AVATAR - Advanced Automotive Aircharge Integration

Purpose and goal

Volvo Car Corporation and Linköping University have conducted the ”AVATAR” (Advanced Automotive Air-charge integration) project. It has involved student projects, M.Sc thesis work, Ph.D work and research. The combustion engine receives more and more advanced air-charge and turbo system designs, for requirements on performance, emissions and CO2. It is often integrated in electrified drivelines with further requirements on system properties and control. AVATAR has investigated future concepts and developed models and control strategies for airflow, EGR and turbo-control.

Expected results and effects

Model-based control strategies have been developed for low-pressure EGR, electric compressor, nonlinear flow-actuators and turbo systems. The results are presented in technical conference articles and in technical reports. Models for sub-systems is integrated in a simulation environment for concept studies and virtual testing. Algorithms are implemented in engine control software and also integrated in the platform software for the future drivelines at VCC. The project has contributed to new system knowledge that will continue to be valid for future development projects.

Planned approach and implementation

AVATAR uses model-based design to develop engine control systems. Tests and measurements from test-cells are used for modeling. The models are then integrated into a simulation environment for virtual development. Concepts and functions are allowed to be evaluated virtually before the actual implementation in engine control software. Subsequent physical tests in test-cell have shown the benefits of model-based development, which typically achieves a functioning first software implementation and also provides an increased understanding of observed system characteristics.