ClearFlame Engines seeks to rebuild LT625 semi-truck internal combustion engines to run on ethanol and break free from diesel - resulting in clean emissions running on decarbonized renewable fuel abundantly available.
As controls engineer I worked on various projects such as thermal manager for engine startup, engine braking, cruise control among others - though I most loved troubleshooting issues on the trucks and test cells.
Read below for more details! Checkout ClearFlame Engines and their mission.
I developed the thermal manager using physics-based model and a inverse controller to maintain optimal cylinder temperatures during cold starts to prevent misfires and failed starts while minimizing energy usage. Implementation saw more successful starts and reduced power consumption (by over 60%).
Developed a physics-based (Exhaust Pressure - Airflow -Engine Speed) model for engine braking and implemented inverse model controller to ensure correct activation sequences and functionality.
Developed a state flow based PID control for the cruise control on LT625 semi-trucks that included full operational mode sequencing.
Developed a model to estimate engine losses due to pumping, friction and accessory loads with experiments - these crucial models are used throughout the stack for the development of other features.