Feedback Control during Mode Transition for a Marine Dual Fuel Engine∗

Mode transition is an important control challenge for dual fuel engines, particularly for marine applications where fuel quality and composition may vary over a wide range. Feedback control is critical for dealing with fuel uncertainties and assuring robust performance. In this paper, a model-based approach is pursued for dual fuel engine mode switch control. A mean-value control-oriented model for a marine dual fuel engine is constructed in MATLAB™/ Simulink™environment. This model is used to emulate the mode transition process for shipboard generator set applications. Three different control architectures are examined for feedback control based on engine speed regulation during mode transitions. Based on the metric that reflects engine speed tracking error, it is found that a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) architecture with feedback corrections applied to both gas fuel and diesel is advantageous versus architectures that apply corrections to only one (either diesel or gas) fuel command.