Aircraft Engine Run-State Control for Fuel and Part-Life Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no convenient way for aircraft owners or operators to determine whether to keep the engines running or shut them down during waiting periods on the ground, considering factors like fuel consumption, limited lifetime parts, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A system that processes real-time information from sensors and additional data about limited lifetime parts to make determinations on engine operation, including generating outputs for pilots on whether to keep engines running or shut them down, using algorithms that balance operational costs and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the engine is kept running during waiting periods, then the aircraft is ready for immediate departure improving productivity, but fuel consumption increases and emissions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine operation state based on real-time data including weather conditions, aircraft weight, and predicted wait time. The engine control is not static but adapts to changing conditions, switching between running and shutdown states optimally
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations and predictions about the waiting period and flight conditions to determine the optimal engine state before the actual decision is needed. This allows proactive optimization rather than reactive adjustments
2Loss of energy
If the engine is shut down during waiting periods, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the aircraft requires restart time reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors real-time data from sensors and updates the engine operation recommendation based on current conditions. This feedback loop ensures the decision remains optimal even as conditions change during the waiting period
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts engine operation state based on real-time data including weather conditions, aircraft weight, and predicted wait time. The engine control is not static but adapts to changing conditions, switching between running and shutdown states optimally
3Adaptability or versatility
If the engine runs frequently, then operational flexibility is maintained, but limited lifetime parts wear increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters such as engine start-stop timing and duration based on the condition of limited lifetime parts. By adjusting these parameters, the system balances the need for operational flexibility with the need to preserve part lifetime
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes obtaining, using at least one processing device, real-time information associated with operation of an aircraft from one or more sensors of the aircraft. The method also includes obtaining, using the at least one processing device, additional information associated with the aircraft, where at least some of the additional information is associated with limited lifetime parts of the aircraft. The method further includes processing, using the at least one processing device, the real-time information and the additional information to generate a determination whether one or more engines of the aircraft should continue running or should be shut down and subsequently restarted. In addition, the method includes generating, using the at least one processing device, at least one output identifying how to operate the one or more engines of the aircraft based on the determination.