1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for searching control parameters.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-35379 shows, as an internal combustion engine controller, a hardware configuration for automatically measuring performance characteristic of an engine. However, this document only shows a system configuration for automatically measuring engine performance, with which human labor can be alleviated, but the number of control parameters is enormous and the number of measurement points thus becomes large. Therefore, this configuration cannot meet a recent need for measuring engine performance characteristics in a shorter period of time.
Further, in the “CAMEO system” of AVL List GmbH (Australia), engine performance is automatically measured by the use of an experimental design method. In this system, the number of measurement points of engine performance is reduced by the experimental design method, reducing the measuring time. However, in the case of applying this to measurement of an engine which has been undergoing drastic changes with respect to control parameters, extreme reduction of the number of measurement points might make it impossible to accurately observe irregular changes in engine performance. Therefore, it is practically not possible to sufficiently reduce the number of measurement points. Moreover, since approximate positions of variation points of engine performance need be previously entered for automatic measurement, it is difficult to perform automatic measurement of an engine for which no measurement was done in the past.
Since a currently used engine has a large number of variable devices such as a universal moving valve system, a direct fuel injection system capable of injecting fuel several times in one combustion cycle, and a variable geometry supercharger, the number of command values given to those devices, namely combinations of control parameters, has become enormous.
Hence it is necessary to measure combination conditions of an enormous number of combinations of control parameters for obtaining engine performance characteristics, which is time-consuming. It is further necessary to perform measurement in various conditions in order to optimize a combination of a plurality of control parameters for each of evaluation indexes (fuel consumption, output, emission).
Accordingly, a combination of control parameters is determined in a grid shape as shown in
In a conventional automatic measurement method shown in
Moreover, the engine characteristic as described above has a highly complicated curved surface with projections and depressions relative to control parameter as shown in
Hence, in order to reduce the number of measurement points, there has been proposed a technique for searching an optimum value Pa shown in
As a technique for searching such an extremum, an Extremum Seeking algorithm is known. “Real-Time Optimization by Extremum-Seeking Control” by Kartik B. Ariyur, Miroslav Krstic (Wiley-Interscience, 2003/09) is a reference book on Extremum Seeking, containing more than 200 pages.
Unfortunately, currently used automatic driving devices (AVL CAMEO) may need information about where the peak is likely to lie even in the case of single peak characteristics. No device can solve the local minimum problem.
Further, sweeping a single control-parameter is the limit in the current conditions. Sweeping a plurality of parameters has been difficult in the currently used automatic driving devices since it leads to more frequent occurrence of the local minimum problem and makes it more difficult to previously predict the position of the peak point.
In some cases, only an optimum value Pa as shown in
As such, an automatic measurement device having characteristics as described below has been desired in order to obtain more sophisticated engine performance characteristics accurately and to reduce measuring time:
Accordingly, an automatic measurement device for an internal combustion engine is required which is capable of accurately obtaining more sophisticated engine performance characteristics and reducing the measuring time for that obtain.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a maximum value searching scheme for searching in a plurality of search cycles a control parameter that maximizes an output of an object to be controlled which shows an output realized by a given control parameter in accordance with the control parameter. The computer program with this scheme allows a computer to perform a function of providing the control parameter at each search cycle by a predetermined algorithm, a function of adding a periodic function of a predetermined period and a correction value obtained in a previous search cycle to the control parameter, to obtain an input parameter to the object to be controlled. The program further performs a function of multiplying an output, obtained from the object to be controlled in accordance with the input parameter, by the periodic function, to obtain a correction value based on an integral value of the value obtained by the multiplication, for correcting the control parameter such that search is converged, and a maximum value search function of repeating the search cycle in search for an input parameter that maximizes an output of the object to be controlled, to extract the input parameter that maximizes the output of the object to be controlled.
It is thereby possible to search the input parameter that achieves a maximum value with higher probability even when the object to be controlled has a characteristic of having a plurality of maximum values.
According to one aspect of the present invention, an integration period of the integral value is an integral multiple of the period of periodic function.
