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Gregory M. Shaver - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • flatness based control of mode transitions between conventional and premixed charge Compression ignition on a modern diesel engine with variable valve actuation
    Volume 1: Aerial Vehicles; Aerospace Control; Alternative Energy; Automotive Control Systems; Battery Systems; Beams and Flexible Structures; Biologic, 2013
    Co-Authors: Carrie M Hall, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    Energy needs in the transportation sector and strict emissions regulations have caused a growing focus on increasing engine efficiency while simultaneously minimizing engine out emissions. One method for accomplishing this is to leverage advanced combustion strategies which are efficient yet very clean. One such combustion mode is premixed charge Compression ignition (PCCI). PCCI can lead to drastically lower emissions than conventional diesel combustion while still maintaining engine efficiencies; however, the engine opeRation region over which it can be utilized is limited. In order to take advantage of this advanced combustion mode, engines must be designed to move between conventional diesel combustion and PCCI. To achieve transitions between different combustion modes, a control strategy was developed which utilizes a extensively validated gas exchange model and flatness-based methods for trajectory planning and trajectory tracking to enable smooth transitions between different combustion modes on a modern diesel engine with variable valve actuation. Since the engine considered here has the ability to alter valve timings, the control method exploits both capabilities to control the gas exchange process as well as the Effective Compression Ratio of the engine. Simulation results indicate that this flatness-based approach is Effective in enabling mode transitions.Copyright © 2013 by ASME

  • Input observer convergence and robustness: Application to Compression Ratio estimation
    Control Engineering Practice, 2013
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The focus of this paper is the analysis of a high-gain observer for estimating un-steady inputs, including guarantees for: (1) robustness to measurement uncertainty, and (2) transient upper bound on estimator error. A method for selecting the observer gain based on measurement uncertainty, acceptable steady-state errors, and desired estimation error convergence rates, is also described. This strategy is demonstrated in practice for internal combustion (IC) engine Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) estimation. Experimental results are shown to be consistent with analytical guarantees—convergence within 4 engine cycles, and a steady-state error less than 0.5 ECR, in the presence of 10% measurement error.

  • Control-oriented premixed charge Compression ignition combustion timing model for a diesel engine utilizing flexible intake valve modulation
    International Journal of Engine Research, 2012
    Co-Authors: Daniel Van Alstine, Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    This paper describes a simple, analytical, control-oriented model for prediction of combustion timing during premixed charge Compression ignition combustion with early fuel injection. The model includes direct dependence on in-cylinder temperature, in-cylinder pressure, and the total in-cylinder O2 mass fraction, including the contribution of recirculated exhaust gas, residual burned gas, and backflow during the valve overlap period. The model is extensively validated against experimental premixed charge Compression ignition data from a multi-cylinder diesel engine utilizing high-pressure recirculated exhaust gas, variable geometry turbocharging, and flexible intake valve actuation, which allows control over the engine’s Effective Compression Ratio. The results show that across a wide range of input conditions, the model predicts the start of combustion within ±2° crank angle of the experimental values for all but three of the 180 data points (98%+ accuracy), with a root mean square error of 0.86° crank a...

  • Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

  • Estimation of Effective Compression Ratio for engines utilizing flexible intake valve actuation
    Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    Modulation of the Effective Compression Ratio, a measure of the amount of Compression of in-cylinder gases above intake manifold conditions, is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency, and is directly influenced by modulation of intake valve closing time. To date, the Effective Compression Ratio has most commonly been calculated from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors. These sensors are generally not found on production engines, and thus a method is needed to determine Effective Compression Ratio without in-cylinder pressure data. The work presented here outlines an estimation scheme that combines a high-gain observer with a physically-based volumetric efficiency model to estimate Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The estimation scheme is compared to experimental engine data from a unique ...

Karla Stricker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Input observer convergence and robustness: Application to Compression Ratio estimation
    Control Engineering Practice, 2013
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The focus of this paper is the analysis of a high-gain observer for estimating un-steady inputs, including guarantees for: (1) robustness to measurement uncertainty, and (2) transient upper bound on estimator error. A method for selecting the observer gain based on measurement uncertainty, acceptable steady-state errors, and desired estimation error convergence rates, is also described. This strategy is demonstrated in practice for internal combustion (IC) engine Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) estimation. Experimental results are shown to be consistent with analytical guarantees—convergence within 4 engine cycles, and a steady-state error less than 0.5 ECR, in the presence of 10% measurement error.

