Helicopter turbine engine protection system
a technology for helicopter turbine engines and protection systems, which is applied in the ignition of turbine/propulsion engines, engine starters, machines/engines, etc., can solve problems such as engine damage and engine failure, and achieve the effect of avoiding “hot starts
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Publication Date
- 2005-03-17
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a helicopter turbine engine protection system and more particularly to a helicopter having a turbine engine protection system which injects water and / or alcohol into the engine when an over-stress condition is approached. BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION
[0002] Helicopter's of the type having turbine engines typically include turbine outlet temperature monitors to avoid “hot starts.” For example, it is well known that during the first few seconds of an engine start up procedure, the turbine outlet temperature will accelerate at a rapid rate. It is also well known to abort a start if either a maximum temperature, as for example 927° C. or an 810° C. to 927° C. maximum ten second transition limitation is about to be exceeded. It is also well known to operate helicopter engines below predetermined levels of turbine output temperature, torque and engine speed which are referred to herein as over-stress limits. Failure to operate within...
Examples
first embodiment
[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a helicopter 20 having a turbine engine 22 mounted therein includes an over-stress protection system. In the invention, the system is used to avoid “hot starts” i.e., an excessive engine temperature that could damage the engine during a start up of the engine. As shown in FIG. 1, the helicopter 20 also includes a tank 24 for containing a supply of water and / or alcohol.
[0016] The tank 24 is operatively connected to an injector 26 which is adapted to inject an engine coolant such as water and / or alcohol into the engine when the engine temperature exceeds a predetermined value or when the rate of temperature versus time exceeds a preselected value. The tank 24 is connected to the injector 26 by a conduit 25. A pump 21 and valve 23 are disposed along the conduit 25 for supplying a preselected amount of coolant from the tank 24 to the injector 26. The amount of coolant may be varied relative to the fuel flow and other varients.
second embodiment
[0017] In the invention, a quick disconnect coupling 27 is provided in the conduit 25 between the tank 24 and injector 26. Means such as a ground based tank 30 is adapted to provide a supply of coolant during a start up procedure. In the alternative, a quick disconnect coupling 29 of conventional design may be provided in the tank 24. In either case, water and / or alcohol is provided to the injector 26 during a start up procedure while maintaining the airborne tank 24 full of coolant.
[0018] A sensor 32 such as a thermocouple is connected to a computer 34 for measuring the turbine outlet temperature of the engine. Then when the turbine outlet temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the computer sends a signal to the pump 21 and / or valve 23 to feed a volume of coolant to the injector 26. The water and / or alcohol then cools the engine sufficiently to continue an engine start procedure. In cases where the turbine outlet temperature is not sufficiently reduced, the start up procedure i...