EP3325799A1 - Method for implementation with the operation of an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Method for implementation with the operation of an internal combustion engine

Info

Publication number
EP3325799A1
EP3325799A1 EP16734559.4A EP16734559A EP3325799A1 EP 3325799 A1 EP3325799 A1 EP 3325799A1 EP 16734559 A EP16734559 A EP 16734559A EP 3325799 A1 EP3325799 A1 EP 3325799A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spark plug
internal combustion
combustion engine
determined
ignition
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP16734559.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3325799B1 (en
Inventor
Markus Raindl
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rolls Royce Solutions GmbH
Original Assignee
MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH filed Critical MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
Publication of EP3325799A1 publication Critical patent/EP3325799A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3325799B1 publication Critical patent/EP3325799B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/14—Introducing closed-loop corrections
    • F02D41/1401—Introducing closed-loop corrections characterised by the control or regulation method
    • F02D41/1406—Introducing closed-loop corrections characterised by the control or regulation method with use of a optimisation method, e.g. iteration
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D35/00—Controlling engines, dependent on conditions exterior or interior to engines, not otherwise provided for
    • F02D35/02—Controlling engines, dependent on conditions exterior or interior to engines, not otherwise provided for on interior conditions
    • F02D35/023—Controlling engines, dependent on conditions exterior or interior to engines, not otherwise provided for on interior conditions by determining the cylinder pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/0025—Controlling engines characterised by use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
    • F02D41/0027—Controlling engines characterised by use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures the fuel being gaseous
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P17/00—Testing of ignition installations, e.g. in combination with adjusting; Testing of ignition timing in compression-ignition engines
    • F02P17/12—Testing characteristics of the spark, ignition voltage or current
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/58—Testing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
    • F02D2200/02—Input parameters for engine control the parameters being related to the engine
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/22—Safety or indicating devices for abnormal conditions
    • F02D41/221—Safety or indicating devices for abnormal conditions relating to the failure of actuators or electrically driven elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P17/00—Testing of ignition installations, e.g. in combination with adjusting; Testing of ignition timing in compression-ignition engines
    • F02P17/12—Testing characteristics of the spark, ignition voltage or current
    • F02P2017/121—Testing characteristics of the spark, ignition voltage or current by measuring spark voltage

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of execution with the operation of a
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a method based on which a failure can be predicted.
  • the internal combustion engine is preferably a gas engine, in particular a large engine, furthermore in particular a large engine running in lean operation, eg for a commercial vehicle such as a ship, a special vehicle, eg also for industrial applications.
  • the spark plug is preferably a pre-chamber spark plug, which - in a known manner - may have a spark plug housing or a spark plug body, furthermore an antechamber cap which - together with the spark plug housing - defines an antechamber combustion chamber of the spark plug, ie an antechamber.
  • the spark plug has an (ignition) electrode arrangement, particularly preferably accommodated in the prechamber combustion chamber, whose ignition electrodes are at a distance from each other, ie an electrode gap (at the spark gap).
  • the electrode arrangement comprises, in particular, a center electrode and at least one ground electrode, which define the electrode spacing to one another (which varies with the burnup of the electrodes over the life of the spark plug, in particular increases).
  • the arranged on the combustion chamber spark plug is further provided for the spark ignition in the combustion chamber registered fuel mixture.
  • a cylinder pressure at the ignition time at the combustion chamber and a breakdown (ignition) voltage is detected at the spark plug in a first step (in an ignition) (as ignition is referred to in the context of the invention, the time of triggering of the spark at the spark plug).
  • a cylinder pressure sensor is provided in this context, while the breakdown voltage can be detected by a device suitable for this purpose.
  • a device may e.g. comprise a high-resolution measuring arrangement, e.g. in the gigahertz range, supplying measuring signals which are e.g. on an ignition voltage line (to the spark plug) picks up voltage signals to provide the breakdown voltage information, or e.g. on a measuring line.
  • a current electrode spacing of the ignition electrodes which represents a current ignition electrode wear condition, is now determined based on the detected cylinder pressure, the detected breakdown voltage and a (proportionality) constant.
  • Equation 1 UZZP
  • the determined electrode spacing advantageously serves as a wear indicator (since, as already mentioned, the electrode spacing varies with the operating time of the spark plug, in particular over the running time of the spark plug, as a rule, that is to say by burning (melting) of the ignition electrodes).
  • the wear-related costs can be advantageously reduced.
  • the proportionality constant used in the second step is preferably determined as a system-specific variable on the internal combustion engine, in particular once and based in particular on a previously known electrode spacing of the spark plug, furthermore a corresponding cylinder pressure at the ignition point and a correspondingly determined breakdown voltage of the spark plug.
  • the previously known electrode spacing of the spark plug furthermore a corresponding cylinder pressure at the ignition point and a correspondingly determined breakdown voltage of the spark plug.
  • Electrode spacing is e.g. defined by the manufacturer, e.g. that electrode spacing according to the state of delivery of the spark plug.
  • the proportionality constant is e.g. determined on a test setup of internal combustion engine, ignition voltage and cylinder pressure measurement, the engine is preferably brought into a predetermined operating point. With the known electrode spacing, the proportionality constant or Paschen constant can then be determined:
  • a service life of the spark plug is determined in a further step, which is based on the current electrode spacing of the ignition electrodes determined in the second step.
  • the determined life may be an elapsed life, i. an age, alternatively or additionally, and preferably a residual life.
  • a characteristic curve can be used with which the determined electrode distance is correlated. The end of life is reached when the maximum electrode distance is reached, hence the maximum electrode wear.
  • EA max and EAmj n can now be generated in a simple way, for example, be empirically determined or model-based life characteristic curve.
  • an information signal based on the determined actual electrode spacing or the life time determined thereon can be sent to one
  • Operators are issued, in particular caused by the control unit, i. in particular with the aim of prompting user intervention as needed, e.g. a spark plug change or cylinder deactivation.
  • the ignition energy can now also be made available to the spark plug as required (eg via the ECU (and ignition system)), a combustion time or injection duration adjusted (combustion duration or combustion progression controller), or further parameters can be set as low as desired as a function of the determined electrode spacing.
  • the method may use a characteristic curve or a model which relates the determined electrode spacing with a combustion parameter, in particular with a conversion point, a combustion air ratio, a blow-in duration or a different parameter, i. for combustion-optimizing correction purposes.
  • a characteristic curve or a model which relates the determined electrode spacing with a combustion parameter, in particular with a conversion point, a combustion air ratio, a blow-in duration or a different parameter, i. for combustion-optimizing correction purposes.
  • the method advantageously also opens up the possibility of testing a respective spark plug for its originality or usability with the internal combustion engine.
  • the method can be carried out with an unused spark plug (and known, system-specific proportionality constant), wherein the determined electrode spacing is compared with a new state desired electrode spacing. If the determined electrode spacing does not correspond to the nominal distance, it can be recognized that a spark plug other than an original or intended for use with the internal combustion engine has been arranged on the combustion chamber, eg also signaled to a user via suitable signaling.
  • an internal combustion engine is also proposed, which is set up to carry out the method as discussed above.
  • the internal combustion engine may in particular comprise a cylinder with a combustion chamber, a spark plug arranged on the combustion chamber, a cylinder pressure sensor and a device for detecting the breakdown voltage at the spark plug (tapping, for example, on the ignition line),
  • a sequence control or control unit for controlling the method in particular in the form of the ECU, is furthermore preferred.
  • program code for carrying out the method can be implemented, for example also characteristics or models that can be used with the method.
  • FIG. 1 shows by way of example and schematically greatly simplified an internal combustion engine which is set up to carry out the method.
  • the internal combustion engine 1 shows an example and schematically, in particular greatly simplified, an internal combustion engine 1, with the operation of the inventive method is executable.
  • the internal combustion engine 1 provided as a (lean-burned) gas-fuel injected gas engine, e.g. of fuel gas in the form of natural gas, biogas, special gas, landfill gas, hydrogen, has one
  • Cylinder 3 in which a combustion chamber 5 is defined, i. between a reciprocating piston 7 and a combustion chamber deck 9.
