Common-rail pressure control using a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

This paper proposes a new topology of the Common-Rail injection system. This injection system has been the milestone for the success of the diesel engines in the automotive market for over three decades. The innovative aspect of the new topology consists in the introduction of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) between the engine and the high-pressure pump. This technical solution aims at reducing the speed of the high-pressure pump and, consequently, the energy consumption of the system. Moreover, a control strategy is designed to regulate the common-rail pressure by adjusting the CVT ratio and the Fuel Metering Unit outflow. Simulation results are encouraging and promising for future developments of the proposed approach.