Pre-cooling control method and system for engine test run and main controller

Abstract

The invention provides an engine test run precooling control method which comprises the following steps: S1, obtaining a pipeline temperature value according to a temperature signal of a temperature sensor arranged on a pipeline in front of an engine pump; s2, after the situation that the pipeline temperature value is larger than the first set temperature threshold value lasts for a first preset duration, an air release valve of the pipeline is opened so as to reduce the pipeline temperature; s3, in the operation process of reducing the temperature of the pipeline, if the situation that the temperature value of the pipeline is smaller than a second set temperature threshold value lasts for a second preset duration, closing a deflation valve of the pipeline; and S4, a valve in front of an engine pump is opened to conduct engine precooling operation till the condition that the temperature of the engine pump opening is smaller than a third set temperature threshold value lasts for a third set duration, the step S1, the step S2 and the step S3 can be repeated in the step process, and engine test run precooling is completed. According to the method, automation of the engine test pre-cooling process can be achieved, and the labor cost is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace engines, specifically to an engine test pre-cooling control method, system, and main controller. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of aerospace and engine technology, liquid propellant launch vehicle engines, as core components, are increasingly widely used in the aerospace field. However, during the testing of liquid propellant launch vehicle engines, especially in cryogenic environments, temperature control of the internal flow channels is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. If the engine is not adequately pre-cooled, or if the pre-cooling is insufficient, the temperature of the piping and turbopump components may exceed the temperature of the cryogenic liquid propellant, causing the cryogenic liquid propellant to undergo a violent phase change in the high-temperature piping. This can lead to abnormal engine operation, or even start-up failure, affecting rocket flight.

[0003] Currently, the existing pre-cooling control methods for liquid space launch vehicle engines have some limitations. They require manual monitoring of pipeline temperatures, making it difficult to precisely control the pre-cooling process. Furthermore, the manual discharge of cooling media is somewhat arbitrary, affecting the pre-cooling effect and wasting resources.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an engine test precooling control method, system, and main controller that can achieve automated precooling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an engine test pre-cooling control method, system and main controller.

[0006] This invention provides a method for controlling engine pre-cooling during test runs, comprising:

[0007] Step S1: Obtain the pipeline temperature value based on the temperature signal from the temperature sensor installed on the pipeline before the engine pump;

[0008] Step S2: After the pipeline temperature value remains above the first set temperature threshold for a first preset time, open the vent valve of the pipeline to reduce the pipeline temperature.

[0009] Step S3: During the process of reducing the pipeline temperature, if the pipeline temperature value is lower than the second set temperature threshold for a second preset time, the vent valve of the pipeline is closed.

[0010] Step S4: Open the engine pump inlet valve and the pump outlet valve to pre-cool the engine until the temperature at the engine pump outlet is lower than the third set temperature threshold for a third set duration. Steps S1 to S3 can be repeated during this process to complete the engine test pre-cooling.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S1 includes: acquiring temperature signals from multiple temperature sensors on the pipeline before the engine pump, and taking the average value of the multiple temperature signals as the pipeline temperature value.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, before step S1, the method further includes: opening a valve for connecting the coolant reservoir to the engine pump front pipeline.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S2 includes: opening the vent valve of the oxidant pipeline when the temperature value of the oxidant pipeline is greater than the first set temperature threshold of the oxidant and after the oxidant has been continuously oxidized for a first preset time; and opening the vent valve of the propellant pipeline when the temperature value of the propellant pipeline is greater than the first set temperature threshold of the propellant and after the propellant has been continuously oxidized for a first preset time.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S3 includes: closing the vent valve of the oxidant pipeline when the temperature value of the oxidant pipeline is less than the second set temperature threshold of the oxidant for a second preset time; and closing the vent valve of the propellant pipeline when the temperature value of the propellant pipeline is less than the second set temperature threshold of the propellant for a second preset time.