  • a spark plug 11 On the combustion chamber 5, in particular on the cylinder head or combustion chamber deck 9 of the cylinder 3, arranged and protruding so far into the combustion chamber 5 is a spark plug 11 for igniting the fuel gas-air mixture.
  • the spark plug 11 is provided as Vorschzündkerze and connected via a spark plug 13 together with the ignition line 15 with an ignition system 17 of the internal combustion engine 1, which Ignition signals from a higher-level control unit 19 receives, that is from an engine control or ECU. Depending on the control of the ignition system by the ECU 19, the spark plug 11 is supplied with ignition voltage by the ignition system 17 so that sparks between the electrodes (not shown) of the spark plug 11 are generated.
  • a measuring device 23 is also provided, which also provides the breakdown voltage information to the motor controller 19.
  • a user interface 27 in the form of an operator information system is further provided on the internal combustion engine 1, which is signal-controlled by the engine control unit 19.
  • the user interface 27 may be firmly connected to the internal combustion engine 1, alternatively or additionally provide a remote interface module, for example in the form of a tablet PC or smartphone.
  • About the user interface 27 information can be preferably visualized or acoustically displayed.
  • the higher-level control unit 19 is within the scope of the present invention.
  • Program code along with characteristic curves are stored, in particular stored in a non-volatile memory, which the Motorêtang 19 for sequencing the
  • a (proportionality) constant or Paschen constant K as a system-specific variable at the Determined internal combustion engine, that is in the context of a measurement setup and using the above-mentioned equation 2), according to which applies:
  • EAknown designate a previously known electrode distance (at the spark gap) and " Pzzp” the cylinder pressure at the ignition point.
  • the previously known electrode spacing EA is known here as an electrode gap of a new one
  • the actual electrode spacing EA of the ignition electrodes (at the spark gap), which represents a current ignition electrode wear state , is determined based on the cylinder pressure p zzp detected in the first step, the detected breakdown Voltage UZZP and - determined as described above - proportionality constant K, ie by the ECU 19. The determination is used in particular the above-mentioned
  • Equation 1) Uzzp
  • Fig. 2 shows by way of example a characteristic curve for the spark plug 11, as it can be used for the lifetime determination, e.g. determined empirically.
  • the electrode spacing EA is over the
  • Electrode distance to that at the end of service life (EA max ), ie the maximum possible electrode distance (with maximum possible electrode wear).
  • the maximum possible electrode spacing EA max can be determined based on the above-mentioned equation 3) according to:
  • the current determined electrode distance EA is correlated with the characteristic.
  • the distance (thus determined by subtraction) of the operating hours actually achieved (corresponding to the actual electrode gap) from the end of life (corresponding to the maximum electrode gap) now indicates the remaining service life, which is signaled by the ECU 19 via the user interface 27, ie with an information signal.
  • a spark plug exchange is advantageously possible demand.
  • parallel to the lifetime determination and signaling in the method according to the invention in a step after the second step - in particular again continuously with the operation of the internal combustion engine - set a combustion parameter of the internal combustion engine 1 based on the determined in the second step electrode spacing, in particular a combustion air ratio.
  • the setting is based on the knowledge that the electrode spacing EA decisively determines the burning rate or the flow velocity in the combustion chamber 5, given otherwise unchanged requirements. For example, with a relatively small electrode gap E A, for example when the spark plug 11 is in a new state, combustion would be initiated only slowly, in particular as only a small spark jumps over the spark gap between the electrodes. As a result, the entire combustion would take place slowly, since the pressure difference between the prechamber and the combustion chamber 5 is unfavorable, thus only a small ignition-radiation penetration depth into the combustion chamber 5 is achieved, the combustion in the combustion chamber 5 being carried off in the sequence.
  • the combustion air ratio ⁇ adapt to the actual electrode spacing EA, so that for an above-described KerzenMap example, an increased amount of fuel gas is blown into the combustion chamber 5, that is on the running (in lean operation) internal combustion engine 1, an enriched mixture is adjusted so that the burning rate is increased, thus allowing faster combustion with lower exhaust gas temperature and improved emission levels.
  • the electrode spacing EA increases (due to wear), the enrichment can be correspondingly reduced, e.g. the injection time can be shortened, so that with the invention always optimized combustion and emission conditions are advantageously easy to achieve.
  • it is provided to influence the combustion process as a function of the current, determined electrode spacing EA, i. by setting at least one firing parameter.
  • suitable control signals are sent to the combustion or combustion duration controller 25, i. from the ECU 19.
  • the spark plug 11 also bead formation on the spark plug 11 can be recognized, which conception the formation of very small beads on the surface the electrodes referred to, which can grow from a few microns to eg 100 ⁇ . These beads are formed by the melting of the electrode and solidify after the spark is extinguished. From a certain size, the beads can serve as a surface for further beads, so that a kind of stalagmite is formed, which can reduce the electrode distance EA so that the spark volume for a mixture ignition is too low, thus a mixture ignition can not take place.
  • an ignition energy control is advantageously also possible, in which the ignition energy supplied to the spark plug 11 is supplied to the spark plug 11 as a function of the determined actual electrode distance EA, i. advantageous as needed (so that bead formation due to high temperature, for example, can be advantageously avoided).
  • Such a method for controlling the ignition energy is e.g. from the publication DE 10 2013 010 685 AI, the disclosure content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Spark Plugs (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for implementation with the operation of an internal combustion engine (1), having an ignition plug (11), which is arranged on a combustion chamber (5) of a cylinder (3) of the internal combustion engine (1), wherein: in a first step, a cylinder pressure at the ignition time (pzzp) at the combustion chamber (5) is detected, as well as a breakdown voltage (UZZP) at the ignition plug (11); and in a second step, a current electrode distance (EA) of the ignition electrodes, representing a current ignition electrode wear state, is determined based on the detected cylinder pressure (pzzp), the detected breakdown voltage (UZZP) and a constant of proportionality (K).

Description

BESCHREIBUNG Verfahren zur Ausführung mit dem Betrieb einer Brennkraftmaschine  DESCRIPTION Method for carrying out the operation of an internal combustion engine
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Ausführung mit dem Betrieb einer The present invention relates to a method of execution with the operation of a
Brennkraftmaschine gemäß Anspruch 1. Zündkerzen in Verwendung mit Ottomotoren, insbesondere auch Gasmotoren, unterliegen erheblichen Schwankungen im Hinblick auf ihre Standzeit. So werden z.B. im drehzahl- und lastvariablen Motor zur Erfüllung von Transientzeiten niedrige Verbrennungsbeschleunigende Verbrennungsluftverhältnisse gefahren, die zu hohen Brennraumtemperaturen sowie zu hohem Verschleiß an der Zündkerze durch den zusätzlichen Wärmestrom im Verschleißelement der Zündkerze führen. Dieser erhöhte Verschleiß weist eine hohe Streuung hinsichtlich der Standzeitsicherheit auf, was in nachteiliger Weise zu einem unvorhergesehenen Ausfall führen kann. Internal combustion engine according to claim 1. Spark plugs in use with gasoline engines, especially gas engines, are subject to considerable fluctuations in terms of their life. Thus, e.g. in the variable-speed and load-variable engine to meet transient low combustion accelerating combustion air conditions drove that lead to high combustion chamber temperatures and high wear on the spark plug by the additional heat flow in the wear element of the spark plug. This increased wear has a high variance in terms of durability, which can disadvantageously lead to an unforeseen failure.
Ausgehend hiervon liegt der vorliegenden Erfindung die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ein Verfahren anzugeben, basierend auf welchem ein Ausfall vorhergesagt werden kann. Proceeding from this, the object of the present invention is to provide a method based on which a failure can be predicted.
Diese Aufgabe wird mit einem Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.
Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den weiteren Ansprüchen angegeben. Advantageous developments and embodiments of the invention are specified in the further claims.
