Propeller controller test device and test method for software simulation propeller-engine cooperation
By designing a software-simulated propeller controller test device that simulates the propeller-engine interaction, and utilizing a propeller load simulation unit, an engine simulation unit, and a signal adjustment unit, closed-loop control of the propeller controller is achieved. This solves the problem that existing test devices cannot fully verify the pitch control accuracy, reduces test costs, and improves test coverage and accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing testing equipment cannot fully verify the pitch control accuracy of propeller controllers, and traditional testing methods are costly and not comprehensive enough.
Design a software simulation propeller controller test device, including a propeller load simulation unit, an engine simulation unit, a main control simulation unit, and a signal adjustment unit. The software simulation layer simulates the dynamic coordination process between the propeller and the engine to achieve closed-loop control.
Effective testing of propeller controller control accuracy in a laboratory environment reduces testing costs, replaces expensive bench tests, and improves test coverage and accuracy.
Smart Images
Figure CN121785285A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propeller control, and in particular relates to a test device and test method for a propeller controller that simulates propeller-engine coordination using software. Background Technology
[0002] Turboprop engines are widely used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to their excellent fuel economy and takeoff and landing performance. The propeller controller is one of the core components of the turboprop engine control system. It forms a closed-loop control based on the speed commands from the flight control computer and the acquired propeller speed to ensure that the propeller speed reaches the speed commands required by the flight control.
[0003] The performance of the propeller controller directly affects the flight safety and performance of the drone. Therefore, it must undergo comprehensive and rigorous testing before leaving the factory. Traditional testing methods mainly rely on old testing equipment for pitch control testing. This method is not comprehensive enough; it can only test the pitch control function of the propeller controller and cannot effectively verify the pitch control accuracy of the propeller controller.
[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, a low-cost, compact, and easily implemented software-simulated propeller controller testing device was designed to perform factory testing on the propeller controller. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a test device and test method for a propeller controller that simulates propeller-engine coordination using software, so as to effectively test the control accuracy of the propeller controller in a laboratory environment.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:
[0007] First, the invention content of the propeller controller test equipment for software simulation of propeller-generator coordination will be explained:
[0008] A test device for a propeller controller that simulates propeller-engine coordination using software includes the propeller controller under test and a software simulation layer.
[0009] The software simulation layer includes a propeller load simulation unit, an engine simulation unit, a main control simulation unit, and a signal adjustment unit.
[0010] The propeller load simulation unit is connected to the propeller controller under test. The propeller controller under test receives the speed signal command from the host computer and then drives the propeller load simulation unit to change the pitch. The propeller load simulation unit outputs the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque to the engine simulation unit.
[0011] The engine simulation unit is used to receive the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque output by the propeller load simulation unit, adjust the load according to the information, and then output the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed to the main control simulation unit.
[0012] The main control simulation unit is used to integrate the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed output by the engine simulation unit, filter the real-time propeller speed to generate a standard speed signal, and generate an engine status signal at the same time, and output the standard speed signal and engine status signal to the signal adjustment unit.
[0013] The signal adjustment unit is used to receive the standard speed signal output by the main control simulation unit, convert the standard speed signal into signal data that matches the specifications collected by the propeller controller under test, and transmit it to the propeller controller under test.
[0014] Furthermore, the software simulation layer is developed based on a real-time simulation platform.
[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an interface unit, through which the propeller load simulation unit is connected to the propeller controller under test.
[0016] The above describes the invention of a propeller controller testing device that simulates propeller-generator coordination using software. This invention also includes a propeller controller testing method that simulates propeller-generator coordination using software. The invention's content is described below:
[0017] A software-simulated propeller controller testing method includes the following steps:
[0018] S10: System initialization, start the software simulation layer and load the preset model parameters of the propeller load simulation unit and engine simulation unit, initialize the interface unit, establish the communication connection between the host computer and the propeller controller under test and the software simulation layer, and the host computer sends a zero command to make the propeller controller under test enter the standby state.
[0019] S20: Test execution, the host computer sends the target speed command to the propeller controller under test; after receiving the target speed command, the propeller controller under test outputs the pitch control signal, which is converted into a digital signal by the interface unit and transmitted to the propeller load simulation unit of the software simulation layer.
[0020] S30: The propeller load simulation unit adjusts the pitch according to the received signal, calculates the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque, and outputs it to the engine simulation unit.
