Distributed Gas Turbine Control System with Remote Interface Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of controlled parameters in gas turbine systems leads to a larger engine controller housing size and weight, complicating mounting and reducing vehicle performance, and necessitates redesign and recertification for different engine configurations, thereby increasing development costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A distributed gas turbine engine control system with remote interface units that provide local control of operational parameters, reducing the weight and complexity of the engine control system by distributing sensors and actuators throughout the turbine system, allowing a single engine controller configuration to manage various engine configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of sensors within the engine controller is increased to control more parameters, then the control capability is improved, but the size of the engine controller housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized engine controller into multiple distributed remote interface units (RIUs), each responsible for controlling specific parameters. This segmentation allows the control functionality to be distributed across multiple smaller units rather than consolidating all sensors and control logic in a single large controller, thereby maintaining control capability while reducing individual housing sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized spatial arrangement to a distributed spatial arrangement across multiple locations in the engine system. By distributing RIUs to different physical locations near the components they control, the system achieves the same control capability without requiring a single large controller housing, effectively utilizing spatial distribution to resolve the volume contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of sensors within the engine controller is increased to control more parameters, then the control capability is improved, but the weight of the engine control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into multiple distributed RIUs, each with a subset of sensors and control logic, the patent reduces the concentration of weight in one location. The distributed architecture allows for more efficient weight distribution and potential use of lighter wiring harnesses compared to a centralized system requiring extensive connections to all sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between RIUs and the central engine controller, replacing extensive physical wiring connections. This reduces the weight of the control system by eliminating heavy cable bundles while maintaining full control capability through digital communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the engine configuration is modified to vary the number and type of controlled parameters, then the adaptability is improved, but redesign and recertification of the engine controller is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into modular RIUs that can be independently configured for different parameters. This modularity allows the system to adapt to different engine configurations by simply reconfiguring or adding/removing RIUs rather than redesigning the entire controller, thereby maintaining adaptability while avoiding time-consuming redesign and recertification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable control architecture where RIUs can be added, removed, or reconfigured based on the specific engine application. This dynamic capability allows the same base controller hardware to serve multiple engine configurations without physical redesign, enabling rapid adaptation while maintaining certification of the core controller platform.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the engine configuration is modified to vary the number and type of controlled parameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into standardized modular RIUs that can be reused across different engine configurations. This segmentation enables a single certified controller platform to serve multiple applications, eliminating the need for expensive redesign and recertification for each configuration variant, thereby reducing overall development costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal controller platform with standardized RIUs that can control multiple different parameters and serve various engine configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single certified design to be reused across multiple applications, significantly reducing development costs compared to creating dedicated controllers for each engine variant.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a gas turbine engine control system includes an engine controller configured to control multiple parameters associated with operation of a gas turbine engine system. The gas turbine engine control system also includes multiple remote interface units communicatively coupled to the engine controller. The remote interface unit is configured to receive an input signal from the engine controller indicative of respective target values of at least one parameter, and the remote interface unit is configured to provide closed-loop control of the at least one parameter based on the input signal and feedback signals indicative of respective measured values of the at least one parameter.