Title: A control-oriented NOx emissions model for diesel engines

Authors: Richard Stobart; Zhijia Yang

Addresses: Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK ' Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: A control-oriented, low computational cost nitrogen oxides emissions model for a diesel engine is presented. The model is based on zero-dimensional one-zone nitric oxide formation thermodynamics. The main inputs to the model are measured cylinder pressure, engine speed and manifold air flow rate. As only three model parameters are required, the calibration effort is minor. Instead of solving nonlinear equations to obtain the oxygen concentration from dissociation reactions, a simple estimation method used the estimated number of moles in the burned zone. The model was validated using engine data and show that the model can predict emissions with high accuracy as they vary with load, start of injection, fuel rail pressure and exhaust gas recirculation rate. As there are few, relatively simple algorithms involved, this model can easily be implemented online. It also has potential to be used in the control of both exhaust after-treatment and the engine combustion process.

Keywords: nitrogen oxides; NOx emissions; emissions modelling; diesel engines; cylinder pressure; real time prediction; thermodynamics; engine speed; manifold air flow rate; load; injection start; fuel rail pressure; exhaust gas recirculation; ECR; exhaust after-treatment; engine combustion; engine control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPT.2016.076570

International Journal of Powertrains, 2016 Vol.5 No.2, pp.191 - 210

Received: 19 Nov 2014
Accepted: 06 Nov 2015

Published online: 13 May 2016 *

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