Automated Engine Start Timing for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft engine startup timing is manual and inefficient, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption, emissions, and noise, as engines often idle for extended periods before takeoff, wasting fuel and causing environmental and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
An automated system calculates an optimal engine startup time based on factors like aircraft position, taxi speed, weather, and engine temperature, using a computer system to synchronize engine start with takeoff, ensuring engines reach necessary temperatures before takeoff while minimizing idle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If engine startup is initiated early at the gate or during push-back, then the aircraft can be ready for departure, but fuel consumption, emissions, and noise increase due to extended idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations and preparations for engine startup by receiving data inputs about factors influencing departure time and engine startup requirements, then calculates an optimal countdown timing that allows engines to be started just in time for takeoff rather than idling early, thus reducing fuel consumption while maintaining departure readiness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring multiple data inputs including aircraft position, taxi speed, weather conditions, and engine temperature to dynamically adjust the engine startup timing calculation, ensuring engines are started at the optimal moment that balances departure timing requirements with fuel efficiency
2Ease of operation
If engine startup timing is left to pilot discretion, then operational flexibility is maintained, but optimal timing for fuel efficiency and emissions reduction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically calculating and determining the optimal engine startup timing based on received data inputs about departure factors and engine requirements, eliminating the need for pilot discretion while achieving optimal fuel efficiency and emissions reduction through automated timing optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by analyzing multiple variables including weather conditions, engine temperature, taxi speed, and aircraft position to calculate the precise optimal startup timing, transforming the subjective pilot decision-making process into an objective parameter-based optimization that reduces emissions while maintaining operational requirements
3Reliability
If engines idle for extended periods before takeoff, then the aircraft is prepared for departure, but environmental impact and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by calculating a dynamic countdown timing that adapts to changing conditions through multiple data inputs, determining the precise moment for engine startup that ensures departure readiness while minimizing idle time, thus optimizing operational efficiency without compromising reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automated timing of engine startup for an aircraft is provided. The method comprises receiving data inputs regarding a number of factors influencing a time to departure for the aircraft and receiving data inputs regarding a number of factors influencing time to start and set takeoff power for a number of engines on the aircraft. An engine startup countdown is calculated based on a comparison of a nominal time to departure with a nominal minimum time to start and set takeoff power for the engines, wherein the nominal time to departure is based on the first data inputs and the nominal minimum time to start and set takeoff power is based on the second data inputs. Upon completion of the countdown an engine start signal is sent.