Experimental Validation of a Hybrid Analytical-FEM Model of an Electromagnetic Engine Valve Actuator and Its Control Application

In this paper, a detailed mathematical model of an electromechanical valve actuator based on double electromagnets to actuate engine valves for camless engines is experimentally validated. The model was derived from an hybrid analytical finite element method approach and is here used as an effective tool to reproduce with high accuracy the behavior of such a variable valve timing actuator for different maneuvers of interest for camless engine applications. Experimental results of a model-based control strategy are also shown to give a first insight of its use for control purposes.