It is thereby possible to suppress periodic behavior of the periodic function added to the input parameter from causing the searched input parameters vibrates, thereby improving searching accuracy of the input parameter that achieves a maximum value.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the periodic function has different periods respectively for a plurality of control parameters, and the integration period of the integral value is a time period of a common multiple of the periods of all the periodic functions.
It is thereby possible to prevent an input parameter from showing a vibrating behavior due to a periodic behavior of the periodic functions added to the other input parameters, thus improving searching accuracy of the input parameter that gives a maximum value out of a plurality of input parameters.
According to further another aspect of the present invention, the control parameter is determined by a genetic algorithm, and an update of DNA (individual) in the genetic algorithm is performed based on an output of the object to be controlled which was searched using the input parameter. The probability of ascertaining an input parameter is enhanced that gives a maximum value even when the object to be controlled has a plurality of peak values (relative maximum values).
Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, the genetic algorithm constructs next generation DNA using the input parameter that maximizes an output of the object to be controlled which has been searched based on current generation DNA. It is thereby possible to significantly reduce the number of searching steps and search the input parameter that achieves a maximum value.
In one aspect of the present invention, an object of the maximum value searching is an internal combustion engine. In searching an optimum point of engine performance having sophisticated characteristics (of having a plurality of maximum values), the optimum point can be searched more accurately in a shorter period of time than in the conventional technique using the experimental design method, without using manpower. Further, in measuring engine performance, automatic measurement can be performed without requiring previous information of the engine performance.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the following detailed descriptions.
In the following, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to drawings.
This algorithm is a combination of a genetic algorithm (hereinafter referred to as GA) and Extremum Seeking, and performs rough optimization by determining an initial value of Extremum Seeking with GA and searching an optimum value with Extremum Seeking, the optimum value becoming a parent for producing next generation DNA in the GA.
The details of each step of the algorithm in
Control parameters other than those for performing variable control in real time (hereinafter referred to as control parameters for setting conditions) α and β are set at the time of automatic measurement, and the respective parameters are held at set values. Embodiments of the control parameters for setting conditions at this time include an engine rotational speed and an air-fuel ratio, and these parameters are held at set values by operating with PID control or sliding mode control a control amount (engine torque, etc.) of a measurement device and inputs (throttle opening, fuel jet amount, etc.) to the object to be controlled, that is an object for search (hereinafter refereed to as object for search). While the control parameters for setting conditions are held at the set values, the optimum value of control parameters for real time variable control that maximizes the output of the object for search is obtained.
Control parameters, which perform variable control in real time at the time of automatic measurement, (hereinafter referred to as control parameters for searching) A, B and C are defined. Embodiments of the control parameters for searching include an EGR ratio, ignition timing and supercharge pressure.
DNA codes are defined by Amn, Bmn and Cmn for control parameters for searching A, B and C as shown in
STEP 104: Optimum Value Searching with DNA as Initial Value
Here, the object for search is an engine, and inputs U1, U2 and U3 are entered to the object for search with the control parameters for searching A, B and C to produce an output Y (e.g. engine torque, emission reducing amount, engine efficiency, etc.) from the object for search.
This system can be realized by programming a general-purpose computer. This computer is provided with a processor (CPU), a random access memory (RAM) which provides the CPU with a working area, and a read-only memory (RAM) which stores computer programs and data.
The inputs U1, U2 and U3 to an object 20 in this embodiment of the present invention are obtained by the following expressions. Here, a sliding mode controller and the genetic algorithm are applied to the Extremum Seeking algorithm.
U1(k)=V1(k)+S1(k)+Amn
U2(k)=V2(k)+S2(k)+Bmn
U3(k)=V3(k)+S3(k)+Cmn (2-1)
Here, Vi is a control input value of a sliding mode controller 15 set for an input Ui, and i=1 to 3 in this embodiment. Si is a reference input and, as shown in
A function of a filter 19 is represented by the following expression:
Yh(k)=−0.5Yh(k−1)+0.5Y(k) (2-2)
The filter 19 serves to extract a change in output Y for a change in input Ui, removes a stationary component and has a characteristic of passing the period of the reference input Si. A high pass filter or a band pass filter for passing the period of the reference input Si may be set for each input.
