Development of a Contactless Brushless DC Actuator for Engine Management

Abstract

The requirements on vehicle emission control are more and more demanding. In order to meet these emission control requirements, internal combustion engines need to be more and more efficient and so require new electronic engine management features. These innovative solutions on engine management are usually based on electrically actuated or regulated valves, pumps and turbines. We have developed Brushless DC (BLDC) actuator designs dedicated to high temperature engine environment on applications like Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve or Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). These actuators encompass a patented low cost design of BLDC motor, a reversible motion transformation, and a high temperature drive electronic. Additional optional features like fail-safe return spring, analog position sensor or clutch can also be added in the actuator. This presentation will show the detail of the patented BLDC structure with an integrated position encoder, the integration of all these sub-assemblies for each feature in different actuator embodiments and the benefits of such actuators in applications like electric EGR valves or VGT electrically actuated. This paper will also present the possibility to decrease the cost of the drive electronic by developing an application dedicated ASIC integrating a standard three phase BLDC drive and all the specific features necessary in an automotive application like LIN or CAN communication.

Fidelity requirements in brushless permanent magnet motor modelling

“…Brushless DC (BLDC) motors, coupled through a torque increasing gearbox, are currently the preferred technology for this type of actuation due to the high power densities that can be achieved [1]. The actuator must operate in the high temperature, high vibration environment of the diesel engine whilst providing fast actuation over a 20 mm distance against a rapidly changing load force.…”

Study for Failure Examples of Solenoid Valve, Relay and Idle Speed Control Actuator in Liquid Petroleum Gas vehicle Engines

“…액추에이터는 낮은 비용의 변환기(Transducer) 설계가 요구되며, 이러한 목적을 위해 저 비용의 변환기 개발에 대 한 연구가 되고 있다 [9]. 배출가스 규제에 대응하 기 위해 비접촉식(Contactless type) BLDC(Brushless direct motor)의 개발에 대한 연구도 활발하게 되고 있다 [10] 접점부의 손상이 생겨 수명이 단축되거나 작동부 품의 파손 또는 다른 전기장치에 영향을 주는 문 제가 발생된다 [14]. …”