Vorgeschlagen wird erfindungsgemäß ein Verfahren zur Ausführung mit dem Betrieb einer Brennkraftmaschine, welche eine Zündkerze aufweist, welche an einem Brennraum eines Zylinders der Brennkraftmaschine angeordnet ist. Bevorzugt ist die Brennkraftmaschine z.B. ein Gasmotor, allgemein bevorzugt ein Ottomotor, im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung insbesondere ein Großmotor, weiterhin insbesondere ein im Magerbetrieb laufender Großmotor, z.B. für ein Nutzfahrzeug wie ein Schiff, ein Sonderfahrzeug, z.B. auch für Industrieanwendungen. Die Zündkerze ist bevorzugt eine Vorkammerzündkerze, welche - auf an sich bekannte Weise - ein Zündkerzengehäuse bzw. einen Zündkerzenkörper aufweisen kann, weiterhin eine Vorkammerkappe, welche - zusammen mit dem Zündkerzengehäuse - einen Vorkammerbrennraum der Zündkerze definiert, i.e. eine Vorkammer. Die Zündkerze weist eine (Zünd-)Elektroden- anordnung auf, insbesondere bevorzugt in dem Vorkammerbrennraum aufgenommen, deren Zündelektroden einen Abstand zueinander aufweisen, i.e. einen Elektrodenabstand (an der Funkenstrecke). Die Elektrodenanordnung umfasst insbesondere eine Mittelelektrode und wenigstens eine Masseelektrode, welche den Elektrodenabstand zu einander definieren (welcher mit dem Abbrand der Elektroden über die Lebensdauer der Zündkerze variiert, insbesondere zunimmt). Die an dem Brennraum angeordnete Zündkerze ist weiterhin zur Fremdzündung in den Brennraum eingetragenen Kraftstoffgemisches vorgesehen. According to the invention, a method is proposed for carrying out the operation of an internal combustion engine, which has a spark plug which is arranged on a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine. In the context of the present invention, the internal combustion engine is preferably a gas engine, in particular a large engine, furthermore in particular a large engine running in lean operation, eg for a commercial vehicle such as a ship, a special vehicle, eg also for industrial applications. The spark plug is preferably a pre-chamber spark plug, which - in a known manner - may have a spark plug housing or a spark plug body, furthermore an antechamber cap which - together with the spark plug housing - defines an antechamber combustion chamber of the spark plug, ie an antechamber. The spark plug has an (ignition) electrode arrangement, particularly preferably accommodated in the prechamber combustion chamber, whose ignition electrodes are at a distance from each other, ie an electrode gap (at the spark gap). The electrode arrangement comprises, in particular, a center electrode and at least one ground electrode, which define the electrode spacing to one another (which varies with the burnup of the electrodes over the life of the spark plug, in particular increases). The arranged on the combustion chamber spark plug is further provided for the spark ignition in the combustion chamber registered fuel mixture.
Bei dem vorgeschlagenen Verfahren, welches bevorzugt von einer übergeordneten Ablaufsteuerung der Brennkraftmaschine koordiniert wird, z.B. einer ECU (ECU: Electronic Control Unit; Zentrales Motorsteuergerät) oder allgemein einer Kontrolleinheit, wird in einem ersten Schritt (bei einem Zündvorgang) ein Zylinderdruck zum Zündzeitpunkt am Brennraum sowie eine Durchbruch(zünd)spannung an der Zündkerze erfasst bzw. ermittelt (als Zündzeitpunkt ist im Rahmen der Erfindung hierbei der Zeitpunkt des Auslösens des Zündfunkens an der Zündkerze bezeichnet). In the proposed method, which is preferably coordinated by a higher-level control of the internal combustion engine, e.g. an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or control unit in general, a cylinder pressure at the ignition time at the combustion chamber and a breakdown (ignition) voltage is detected at the spark plug in a first step (in an ignition) (as ignition is referred to in the context of the invention, the time of triggering of the spark at the spark plug).
Für die Zylinderdruckerfassung ist in diesem Zusammenhang ein Zylinderdrucksensor vorgesehen, während die Durchbruchspannung durch eine hierfür geeignete Vorrichtung erfasst werden kann. Eine solche Vorrichtung kann z.B. eine zeitlich hochauflösende Messanordnung umfassen, z.B. im Gigahertzbereich Messignale liefernd, welche z.B. an einer Zündspannungs- leitung (zur Zündkerze) Spannungssignale zur Bereitstellung der Durchbruchspannungs- information abgreift oder z.B. an einer Messleitung. For the cylinder pressure detection, a cylinder pressure sensor is provided in this context, while the breakdown voltage can be detected by a device suitable for this purpose. Such a device may e.g. comprise a high-resolution measuring arrangement, e.g. in the gigahertz range, supplying measuring signals which are e.g. on an ignition voltage line (to the spark plug) picks up voltage signals to provide the breakdown voltage information, or e.g. on a measuring line.
In einem zweiten Schritt des Verfahrens wird nunmehr ein aktueller Elektrodenabstand der Zündelektroden, welcher einen aktuellen Zündelektrodenverschleißzustand repräsentiert, basierend auf dem erfassten Zylinderdruck, der erfassten Durchbruchspannung und einer (Pro- portionalitäts-)Konstante ermittelt. Korrespondierend mit dem Paschengesetz kann hierzu die Gleichung 1) herangezogen werden, wonach gilt: Gleichung 1): UZZP In a second step of the method, a current electrode spacing of the ignition electrodes, which represents a current ignition electrode wear condition, is now determined based on the detected cylinder pressure, the detected breakdown voltage and a (proportionality) constant. Corresponding to the Paschen law, equation (1) can be used for this, according to which Equation 1): UZZP
EA =  EA =
PzzpK ' wobei mit , ?A" der (aktuelle) Elektrodenabstand, mit„UZZP" die Durchbruchspannung (zum Zündzeitpunkt), mit„pzzp" der Zylinderdruck (zum Zündzeitpunkt) und mit„K" die Pro- portionalitätskonstante bezeichnet ist. PzzpK 'where "A" is the (actual) electrode distance, "UZZP" is the breakdown voltage (at the ignition point), "p zzp " is the cylinder pressure (at the ignition point) and "K" is the proportionality constant.
Basierend auf dem ermittelten aktuellen Elektrodenabstand wird vorteilhaft eine verlässliche Ausfallvorhersage im Hinblick auf die Zündkerze ermöglicht, d.h. der ermittelte Elektrodenabstand dient vorteilhaft als Verschleißindikator (da, wie bereits erwähnt, der Elektrodenabstand mit der Betriebsdauer der Zündkerze variiert, insbesondere über die Laufzeit der Zündkerze im Regelfall zunimmt, d.h. durch Abbrand (Abschmelzen) der Zündelektroden). Mit einer präzisen Vorhersage können in der Folge auch die sonst üblichen Sicherheitsaufschläge auf die Standzeit verringert werden, so dass die verschleißbedingten Kosten vorteilhaft verringert werden können. Die im zweiten Schritt herangezogene Proportionalitätskonstante ist bevorzugt als systemindividuelle Größe an der Brennkraftmaschine ermittelt, insbesondere einmalig, und basiert insbesondere auf einem vorbekannten Elektrodenabstand der Zündkerze, weiterhin einem damit korrespondierend ermittelten Zylinderdruck zum Zündzeitpunkt sowie einer wiederum damit korrespondierend ermittelten Durchbruchsspannung der Zündkerze. Der vorbekannte Based on the detected actual electrode gap, a reliable failure prediction with respect to the spark plug is advantageously enabled, i. the determined electrode spacing advantageously serves as a wear indicator (since, as already mentioned, the electrode spacing varies with the operating time of the spark plug, in particular over the running time of the spark plug, as a rule, that is to say by burning (melting) of the ignition electrodes). With a precise prediction can be reduced as a result, the usual safety premiums on the life, so that the wear-related costs can be advantageously reduced. The proportionality constant used in the second step is preferably determined as a system-specific variable on the internal combustion engine, in particular once and based in particular on a previously known electrode spacing of the spark plug, furthermore a corresponding cylinder pressure at the ignition point and a correspondingly determined breakdown voltage of the spark plug. The previously known
Elektrodenabstand ist z.B. herstellerseitig definiert, z.B. jener Elektrodenabstand gemäß dem Auslieferungszustand der Zündkerze. Die Proportionalitätskonstante wird z.B. an einem Messaufbau aus Brennkraftmaschine, Zündspannungs- und Zylinderdruckmesstechnik ermittelt, wobei der Motor vorzugsweise in einen vorbestimmten Betriebspunkt gebracht wird. Mit dem bekannten Elektrodenabstand lässt sich die Proportionalitätskonstante bzw. Paschenkonstante sodann bestimmen zu: Electrode spacing is e.g. defined by the manufacturer, e.g. that electrode spacing according to the state of delivery of the spark plug. The proportionality constant is e.g. determined on a test setup of internal combustion engine, ignition voltage and cylinder pressure measurement, the engine is preferably brought into a predetermined operating point. With the known electrode spacing, the proportionality constant or Paschen constant can then be determined:
UZZP UZZP
Gleichung 2): K =  Equation 2): K =
Pzzp ^^bekannt wobei mit ,ßAbekannt i der vorbekannte Elektrodenabstand, mit„UZZP" die Durchbruchspannung (zum Zündzeitpunkt), mit„pzzp" der Zylinderdruck (zum Zündzeitpunkt) und mit„K" die Proportionalitätskonstante bezeichnet ist. Die Proportionalitätskonstante hängt z.B. vom Pzzp ^^ known eluting with SSAB e k a nn t i, the prior art electrode spacing, with "U ZZP" the breakdown voltage (ignition timing), with "p zzp" the cylinder pressure (at the ignition point) and is denoted by "K", the proportionality constant The proportionality constant depends, for example, on the
Gasgemisch an der Funkenstrecke (Elektrodenspalt), der Austrittsarbeit der Elektronen, dem Elektrodenwerkstoff und weiteren Parametern ab, so dass die Proportionalitätskonstante im Rahmen der Erfindung bevorzugt je systemindividuell (System aus Brennkraftmaschine und Zündkerze) ermittelt wird. Gas mixture at the spark gap (electrode gap), the work function of the electrons, the electrode material and other parameters, so that the proportionality constant in Within the scope of the invention, preferably system-individual (system of internal combustion engine and spark plug) is determined.
