Propeller EFI with spark control and Idle and Boost and more. Running 4500RPM 3
tripp
Posts: 52
This project is not new, it started a while·ago when I and my friend we decided to
make an EFI system.
Initially the system was based on a PIC18F452.
The system·was functional but had some problems that were difficult to find, and·the PIC·had a·very limited RAM.
But when I found the propeller It felt quite obvious to upgrade to it.
The propeller is perfect for an engine management system, with true multitasking, it will be much easier to succeed with
a project·like this.
Here is a picture of the most recent prototype:
Now we have a prototype that works very well, but lacks a few features that we're working on right now.
The system is similar to other aftermarket engine management systems.
The ECU will have support for 4,6,8 cylinder engines to begin with.
The ECU controls both ignition and fuel.
16x16 matrices for Ignition, VE, Lambda. with interpolation.
Measuring water temp, air temp, TPS, MAP,·EGT x 2, Battery voltage, RPM, Lambda, etc..
Manages 60-2 Trigger and HALL Trigger.
Have·a data log function.
Control idle with both the PID controller and ignition timing controller.·
Boost control.
Waste Fire / normal fire.
We also·plan to add some unique features
The software is written in C # and works well, but is far from finished.
I have also made simulator engine that really has simplified the development of the system.
Recently, we've run a motor in a·engine test bed·with very successful results.
Now it seems that all the basic functionality works as intended.
Here is a short video that proves that is works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGMC5JC5ye8
Post Edited (tripp) : 7/27/2010 10:51:05 PM GMT
make an EFI system.
Initially the system was based on a PIC18F452.
The system·was functional but had some problems that were difficult to find, and·the PIC·had a·very limited RAM.
But when I found the propeller It felt quite obvious to upgrade to it.
The propeller is perfect for an engine management system, with true multitasking, it will be much easier to succeed with
a project·like this.
Here is a picture of the most recent prototype:
Now we have a prototype that works very well, but lacks a few features that we're working on right now.
The system is similar to other aftermarket engine management systems.
The ECU will have support for 4,6,8 cylinder engines to begin with.
The ECU controls both ignition and fuel.
16x16 matrices for Ignition, VE, Lambda. with interpolation.
Measuring water temp, air temp, TPS, MAP,·EGT x 2, Battery voltage, RPM, Lambda, etc..
Manages 60-2 Trigger and HALL Trigger.
Have·a data log function.
Control idle with both the PID controller and ignition timing controller.·
Boost control.
Waste Fire / normal fire.
We also·plan to add some unique features
The software is written in C # and works well, but is far from finished.
I have also made simulator engine that really has simplified the development of the system.
Recently, we've run a motor in a·engine test bed·with very successful results.
Now it seems that all the basic functionality works as intended.
Here is a short video that proves that is works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGMC5JC5ye8
Post Edited (tripp) : 7/27/2010 10:51:05 PM GMT
Comments
I noticed the different fonts on your PCB, what program did you use to do that? I use EAGLE and wish I could change fonts, but off the bat I didn't see how and have always expected the standard font.
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Timothy D. Swieter, P.E.
www.brilldea.com - Prop Blade, LED Painter, RGB LEDs, 3.0" 16:9 LCD Composite video display, eProto for SunSPOT, PropNET, PolkaDOT-51
www.tdswieter.com
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"I mean, if I went around sayin' I was an emperor just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me they'd put me away!"
J
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1986 Chevy EL Camino·· No prop yet
1984 Suzukie GS1100GK No prop yet
Now we made some progress with the Propeller based EFI system.
Yesterday we ran the old Volvo engine pretty hard.
The ECU is really robust, running over one week without rebooting.
Everything works as it should so far.
Now we just need to add some functions like lambdacontrol and·transient fuel.
The software for the PCB is Labcenters ARES.
And its a Volvo B230FT.
Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDudc4YUUUc
More boost
Added and tested festures:
Wideband lambda closed loop control.
Transient fuel from TPS and MAP.
WasteSpark control.
Warmup fuel.
Injector opening time (to get correct VE table).
Support for 6cyl engines.
Soon i will mount the ECU in 2 cars, one Nissan Skyline RB30 turbo, and one BMW 325 M50 turbo.
And in this winter i will try to upgrade my old Volvo 940Turbo to a 450Nm 276Hp
Suggestion: If you have any free COGs left, it would be cool to add video out (probably composite) to see real time parameters while driving without the need for a laptop. I haven't heard of any other aftermarket EMS with that capabilitiy. That would negate the need for stand alone gauges, and increase your products value factor if you do plan on selling it... Just an idea
Could You elaborate on "Wideband lambda closed loop control" and "Injector opening time"????
I've a friend in Thailand that is powering ventillation/cooling fans on a pig farm in Thailand from a Nissan engine that is less than 2 liters. Pig waste makes the 'bio-methane".
"Bio-methane" is low pressure (about 2 psi supply) and a mix of up to 50% CO2 and the carb is replaced with a rather simple device. So it is generally a bit more difficult to manage ignition. Spark advance can be 40-50 degrees. In stationary operation at fixed RPM, it is often suggested that mechanical and vacumn advance mechanisms should be disconnected. But I've doubts that such is wise.
Wow! that's a beautiful design. I used to be a mechanic in the Canadian military and remember back when the first vehicle electronic systems came out. It brings back great memories. Good luck with the rest of the project and I look forward to the updates.
I love this project! 40 PSI? I take it that engine must be a diesel.
If you need any testing on V8 engines, please let me know.
The B230FT is a 2.3L 4 Cyl petrol engine. SOHC 8 valve alloy head. Volvo's mainstay from about 1975 through to the mid 90's.
I vividly remember the early Volvos (especially the Amazons) as a teenager on holiday in Ostergotland.
Keep it up!
Paul
If this is a gasoline engine, 275kPa (39.9 psi) is very high. I have not seen many gasoline engines running such a high boost, although it is possible. It makes the project even more impressive.
Regarding the boostpressure its 275kPa absolute, that is 25 PSI gauge.
markaeric: nice idea, but for now we are out of cogs.
Cole Logan: yes i hope it can be sold
Anyway, I'm looking to do my own EFI system and currently looking at different analog-digital converters. Found what looks like the perfect chip, but want to make sure 8-bits is enough precision. It seems like it would be, but what do you think? What did you use for your sensors?
Also, what do the fuel injectors have to do with the ADC? As I understand it (which could be wrong of course) the injectors are a digital output that will be set or cleared for X clock cycles right? I'm trying to figure out what kind of precision I'll need from things like: oil temp, MAF, O2 sensor, TPS, etc
O2 could actually be done with a 1-bit input with the right cutoff voltage. I suspect even a wideband could be driven from Sigma-Delta mode, but that leaves heaters to worry about, which can be rather difficult to deal with.