Built-In Testing of Actively Controlled Fuel Nozzles via PMV Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inability to detect failure or loss of calibration in Actively Controlled Fuel Nozzles (AC Nozzles) due to high temperatures in gas turbine engines leads to performance degradation and localized hot spots, impacting turbine durability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A method to detect performance degradation in AC Nozzles by measuring delta pressures across Proportional Metering Valves (PMVs) under normal and modified operating conditions, using an electronic controller to vary fuel flow, and comparing delta pressures to identify calibration issues or failures without position feedback sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position feedback sensors are used to detect AC Nozzle failure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and the system becomes unsuitable for high temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical position feedback sensors with an electronic control system that uses electrical signals and processing logic to detect nozzle failures. The electronic controller monitors electrical parameters and compares them against expected values to identify calibration losses or failures, eliminating the need for physical sensors in the high-temperature nozzle environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system that mediates between the fuel nozzle and the detection function. Instead of placing sensors directly in the nozzle, the controller acts as an intermediary that receives electrical signals from the nozzle actuation system and processes them to detect calibration status, thereby avoiding direct exposure to high temperatures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If AC Nozzle is used to control fuel flow, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect calibration loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electronic controller continuously monitors electrical parameters from the AC Nozzle actuation system and compares them against expected calibration values. When deviations exceed thresholds, the system identifies calibration loss or failure, providing feedback that maintains reliability while preserving the adaptability of the AC Nozzle for precise fuel flow control.
3Device complexity
If AC Nozzle fails without detection, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful effects increase due to undetected calibration loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the AC Nozzle system to self-diagnose its own calibration status through the electronic controller monitoring electrical parameters. The system serves itself by detecting its own degradation without requiring external sensors or complex detection systems, thereby preventing harmful effects like hot spots while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting performance degradation of an AC Nozzle in a gas turbine engine including operating the gas turbine engine under a normal operating condition, maintaining the fuel flow rate at a constant fuel flow rate, determining a delta pressure PDelta-Normal across an N number of Proportional Metering Valves (PMVs) as the gas turbine engine is operating under the normal operating condition, selecting a PMV and an AC Nozzle, controlling the PMV to modify a fuel flow rate to the selected AC Nozzle to cause the gas turbine engine to operate under a modified fuel flow condition, determining a delta pressure PDelta-Modified across the N number of PMVs as the gas turbine engine is operating under the modified operating condition and comparing the delta pressure PDelta-Normal with the delta pressure PDelta-Modified to determine if the selected AC Nozzle is uncalibrated or has failed.