Analysis of the Interactions between Indicated and Reciprocating Torques for the Development of a Torsional Behavior Model of the Powertrain

Torque-based engine control systems usually employ a produced torque estimation feedback in order to verify that the strategy target torque has been met. Torque estimation can be performed using static maps describing the engine behaviour or using models describing the existing relationships between signals measured on the engine and the indicated torque produced. Signals containing information on the combustion development, suitable for this purpose, are, among other, the ion-current signal, the vibration signals obtained from accelerometers mounted on the engine block, or the instantaneous engine speed fluctuations. This paper presents the development and the identification process of an engine-driveline torsional behavior model that enables indicated torque estimation from instantaneous engine speed measurement. Particular attention has been devoted to the interactions between indicated and reciprocating torques, and their effects over instantaneous engine speed fluctuations. Indicated and reciprocating torques produce, in fact, opposite excitations on the driveline that show opposite effects on the engine speed waveform: for low engine speed usually indicated torque prevails, while the opposite applies for higher engine speed. In order to correctly estimate indicated torque from engine speed measurement it is therefore necessary to correctly evaluate the reciprocating torque contribution. Reciprocating torque is usually described using a waveform as a function of crank angle, while its amplitude depends on the value of the reciprocating masses. As mentioned before, knowledge of the reciprocating masses is fundamental in order to obtain correct estimation of the indicated torque. The identification process that has been setup for the engine-driveline torsional model enables to evaluate the relationship between torques applied to the engine and the corresponding engine speed waveform even without knowing the value of the reciprocating masses. In addition, once this model has been setup, it is possible to estimate with high precision the value of the reciprocating masses. Particular attention has been devoted also to the feasibility of the application of the identified model on-board for torque estimation; for this reason the model has been developed in a very simple form. The approach proved to be effective both on gasoline and diesel engine, both for engine mounted on a test cell and on-board, with different engine configurations. Examples of application are given for some of the configurations investigated.