A correlation function calculating unit 18 calculates a correlation function value Cri as a value obtained by moving-averaging over a zone K a multiplication value Zi of the reference input Si and a filtering value Yh.
When a calculation period is defined as ΔT (e.g. 10 msec) a common multiple of the periods of all reference inputs is defined as Tave, a moving average zone K can be defined as K=Tave/ΔT−1.
By determination of K in this manner, the frequency component of the reference input can be removed from Cri, and when the correlation of the input Ui and the output Y is constant, Cri can be calculated as a constant value. This is one of advantages of the technique of the present invention with respect to typical Extremum Seeking, and Wi (later described Expression 2-9) ultimately desired to be calculated can be made a stable value with the frequency component of the reference input removed therefrom, thereby enabling improvement in speed and stability of convergence for optimization while using the GA as compared with typical Extremum Seeking.
The sliding mode controller (SMC) 15 calculates a correction value Vi to be added to the input for converging the correlation function value Cri toward a predetermined value:
σi(k)=Cri(k)+SCri(k−1) (i=1 to 3) (2-5)
Expression 2-5 is called a switching function, defining a converging characteristic of the correlation function value Cri. Since the correlation function value Cri is desired to converge toward 1, when a setting parameter S of the switching function is, for embodiment, set to −0.8 where −1<S<0 and σi(k) is set to zero, expression 2-5 becomes a straight line passing through an original point of a two-dimensional coordinate with Cri(k−1) as the X axis and Cri(k) as the Y-axis. This straight line is called a switching straight line. The sliding mode control adds a correction value Vi(k) obtained by the next expression to the control parameter as a control input so that Cri is confined on the switching straight line and converges without being affected by disturbance or the like. Details of the sliding mode control are described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-233235, a patent application by the same applicant as this application.
Expression 2-6 represents a reaching rule input for moving the correlation function value Cri to lie on the switching straight line. Krchi is a feedback gain of the reaching rule, which is predetermined based on simulation and the like with the stability, speed, etc. of convergence to the switching straight line taken into consideration.
Expression 2-7 is an adaptation rule input for suppressing modeling errors, disturbances and the like, which moves the correlation function value Cri to lie on the switching straight line. Kadpi is a feedback gain of the adaptation rule, which is predetermined based on simulation and the like with the stability, speed, etc. of convergence to the switching straight line taken into consideration. Vi_L and Vi_H are limit values with respect to Ui.
Expression 2-8 gives a correction value to be added to the input to the object 20 for convergence of the correlation function value Cri.
Although a sliding mode controller SMC 15 is used in this embodiment, in place of this, an algorithm of PI control, back stepping control or the like can be used to calculate the correction value Vi. A control capable of specifying a convergence behavior of deviation (here, Cri) as a non-overshot exponential behavior, such as the sliding mode control and the backstepping control, is more appropriate than a control prone to occurrence of overshooting such as the PI control, since it is more resistant to occurrence of interference with another Vi (vibrating behavior).
With reference to
W1(k)=V1(k)+Amn
W2(k)=V2(k)+Bmn
W3(k)=V3(k)+Cmn (2-9)
As for respective DNA individuals (m=1 to M), values of Wi at a lapse of a predetermined time (kend) are search values Amn′, Bmn′ and Cmn′ of the Extremum Seeking algorithm.
One DNA individual, e.g. DNA No. 1 made of A11, B11 and C11, is repeatedly searched during the kend time period with the correction value V updated, and W1, W2 and W3 are obtained at a lapse of kend. The same calculation is performed on each DNA individual in one generation.
Amn′=W1(kend)
Bmn′=W2(kend)
Cmn′=W3(kend) (2-10)
When Wi and Y have become smaller in variation (converged), values of Wi at that time may be made as Amn′, Bmn′ and Cmn′. In this case, when the state of “|Y(k)+Y(k−1)|<δ” continues for a predetermined period of time (Tconv), the values of Wi are defined as Amn′, Bmn′ and Cmn′. δ is a convergence determining threshold, and Tconv is convergence determining time.