[0015] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an engine test pre-cooling control system, comprising: a measurement module including a temperature sensor on the pipeline before the engine pump and outputting the pipeline temperature value; a pre-cooling module connected to the measurement module for receiving the pipeline temperature value and issuing a valve control signal according to the pipeline temperature value; and a control module connected to the pre-cooling module for receiving the valve control signal and correspondingly controlling the opening and closing of the corresponding valve.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the precooling module sends a signal to open the vent valve of the pipeline for a first preset duration when the pipeline temperature value is greater than a first preset temperature threshold; and sends a signal to close the vent valve of the pipeline for a second preset duration when the pipeline temperature value is less than a second preset temperature threshold.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control module controls the opening and closing of the vent valve of the pipeline, and the control module is also used to control the opening of the engine pump pre-pump valve and the pump post-pump vent valve after the pipeline pre-cooling is completed.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the precooling module sends a signal to close the engine pump discharge valve when the temperature at the engine pump inlet is lower than a third set temperature threshold for a third set duration.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a main controller for engine test pre-cooling, comprising: a processor and a memory storing computer program instructions; the processor implements the above-mentioned engine test pre-cooling control method when executing the computer program instructions.

[0020] The engine test pre-cooling control method in this embodiment can open and close the corresponding valves according to the temperature values ​​of the pipeline and the engine pump port, thereby automating the pre-cooling process, saving labor costs, reducing the emission of cooling medium, and reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following specific embodiments are merely exemplary and illustrative, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are part of the specification of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, together with the description in the specification, serve to illustrate the principles of the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an engine test pre-cooling control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an engine test pre-cooling control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present invention and to exemplify the principles of the present invention, and are not configured to limit the present invention. In addition, the structural components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some structural components or regions in the drawings may be enlarged for other structural components or regions to aid in the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the embodiments of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a structure or component that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other structural elements that are not expressly listed or inherent to the structure or component. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes the element.

[0028] Spatial relation terms such as "below," "under," "under," "low," "above," "on," and "high" are used for descriptive convenience to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element, indicating that these terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device, in addition to those different from those shown in the figure. Furthermore, phrases such as "one element on / below another element" can indicate that two elements are in direct contact, or that there are other elements between the two elements. In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are also used to describe individual elements, areas, parts, etc., and should not be considered limiting. Similar terms are used throughout the description to refer to similar elements.

[0029] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an engine test pre-cooling control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an engine test pre-cooling control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The engine of a space launch vehicle is the core propulsion system, providing thrust by generating a high-speed jet through the combustion of its own propellant. Engine testing of a space launch vehicle refers to a crucial test that comprehensively verifies the performance, reliability, and operational coordination of the engine and propulsion system by simulating real flight conditions using specialized ground equipment. During engine testing of liquid-fueled space launch vehicles, a reliable pre-cooling control method is needed to ensure the engine's start-up temperature; that is, to ensure the engine reaches the required operating temperature range before ignition through active cooling. Therefore, to improve the operational safety of engine testing, a fully automated pre-cooling control method is required.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an engine test pre-cooling control method, comprising:

[0033] Step S1: Obtain the pipeline temperature value based on the temperature signal from the temperature sensor installed on the pipeline before the engine pump;

[0034] Step S2: After the pipeline temperature value remains above the first set temperature threshold for a first preset time, open the vent valve of the pipeline to reduce the pipeline temperature.

[0035] Step S3: During the process of reducing the pipeline temperature, if the pipeline temperature value is lower than the second set temperature threshold for a second preset time, the vent valve of the pipeline is closed.

[0036] Step S4: Open the engine pump inlet valve and the pump outlet valve to pre-cool the engine until the temperature at the engine pump outlet is lower than the third set temperature threshold for a third set duration. Steps S1 to S3 can be repeated during this process to complete the engine test pre-cooling.

[0037] Specifically, the engine test pre-cooling test includes the ground equipment for the tank, pipelines, and engine. The entire pre-cooling process is divided into the tank valve opening stage, the pipeline pre-cooling stage, the engine pump front and rear valve opening stage, the engine pre-cooling stage, and the pre-cooling end stage. The engine test pre-cooling control method in this embodiment is mainly applied to the pipeline pre-cooling stage, the engine pump front and rear valve opening stage, and the engine pre-cooling stage.

[0038] In step S1, since the pipeline has a certain length, the coolant enters the pipeline from the storage tank and cools the entire pipeline in sequence. The temperature of the coolant continuously rises when it reaches the end of the pipeline, i.e., the pipeline before the engine pump. Therefore, the temperature of the pipeline before the engine pump can represent whether the temperature of the entire pipeline has reached the pre-cooling condition.

