AENEAS: Application and evaluation of a novel engine management system based on intelligent control algorithms and utilising innovative sensor technology

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 98.0135

Key words (English)

Engine management system; intelligent control; pressure sensors

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: IN301056i

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 9.1 Dissemination and optimisation of results

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Ricardo Consulting Engineers Ltd. (UK); DaimlerChrysler AG (D), EADS Deutschland GmbH (D)

Abstract (English)

AENEAS is a collaborative project between Ricardo, DaimlerChrysler, EADS and Kistler. Its aim is to assimilate Cylinder Pressure based Engine Management System (CPEMS) technology in order to obtain substantial improvements in cost, efficiency, comfort, emissions and reliability compared to conventional systems.
Conventional Engine Management Systems (EMS) are primarily parameter based systems in which there is no underlying model to describe the behaviour of the engine. In recent years, attention has focused upon the development of inexpensive cylinder pressure sensors in order to realise a system more appropriate for the application of Model-Based control. This project is based on the results of advanced R&D work carried out by DaimlerChrysler and Kistler on the application of Silicon Carbide on Insulator (SiCOI) and Silicon On Insulator (SOI) technologies for such devices. These material systems have been shown to operate under harsh combustion environments and have the potential for a cost effective solution to the development of a CPEMS.
In the project CPEMS specifications and concepts were fixed, cylinder pressure sensors adapted, a prototyping system installed on an engine testbench and in a prototype vehicle. Data was recorded from engine baseline mapping and misfire testing. Several awareness publications were released. Pressure sensing devices based on SOI chip technology have been refined for adequate range, high resolution , size, lifetime stability, reliability and cost. Resolution proved to be particularly important for effective mass airflow estimation. A number of algorithms have been configured, some of which can replace conventional knock detection, cam and air mass flow sensors. The prototyping system including pressure sensors has been integrated in a fully operational CPEMS demonstrator vehicle.
The following benefits have been demonstrated:
1) Improved fuel efficiency.
2) Reduced catalyst light-off time leading to improvements in emissions.
3) Smoother running engine.
4) Improved sensing since pressures are acquired over complete cycle. Replacement of air mass sensor, knock detection sensors and cam phasing sensor.
5) Adaptive capability - robustness against production build and fuel type variations.
6) Greater scope for model-based methodologies such as Neural Networks and Kalman Filtering.
7) Improved on-board diagnostics - more reliable misfire detection.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 98.0135