Engine Management System (EMS) Working Explained

Engine Management System (EMS):

EMS stands for Engine Management System, which consists of a wide range
of electronic and electrical components such as sensors, relays, actuators, and
an Engine Control Unit. They work together to provide the Engine
Management System with vital data parameters. These are essential for
governing various engine functions effectively. Furthermore, the Engine
Management system is incorporated in modern-day engine technologies.
These include MPFi & GDi systems in Petrol engines and CRDi systems in
diesel engines for improved performance.
Engine Management System: What is ECU/ECM?

ECU stands for Engine Control Unit and ECM for Engine Control Module. Both are
the same. ECU/ECM is also a generic term for any Electronic Control Unit/Module
respectively.
Engine Control Unit:

The Engine Control Unit is a central part of the Engine Management System, which is virtually
the 'Brain' of the engine. It plays an important role in collecting, analyzing, processing, and
executing the data it receives from various sub-systems. Furthermore, an ECU comprises a
computer that uses a microchip to process the inputs from various engine sensors in real-time.
How an ECU Works?
Based on this data input, the ECU precisely calculates and delivers the ideal air-fuel
mixture. It also regulates the idle speed of the engine and limits the top speed of a
vehicle. This system is also widely referred to as an ‘Electronic Engine Management
System’ or the EMS. Furthermore, it is possible to customize the modern-day ECUs to
suit different vehicular applications and varying customer demands. Also, some cars
have an individual ‘Control Module’ for all major systems. A modern car has the
following individual Control Modules that control the respective systems.
Various Control Modules in a car :
An Engine Control Unit connects to all the individual Electronic Control Modules
(ECMs). A modern-day car consists of more than one Control Modules, each exclusive
for every major system, which improves performance. The manufacturers seldom refer
to these systems as car's computers since they are multiple computers instead of a
single one.

Bosch, Delphi, and Hitachi are some of the leading Engine Management System
manufacturers in the world.
 Example Load Collective

Power boost

Downsizing
potential

Average power
Power (kW)

Recovery

Time (s)
MicroAutoBox as
hybrid system Vehicle ECU
ECU

Vehicle CAN

Hybrid CAN Traction battery

Engine
CAN

Proportional
valves Work cylinder

Inverter
Lifting cylinder

Steering cylinder
Engine ECU

Gear

Axial piston Axial piston

pump motor
Overview of the Implemented Hybrid Functions

• Power Boost
Electric motor switched in when power
peaks occur

• Raising/Shifting the Load Point

Diesel engine operating point shifted to
a range with higher efficiency

• Start/Stop
Engine switched on/off during idle
phases

• Energy Recovery
Excess energy stored in Li-ion battery
Developing the Software Commissioning the Hybrid Implementing and Calibrating
Functions with System on the Test Bench the Functions in the
Model-in-the-Loop • Setting up the diesel engine, Wheel Loader
• Modeling the diesel engine, electric motor, inverter, Li-ion • Calibrating repeat start when
ECU, inverter, electric motor battery, hybrid ECU wheel moved or gas pedal /
and BMS (battery ▪ Implementing the safety inch pedal / joystick touched
management system) functions • Calibrating the power boost
• Setting up the hybrid software ▪ Implementing the ECU network function, load point shift and
functions followed by MIL test energy recovery
▪Testing and preadjusting the
• Setting up the I/O and CAN hybrid functions
interfaces
• Testing communication in
ECU network