Optimal operation of CVT-based powertrains

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) are considered by many as a promising contribution to the improvement of the fuel economy of passenger cars. This paper discusses the fuel-optimal operation of a CVT-equipped powertrain in stationary and in transient conditions. The well-known optimal solution in the stationary case will be given only a short review discussing the importance of a correct CVT efficiency model. For transient vehicle operation so far only heuristic control strategies are known. This work aims to fill this gap. After detailed modelling of the complete powertrain and the introduction of a meaningful cost function, the resulting nonlinear optimal control problem is solved. The optimization is carried out for two different engines: a conventional SI engine and a downsized supercharged (DSC) SI engine. Each can be considered as a typical representative of the corresponding engine class. In both cases the optimal solutions are shown to be superior to standard CVT control algorithms, yielding larger gains in fuel economy for DSC engines. The optimal feedforward controls are then approximated by suboptimal feedback controllers that realize almost the same benefits in fuel economy at a substantially reduced computational effort. Finally, it is shown how the well-known ‘single track modified’ control approach can be changed such that it produces the same results as the suboptimal controller. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.