Model-Based Control for Enhanced Headlamp Performance

This paper follows a model-based design approach for the closed-loop headlamp control system, primarily with the purpose of improving luminance control as well as the efficiency of energy consumption in automotive applications. The method is centered around a DC-DC boost converter with high output voltage accuracy to ensure optimal power transfer towards headlamps. It can be directly developed in MATLAB/Simulink, which allows faster prototyping and algorithm testing before hardware is even deployed. The closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously compares output voltage to a setpoint and dynamically adjusts the duty cycle of the converter in real-time to maintain uniform lighting. In addition, the converter is validated through simulation to have stable voltage regulation with minimal overshoot and fast settling times. The hardware implementation of the system is carried out using an STM Nucleo board, which brings the reliability of the Simulink model into practical and real-time implementation. This paper indicates that model-based design offers a proper way of optimizing development time thereby ensuring robust headlamp performance under variable conditions.