Control of SI-engines with CVT´s-a feedback linearization approach

Replacing conventional gear-boxes by continuous variable transmissions (CVT´s) can reduce fuel-consumption of spark-ignition engines (SI-engines) significantly. A possible approach to the control of this type of drive-train structure is discussed in this paper. Basically the plant dynamics are exactly linearized over the complete operating range using feedback linearization. Much attention is paid to the existence conditions for this nonlinear compensation. In a second step, as an application of the exact linearization approach, a “kick-down”-controller is designed which robustly stabilizes the nominal linearized plant