  • Control-oriented premixed charge Compression ignition combustion timing model for a diesel engine utilizing flexible intake valve modulation
    International Journal of Engine Research, 2012
    Co-Authors: Daniel Van Alstine, Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    This paper describes a simple, analytical, control-oriented model for prediction of combustion timing during premixed charge Compression ignition combustion with early fuel injection. The model includes direct dependence on in-cylinder temperature, in-cylinder pressure, and the total in-cylinder O2 mass fraction, including the contribution of recirculated exhaust gas, residual burned gas, and backflow during the valve overlap period. The model is extensively validated against experimental premixed charge Compression ignition data from a multi-cylinder diesel engine utilizing high-pressure recirculated exhaust gas, variable geometry turbocharging, and flexible intake valve actuation, which allows control over the engine’s Effective Compression Ratio. The results show that across a wide range of input conditions, the model predicts the start of combustion within ±2° crank angle of the experimental values for all but three of the 180 data points (98%+ accuracy), with a root mean square error of 0.86° crank a...

  • Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

  • Estimation of Effective Compression Ratio for engines utilizing flexible intake valve actuation
    Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    Modulation of the Effective Compression Ratio, a measure of the amount of Compression of in-cylinder gases above intake manifold conditions, is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency, and is directly influenced by modulation of intake valve closing time. To date, the Effective Compression Ratio has most commonly been calculated from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors. These sensors are generally not found on production engines, and thus a method is needed to determine Effective Compression Ratio without in-cylinder pressure data. The work presented here outlines an estimation scheme that combines a high-gain observer with a physically-based volumetric efficiency model to estimate Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The estimation scheme is compared to experimental engine data from a unique ...

  • ACC - Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

Dan Van Alstine - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • flatness based control of mode transitions between conventional and premixed charge Compression ignition on a modern diesel engine with variable valve actuation
    Volume 1: Aerial Vehicles; Aerospace Control; Alternative Energy; Automotive Control Systems; Battery Systems; Beams and Flexible Structures; Biologic, 2013
    Co-Authors: Carrie M Hall, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    Energy needs in the transportation sector and strict emissions regulations have caused a growing focus on increasing engine efficiency while simultaneously minimizing engine out emissions. One method for accomplishing this is to leverage advanced combustion strategies which are efficient yet very clean. One such combustion mode is premixed charge Compression ignition (PCCI). PCCI can lead to drastically lower emissions than conventional diesel combustion while still maintaining engine efficiencies; however, the engine opeRation region over which it can be utilized is limited. In order to take advantage of this advanced combustion mode, engines must be designed to move between conventional diesel combustion and PCCI. To achieve transitions between different combustion modes, a control strategy was developed which utilizes a extensively validated gas exchange model and flatness-based methods for trajectory planning and trajectory tracking to enable smooth transitions between different combustion modes on a modern diesel engine with variable valve actuation. Since the engine considered here has the ability to alter valve timings, the control method exploits both capabilities to control the gas exchange process as well as the Effective Compression Ratio of the engine. Simulation results indicate that this flatness-based approach is Effective in enabling mode transitions.Copyright © 2013 by ASME

  • Input observer convergence and robustness: Application to Compression Ratio estimation
    Control Engineering Practice, 2013
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The focus of this paper is the analysis of a high-gain observer for estimating un-steady inputs, including guarantees for: (1) robustness to measurement uncertainty, and (2) transient upper bound on estimator error. A method for selecting the observer gain based on measurement uncertainty, acceptable steady-state errors, and desired estimation error convergence rates, is also described. This strategy is demonstrated in practice for internal combustion (IC) engine Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) estimation. Experimental results are shown to be consistent with analytical guarantees—convergence within 4 engine cycles, and a steady-state error less than 0.5 ECR, in the presence of 10% measurement error.

  • Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

  • Estimation of Effective Compression Ratio for engines utilizing flexible intake valve actuation
    Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    Modulation of the Effective Compression Ratio, a measure of the amount of Compression of in-cylinder gases above intake manifold conditions, is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency, and is directly influenced by modulation of intake valve closing time. To date, the Effective Compression Ratio has most commonly been calculated from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors. These sensors are generally not found on production engines, and thus a method is needed to determine Effective Compression Ratio without in-cylinder pressure data. The work presented here outlines an estimation scheme that combines a high-gain observer with a physically-based volumetric efficiency model to estimate Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The estimation scheme is compared to experimental engine data from a unique ...

  • ACC - Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

Lyle Kocher - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Input observer convergence and robustness: Application to Compression Ratio estimation
    Control Engineering Practice, 2013
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The focus of this paper is the analysis of a high-gain observer for estimating un-steady inputs, including guarantees for: (1) robustness to measurement uncertainty, and (2) transient upper bound on estimator error. A method for selecting the observer gain based on measurement uncertainty, acceptable steady-state errors, and desired estimation error convergence rates, is also described. This strategy is demonstrated in practice for internal combustion (IC) engine Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) estimation. Experimental results are shown to be consistent with analytical guarantees—convergence within 4 engine cycles, and a steady-state error less than 0.5 ECR, in the presence of 10% measurement error.