[0039] In this embodiment, in step S2, when the pipeline temperature exceeds a first set temperature threshold, the vent valve may not be opened immediately. Instead, it may be opened only after the pipeline temperature has remained above the first set temperature threshold for a first preset duration. This avoids potential misjudgments caused by sudden increases in pipeline temperature due to signal instability or brief abrupt changes. Opening the vent valve is an operation aimed at reducing the pipeline temperature. If the pipeline temperature does not remain above the first set temperature threshold for the first preset duration, opening the vent valve is unnecessary.

[0040] The first set temperature threshold is the critical temperature value that triggers valve operation. It can be set according to the scenario, requirements, and experience, and is not limited here. For example, the first set temperature threshold can be -175℃. The first preset duration can also be set according to the scenario, requirements, and experience, and is not limited here. For example, the first preset duration can be 15 seconds.

[0041] In step S3, when the pipeline temperature is lower than the second preset temperature threshold, the vent valve may not be closed immediately. Instead, it may be closed only after the pipeline temperature has remained below the second preset temperature threshold for a second preset duration. This avoids potential misjudgments caused by sudden drops in pipeline temperature due to signal instability or transient abrupt changes. Closing the vent valve aims to prevent further decrease in pipeline temperature, thus avoiding the risk of pipeline rupture due to excessively low temperatures. If the pipeline temperature is below the second preset temperature threshold but does not remain below the second preset temperature threshold for the second preset duration, closing the vent valve is not necessary.

[0042] The second set temperature threshold is the critical temperature value that triggers valve operation. It can be set according to the scenario, requirements, and experience, and is not limited here. For example, the second set temperature threshold can be -165℃. The second preset duration can also be set according to the scenario, requirements, and experience, and is not limited here. For example, the second preset duration can be 1 minute.

[0043] In step S4, this step is performed after the pipeline pre-cooling stage, during the opening of the engine pump pre-valve and post-pump drain valves and the engine pre-cooling stage. After opening the engine pump pre-valve and post-pump drain valves, the temperature of the engine pump inlet is monitored to verify whether the engine pre-cooling is complete. Specifically, if the temperature of the engine pump inlet remains below the third set temperature threshold for a third set duration, the engine test pre-cooling is complete. During this step, the pipeline temperature needs to be maintained between the first and second set temperature thresholds. Therefore, steps S1 to S3 are repeated to complete the overall pre-cooling of the engine ground equipment before the test run can begin.

[0044] The third set temperature threshold is the critical temperature value that triggers valve operation. It can be set according to the scenario, requirements, and experience, and is not limited here. For example, the third set temperature threshold can be -180℃. The third preset duration can also be set according to the scenario, requirements, and experience, and is not limited here. For example, the third preset duration can be 1 minute.

[0045] The engine test pre-cooling control method in this embodiment automates the pre-cooling process, saving labor costs, reducing cooling medium emissions, and improving efficiency. This method enables targeted pre-cooling of certain components in the test system, initiating the engine pre-cooling process only when the pre-cooled pipeline temperature drops to a preset temperature. The vent valves in the pipeline and the engine's pump pre-valve open or close based on temperature data from corresponding temperature sensors. Simultaneously, the pre-cooling time is optimized for control, preventing excessive valve opening leading to media waste, or delayed valve opening causing slow pipeline pre-cooling.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, step S1 includes: acquiring temperature signals from multiple temperature sensors on the pipeline before the engine pump, and taking the average value of the multiple temperature signals as the pipeline temperature value.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, before step S1, the method further includes: opening a valve for connecting the coolant reservoir to the engine pump front pipeline.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, step S2 includes: opening the vent valve of the oxidant pipeline when the temperature value of the oxidant pipeline is greater than the first set temperature threshold of the oxidant and after the oxidant has been continuously oxidized for a first preset time; and opening the vent valve of the propellant pipeline when the temperature value of the propellant pipeline is greater than the first set temperature threshold of the propellant and after the propellant has been continuously oxidized for a first preset time.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, step S3 includes: closing the vent valve of the oxidant pipeline when the temperature value of the oxidant pipeline is less than the second set temperature threshold of the oxidant for a second preset time; and closing the vent valve of the propellant pipeline when the temperature value of the propellant pipeline is less than the second set temperature threshold of the propellant for a second preset time.

[0050] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a main controller for engine test pre-cooling, comprising: a processor and a memory storing computer program instructions; the processor implements the above-mentioned engine test pre-cooling control method when executing the computer program instructions.

