Control system and method for controlling an engine in response to deterioration of the engine

A control system for controlling an engine, the control system comprising:

• a schedule memory storing a plurality of schedules, each schedule representing target values for a controlled variable, at least one schedule representing target values for the controlled variable for a deteriorated engine;
• and,
• a processor coupled to said schedule memory, said processor receiving a deterioration signal and selecting one of said plurality of schedules as a selected schedule in response to said deterioration signal;
• said processor receiving a reference input and a feedback signal indicative of said controlled variable, said processor generating a control signal in response to said reference input, said feedback signal, and said selected schedule.

A method for controlling an engine comprising:

• storing a schedule representing target values for a controlled variable;
• storing a control program, said control program containing instructions;
• providing a processor for executing said instructions, said processor receiving a reference input and a feedback signal indicative of said controlled variable, said processor generating a control signal in response to said reference input, said feedback signal, and said schedule;
• and
• updating one of said schedule and said control program in response to deterioration of the engine.

A method of controlling a controlled variable in an engine using a control unit, wherein said control unit comprises a processor, a schedule memory, a communication device, a program memory, a control output, and a signal input, said method comprising:

• inputting reference input signals into said control unit;
• selecting a target value of said controlled variable from a schedule of target values stored in said schedule memory, said selection being based on said reference input signals;
• inputting a feedback signal indicative of said controlled variable;
• determining said controlled variable from said feedback signal;
• subtracting said controlled variable from said target value to generate an error value;
• applying said error value to gain dynamics to generate a control signal;
• outputting said control signal to said engine, said outputting including affecting said controlled variable;
• and
• when said engine has become deteriorated, replacing said schedule with a substitute schedule, said substitute schedule having target values suitable for controlling a deteriorated engine, said replacing includes selecting said substitute schedule based on at least one of knowledge of deterioration mechanisms or phenomena that affect the engine, history of an engine type corresponding to the engine, engine inspections, analysis of engine trending and performance data for the engine during service, and expected use, environment, and operation of the engine.