A Mean-Value Model for Control of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engines

A Mean Value Model (MVM) for a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine is presented. Using a phenomenological zero-dimensional approach with five continuous and three discrete states we first model the effects of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, the exhaust Rebreathing Lift (RBL), and the fueling rate on the state of charge in the cylinder at intake valve closing. An Arrhenius integral is then used to model the start of combustion, θsoc. A series of simple algebraic relations that captures the combustion duration and heat release is finally used to model the state of charge after the HCCI combustion and the Location of Peak Pressure (LPP). The model is parametrized and validated using steady-state test data from an experimental gasoline engine at the General Motors Corporation. The simple model captures the temperature, pressure, air-to-fuel ratio, and inert gas fraction of the exhausted mass flow. This characterization is important for the overall HCCI dynamics because the thermodynamic state (pressure, temperature) and concentration (oxygen and inert gas) of the exhausted mass flow affect the next combustion event. The high dilution level in HCCI engines increases the significance of this internal feedback that generally exists to a smaller extent in conventional spark-ignition and compression-ignition internal combustion engines.