[0051] Specifically, the propellant of a liquid space launch vehicle consists of an oxidizer and a fuel. Therefore, before step S1, the valves of the oxidizer tank and the fuel tank are opened. The delivery pipeline and the pre-cooling return pipeline form a closed loop, and the continuous flow of propellant carries away the heat from the pipeline and the engine.

[0052] In step S1, in order to further improve the accuracy and stability of pipeline temperature signal acquisition, the temperature signals of multiple temperature sensors on the oxidizer pipeline and the propellant pipeline before the engine pump are acquired respectively, and the average value of the multiple temperature signals of the oxidizer pipeline is obtained as the oxidizer pipeline temperature value, and the average value of the multiple temperature signals of the propellant pipeline is obtained as the propellant pipeline temperature value.

[0053] Step S2 can be further divided into steps S201 and S202. Step S201 involves opening the vent valve of the oxidizer pipeline after the oxidizer temperature exceeds the first set temperature threshold and the oxidizer continues for a first preset duration. Step S202 involves opening the vent valve of the propellant pipeline after the propellant temperature exceeds the first set temperature threshold and the propellant continues for a first preset duration. Steps S201 and S202 are independent of each other. The oxidizer pipeline and the propellant pipeline each open their corresponding valves according to the temperature and duration of the condition. This method allows for targeted pre-cooling of the two pipelines separately.

[0054] Step S3 can be further divided into steps S301 and S302. In step S301, if the temperature of the oxidant pipeline is lower than the second set temperature threshold of the oxidant for a second preset duration, the vent valve of the oxidant pipeline is closed. In step S302, if the temperature of the propellant pipeline is lower than the second set temperature threshold of the propellant for a second preset duration, the vent valve of the propellant pipeline is closed. Steps S301 and S302 are independent of each other; the oxidant pipeline and the propellant pipeline each close their corresponding valves according to the temperature and duration of the condition.

[0055] In step S4, the engine pre-pump valves and post-pump discharge valves of the liquid space launch vehicle include the oxidizer pre-pump valve, post-pump discharge valve, and the propellant pre-pump valve, post-pump discharge valve. All of the above valves need to be opened to perform engine pre-cooling. When the engine oxidizer pump inlet medium temperature and the propellant pump inlet medium temperature are both less than the third set temperature threshold and remain below the third set time, the engine test cooling operation is completed.

[0056] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an engine test pre-cooling control system, comprising: a measurement module including a temperature sensor on the pipeline before the engine pump and outputting the pipeline temperature value; a pre-cooling module connected to the measurement module for receiving the pipeline temperature value and issuing a valve control signal according to the pipeline temperature value; and a control module connected to the pre-cooling module for receiving the valve control signal and correspondingly controlling the opening and closing of the corresponding valve.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the precooling module sends a signal to open the vent valve of the pipeline for a first preset duration when the pipeline temperature value is greater than a first preset temperature threshold; and sends a signal to close the vent valve of the pipeline for a second preset duration when the pipeline temperature value is less than a second preset temperature threshold.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control module controls the opening and closing of the vent valve of the pipeline, and the control module is also used to control the opening of the engine pump pre-pump valve and the pump post-pump vent valve after the pipeline pre-cooling is completed.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the precooling module sends a signal to close the engine pump discharge valve if the temperature at the engine pump inlet is lower than a third preset temperature threshold for a third preset duration.

[0060] Specifically, the measurement module includes a temperature sensor installed at a temperature measuring point on the pipeline before the engine pump, for measuring the pipeline temperature in real time and outputting the pipeline temperature value. In one embodiment, the measurement module also includes a pressure sensor installed on the pipeline before the engine pump, for monitoring the pipeline pressure in real time and outputting the pressure value.

[0061] The precooling module is connected to the measurement module and includes a first temperature threshold setting unit, a second temperature threshold setting unit, and a precooling control unit. The first and second temperature threshold setting units are used to set a first set temperature threshold of -175℃ and a second set temperature threshold of -165℃, respectively. Based on the relationship between the pipeline temperature and the first set temperature threshold of -175℃, the precooling control unit continuously sends a signal to open the pipeline vent valve for 15 seconds when the pipeline temperature is greater than -175℃; and continuously sends a signal to close the pipeline vent valve for 1 minute when the pipeline temperature is less than -165℃.

