Nonlinear controller for automotive thermal management systems

Abstract

The functionality of gasoline and diesel engine thermal management systems can be enhanced through the introduction of a smart thermostat valve and variable speed water pump. A nonlinear tracking controller is presented in this paper for advanced thermal management systems applicable to ground vehicles. Specifically, the controller is designed to ensure that the engine temperature follows a desired temperature trajectory which may be prescribed based on operating conditions. Further, the heat rejected from the system at the radiator is controlled by adjusting the radiator fan's speed. The controller ensures that the engine temperature tracking error is asymptotically forced to zero while compensating for the unmeasurable heat input from the engine's combustion process.