Aircraft Taxi Engine Start Sequencing for Lower Fuel Burn
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-engine aircraft taxiing operations, the random selection of which engine to start first can lead to increased fuel consumption without data-driven optimization, potentially causing more fuel to be used than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine which engine to start first based on historical fuel usage data and taxiway information, optimizing factors such as fuel consumption, engine priority, and brake wear to minimize overall fuel usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a pilot randomly selects which engine to start first during taxiing operations, then the operation is simple and quick to perform, but fuel consumption increases due to lack of optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of historical fuel usage data and taxiway information before the taxiing operation to determine the optimal engine start sequence. This advance preparation allows the system to provide data-driven recommendations that optimize fuel consumption without adding complexity to the actual taxiing execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically accesses and analyzes historical fuel usage data and taxiway information without requiring pilot intervention. The determination module autonomously evaluates multiple factors and generates optimization recommendations, reducing the burden on pilots while improving fuel efficiency.
2Reliability
If a pilot randomly selects which engine to start first, then the decision-making process is fast and simple, but pilot error may cause suboptimal fuel usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes historical fuel usage data as feedback to continuously improve engine start sequence recommendations. By analyzing past performance data and comparing it with taxiway conditions, the system provides increasingly accurate optimization guidance that reduces pilot error while maintaining rapid decision-making capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination module acts as an intermediary between historical data/taxiway information and pilot decision-making. It processes complex data analysis and translates it into clear, actionable recommendations, allowing pilots to make informed decisions quickly without needing to manually analyze multiple factors.
3Use of energy by moving object
If historical fuel usage data and taxiway information are analyzed to determine engine start sequence, then fuel consumption is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination module serves multiple functions: accessing historical fuel usage data, analyzing taxiway information, evaluating multiple optimization factors, and generating recommendations. This multi-functionality consolidates complex operations into a single integrated system, improving fuel efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining which engine of an aircraft to start first for a taxiing operation and/or for estimating a total amount of fuel needed by the aircraft for conducting the taxiing operation includes receiving or accessing historical fuel usage data for each of the first and second engines, receiving or accessing taxiway information, determining which of the first and second engines to start before the other based on optimizing one or more predetermined factors, and producing a first-to-start alert indicating which of the first and second engines is a first-to-start engine. An engine use plan may be determined, the total amount of fuel needed for executing the taxiing operation may be estimated, and a fuel-estimate indication may be produced.