DIGITALLY CONTROLLED FLOW METERING UNIT WITH DOUBLE ACTUATION FOR FAST TRANSIENT RESPONSE IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
This paper proposes a novel compact, inexpensive, yet versatile flow metering unit which consists of two hydraulic valves incorporated in a single barrel and operated directly by two digital actuators. For the evaluation of the concept, the mathematical model of the unit is developed and validated. The model is subsequently used to investigate the operability and performance of the system. A specific control strategy taking advantage of the system hardware is implemented. The enhancement of the transient response, as compared to single actuation conventional units, is demonstrated. Furthermore, the back-up functionality in case of failure of one of the valves is ascertained. This kind of double actuator unit is proposed for, but not limited to, fuel metering in a gasoline engine throttle body injection system.