In bevorzugter Weiterbildung des Verfahrens wird in einem weiteren Schritt, welcher auf dem im zweiten Schritt ermittelten aktuellen Elektrodenabstand der Zündelektroden basiert, nunmehr eine Lebensdauer der Zündkerze ermittelt. Die ermittelte Lebensdauer kann hierbei eine verstrichene Lebensdauer sein, d.h. ein Alter, alternativ oder zusätzlich und bevorzugt eine Restlebensdauer. Für die Ermittlung der Lebensdauer kann eine Kennlinie herangezogen werden, mit welcher der ermittelte Elektrodenabstand korreliert wird. Das Lebensdauerende wird erreicht, wenn der maximale Elektrodenabstand erreicht ist, mithin der maximale Elektrodenverschleiß. In a preferred embodiment of the method, a service life of the spark plug is determined in a further step, which is based on the current electrode spacing of the ignition electrodes determined in the second step. The determined life may be an elapsed life, i. an age, alternatively or additionally, and preferably a residual life. For determining the service life, a characteristic curve can be used with which the determined electrode distance is correlated. The end of life is reached when the maximum electrode distance is reached, hence the maximum electrode wear.
Der maximale Elektrodenabstand kann z.B. für die Zündkerze ermittelt werden zu: Gleichung 3): EAmax = EAmin +. dVerschleißkörper, wobei mit ,JAmax" der maximale, das Lebensdauerende kennzeichnende Elektrodenabstand, mit ,fiAmin" der anfängliche, den Lebensdauerbeginn kennzeichnende minimale Elektrodenabstand und mit„dversMeißkörpe " die Dicke des abbrandfähigen Elektrodenmaterials bezeichnet ist. Mit den bekannten Werten für EAmax und EAmjn kann eine Lebensdauerkennlinie nunmehr auf einfache Weise generiert werden, z.B. empirisch ermittelt werden oder auch modellgestützt. The maximum electrode distance can be determined for the spark plug, for example: Equation 3): EA max = EA min +. d wear body, with, YES max "of the maximum, the end of life characterizing electrode spacing, with FIA min", the initial, the life of the start characteristic minimum electrode spacing and with "dversMeißkörpe" the thickness of the abbrandfähigen electrode material is designated. With the known values for EA max and EAmj n can now be generated in a simple way, for example, be empirically determined or model-based life characteristic curve.
In Weiterbildung des Verfahrens kann ein Informationssignal basierend auf dem ermittelten aktuellen Elektrodenabstand oder der darauf basierend ermittelten Lebensdauer an einen In a further development of the method, an information signal based on the determined actual electrode spacing or the life time determined thereon can be sent to one
Bediener ausgegeben werden, insbesondere veranlasst von der Kontrolleinheit, d.h. insbesondere mit dem Ziel, bedarfsgerecht einen Nutzereingriff zu veranlassen, z.B. einen Zündkerzenwechsel oder eine Zylinderabschaltung. Operators are issued, in particular caused by the control unit, i. in particular with the aim of prompting user intervention as needed, e.g. a spark plug change or cylinder deactivation.
Weiterhin bevorzugt sind auch Weiterbildungen des Verfahrens dahingehend vorgesehen, dass basierend auf dem im zweiten Schritt ermittelten Elektrodenabstand in einem weiteren Schritt, z.B. und bevorzugt auch zusätzlich zu der Lebensdauerermittlung, wenigstens ein Verbrennungsparameter der Brennkraftmaschine eingestellt bzw. dem aktuellen Elektrodenabstand nachgeführt wird, insbesondere ein Verbrennungsluftverhältnis (Lambda). Durch Nachführung eines oder mehrerer Verbrennungsparameter in Abhängigkeit des ermittelten Elektrodenabstands, mithin des Zündkerzenalters, kann der alterungsbedingte Einfluss der Zündkerze auf die Verbrennung nunmehr vorteilhaft - durch die Motorregelung - kompensiert werden, in der Folge auch eine verbesserte Einhaltung von Emissionsgrenzwerten erzielt werden. Z.B. kann nunmehr auch die Zündenergie bedarfsgerechter an der Zündkerze bereitgestellt werden (z.B. via ECU (und Zündanlage)), eine Brenndauer oder Einblasedauer verstellt (Brenndauer- bzw. Brenn- verlaufsregler) oder weitere Parameter in Abhängigkeit des ermittelten Elektrodenabstands verbrennungsgünstig eingestellt werden. Further developments of the method are also provided to the effect that, based on the electrode spacing determined in the second step, at least one combustion parameter of the internal combustion engine is set in a further step, eg, and preferably in addition to the lifetime determination, or the actual electrode spacing is tracked, in particular a combustion air ratio (lambda). By tracking one or more combustion parameters as a function of the determined electrode spacing, Thus, the spark plug age, the aging-related influence of the spark plug on the combustion can now be advantageous - compensated - by the engine control, resulting in improved compliance with emission limits are achieved. For example, the ignition energy can now also be made available to the spark plug as required (eg via the ECU (and ignition system)), a combustion time or injection duration adjusted (combustion duration or combustion progression controller), or further parameters can be set as low as desired as a function of the determined electrode spacing.
Für eine derartige Parameterbeeinflussung kann mit dem Verfahren eine Kennlinie oder ein Modell verwendet werden, welche bzw. welches den ermittelten Elektrodenabstand mit einem Verbrennungsparameter, insbesondere mit einem Umsatzpunkt, einem Verbrennungsluftverhältnis, einer Einblasedauer oder einem davon verschiedenen Parameter in Beziehung setzt, d.h. zu verbrennungsoptimierenden Korrekturzwecken. Mit der Erfindung ist insbesondere vorgesehen, dass das Verfahren iterativ und kontinuierlich durchgeführt wird, mithin der Abstand der Zündelektroden kontinuierlich ermittelt bzw. For such a parameter influencing, the method may use a characteristic curve or a model which relates the determined electrode spacing with a combustion parameter, in particular with a conversion point, a combustion air ratio, a blow-in duration or a different parameter, i. for combustion-optimizing correction purposes. With the invention it is provided in particular that the method is carried out iteratively and continuously, thus the distance of the ignition electrodes is determined continuously or
überwacht wird. Einhergehend damit wird auch eine kontinuierliche, elektrodenabstands- abhängige Beeinflussung der Verbrennung - wie oben erörtert - vorgesehen, daneben z.B. auch eine kontinuierliche Lebensdauerermittlung und -signalgebung. is monitored. Along with this, there is also provided a continuous, electrode distance-dependent effect on the combustion - as discussed above, besides, e.g. also a continuous life determination and -signalgebung.
