Aircraft Engine Dual-Spool Synchronization via Bias Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine synchronization methods for dual-spool gas turbine engines only synchronize one spool of each engine, ignoring differences in rotational speeds between the other spools, which can cause unpleasant audible noise beats in the aircraft cabin.
Innovation Solution
A method that receives feedback on the rotational speed difference between the second spools of two engines, determines a bias based on sensed parameters like altitude or bleed air flow, and adjusts the rotational speed of one engine's second spool to synchronize it with the other engine's second spool, using acoustic or vibration measurements to minimize noise beats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only one spool of each engine is synchronized using existing methods, then the synchronization process is simple, but audible noise beats occur in the aircraft cabin due to unsynchronized second spools
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses acoustic sensors to detect noise beats in the cabin and vibration sensors to measure spool rotational speeds. This feedback is processed by a controller that automatically adjusts throttle settings to synchronize both spools of each engine, eliminating the need for manual intervention while reducing audible noise beats through continuous monitoring and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters from synchronizing only one spool to synchronizing both first and second spools of each engine. By adjusting throttle settings based on rotational speed differences detected by vibration sensors, the system modifies operational parameters to achieve complete spool synchronization across all engine components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If both spools of each engine are synchronized, then audible noise beats are reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system operates autonomously by automatically detecting rotational speed differences through vibration sensors, processing the feedback through a controller, and adjusting throttle settings without pilot intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain synchronization of both spools, reducing manual workload while achieving complete noise beat elimination
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated process: it monitors rotational speeds of both spools, detects noise beat conditions, calculates required throttle adjustments, and executes synchronization commands. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations into one unified automated system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and related apparatus for improving synchronization of two or more engines on an aircraft are disclosed. Such method may be used where each engine comprises a first spool and a second spool, and, where a rotational speed of a first spool of a first engine has been substantially synchronized with a rotational speed of a first spool of a second engine. An exemplary method comprises receiving a value of a sensed parameter useful in controlling the first engine; adding a bias to the value; and using the biased value for controlling the first engine to cause a change in rotational speed of the second spool of the first engine in relation to the rotational speed of the first spool of the first engine.