Research on the electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation system based on a three-way proportional reducing valve

As the internal combustion engine moves into the 21st century, fully flexible valve actuation systems are being proposed as an enabling technology for advanced internal combustion engine concepts. Electro-hydraulic valve actuator systems are being considered as a potential variable valve technology. Compared to the servo control system, the system using a proportional valve has the advantages of low price, high anti-pollution ability and high reliability. Our research focuses on exploring the dynamic characteristic of the electro-hydraulic variable valve system, which is based on three-way proportional reducing valve. In this paper, the structure and working principles of the system are described. The dynamic mathematical model of the system is derived. From the analysis of a linearized model and dynamic simulation, it is demonstrated that the system will be stable only if the proportional reducing valve has a positive opening. Some structural factors that affect the system’s dynamic characteristics, such as input signal, the stiffness of the return spring and the pre-tightening force of the return spring, are studied using AMESim. The experimental results coincide with the theoretical and simulated analyses. Further study shows that the dynamic response can be improved effectively by adopting closed-loop control of valve lift.