Mit dem Verfahren wird vorteilhaft auch die Möglichkeit eröffnet, eine jeweilige Zündkerze auf ihre Originalität bzw. Verwendbarkeit mit der Brennkraftmaschine zu prüfen. Hierzu kann das Verfahren mit einer ungebrauchten Zündkerze (und bekannter, systemindividueller Proportionalitätskonstante) durchgeführt werden, wobei der ermittelte Elektrodenabstand mit einem Neuzustands-Soll-Elektrodenabstand verglichen wird. Entspricht der ermittelte Elektrodenabstand nicht dem Soll- Abstand, kann erkannt werden, dass eine andere als eine originale oder die zur Verwendung mit der Brennkraftmaschine vorgesehene Zündkerze am Brennraum angeordnet wurde, z.B. auch via geeigneter Signalgebung an einen Nutzer signalisiert werden. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung wird auch eine Brennkraftmaschine vorgeschlagen, welche zur Durchführung des wie vorstehend erörterten Verfahrens eingerichtet ist. Hierzu kann die Brennkraftmaschine insbesondere einen Zylinder mit einem Brennraum aufweisen, eine am Brennraum angeordnete Zündkerze, einen Zylinderdrucksensor sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Erfassung der Durchbruchspannung an der Zündkerze (Abgriff z.B. an der Zündleitung), daneben weiterhin bevorzugt eine Ablaufsteuerung oder Kontrolleinheit zur Steuerung des Verfahrens, insbesondere in Form der ECU. In dieser und/oder einem Datenträger kann weiterhin Programmcode zur Durchführung des Verfahrens implementiert sein, zum Beispiel auch mit dem Verfahren verwendbare Kennlinien oder Modelle. The method advantageously also opens up the possibility of testing a respective spark plug for its originality or usability with the internal combustion engine. For this purpose, the method can be carried out with an unused spark plug (and known, system-specific proportionality constant), wherein the determined electrode spacing is compared with a new state desired electrode spacing. If the determined electrode spacing does not correspond to the nominal distance, it can be recognized that a spark plug other than an original or intended for use with the internal combustion engine has been arranged on the combustion chamber, eg also signaled to a user via suitable signaling. In the context of the present invention, an internal combustion engine is also proposed, which is set up to carry out the method as discussed above. For this purpose, the internal combustion engine may in particular comprise a cylinder with a combustion chamber, a spark plug arranged on the combustion chamber, a cylinder pressure sensor and a device for detecting the breakdown voltage at the spark plug (tapping, for example, on the ignition line), In addition, a sequence control or control unit for controlling the method, in particular in the form of the ECU, is furthermore preferred. In this and / or a data carrier, further, program code for carrying out the method can be implemented, for example also characteristics or models that can be used with the method.
Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung, anhand der Figuren der Zeichnungen, die erfindungswesentliche Einzelheiten zeigen, und aus den Ansprüchen. Die einzelnen Merkmale können je einzeln für sich oder zu mehreren in verschiedener Kombination bei einer Variante der Erfindung verwirklicht sein. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawings, which show details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The individual features may be implemented individually for themselves or for a plurality of different combinations in a variant of the invention.
Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen: Fig. 1 exemplarisch und schematisch stark vereinfacht eine Brennkraftmaschine, welche zur Durchführung des Verfahrens eingerichtet ist. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 shows by way of example and schematically greatly simplified an internal combustion engine which is set up to carry out the method.
Fig. 2 exemplarisch und schematisch eine Kennlinie zur Ermittlung der Lebensdauer der 2 shows an example and schematically a characteristic curve for determining the service life of
Zündkerze.  Spark plug.
In der nachfolgenden Beschreibung und den Zeichnungen entsprechen gleichen Bezugszeichen Elemente gleicher oder vergleichbarer Funktion. In the following description and the drawings, the same reference numerals correspond to elements of the same or comparable function.
Fig. 1 zeigt exemplarisch und schematisch, insbesondere stark vereinfacht, eine Brennkraft- maschine 1 , mit deren Betrieb das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ausführbar ist. Die Brennkraftmaschine 1, bereitgestellt als (magerbetriebener) Gasmotor mit Brenngaseinblasung, z.B. von Brenngas in Form von Erdgas, Biogas, Sondergas, Deponiegas, Wasserstoff, weist einen 1 shows an example and schematically, in particular greatly simplified, an internal combustion engine 1, with the operation of the inventive method is executable. The internal combustion engine 1 provided as a (lean-burned) gas-fuel injected gas engine, e.g. of fuel gas in the form of natural gas, biogas, special gas, landfill gas, hydrogen, has one
Zylinder 3 auf, in welchem ein Brennraum 5 definiert ist, d.h. zwischen einem Hubkolben 7 und einem Brennraumdeck 9. Am Brennraum 5, insbesondere an dem Zylinderkopf bzw. Brenn- raumdeck 9 des Zylinders 3, angeordnet und insoweit in den Brennraum 5 ragend ist eine Zündkerze 11 zur Zündung des Brenngas-Luft- Gemisches. Cylinder 3, in which a combustion chamber 5 is defined, i. between a reciprocating piston 7 and a combustion chamber deck 9. On the combustion chamber 5, in particular on the cylinder head or combustion chamber deck 9 of the cylinder 3, arranged and protruding so far into the combustion chamber 5 is a spark plug 11 for igniting the fuel gas-air mixture.
Die Zündkerze 11 ist als Vorkammerzündkerze bereitgestellt und über einen Kerzenstecker 13 samt Zündleitung 15 mit einer Zündanlage 17 der Brennkraftmaschine 1 verbunden, welche Zündsignale von einer übergeordneten Kontrolleinheit 19 erhält, das heißt von einer Motorsteuerung bzw. ECU. In Abhängigkeit der Ansteuerung der Zündanlage durch die ECU 19 wird die Zündkerze 11 mit Zündspannung durch die Zündanlage 17 versorgt, so dass Zündfunken zwischen den Elektroden (nicht dargestellt) der Zündkerze 11 generiert werden. The spark plug 11 is provided as Vorkammerzündkerze and connected via a spark plug 13 together with the ignition line 15 with an ignition system 17 of the internal combustion engine 1, which Ignition signals from a higher-level control unit 19 receives, that is from an engine control or ECU. Depending on the control of the ignition system by the ECU 19, the spark plug 11 is supplied with ignition voltage by the ignition system 17 so that sparks between the electrodes (not shown) of the spark plug 11 are generated.
Maßgeblich für die notwendige Zündenergie zur Erzeugung eines Zündfunkens ist hierbei der aktuelle Elektrodenabstand EA der Zündelektroden, welche eine Mitten- und eine Massenelektrode umfassen, d.h. zur Ausbildung der Funkenstrecke. Decisive for the necessary ignition energy for generating a spark here is the actual electrode spacing EA of the ignition electrodes, which comprise a center and a ground electrode, i. for the formation of the spark gap.
Wie Fig. 1 weiter veranschaulicht, ist in Wirkverbindung mit dem Brennraum 5 ferner ein Zylinderdrucksensor 21 am Brennraum 5 angeordnet, welcher Brennraumdruckinformation pzyi an die Motorsteuerung 19 liefert. Zur Erfassung einer Durchbrachspannung an der Zündkerze 11 ist weiterhin eine Messvorrichtung 23 vorgesehen, welche die Durchbruchspannungsinformation ebenfalls an die Motorsteuerung 19 bereitstellt. Zur Erfassung der Durchbruchspannung ist die insbesondere hochfrequentauflösende Mess- bzw. Abtastvorrichtung 23, welche im GHz-Bereich abtastet, über eine Messleitung 23a an die Zündkerze 11 gekoppelt. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, a cylinder pressure sensor 21, which supplies combustion chamber pressure information pz y i to the engine control unit 19, is also arranged on the combustion chamber 5 in operative connection with the combustion chamber 5. For detecting a breakdown voltage at the spark plug 11, a measuring device 23 is also provided, which also provides the breakdown voltage information to the motor controller 19. To detect the breakdown voltage, the particular high-frequency resolution measuring or scanning device 23, which scans in the GHz range, is coupled to the spark plug 11 via a measuring line 23a.
