Optimization of Automotive Engine Fuel Economy and Emissions

Abstract

Curve fitting techniques are used to analytically represent experimental data on engine emissions as a function of engine operating variables. A model of the engine-vehicle system is formulated and the optimal control inputs for a given vehicle and specified test cycle are computed. Air-fuel ratio, spark advance, and exhaust gas recirculation are considered as the control variables. The results of the study indicate that considerable improvement over stock car performance can be obtained if the control variables are varied in an optimal manner over the driving cycle.