Optimization of an 'Electromagnetic Valve Actuator for Internal Combustion Engines

This paper describes the automatic optimization of an electromagnetic actuator using a genetic algorithm. The actuator modelized here is dedicated for charge changing valve actuation in internal combustion engines. Several operating points are calculated using the script language of a finite element simulation tool, COMSOL Multiphysics. The results are the flux linkage and the torque of the actuator depending on ampere-turns and displacement. The obtained data is solved for the current. Based on the dynamic requirements of the application and the limitations of the construction a corrected dynamic behavior is computed. Based on the computed terminal quantities a quality function is formulated. A genetic algorithm is being used to find a set of geometric parameters maximizing the actuator's quality function. The results are shown and discussed.