Automatic control of vehicle startup for emission tests on engine dynamometers

The dynamical engine test stand described with a real engine and a drive-line simulation is a capable tool for exhaust emission analysis. To simulate the dynamics of load changes occurring in a driving vehicle, a model of the car body including clutch, manual gear-box, drive-line, differential and wheels has been developed and implemented on the test stand. Exhaust emission tests may be performed automatically with a proper driver simulation used in the dynamical engine test stands. Starting vehicle from standstill is a critical operation, especially for vehicles with manual gearbox, that occurs frequently in exhaust emission test cycles. Model-based control strategies for the vehicle startup have been developed. These strategies are presented and discussed.