Electrical Machine Power Splitting for Turbine Engine Thrust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engines face challenges in efficiently managing the interaction between engine thrust control and electrical machine control, particularly in next-generation turbofan and turboprop engines with increased power generation capabilities, which require advanced power transfer and management strategies to meet growing electrical power demands while minimizing impact on primary engine control.
Innovation Solution
A control methodology is implemented for managing interactions between engine thrust control and electrical machine control, utilizing an array of electric machines on independent engine shafts to optimize engine cycle performance, allowing power extraction and transfer between shafts, and incorporating deterministic torque/power scheduling with feed-forward disturbance rejection and direct-feedback thrust control integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrical machines are coupled to independent engine shafts to extract and transfer power, then electrical power generation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is divided into multiple independent shafts (e.g., high-pressure shaft, low-pressure shaft), each coupled to separate electrical machines. This segmentation allows independent power extraction from different shafts, enabling flexible power management and electrical power generation without requiring a single complex power extraction system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical machines coupled to independent shafts can operate in multiple modes (generator mode, motor mode) and serve multiple functions: generating electrical power, transferring power between shafts, and providing torque support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Loss of energy
If power split scheduling is implemented between multiple electrical machines, then propulsion system efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power split scheduling system dynamically adjusts the power distribution between multiple electrical machines based on real-time operating conditions, engine state, and power demands. This dynamic control optimizes propulsion system efficiency by continuously selecting the most efficient power extraction and transfer paths rather than using fixed power split ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor engine parameters, electrical machine performance, and power transfer efficiency. This feedback enables the controller to adjust power split scheduling in real-time, optimizing efficiency while managing control complexity through adaptive rather than purely open-loop control.
3Speed
If deterministic torque/power scheduling with feed-forward disturbance rejection is implemented, then transient capability is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feed-forward disturbance rejection by anticipating disturbances (such as sudden power demands or engine state changes) and applying predetermined compensatory torque/power adjustments before the disturbances fully impact system performance. This preliminary action improves transient response by pre-positioning the system to counteract expected disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The deterministic torque/power scheduling incorporates preliminary anti-action strategies where the control system applies counteracting torque or power adjustments in advance of anticipated disturbances. For example, when a sudden electrical power demand is predicted, the system pre-adjusts power extraction from engine shafts to prevent thrust variations, thereby improving transient capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A first electrical machine is operated according to a first mode and a second electrical machine is operated according to a second mode. A power split of operation of the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine is determined. The operation of the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine are controlled according to the power split. The power split is optimized to protect operating constraints of the components of the engine and the aircraft while delivering required thrust to the aircraft.