Compressor Inlet Guide Vane Ice Removal via Reciprocating Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice formation on compressor inlet guide vanes in gas turbine engines reduces airflow and prevents vane movement, affecting compressor operation and engine performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determines if the actual inlet guide vane position differs from the commanded position by a predetermined error magnitude, and if so, repeatedly commands the vanes to move in at least two predetermined directions to remove ice and prevent reformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inlet guide vanes are kept stationary to maintain precise position control, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ice formation prevents movement and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic reciprocating movement of the inlet guide vanes by commanding them to oscillate between predetermined positions. This periodic action prevents ice accumulation by continuously disrupting ice formation, while the movement is controlled to maintain operational precision. The controller monitors position errors and activates reciprocating motion when ice detection thresholds are exceeded, thereby maintaining both reliability and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static vane position control mode to a dynamic reciprocating motion mode when ice conditions are detected. By making the vanes dynamically movable rather than stationary, the system prevents ice adhesion while maintaining the ability to achieve precise positioning when needed. The controller dynamically adjusts between holding position and reciprocating motion based on real-time position error feedback.
2Reliability
If inlet guide vanes are moved frequently to prevent ice formation, then reliability is improved, but airflow regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses controlled periodic reciprocating motion rather than continuous movement. The vanes oscillate between predetermined positions for a limited duration and amplitude, which is sufficient to prevent ice formation but minimal enough to maintain airflow regulation precision. The controller manages the frequency and range of reciprocating motion to balance reliability improvement with position control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial reciprocating action only when ice detection thresholds are exceeded, rather than continuous movement. The reciprocating motion is activated selectively based on position error magnitude, providing just enough movement to prevent ice formation without unnecessarily compromising position precision during normal operation.
3Reliability
If reciprocating motion amplitude is increased to effectively remove ice, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but airflow disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies reciprocating motion with predetermined amplitude and frequency that is sufficient to remove ice but minimized to reduce airflow disturbance. The controller selects reciprocating parameters that provide the minimum necessary action to clear ice while maintaining acceptable airflow efficiency, avoiding excessive motion that would unnecessarily disrupt compressor performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating motion is applied periodically with controlled duration and frequency rather than continuously. This allows ice removal effectiveness while limiting the total time vanes are in reciprocating mode, thereby minimizing overall airflow disturbance to the compressor. The periodic nature enables the system to return to stable position control after ice clearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for effectively removing ice that may have formed on gas turbine engine compressor inlet guide vanes and/or preventing, or at least inhibiting, reformation of ice on gas turbine engine compressor inlet guide vanes after the ice has been removed. A determination is made as to whether actual inlet guide vane position differs from the commanded inlet guide vane position by a predetermined amount. If so, then the inlet guide vanes are repeatedly commanded to move in at least two predetermined directions to remove ice that may have formed on the inlet guide vanes.