Co-Surge Detection and Control for Bi-Turbo Engines with Experimental Evaluation

A V-type engine with a bi-turbocharger configuration utilizes the exhaust energy well which gives a fast torque response. An unwanted instability, called co-surge, can occur in such engines where the two interconnected compressors alternately go into flow reversals. If co-surge occurs, the control system must quell the oscillations with as little disturbance in engine torque as possible. A model of a bi-turbocharged engine is presented, combining a mean value engine model and a Moore-Greizer compressor model for surge. The model is validated against measurements on a vehicle dynamometer, showing that it captures the frequency and amplitude of the co-surge oscillation. The model is used to develop detection and control strategies for co-surge that rapidly returns the turbo to a stable operating point. Both simulations and experimental evaluation on the vehicle show that the developed strategies are successful in rapidly detecting and quelling co-surge. The selection of actuators is also studied. With no or small pressure drops over the throttle, it is necessary to use the bypass valves. However, for operating conditions with moderate and high pressure drops over the throttle, it is shown that it is sufficient to only open the throttle. This has the advantage, compared to opening the bypass valves, that it reduces the drop in boost pressure and thus reduces the drop in engine torque.