EGR evaporators, a high pressure working fluid pump, a turbine expander, etc. Three different ORC-WHR mixed vapor temperature (MVT) operational strategies are evaluated to optimize the ORC system net power: (i) constant MVT; (ii) constant superheat temperature; (iii) fuzzy logic superheat temperature based on waste power level. Transient engine conditions are considered in the optimization. Optimization results reveal that adaptation of the vapor temperature setpoint based on evaporation pressure strategy (ii) provides 1.1% mean net power (MNP) improvement relative to a fixed setpoint strategy (i).

As CO2 legislation tightens, the next generation of turbocharged gasoline engines must meet stricter emissions targets combined with increased fuel efficiency standards. Recent studies have shown that the following technologies offer significant improvements to the efficiency of turbocharged GDI engines: Miller Cycle via late intake valve closing (LIVC), low pressure loop cooled EGR (LPL EGR), port water injection (PWI), and cylinder deactivation (CDA). While these efficiency-improving technologies are individually well-understood, in this study we directly compare these technologies to each other on the same engine at a range of operating conditions and over a range of compression ratios (CR). The technologies tested are applied to a boosted and direct injected (DI) gasoline engine and evaluated both individually and combined.

As CO2 legislation tightens, the next generation of turbocharged gasoline engines must meet stricter emissions targets combined with increased fuel efficiency standards. Promising technologies under consideration are: Miller Cycle via late intake valve closing (LIVC), low pressure loop cooled exhaust gas recirculation (LPL EGR), port water injection (PWI), and cylinder deactivation (CDA). While these efficiency improving options are well-understood individually, in this study we directly compare them to each other on the same engine at a range of operating conditions and over a range of compression ratios (CR). For this purpose we undertake a comprehensive simulation of the above technology options using a GT-Power model of the engine with a kinetics based knock combustion sub-model to optimize the fuel efficiency, taking into account the total in-cylinder dilution effects, due to internal and external EGR, on the combustion.

The acoustic and performance characteristics of an automotive centrifugal compressor are studied on a steady-flow turbocharger test bench, with the goal of advancing the current understanding of compression system instabilities at the low-flow range. Two different ducting configurations were utilized downstream of the compressor, one with a well-defined plenum (large volume) and the other with minimized (small) volume of compressed air. The present study measured time-resolved oscillations of in-duct and external pressure, along with rotational speed. An orifice flow meter was incorporated to obtain time-averaged mass flow rate. In addition, fast-response thermocouples captured temperature fluctuations in the compressor inlet and exit ducts along with a location near the inducer tips.

This paper gives a thorough review of the HC/CO emissions challenge and discusses the effects of different diesel oxidation catalyst designs in a pre turbine and post turbine position on steady state and transient turbo charger performance as well as on HC and CO tailpipe emissions, fuel economy and performance of modern Diesel engines. Results from engine dynamometer testing are presented. Both classical diffusive and advanced premixed Diesel combustion modes are investigated to understand the various effects of possible future engine calibration strategies.

A key enabler to maximizing the benefits from advanced powertrain technologies is to adopt a systems integration approach and develop optimized controls that consider the propulsion system and vehicle as a whole. This approach becomes essential when incorporating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and communication technologies, which can provide information on future driving conditions. This may enable the powertrain control system to further improve the vehicle performance and energy efficiency, shifting from an instantaneous optimization of energy consumption to a predictive and “look-ahead” optimization. Benefits from this approach can be realized at all levels of electrification, from conventional combustion engines to hybrid propulsion systems and full electric vehicles, and at all levels of vehicle automation.

Engine stop/start systems are one technology being developed to meet ever tightening fuel economy regulations. Several production vehicles in the market have adopted stop/start systems with 12 volt batteries and enhanced starters. During engine autostart events (restart after autostop), the engine/vehicle vibration may be objectionable to customers. In this paper, the impact of extended range retarded intake cam phasing on first cycle combustion and vehicle vibration during engine autostart is provided. The engine intake cam phasers of a production vehicle were modified so the effective compression during autostart could be set as low as 3.5. Achieving these autostart conditions while maintaining typical cam timing positions under cold start conditions is achievable with an innovative dual park phaser. NVH measurements and engine speed traces indicate that this approach reduced vibration during engine autostart by a measurable amount. Subjective driver feedback was also positive.

Diesel engines nowadays are faced with enhanced emission standards, which limit further improvements in fuel economy. In order to meet future emission regulations in a cost effective way, high levels of EGR are needed. One way of increasing the level of EGR with current technology boosting systems is to utilize low pressure loop EGR. This paper discusses the benefits of low pressure loop EGR as well as some of the challenges. A new component is presented which overcomes some of these challenges. Also, modifications to current technology compressor wheels are presented which enable the compressor wheel to survive ingestion of exhaust gas.

