Adaptive Turbomachine Shaft Power Transfer for Fatigue Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine maintenance operations are costly and disruptive due to fatigue indicators reaching thresholds at varying rates based on actual usage, not average usage, necessitating a more tailored approach to extend maintenance intervals.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a fatigue analysis module to determine the most advanced fatigue indicator and a control module to manage power transfer between high-pressure and low-pressure shafts, slowing down the predominant fatigue to extend maintenance intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maintenance operations are performed when fatigue indicators reach thresholds, then turbomachine reliability is ensured, but maintenance costs increase and operational availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the power transfer between high-pressure and low-pressure shafts based on real-time fatigue indicator analysis. The system continuously monitors multiple fatigue indicators (low-cycle fatigue, creep fatigue, high-cycle fatigue) and adapts the power transfer to slow down the progression of the most advanced fatigue indicator, thereby extending maintenance intervals while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where fatigue indicators are continuously measured and analyzed. The control device receives feedback on the state of fatigue indicators and adjusts the power transfer system accordingly. The fatigue analysis module determines which indicator is most advanced and the control module modifies power transfer to slow down that specific fatigue progression, creating a self-regulating system that extends maintenance intervals.
2Ease of manufacture
If average usage thresholds are used for maintenance scheduling, then standardization is achieved, but actual maintenance needs based on specific usage patterns are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a uniform maintenance approach to a localized, component-specific strategy. Instead of applying a single maintenance threshold to the entire turbomachine, the system independently monitors and analyzes multiple fatigue indicators for different components (high-pressure compressor, high-pressure turbine, low-pressure turbine) and applies targeted power transfer adjustments to address the specific fatigue progression of each component based on actual usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the power transfer system based on fatigue indicator analysis. When specific fatigue indicators approach their thresholds, the control module modifies power transfer parameters (power level, duration, timing) to slow down the progression of that specific fatigue indicator. This allows the system to adapt maintenance timing to actual usage patterns while maintaining standardized monitoring and control procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling a power-transfer system for the transfer of power between a high-pressure shaft and a low-pressure shaft of a turbomachine of an aircraft, including a fatigue analysis module analysing the fatigue of the turboma-chine and designed to determine, from between two indicators (D1, D2) respectively measuring two fatigues of the turbomachine, which is the one that is the most advanced, which is to say which is the one at risk of being first to reach a respective upper limit (D1max, D2max); and—a control module controlling the power transfer system and designed to slow the fatigue measured by the more advanced indicator (D1, D2).