Aircraft Climb Parameter Control for Aircraft-Specific Fuel Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft typically operate with a fixed airspeed during the climb phase, leading to increased fuel burn and costs, as this approach does not account for the unique characteristics of individual aircraft, which can vary significantly in terms of build, flight, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize data from sensors onboard the aircraft to determine efficient climb phase parameters, such as speed and climb rate, based on actual flight data, rather than relying on generic or test aircraft-derived settings. This system includes a control unit that receives data from various sensors, generates neural network models, and determines the lowest cost index for fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed airspeed is used during climb phase based on test aircraft data, then the operation is simple and standardized, but fuel consumption increases and cost efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic climb speed adjustment by transitioning from fixed test-aircraft-based speeds to real-time, aircraft-specific speed optimization using neural network models that continuously adapt to actual flight conditions and aircraft characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by collecting actual flight data from sensors, comparing it with neural network predictions, and using the results to refine and update climb speed parameters for continuous improvement of fuel efficiency
2Device complexity
If climb phase parameters are determined from a single test aircraft, then the determination process is simplified, but the applicability to individual aircraft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each aircraft serves itself by using its own actual flight data to train and refine its specific neural network model, enabling self-optimization of climb parameters without requiring complex external calibration for each individual aircraft
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters from generic test-aircraft-based values to aircraft-specific values derived from actual flight data, allowing each aircraft to have optimized climb parameters tailored to its unique characteristics
3Stability of the object's composition
If generic climb speed settings are used for aircraft class, then standardization is maintained, but fuel efficiency and operational cost performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the homogeneous aircraft class into individual aircraft entities, each with its own neural network model and optimized climb parameters, allowing customization while maintaining overall system structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for operating an aircraft during a climb phase of flight include a control unit configured to receive data regarding one or both of a current flight or one or more previous flights of the aircraft from one or more sensors of the aircraft. The control unit is further configured to determine efficient climb phase parameters for the aircraft based on the data. The aircraft is operated during the climb phase of one or both of the current flight or one or more future flights according to the efficient climb phase parameters.