Dynamic Command Limiting for Distributed Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cruise speed control systems in advanced light jet aircraft face challenges in operating within multiple, dissimilar, and asymmetric operational limits of engine actuators, leading to complex scenarios in coordinating and maintaining safe and effective engine control.
Innovation Solution
A control system that dynamically monitors and adjusts operational limits of multiple actuators, allowing for continuous compliance with varying upper and lower limits such as exhaust gas temperature, throttle/thrust lever angle, and engine speed, ensuring smooth operation and preventing asymmetric thrust conditions by implementing limits in real-time based on updated data from each actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operational limits are enforced for each actuator independently, then safety and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases due to coordinating asymmetric limits across multiple engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual actuator limits into a single overall system limit by identifying the most restrictive limit across all actuators. The controller merges EGT limits, TLA limits, and N1 limits from multiple engines into one unified command limit, simplifying the control logic while maintaining safety by enforcing the tightest constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal limit coordination mechanism that handles multiple types of operational limits (EGT, TLA, N1) and multiple actuators (engines) through a single standardized approach. The same limit determination logic applies universally across different actuator types and engine configurations, reducing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic adjustment of operational limits is implemented, then adaptability to changing conditions is improved, but computational burden and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the overall limit by comparing all individual actuator limits before generating control commands. By pre-identifying the most restrictive limit and establishing the overall system boundary in advance, the controller avoids complex real-time calculations during critical control moments, reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the overall system limit based on real-time actuator conditions. As actuators approach their individual limits, the overall limit automatically adjusts to prevent violations, enabling the system to adapt to changing operational conditions while maintaining responsive control through efficient limit management.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more aspects, a control system for managing operational limits associated with two or more actuators includes a controller. The controller may continually monitor a first operational limit associated with a first actuator and a first operational limit associated with a second actuator. The controller may determine a first overall distributed control system operating limit based on the first operational limit associated with the first actuator, the first operational limit associated with the second actuator, and a type of operational limit associated with both operational limits.