Amn′=W1(k)
Bmn′=W2(k)
Cmn′=W3(k) (2-11)
Rmn←Output Y by search values Amn′, Bmn′ and Cmn′ (2-12)
As shown in
The conversing state of the algorithm in
|R#n−R#n−1|<ε (2-13)
A DNA group replaced by the search values Amn′, Bmn′ and Cmn′ shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The DNA selected in STEP 107, the DNA generated by crossover in STEP 108, and the DNA generated by mutation in STEP 109 are synthesized (arrayed) as shown in
The number n indicating a generation is advanced by one to n+1 (STEP 111), and when the generation number has not reached a predetermined generation number N (50 in this embodiment), the process shifts to STEP 104, and a process for searching an optimum value of a generation n+1 is executed.
When the generation number n exceeds the predetermined maximum value N though convergence of the optimization process is not confirmed in STEP 106, optimization is completed, and the process shifts to STEP 112.
With the condition of the control parameters A, B and C [A#, B# and C# (final A#n, B#n and C#n)] that realizes the most excellent output R# (final R#n), outputs are measured during a predetermined period of time, and an average value among those output is obtained. As shown in
In order to verify the advantage of the new measurement algorithm in
(1) Conventional Extremum Seeking method;
(2) New Extremum Seeking method using the correlation function method;
(3) Extremum Seeking having a configuration shown in
(4) Extremum Seeking of the embodiment of the present invention shown in
Here, the determination in STEP 106 in
With reference to
U1(k)=V1(k)+S1(k)+Amn
U2(k)=V2(k)+S2(k)+Bmn
U3(k)=V3(k)+S3(k)+Cmn (3-1)
Vi is a control input value (i=1 to 3) to a controller for an input Ui, and Si is a reference input. Here, Amn, Bmn and Cmn are generated by random numbers in ranges of values that the control parameters A, B and C may take.
The filter 19 calculates an output Yh in the following expression:
Yh(k)=−0.5Yh(k−1)+0.5Y(k) (3-2)
The controller performs calculation of the following expression:
In the results of Extremum Seeking in
While
It is found from these results that the technique in
When the conventional technique and the new technique are compared, as indicated by an arrow on a lower curved line in
As apparent from the figures, in both results, the output R*n of the object has converged to the vicinity of the optimum value Ropt. However, the control parameters A and B have converged to the optimum values Aopt and Bopt in the new technique, whereas in the conventional technique, the control parameters A and B did not completely converge to the optimum values Aopt and Bopt as shown in places indicated by arrows on upper curved lines in
It is found from these results that the technique in
As described above, a recently used gasoline/diesel-powered engine is provided with a large number of control parameters. Hence the automatic measurement algorithm shown in
Meanwhile, the engine performance characteristic obtained by the automatic measurement algorithm is often given as a response curved surface having a sophisticated local optimum value as shown in
Accordingly, an approach can be considered in which an optimization process is successively performed while engine control is performed using the obtained engine performance as an engine model (response curved surface model), to determine control parameter values.
One of such an approach is a model prediction control. However, an optimization algorithm (QP method, etc.) of typical model prediction control is performed on the assumption that an object for search has no quadratically functional local optimum value. Therefore, when a local optimum value exists, it is not ensured that a control input is given as one capable of realizing a global optimum value.
Accordingly, in the present invention, a real-time optimization engine control system, shown in
In the engine control system shown in
The curved surface 53 of Nox emission response, the object for search, changes in accordance with the engine rotational speed NE and the fuel jet amount Gfuel. The optimization calculation does not fail as long as the real-time optimization algorithm is performed within a cyclic period of calculating the fuel jet amount Gfuel and the engine rotational speed NE.
Though the present invention has been described with regard to the specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2007-116054 | Apr 2007 | JP | national |