[0062] In one embodiment, the precooling control unit sends a signal to open the vent valve of the oxidizer pipeline for 15 seconds if the oxidizer pipeline temperature is greater than -175°C, and sends a signal to open the vent valve of the propellant pipeline for 15 seconds if the propellant pipeline temperature is greater than -145°C. The precooling control unit sends a signal to close the vent valve of the oxidizer pipeline for 1 minute if the oxidizer pipeline temperature is less than -165°C, and sends a signal to close the vent valve of the propellant pipeline for 40 seconds if the propellant pipeline temperature is less than -135°C.

[0063] The control module is connected to the precooling module and includes a valve control unit and a timing control unit. The valve control unit directly controls the opening and closing of the corresponding valves based on the valve control signals sent by the precooling module. The timing control unit controls the operating sequence of the valve control units to ensure the normal opening and closing operation of the vent valves. The control module also includes a pre-pump valve and a post-pump vent valve control unit, which controls the opening of the engine pre-pump valve and the post-pump vent valve after the pipeline precooling is completed.

[0064] The precooling module also includes a third temperature threshold setting unit for setting a third set temperature threshold. When the oxidant temperature at the engine pump inlet is less than -180°C, the precooling control unit sends a signal to close the exhaust valve of the engine oxidant pump for one minute; when the propellant temperature at the engine pump inlet is less than -160°C, the precooling control unit sends a signal to close the exhaust valve of the engine propellant pump for one minute.

[0065] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling pre-cooling during engine testing, characterized in that, include: Step S1: Obtain the pipeline temperature value based on the temperature signal from the temperature sensor installed on the pipeline before the engine pump; Step S2: After the pipeline temperature value remains above the first set temperature threshold for a first preset time, open the vent valve of the pipeline to reduce the pipeline temperature. Step S3: During the process of reducing the pipeline temperature, if the pipeline temperature value is lower than the second set temperature threshold for a second preset time, the vent valve of the pipeline is closed. Step S4: Open the engine pump inlet valve and the pump outlet valve to pre-cool the engine until the temperature at the engine pump outlet is lower than the third set temperature threshold for a third set duration. Steps S1 to S3 can be repeated during this process to complete the engine test pre-cooling.

2. The engine test pre-cooling control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S1 includes: The temperature signals from multiple temperature sensors on the engine pump pipeline are acquired, and the average value of these multiple temperature signals is taken as the pipeline temperature value.

3. The engine test pre-cooling control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The procedure preceding step S1 also includes: Open the valve on the coolant reservoir that connects to the engine pump line.

4. The engine test pre-cooling control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S2 includes: If the temperature in the oxidant pipeline exceeds the first set temperature threshold of the oxidant and the oxidant continues to oxidize for a first preset time, open the vent valve of the oxidant pipeline. When the temperature in the propellant pipeline exceeds the first set temperature threshold of the propellant and the propellant continues to burn for a first preset time, the vent valve of the propellant pipeline is opened.

5. The engine test pre-cooling control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Step S3 includes: If the temperature of the oxidant pipeline is lower than the second set temperature threshold of the oxidant for a second preset time, the vent valve of the oxidant pipeline will be closed; if the temperature of the propellant pipeline is lower than the second set temperature threshold of the propellant for a second preset time, the vent valve of the propellant pipeline will be closed.

6. An engine test pre-cooling control system, characterized in that, include: The measurement module includes a temperature sensor on the pipeline before the engine pump and outputs the pipeline temperature value. The precooling module, connected to the measurement module, is used to receive pipeline temperature values ​​and issue valve control signals based on the pipeline temperature values. The control module, connected to the precooling module, is used to receive valve control signals and control the opening and closing of the corresponding valves accordingly.

7. The engine test pre-cooling control system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The precooling module sends a signal to open the vent valve of the pipeline for a first preset time when the pipeline temperature value is greater than a first preset temperature threshold; and sends a signal to close the vent valve of the pipeline for a second preset time when the pipeline temperature value is less than a second preset temperature threshold.

8. The engine test pre-cooling control system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module controls the opening and closing of the vent valve in the pipeline. The control module is also used to control the opening of the valve before the engine pump and the vent valve after the pipeline precooling is completed.

9. The engine test pre-cooling control system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The precooling module sends a signal to close the engine pump discharge valve if the temperature at the engine pump inlet remains below a third set temperature threshold for a third set duration.

10. A main controller for engine test pre-cooling, characterized in that, include: Processor and memory storing computer program instructions; When the processor executes the computer program instructions, it implements the engine test pre-cooling control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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