In Wirkverbindung mit der Motorsteuerung 19 und durch diese kontrolliert steht weiterhin ein Brennverlaufs- bzw. Brenndauerregler 25, über welchen der Brennverlauf geregelt wird und welcher durch Sollvorgaben seitens der Motorsteuerung 19 beeinflussbar ist. In operation with the engine control 19 and controlled by this is still a Brennverlaufs- or combustion duration controller 25, via which the combustion process is controlled and which can be influenced by target specifications on the part of the engine control 19.
Ein Nutzerinterface 27 in Form eines Bediener- Informationssystems ist weiterhin an der Brennkraftmaschine 1 bereitgestellt, welches seitens der Motorsteuereinheit 19 signalgebend ansteuerbar ist. Das Nutzerinterface 27 kann mit der Brennkraftmaschine 1 fest verbunden sein, alternativ oder zusätzlich ein abgesetztes Interfacemodul vorsehen, zum Beispiel in Form eines Tablet-PCs oder Smartphones. Über das Nutzerinterface 27 können Informationen vorzugsweise visualisiert oder auch akustisch dargestellt werden. A user interface 27 in the form of an operator information system is further provided on the internal combustion engine 1, which is signal-controlled by the engine control unit 19. The user interface 27 may be firmly connected to the internal combustion engine 1, alternatively or additionally provide a remote interface module, for example in the form of a tablet PC or smartphone. About the user interface 27 information can be preferably visualized or acoustically displayed.
Die übergeordnete Kontrolleinheit 19 weist im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung The higher-level control unit 19 is within the scope of the present invention
Programmcode auf, daneben sind Kennlinien abgespeichert, insbesondere abgelegt in einem nichtflüchtigen Speicher, welche die Motorsteuerang 19 zur Ablaufsteuerung des Program code, along with characteristic curves are stored, in particular stored in a non-volatile memory, which the Motorsteuerang 19 for sequencing the
erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens befähigen, welches nachfolgend näher beschrieben ist. enable the process according to the invention, which is described in more detail below.
Im Rahmen des vorgeschlagenen Verfahrens wird für dessen Durchführung zunächst eine (Proportionalitäts-)Konstante bzw. Paschenkonstante K als systemindividuelle Größe an der Brennkraftmaschine ermittelt, das heißt im Rahmen eines Messaufbaus und unter Hinzuziehung der eingangs erwähnten Gleichung 2), wonach gilt: In the context of the proposed method, a (proportionality) constant or Paschen constant K as a system-specific variable at the Determined internal combustion engine, that is in the context of a measurement setup and using the above-mentioned equation 2), according to which applies:
Gleichung 2): K = ^ Equation 2): K = ^
Vzzp ^^bekannt und worin„K" die Proportionalitätskonstante,„UZZP" die Durchbruchspannung (zum  Vzzp ^^ and where "K" is the proportionality constant, "UZZP" is the breakdown voltage (for
Zündzeitpunkt),„EAbekannt" einen vorbekannten Elektrodenabstand (an der Funkenstrecke) und »Pzzp" den Zylinderdruck zum Zündzeitpunkt bezeichnen. Der vorbekannte Elektrodenabstand EAbekannt ist hierbei ein Elektrodenabstand einer neuenIgnition point), "EAknown" designate a previously known electrode distance (at the spark gap) and " Pzzp" the cylinder pressure at the ignition point. The previously known electrode spacing EA is known here as an electrode gap of a new one
Zündkerze bzw. der Zündkerze 1 1 im Neuzustand, wie dieser herstellerseitig vorgegeben ist und wie diese zur einmaligen bzw. anfänglichen Ermittlung der Proportionalitätskonstante K genutzt wird. Die weiteren Größen„UZZP" und "pZZp" werden messtechnisch unter Verwendung der neuen Zündkerze 1 1 ermittelt, das heißt mittels des Zylinderdrucksensors 21 und der Spark plug or the spark plug 1 1 in the new state, as this is specified by the manufacturer and how this is used for a single or initial determination of the proportionality constant K. The other variables "UZZP" and "p ZZ p" are determined by measurement using the new spark plug 1 1, that is, by means of the cylinder pressure sensor 21 and the
Vorrichtung 23 zur Messung der Durchbruchspannung. Rechnerisch wird daraus nun die Device 23 for measuring the breakdown voltage. Calculated is now the
Proportionalitätskonstante für das mit der Brennkraftmaschine 1 ausführbare erfindungsgemäße Verfahren bestimmt, insbesondere in der verfahrenssteuernden Kontrolleinheit 19 abgelegt. Bei dem Verfahren wird - insbesondere kontinuierlich mit dem Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine 1 - in einem ersten Schritt ein Zylinderdruck zum Zündzeitpunkt (pzzp) am Brennraum 5 sowie eine Durchbruchspannung (UZZP) an der Zündkerze 1 1 erfasst. Hierzu liefern der Zylinderdrucksensor 21 sowie die Vorrichtung 23 zur Durchbruchspannungsermittlung je (kontinuierlich) geeignete Messsignale an die ECU bzw. die übergeordnete Kontrolleinheit 19. Determined proportionality constant for the executable with the internal combustion engine 1 inventive method, stored in particular in the procedural control unit 19. In the method is - in particular continuously with the operation of the internal combustion engine 1 - in a first step, a cylinder pressure at the ignition (p zzp ) on the combustion chamber 5 and a breakdown voltage (UZZP) detected at the spark plug 1. For this purpose, the cylinder pressure sensor 21 and the breakdown voltage detection device 23 each provide (continuously) suitable measuring signals to the ECU or the higher-level control unit 19.
In einem zweiten Schritt - insbesondere wiederum kontinuierlich mit dem Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine 1 - wird nunmehr der aktuelle Elektrodenabstand EA der Zündelektroden (an der Funkenstrecke), welcher einen aktuellen Zündelektrodenverschleißzustand repräsentiert, basierend auf dem im ersten Schritt erfassten Zylinderdruck pzzp, der erfassten Durchbruch- Spannung UZZP und der - wie oben beschrieben ermittelten - Proportionalitätskonstante K ermittelt, d.h. durch die ECU 19. Zur Ermittlung dient insbesondere eingangs erwähnte In a second step-again, in particular, continuously with the operation of the internal combustion engine 1 -the actual electrode spacing EA of the ignition electrodes (at the spark gap), which represents a current ignition electrode wear state , is determined based on the cylinder pressure p zzp detected in the first step, the detected breakdown Voltage UZZP and - determined as described above - proportionality constant K, ie by the ECU 19. The determination is used in particular the above-mentioned
Gleichung 1), wonach gilt: Gleichung 1): EA = Uzzp Equation 1), according to which Equation 1): EA = Uzzp
PzzpK ' wobei mit„E/4" der (aktuelle) Elektrodenabstand, mit„UZZP" die Durchbruchspannung (zum Zündzeitpunkt), mit„pzzp" der Zylinderdruck (zum Zündzeitpunkt) und mit„K" die Pro- portionalitätskonstante bezeichnet ist. PzzpK 'where "E / 4" is the (actual) electrode gap, "U ZZP " is the breakdown voltage (at the ignition point), "p zzp " is the cylinder pressure (at the ignition point) and "K" is the proportionality constant.
Aus der Gleichung 1) ist mit kontinuierlicher Durchführung des Verfahrens somit fortwährend der aktuelle Elektrodenabstand EA bekannt, welcher im Rahmen der Erfindung bevorzugt weiterhin zur Lebensdauerermittlung herangezogen wird, d.h. in einem weiteren Schritt. From the equation 1) with continuous implementation of the method thus continuously the current electrode distance EA is known, which is preferably used in the invention for determining the lifetime, i. in a further step.
