Adaptive Gas Turbine Lightoff Control for High Altitude Starts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in starting efficiently at high altitudes due to inadequate adaptation to varying operational and environmental conditions, restrictive air start envelopes, and the need for redesign or reprogramming with engine upgrades, leading to prolonged start times and limited operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine abnormal shutdown conditions and iteratively adjust lightoff parameters to achieve a robust start, using a controller with sensors and a starter to optimize fuel flow and ignition, allowing for adaptive assisted start control and faster, more reliable engine starting across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional assisted start control schemes are used at high altitudes, then the engine can operate under high altitude conditions, but the start time is prolonged and operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control scheme dynamically adapts lightoff parameters based on real-time engine operating conditions, including altitude, temperature, and pressure. The system continuously adjusts fuel flow rates, ignitor timing, and air valve positions during the start sequence, transforming the static traditional control into a dynamic responsive system that optimizes start time while maintaining reliability across varying high altitude conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes multiple critical parameters simultaneously during the start sequence, including lightoff fuel flow rate, ignitor activation timing, compressor air valve positions, and fuel valve timing. By coordinating changes in these parameters based on altitude and environmental conditions, the system achieves faster lightoff while ensuring reliable engine start across the full high altitude operating envelope.
2Reliability
If restrictive limits are placed on air start envelopes, then the controller can maintain stable operation, but the ability to operate in high altitude airspace and at high elevation airports is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with universal adaptability to operate across the complete air start envelope from sea level to high altitude conditions. By integrating altitude compensation algorithms and environmental parameter sensing, the single control system performs multiple functions: it manages starts at various altitudes, compensates for temperature variations, and adjusts to different atmospheric pressures, eliminating the need for altitude-specific control modes while maintaining stability throughout the expanded operational envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on real-time sensing of altitude, temperature, and pressure conditions. As the engine operates through different phases of the start sequence under varying environmental conditions, the controller continuously modifies fuel flow, air valve timing, and ignitor activation to maintain optimal performance across the entire expanded operational envelope without compromising stability.
3Reliability
If controllers are designed for specific engine configurations, then the control can be optimized for that configuration, but redesign or reprogramming is required upon periodic engine upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs dynamic parameter adjustment based on real-time sensor feedback from the specific engine configuration. During engine operation, the system continuously monitors actual performance parameters and adapts control strategies accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the same controller to optimize performance across different engine configurations and versions without requiring redesign, as the system learns and adapts to the specific characteristics of each engine through operational feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates comprehensive sensor feedback from engine operating parameters, including temperature, pressure, rotational speed, and fuel flow. This feedback loop allows the controller to monitor engine performance in real-time and automatically adjust control parameters to optimize lightoff and start sequence for the specific engine configuration. Upon engine upgrades or retrofits, the feedback mechanism enables the controller to adapt to new engine characteristics through learned operational patterns rather than requiring reprogramming.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables faster and more reliable gas turbine engine starts under high altitude and varying conditions, loosens operational restrictions, and adapts to maintenance upgrades without substantial redesign, improving operational reliability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a combustor having an ignitor configured to ignite a fuel in the combustor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of starting a gas turbine engine includes determining an abnormal shutdown condition during operation of the gas turbine engine and determining a first set of lightoff parameters for the gas turbine engine. The method also includes restarting the gas turbine engine using the first set of lightoff parameters. The method further includes iteratively determining subsequent first sets of lightoff parameters and restarting the gas turbine engine using a respective subsequent first set of the determined subsequent first sets of lightoff parameters until the gas turbine maintains a first set of operational parameters, where the first set of operational parameters is representative of a robust lightoff of the gas turbine engine.