Model Based Calibration

This article describes calibration of control systems for downsized boosted engines. Model-based design of powertrain and aftertreatment control systems includes plant modeling and controller synthesis. The article illustrates the typical work flow of the model-based calibration process for an engine. In the process, the first step is the design of experiment. The experiment design should cover a multisurface space. That guides the next step to collect data from an engine or powertrain at critical operating points. Once the data are collected, an engine system model is built along with its designed controller models, then the operation of the control systems and controller parameters are optimized or calibrated based on the plant models. With these initial values of the calibrations handy, one can either download the calibration into the production ECU or use a rapid prototyping controller to conduct a full validation or final fine tuning of the engine powertrain control system in test cells or on vehicles.