Using Deep Learning for Predictive Maintenance: A Study on Exhaust Backpressure and Power Loss

This paper details the development of an embedded system for vehicle data acquisition using the On-Board Diagnostics version 2 (OBD2) protocol, with the objective of predicting power loss caused by exhaust gas backpressure (EBP). The system decodes and preprocesses vehicle data for subsequent analysis using predictive artificial intelligence algorithms. MATLAB’s 2023b Powertrain Blockset, along with the pre-built “Compression Ignition Dynamometer Reference Application (CIDynoRefApp)” model, was used to simulate engine behavior and its subsystems. This model facilitated the control of various engine subsystems and enabled simulation of dynamic environmental factors, including wind. Manipulation of the exhaust backpressure orifice revealed a consistent correlation between backpressure and power loss, consistent with theoretical expectations and prior research. For predictive analysis, two deep learning models—Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU)—were applied to the generated sensor data. The models were evaluated based on their ability to predict engine states, focusing on prediction accuracy and performance. The results showed that GRU achieved lower Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE), making GRU the more effective model for power loss prediction in automotive applications. These findings highlight the potential of using synthetic data and deep learning techniques to improve predictive maintenance in the automotive industry.