Fig. 2 zeigt exemplarisch eine Kennlinie für die Zündkerze 11 , wie sie für die Lebensdauerermittlung Verwendung finden kann, z.B. empirisch ermittelt. In der Kennlinie, welche bevorzugt ebenfalls in der ECU 19 hinterlegt ist, ist der Elektrodenabstand EA über den Fig. 2 shows by way of example a characteristic curve for the spark plug 11, as it can be used for the lifetime determination, e.g. determined empirically. In the characteristic curve, which is also preferably stored in the ECU 19, the electrode spacing EA is over the
Betriebsstunden Bh, mithin der Lebensdauer angetragen, wobei der minimale (vorbekannte) Elektrodenabstand jenem bei null Betriebsstunden entspricht (EA(OBh)), der maximale Hours of operation Bh, hence the lifetime, where the minimum (previously known) electrode distance corresponds to that at zero operating hours (EA (OBh)), the maximum
Elektrodenabstand jenem zum Standzeitende (EAmax), das heißt dem maximal möglichen Elektrodenabstand (mit maximal möglichem Elektrodenabbrand). Der maximal mögliche Elektrodenabstand EAmax kann ermittelt werden basierend auf der eingangs erwähnten Gleichung 3) gemäß: Electrode distance to that at the end of service life (EA max ), ie the maximum possible electrode distance (with maximum possible electrode wear). The maximum possible electrode spacing EA max can be determined based on the above-mentioned equation 3) according to:
Gleichung 3): EAmax = EAmin + dVerscMeißkörper wobei mit ,J Amax" der maximale, das Lebensdauerende kennzeichnende Elektrodenabstand bezeichnet ist, mit ,J?Amin" der anfängliche, den Lebensdauerbeginn kennzeichnende minimale Elektrodenabstand und mit„dve chieißkörpe " die Dicke des abbrandfähigen Elektrodenmaterials. Equation 3): EA max = EA min + d VerscMeißkörper where "JA max " is the maximum, the end of life characterizing electrode spacing is designated, with "J? A min " the initial, the end of life characteristic minimum electrode spacing and with "dve chieißkörpe" the Thickness of the abbrandfähigen electrode material.
Zur Lebensdauerermittlung, bevorzugt der Restlebensdauer der Zündkerze 1 1, wird der aktuelle ermittelte Elektrodenabstand EA mit der Kennlinie korreliert. Der (durch Differenzbildung) somit ermittelbare Abstand der aktuell erreichten Betriebsstunden (korrespondierend mit dem aktuellen Elektrodenabstand) vom Lebensdauerende (korrespondierend mit dem maximalen Elektrodenabstand) indiziert nunmehr die Restlebensdauer, welche von der ECU 19 über das Nutzerinterface 27 signalisiert wird, d.h. mit einem Informationssignal. In der Folge wird nunmehr ein Zündkerzentausch vorteilhaft bedarfsgerecht möglich. Insbesondere parallel zu der Lebensdauerermittlung und Signalisierung wird bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren in einem Schritt nach dem zweiten Schritt - insbesondere wiederum kontinuierlich mit dem Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine - ein Verbrennungsparameter der Brennkraftmaschine 1 basierend auf dem im zweiten Schritt ermittelten Elektrodenabstand eingestellt, insbesondere ein Verbrennungsluftverhältnis. For life determination, preferably the remaining life of the spark plug 1 1, the current determined electrode distance EA is correlated with the characteristic. The distance (thus determined by subtraction) of the operating hours actually achieved (corresponding to the actual electrode gap) from the end of life (corresponding to the maximum electrode gap) now indicates the remaining service life, which is signaled by the ECU 19 via the user interface 27, ie with an information signal. As a result, now a spark plug exchange is advantageously possible demand. In particular, parallel to the lifetime determination and signaling in the method according to the invention in a step after the second step - in particular again continuously with the operation of the internal combustion engine - set a combustion parameter of the internal combustion engine 1 based on the determined in the second step electrode spacing, in particular a combustion air ratio.
Der Einstellung liegt die Erkenntnis zu Grunde, dass der Elektrodenabstand EA die Brenngeschwindigkeit bzw. die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit im Brennraum 5 - bei ansonsten unver- änderten Voraussetzungen - maßgeblich bestimmt. Zum Beispiel würde bei relativ kleinem Elektrodenabstand E A, zum Beispiel bei Neuzustand der Zündkerze 11 , die Verbrennung nur langsam initiiert, insbesondere als nur ein kleiner Zündfunken an der Funkenstrecke zwischen den Elektroden überspringt. In der Folge würde die gesamte Verbrennung langsam ablaufen, da das Druckgefalle zwischen Vorkammer und Brennraum 5 unvorteilhaft ist, mithin nur geringe Zündstrahleindringtiefe in den Brennraum 5 erzielt wird, die Verbrennung im Brennraum 5 in der Folge verschleppt wird. The setting is based on the knowledge that the electrode spacing EA decisively determines the burning rate or the flow velocity in the combustion chamber 5, given otherwise unchanged requirements. For example, with a relatively small electrode gap E A, for example when the spark plug 11 is in a new state, combustion would be initiated only slowly, in particular as only a small spark jumps over the spark gap between the electrodes. As a result, the entire combustion would take place slowly, since the pressure difference between the prechamber and the combustion chamber 5 is unfavorable, thus only a small ignition-radiation penetration depth into the combustion chamber 5 is achieved, the combustion in the combustion chamber 5 being carried off in the sequence.
Mit der Erfindung ist es nunmehr vorgesehen, dass Verbrennungsluftverhältnis λ an den aktuellen Elektrodenabstand EA anzupassen, so dass für einen wie vorstehend geschilderten Kerzenzustand zum Beispiel eine erhöhte Menge an Brenngas in den Brennraum 5 eingeblasen wird, das heißt an der (im Magerbetrieb laufenden) Brennkraftmaschine 1 wird ein angefettetes Gemisch eingestellt, so dass die Brenngeschwindigkeit erhöht wird, mithin sich eine schnellere Verbrennung bei niedrigerer Abgastemperatur und verbesserten Emissionswerten erzielen lässt. Wird der Elektrodenabstand EA größer (verschleißbedingt), kann die Anfettung korrespondierend zurückgenommen werden, z.B. die Einblasedauer verkürzt werden, so dass mit der Erfindung stets optimierte Verbrennungs- und Emissionsbedingungen vorteilhaft einfach erzielbar sind. Mit anderen Worten wird vorgesehen, den Brennverlauf in Abhängigkeit des aktuellen, ermittelten Elektrodenabstands EA zu beeinflussen, d.h. durch Einstellung wenigstens eines Brennparameters. Hierzu werden geeignete Steuersignale an den Brennverlaufs- bzw. Brenndauerregler 25 übermittelt, d.h. seitens der ECU 19. With the invention, it is now provided that the combustion air ratio λ adapt to the actual electrode spacing EA, so that for an above-described Kerzenzustand example, an increased amount of fuel gas is blown into the combustion chamber 5, that is on the running (in lean operation) internal combustion engine 1, an enriched mixture is adjusted so that the burning rate is increased, thus allowing faster combustion with lower exhaust gas temperature and improved emission levels. If the electrode spacing EA increases (due to wear), the enrichment can be correspondingly reduced, e.g. the injection time can be shortened, so that with the invention always optimized combustion and emission conditions are advantageously easy to achieve. In other words, it is provided to influence the combustion process as a function of the current, determined electrode spacing EA, i. by setting at least one firing parameter. For this purpose, suitable control signals are sent to the combustion or combustion duration controller 25, i. from the ECU 19.
Abschließend sei noch erwähnt, dass mit der Erfindung auch Perlenbildung an der Zündkerze 11 erkannt werden kann, welche Begrifflichkeit die Bildung kleinster Kügelchen an der Oberfläche der Elektroden bezeichnet, die von wenigen Mikrometern bis z.B. 100 μπι anwachsen können. Diese Perlen entstehen beim Aufschmelzen der Elektrode und erstarren nachdem der Funken gelöscht ist. Ab einer bestimmten Größe können die Perlen als Oberfläche für weitere Perlen dienen, so dass eine Art Stalagmit entsteht, der den Elektrodenabstand EA so verringern kann, dass das Funkenvolumen für eine Gemischentzündung zu gering wird, mithin eine Gemischentzündung nicht mehr stattfinden kann. Finally, it should be mentioned that with the invention also bead formation on the spark plug 11 can be recognized, which conception the formation of very small beads on the surface the electrodes referred to, which can grow from a few microns to eg 100 μπι. These beads are formed by the melting of the electrode and solidify after the spark is extinguished. From a certain size, the beads can serve as a surface for further beads, so that a kind of stalagmite is formed, which can reduce the electrode distance EA so that the spark volume for a mixture ignition is too low, thus a mixture ignition can not take place.