[0021] S40: The engine simulation unit adjusts the load based on the received signal, calculates the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed, and outputs the results to the main control simulation unit.
[0022] S50: The main control simulation unit filters the real-time propeller speed, generates a standard speed signal and an engine status signal, and outputs them to the signal adjustment unit.
[0023] S60: The signal adjustment unit converts the standard speed signal into signal data that matches the specifications acquired by the propeller controller under test, and transmits it to the propeller controller under test.
[0024] S70: The propeller controller under test collects the feedback speed signal, compares it with the target speed command, and adjusts the pitch control signal to form a closed-loop control.
[0025] The host computer records key data such as the target speed command, actual speed, and control error in real time until the system reaches a steady state.
[0026] S80: Test ends. The host computer sends a stop command, the tested propeller controller returns to its initial state, the software simulation layer stops the simulation and saves the test data, the host computer analyzes the test data, calculates the control accuracy index, and generates a test report.
[0027] Furthermore, the target speed command in step S20 includes a step speed command, a ramp speed command, or a sinusoidal speed command; the value of the target speed command is 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of the rated speed of the propeller.
[0028] Compared with existing technologies, the software-simulated propeller controller testing equipment and method for propeller-engine coordination described in this invention have the following advantages:
[0029] The software simulation propeller controller test equipment and test method described in this invention can simulate the dynamic coordination process of the propeller controller with the engine and propeller in a laboratory environment, effectively solving the problem that the original test equipment cannot test the control accuracy of the propeller controller. At the same time, it can replace expensive bench tests, reducing test costs and risks. Attached Figure Description
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the propeller controller test equipment for software simulation of propeller-generator coordination according to an embodiment of the present invention; Detailed Implementation
[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0033] Example 1, as Figure 1 As shown, a software simulation propeller controller test device includes a propeller controller under test, an interface unit, and a software simulation layer.
[0034] The propeller controller under test receives speed commands from the host computer, outputs pitch control signals, and collects feedback propeller speed signals to complete closed-loop speed control. The host computer sends speed commands to the propeller controller under test and collects, records, and analyzes key data during the test process in real time to generate a test report.
[0035] The interface unit is connected to the propeller controller under test and the software simulation layer respectively, and is used to realize the bidirectional conversion of physical signals between the propeller controller under test and the software simulation layer, including converting the pitch control signal output by the propeller controller under test into a digital signal that can be recognized by the software, and converting the speed signal output by the software simulation layer into a signal that can be acquired by the propeller controller under test.
[0036] In this invention, the software simulation layer is developed based on a real-time simulation platform and includes a propeller load simulation unit, an engine simulation unit, a main control simulation unit, and a signal adjustment unit.
[0037] The propeller load simulation unit is connected to the propeller controller under test through an interface unit. The propeller controller under test receives the speed signal command from the host computer and then drives the propeller load simulation unit to change pitch through the interface unit. The propeller load simulation unit calculates the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque, and outputs the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque to the engine simulation unit.
[0038] The engine simulation unit is used to receive the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque output by the propeller load simulation unit, adjust the load according to the information, calculate the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed, and output the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed to the main control simulation unit.
[0039] The main control simulation unit is used to integrate the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed output by the engine simulation unit, filter the real-time propeller speed to generate a standard speed signal, generate an engine status signal, and output the standard speed signal and engine status signal to the signal adjustment unit.
[0040] The signal adjustment unit is used to receive the standard speed signal output by the main control simulation unit, convert the standard speed signal into signal data that matches the specifications collected by the propeller controller under test, and transmit it to the propeller controller under test.
[0041] Example 2: A test method for a propeller controller that simulates propeller-generator coordination using software, comprising the following steps:
[0042] S10: System initialization, start the software simulation layer and load the preset model parameters of the propeller load simulation unit and engine simulation unit, initialize the interface unit, establish the communication connection between the host computer and the propeller controller under test and the software simulation layer, and the host computer sends a zero command to make the propeller controller under test enter the standby state.
[0043] S20: Test execution, the host computer sends the target speed command to the propeller controller under test; after receiving the target speed command, the propeller controller under test outputs the pitch control signal, which is converted into a digital signal by the interface unit and transmitted to the propeller load simulation unit of the software simulation layer.
[0044] S30: The propeller load simulation unit adjusts the pitch according to the received signal, calculates the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque, and outputs it to the engine simulation unit.
