Aircraft Fuel Leak Detection Using Engine-Specific Flow Baselines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel leak detection systems in aircraft have limitations, such as limited accuracy and the inability to detect leaks downstream of engine flowmeters, and often require high error margins due to a single predetermined parameter model fitting all engines.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that acquire baseline and current fuel flows for each engine, calculate ratios, and trigger fuel leak detection based on specific conditions, including differences in fuel flow ratios and throttle positions, to accurately detect leaks in both engines, even when the aircraft is in flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single predetermined parameter model is used to fit all engines, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of fuel leak detection deteriorates due to high error margins required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel leak detection approach by implementing separate baseline fuel flow models for each engine rather than using a single universal model. Each engine receives individual baseline fuel flow acquisitions and ratio calculations, allowing customized detection thresholds and parameters for each engine's specific characteristics, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by establishing engine-specific baseline fuel flow models that account for individual engine variations. Each engine has its own baseline acquisition process and ratio calculation methodology, allowing the system to adapt to local characteristics of each engine while maintaining a unified detection framework
2Measurement precision
If baseline fuel flow is acquired over a period of time while operating in accordance with a specific mode of operation, then the measurement precision of fuel leak detection is improved, but the time required for detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by acquiring baseline fuel flow data during normal engine operation before actual fuel leak detection is needed. The system continuously or periodically builds up baseline models during cruise and other stable operating modes, so that when detection is required, the comparison can be made immediately against pre-established baselines, reducing actual detection time while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by continuously acquiring and updating baseline fuel flow data during various operating modes. Rather than performing discrete measurements, the system continuously refines baseline models during normal operation, ensuring that detection is always based on the most current and accurate baseline data available
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and a system for detecting a fuel leak in an aircraft, the aircraft comprising a first engine and a second engine. The method comprises upon determining that the aircraft has reached a first mode of operation: acquiring a first baseline fuel flow of the first engine; acquiring a second baseline fuel flow of the second engine. The method further comprises monitoring a first current fuel flow measured at the first engine and a second current fuel flow measured at the second engine; and triggering a fuel leak detection based on an analysis of the first baseline fuel flow, the first current fuel flow, the second baseline fuel flow and the second current fuel flow.