Mit dem Verfahren bzw. dem aktuell ermittelten Elektrodenabstand EA wird vorteilhaft auch eine Zündenergieregelung möglich, bei welcher die der Zündkerze 11 zugeführte Zündenergie in Abhängigkeit des ermittelten, aktuellen Elektrodenabstands EA an die Zündkerze 11 zugeführt wird, d.h. vorteilhaft bedarfsgerecht (so dass Perlenbildung aufgrund zu hoher Temperatur zum Beispiel vorteilhaft vermieden werden kann). With the method or the currently determined electrode spacing EA, an ignition energy control is advantageously also possible, in which the ignition energy supplied to the spark plug 11 is supplied to the spark plug 11 as a function of the determined actual electrode distance EA, i. advantageous as needed (so that bead formation due to high temperature, for example, can be advantageously avoided).
Ein solches Verfahren zur Regelung der Zündenergie ist z.B. aus der Druckschrift DE 10 2013 010 685 AI bekannt, deren Offenbarungsgehalt hierin durch Bezugnahme eingeschlossen wird. Such a method for controlling the ignition energy is e.g. from the publication DE 10 2013 010 685 AI, the disclosure content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

ANSPRÜCHE
1. Verfahren zur Ausführung mit dem Betrieb einer Brennkraftmaschine (1), welche eine Zündkerze (11) aufweist, welche an einem Brennraum (5) eines Zylinders (3) der 1. A method for carrying out the operation of an internal combustion engine (1), which has a spark plug (11) which on a combustion chamber (5) of a cylinder (3) of
Brennkraftmaschine (1) angeordnet ist, wobei: Internal combustion engine (1) is arranged, wherein:
in einem ersten Schritt ein Zylinderdruck zum Zündzeitpunkt (pzzp) am Brennraum (5) sowie eine Durchbruchspannung (UZZP) an der Zündkerze (11) erfasst werden, in einem zweiten Schritt ein aktueller Elektrodenabstand (EA) der Zündelektroden, welcher einen aktuellen Zündelektrodenverschleißzustand repräsentiert, basierend auf dem erfassten Zylinderdruck (pzzp), der erfassten Durchbruchspannung (UZZP) und einer Proportionälitätskonstante ( ) ermittelt wird. in a first step, a cylinder pressure at ignition (pzzp) at the combustion chamber (5) and a breakdown voltage (U ZZP ) are detected at the spark plug (11), in a second step, a current electrode spacing (EA) of the ignition electrodes, which represents a current Zündelektrodenverschleißzustand , based on the detected cylinder pressure (p zzp ), the detected breakdown voltage (U ZZP ) and a Proportionitätsitätsstantante () is determined.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , 2. The method according to claim 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
- basierend auf dem im zweiten Schritt ermittelten, aktuellen Elektrodenabstand (EA) der Zündelektroden in einem weiteren Schritt eine Lebensdauer der Zündkerze (11) ermittelt wird.  - Based on the determined in the second step, current electrode spacing (EA) of the ignition electrodes in a further step, a lifetime of the spark plug (11) is determined.
3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, 3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
basierend auf dem im zweiten Schritt ermittelten, aktuellen Elektrodenabstand (EA) in einem weiteren Schritt ein Verbrennungsparameter der Brennkraftmaschine (1) eingestellt wird, insbesondere ein Verbrennungsluftverhältnis (λ).  Based on the current electrode spacing (EA) determined in the second step, a combustion parameter of the internal combustion engine (1) is set in a further step, in particular a combustion air ratio (λ).
4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
das Verfahren iterativ durchgeführt wird.  the procedure is carried out iteratively.
5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
die Proportionalitätskonstante (K) basierend auf einem vorbekannten Elektrodenabstand (EAbekannt), einem Zylinderdruck zum Zündzeitpunkt (pzzp) sowie einer Durchbruchspannung (UZZP) der Zündkerze (11) als systemindividuelle Größe an der  the proportionality constant (K) based on a known electrode spacing (EAbekannt), a cylinder pressure at the ignition (pzzp) and a breakdown voltage (UZZP) of the spark plug (11) as a system - specific size at the
Brennkraftmaschine (1) ermittelt ist. Internal combustion engine (1) is determined.
6. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
das Verfahren mit einer ungebrauchten Zündkerze (11) durchgeführt wird, wobei der ermittelte aktuelle Elektrodenabstand (EA) mit einem Neuzustands-Soll-Elektroden- abstand verglichen wird.  the method is performed with an unused spark plug (11), wherein the determined actual electrode distance (EA) is compared with a new state desired electrode distance.
7. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
basierend auf dem ermittelten Elektrodenabstand (EA) ein Informationssignal für einen Bediener an der Brennkraftmaschine (1) ausgegeben wird.  based on the determined electrode spacing (EA) an information signal for an operator on the internal combustion engine (1) is output.
8. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
mit dem Verfahren eine Kennlinie verwendet wird, welche den ermittelten, aktuellen Elektrodenabstand (EA) mit einer Lebensdauer in Beziehung setzt; und/oder mit dem Verfahren eine Kennlinie verwendet wird, welche den ermittelten, aktuellen Elektrodenabstand (EA) mit einem Verbrennungsparameter, insbesondere mit einem Umsatzpunkt oder einem Verbrennungsluftverhältnis (λ), in Beziehung setzt.  using the method a characteristic curve which relates the determined actual electrode distance (EA) to a lifetime; and / or with the method, a characteristic curve is used which relates the determined actual electrode distance (EA) to a combustion parameter, in particular to a conversion point or a combustion air ratio (λ).
9. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, 9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
die Zündkerze (11) eine Vorkammerzündkerze ist; und/oder  the spark plug (11) is a prechamber spark plug; and or
die Brennkraftmaschine (1) ein Gasmotor ist.  the internal combustion engine (1) is a gas engine.
10. Brennkraftmaschine (1), aufweisend einen Zylinder (3) mit einem Brennraum (5), eine am Brennraum (5) angeordnete Zündkerze (11), einen Zylinderdrucksensor (21) sowie eine Vorrichtung (23) zur Erfassung der Durchbruchspannung an der Zündkerze (11), 10. Internal combustion engine (1), comprising a cylinder (3) with a combustion chamber (5), a combustion chamber (5) arranged spark plug (11), a cylinder pressure sensor (21) and a device (23) for detecting the breakdown voltage at the spark plug (11)
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
die Brennkraftmaschine (1) zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche eingerichet ist.  the internal combustion engine (1) is arranged to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims.
EP16734559.4A 2015-07-17 2016-07-01 Method for implementation with the operation of an internal combustion engine Active EP3325799B1 (en)

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DE102018201057A1 (en) * 2018-01-24 2019-07-25 Robert Bosch Gmbh Spark plug with self-diagnosis and high voltage cable for self-diagnosis of a spark plug and method for self-diagnosis of a spark plug
JP7176201B2 (en) * 2018-03-01 2022-11-22 株式会社デンソー ignition controller
EP3578804A1 (en) * 2018-06-07 2019-12-11 Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH Spark plug electrode wear rate determination for a spark-ignited engine
DE102019001627A1 (en) * 2018-06-18 2019-12-19 Deutz Aktiengesellschaft Process for wear detection and predictive wear forecast of electromechanical actuators at the operating time of a machine with an internal combustion engine
JP7243488B2 (en) * 2019-06-28 2023-03-22 株式会社アイシン Apparatus for calculating ignition plug maintenance timing for heat pump engine and method for calculating maintenance timing for ignition plug of heat pump engine
CN112392610B (en) * 2020-11-04 2023-05-23 潍柴动力股份有限公司 Engine control method, device and equipment
FR3121182B1 (en) 2021-03-25 2023-11-24 Renault Sas Method for controlling fuel injectors of a spark-ignition engine

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DE19756336C1 (en) * 1997-12-18 1999-04-01 Daimler Benz Ag Compression and ignition system testing method for combustion engine
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