Advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Based Soft Sensors for In-Cylinder Predictions with a Real-Time Simulator and a Crank Angle Resolved Engine Model

Robert Jane, Samantha Rose, Corey M. James

In a previous research effort by this group, pseudo engine dynamometer data in multi-dimensional arrays were combined with dynamic equations to form a crank angle resolved engine model compatible with a real-time simulator. The combination of the real-time simulator and external targets enabled the development of a software-in-the-loop (SIL) environment that enabled near-real-time development of AI/ML and real-time deployment of the resulting AI/ML. Military applications, in particular, are unlikely to possess large quantities of non-sparse operational data that span the full operational range of the system, stove-piping the ability to develop and deploy AI/ML which is sufficient for near-real-time or real-time control. AI/ML has been shown to be well suited for predicting highly non-linear mathematical phenomena and thus military systems could potentially benefit from the development and deployment of AI/ML acting as soft sensors. Given the non-sparse nature of the data, it becomes exceedingly important that AI/ML be developed and deployed in near-real-time or real-time in parallel to a real-time system to overcome the inadequacy of applicable data. This research effort used parallel processing to reduce the training duration of the shallow artificial neural networks (SANN) and forest algorithms forming ensemble models. This research is novel in that the SIL environment enables pre-developed AI/ML to be adapted in near-real-time or develop AI/ML in response to changes within the operation of the applied system, different load torques, engine speeds, and atmospheric conditions to name a few. Over time it is expected that the continued adaptation of the algorithms will lead to the development of AI/ML that is suitable for real-time control and energy management.