Nonlinear controller for automotive thermal management systems

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.