  • Control-oriented premixed charge Compression ignition combustion timing model for a diesel engine utilizing flexible intake valve modulation
    International Journal of Engine Research, 2012
    Co-Authors: Daniel Van Alstine, Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    This paper describes a simple, analytical, control-oriented model for prediction of combustion timing during premixed charge Compression ignition combustion with early fuel injection. The model includes direct dependence on in-cylinder temperature, in-cylinder pressure, and the total in-cylinder O2 mass fraction, including the contribution of recirculated exhaust gas, residual burned gas, and backflow during the valve overlap period. The model is extensively validated against experimental premixed charge Compression ignition data from a multi-cylinder diesel engine utilizing high-pressure recirculated exhaust gas, variable geometry turbocharging, and flexible intake valve actuation, which allows control over the engine’s Effective Compression Ratio. The results show that across a wide range of input conditions, the model predicts the start of combustion within ±2° crank angle of the experimental values for all but three of the 180 data points (98%+ accuracy), with a root mean square error of 0.86° crank a...

  • Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

  • Estimation of Effective Compression Ratio for engines utilizing flexible intake valve actuation
    Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    Modulation of the Effective Compression Ratio, a measure of the amount of Compression of in-cylinder gases above intake manifold conditions, is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency, and is directly influenced by modulation of intake valve closing time. To date, the Effective Compression Ratio has most commonly been calculated from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors. These sensors are generally not found on production engines, and thus a method is needed to determine Effective Compression Ratio without in-cylinder pressure data. The work presented here outlines an estimation scheme that combines a high-gain observer with a physically-based volumetric efficiency model to estimate Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The estimation scheme is compared to experimental engine data from a unique ...

  • ACC - Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

Ed Koeberlein - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

  • Estimation of Effective Compression Ratio for engines utilizing flexible intake valve actuation
    Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    Modulation of the Effective Compression Ratio, a measure of the amount of Compression of in-cylinder gases above intake manifold conditions, is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency, and is directly influenced by modulation of intake valve closing time. To date, the Effective Compression Ratio has most commonly been calculated from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors. These sensors are generally not found on production engines, and thus a method is needed to determine Effective Compression Ratio without in-cylinder pressure data. The work presented here outlines an estimation scheme that combines a high-gain observer with a physically-based volumetric efficiency model to estimate Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The estimation scheme is compared to experimental engine data from a unique ...

  • ACC - Effective Compression Ratio estimation in engines with flexible intake valve actuation
    2012 American Control Conference (ACC), 2012
    Co-Authors: Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    The ability to modulate the Effective Compression Ratio (ECR) of an engine is a key enabler of advanced combustion strategies. ECR is a measure of the Effective in-cylinder Compression of gases above intake manifold conditions. An engine's ECR is usually computed from in-cylinder pressure data, requiring reliable in-cylinder pressure sensors that are not typically found on production engines. As such, a method is needed for determining the Effective Compression Ratio using only information available from stock engine sensors, including manifold pressures and temperatures and air flows. The work outlined here presents a strategy for estimating the ECR without need for in-cylinder pressure data. The estimation scheme was transiently tested and compared to experimental engine data from a unique diesel engine test bed with flexible intake valve actuation, and was able to converge within 3 engine cycles after a transient event with less than 6% average steady-state error compared to experimental engine data.

  • Effect of intake valve closure modulation on Effective Compression Ratio and gas exchange in turbocharged multi-cylinder engines utilizing EGR
    International Journal of Engine Research, 2011
    Co-Authors: R Modiyani, Karla Stricker, Lyle Kocher, Ed Koeberlein, Dan Van Alstine, P.h. Meckl, Gregory M. Shaver
    Abstract:

    Advanced combustion strategies including premixed charge Compression ignition, homogeneous charge Compression ignition, and lifted flame combustion are promising approaches for meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations and improving fuel efficiency in next geneRation powertrains. Variable valve actuation and closed-loop control promise to play a key role in the promotion and control of these advanced combustion modes. For example, modulation of intake valve closure timing dictates the Effective Compression Ratio and influences the total amount of charge trapped inside the cylinder, and in so doing allows manipulation of the in-cylinder reactant concentRations and temperature prior to and during the combustion process. The effort described here uses data from, and an experimentally-validated simulation model for, a multi-cylinder engine with variable geometry turbocharging, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, and fully flexible variable valve actuation. This effort’s intent is to determine the con...