[0045] S40: The engine simulation unit adjusts the load based on the received signal, calculates the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed, and outputs the results to the main control simulation unit.
[0046] S50: The main control simulation unit filters the real-time propeller speed, generates a standard speed signal and an engine status signal, and outputs them to the signal adjustment unit.
[0047] S60: The signal adjustment unit converts the received standard speed signal into signal data that matches the specifications collected by the propeller controller under test, and transmits it to the propeller controller under test.
[0048] S70: The propeller controller under test collects the feedback speed signal, compares it with the target speed command, and adjusts the pitch control signal to form a closed-loop control.
[0049] The host computer records key data such as the target speed command, actual speed, and control error in real time until the system reaches a steady state.
[0050] S80: Test ends. The host computer sends a stop command, the tested propeller controller returns to its initial state, the software simulation layer stops the simulation and saves the test data, the host computer analyzes the test data, calculates the control accuracy index, and generates a test report.
[0051] Preferably, the target speed command in step S20 includes a step speed command, a ramp speed command, or a sinusoidal speed command; the value of the target speed command is 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of the rated speed of the propeller.
[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is 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 software-simulated propeller controller testing device for propeller-generator coordination, characterized in that: This includes the propeller controller under test and the software simulation layer; The software simulation layer includes a propeller load simulation unit, an engine simulation unit, a main control simulation unit, and a signal adjustment unit. The propeller load simulation unit is connected to the propeller controller under test. The propeller controller under test receives the speed signal command from the host computer and then drives the propeller load simulation unit to change the pitch. The propeller load simulation unit outputs the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque to the engine simulation unit. The engine simulation unit is used to receive the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque output by the propeller load simulation unit, adjust the load according to the information, and then output the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed to the main control simulation unit. The main control simulation unit is used to integrate the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed output by the engine simulation unit, filter the real-time propeller speed to generate a standard speed signal, and generate an engine status signal at the same time, and output the standard speed signal and engine status signal to the signal adjustment unit. The signal adjustment unit is used to receive the standard speed signal output by the main control simulation unit, convert the standard speed signal into signal data that matches the specifications collected by the propeller controller under test, and transmit it to the propeller controller under test.
2. The propeller controller test device for software simulation of propeller-generator coordination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The software simulation layer is developed based on a real-time simulation platform.
3. The propeller controller test device for software simulation of propeller-generator coordination according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an interface unit, through which the propeller load simulation unit is connected to the propeller controller under test.
4. A test method for a propeller controller based on software simulation of propeller-generator coordination according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S10: System initialization, start the software simulation layer and load the preset model parameters of the propeller load simulation unit and engine simulation unit, initialize the interface unit, establish the communication connection between the host computer and the propeller controller under test and the software simulation layer, and the host computer sends a zero command to make the propeller controller under test enter the standby state. S20: Test execution, the host computer sends the target speed command to the propeller controller under test; After receiving the target speed command, the propeller controller under test outputs a pitch control signal, which is converted into a digital signal by the interface unit and transmitted to the propeller load simulation unit in the software simulation layer. S30: The propeller load simulation unit adjusts the pitch according to the received signal, calculates the actual pitch angle and propeller drag torque, and outputs it to the engine simulation unit. S40: The engine simulation unit adjusts the load based on the received signal, calculates the engine output torque and real-time propeller speed, and outputs them to the main control simulation unit. S50: The main control simulation unit filters the real-time propeller speed, generates a standard speed signal and an engine status signal, and outputs them to the signal adjustment unit. S60: The signal adjustment unit converts the standard speed signal into signal data that matches the specifications acquired by the propeller controller under test, and transmits it to the propeller controller under test. S70: The propeller controller under test collects the feedback speed signal, compares it with the target speed command, and adjusts the pitch control signal to form a closed-loop control. The host computer records key data such as the target speed command, actual speed, and control error in real time until the system reaches a steady state. S80: Test ends. The host computer sends a stop command, the tested propeller controller returns to its initial state, the software simulation layer stops the simulation and saves the test data, the host computer analyzes the test data, calculates the control accuracy index, and generates a test report.
5. The software simulation propeller controller test method according to claim 4, characterized in that: According to the propeller controller testing method of claim 2, the target speed command in step S20 includes a step speed command, a ramp speed command, or a sinusoidal speed command; the value of the target speed command is 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of the rated speed of the propeller.