Real-time misfire detection via sliding mode observer

A new method to detect misfire in internal combustion engines is presented. It is based on the estimation of the cylinder deviation torque by using sliding mode observer. The input estimation problem is transformed into the control tracking problem. The sliding controller is utilised to continuously track the measured varying crank speed by changing the estimated deviation torque. During the process of tracking, the speed estimation errors decrease and the gradual stability of the dynamics is assured. The mean deviation torque during the power stroke derived from the estimated deviation torque can be employed to detect easily engine misfires. Experimental results for a four-cylinder engine indicate that the method is a suitable tool for real-time misfire detection on board vehicle under various working conditions.