In a divided-exhaust turbocharging system, 1 exhaust valve and port from each cylinder can be directed to the turbocharger turbine (referred to as the Blowdown Path) and the other can bypass the turbocharger (referred to as the Scavenge Path). The Blowdown and Scavenge valve events are determined based on the functions of the blowdown and displacement phases of the exhaust process. In our previous publications of another version of Divided Exhaust Period Turbocharging, the Valve Event Modulated Boost system (VEMB), we demonstrated significant engine efficiency and performance improvements over the base turbocharged engine. Reductions in pumping work and high-load Residual Gas Fraction are the primary reasons for efficiency and performance improvements.

To better understand the technical challenges of commercial vehicle electrification, BorgWarner converted a production Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) medium duty truck into a fully electrified vehicle. The resulting vehicle includes a newly developed dual-motor rear Beam eAxle driven by a pair of high-performance silicon carbide (SiC) inverters, an 800V battery system, and a new thermal management system customized for the electric vehicle. This paper will detail the conversion process along with the key components involved in the build. The resulting performance of the fully electrified commercial vehicle will be presented in comparison to the original production vehicle. The primary aim is to outline what is entailed in an electric vehicle conversion and to share the learnings gained throughout this build and development process.

The design of a demonstration vehicle is presented where improvements to the electrical and air induction systems are made which provide increased performance with improved fuel economy. This is made possible by a 48 V architecture which enables the deployment of new components, specifically a belted motor generator unit (MGU) and electrically-driven compressor (eBooster®). The synergy between these components enables energy efficient means to collect regenerated energy and provide added torque, faster engine response, and extended engine off operation among a list of added features. Control features and strategy are highlighted along with simulation and vehicle test data. Resultant performance and fuel economy benefits are reviewed which support the contention of 48 V being a cost effective architecture to enable CO2 reduction relative to a higher voltage hybrid.

The thermal management of vehicles has increased in importance due to the significant role of friction and auxiliary losses in engine operation on CO2 emissions. To evaluate different system and component concepts regarding their influence on fuel consumption, simulation offers a wide range of opportunities. In this paper a fully integrated model is presented utilizing the GT-Suite commercial code. It contains a diesel engine system model, a cooling circuit including a simplified model for the cooler package in the vehicle front end and a vehicle model. The purpose of this model is the investigation of cooling system components and control strategies with different engine inputs. A significant run time advantage is achieved by using a mean value engine model, which has a reduced number of input parameters. The simulation using the integrated model can be carried out within an acceptable time frame which enables vehicle drive cycle analysis.

Cooled LPL EGR is a proven means of improving the efficiency of a Gasoline Turbocharged Direct-Injection engine. One of the most significant hurdles to overcome in implementing a LPL EGR system is dealing with condensation of water near the entrance of the turbocharger's compressor wheel. A gasoline engine, and to a greater extent a spark ignition engine running on Natural Gas, will encounter enough water condensation at some steady-state conditions to damage the compressor wheel due to the high-speed collision between the compressor blades and the water droplets. As an alternative to not utilizing beneficial EGR at the condensing conditions, the team at BorgWarner have developed a LPL EGR mixer that is effective at condensing and collecting the water droplets and routing the water around the compressor wheel. The new Condensing EGR mixer was developed from the known concept of utilizing a mild venturi section to enhance EGR delivery and mixing.

Trying to improve the modern diesel engine's NOx/soot tradeoff without giving up fuel economy continues to be a core target for the engine development community. One of the options not yet fully investigated for the diesel is applying variable valve events to the engine breathing process. Already used in some heavy-duty applications, late intake valve closing has long been regarded as a possible strategy for small diesel engines. Single-cylinder tests applying fully variable valve events have demonstrated potential but also raised doubts about VVA benefits on automotive size diesel engines. Full engine testing using realistic valve train technology is seen as key to judging its true performance because it covers not only combustion benefits but also influences like engine pumping on emissions and CO₂. Different to past publications, this paper focuses on testing a production feasible variable valve train technology on a fully instrumented modern Common Rail diesel engine.

A 1-D GT-Power model based investigation has been carried out to identify the impact of late intake valve closing (LIVC) on fuel economy and emission reduction of a modern small bore diesel engine. The diesel engine examined employed a variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger with air-to-air charge cooler, cooled low pressure exhaust gas re-circulation (LP-EGR), and cooled high pressure exhaust gas re-circulation (HP-EGR). The LIVC system investigated varied the closing time of the intake valve by increasing or decreasing the dwell at the maximum valve lift point. This paper describes how the fuel economy and NOx emission of the diesel engine were affected by varying the intake valve closing time. The intake valve closing time was delayed by as much as 60 degrees.

The paper presents the structure of an air system controller and its application to a modern boosted dual loop EGR Diesel engine. Results over a U.S. FTP cycle which show improvements in emissions and fuel consumption with future opportunities for increased performance are discussed. A recent application of the controller is also shown where standard engine sensors are eliminated to reduce cost and their function is replaced with in-cylinder pressure measurement combined with signal processing techniques.