Aircraft Engine Fuel Consumption Margin Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining fuel consumption in aircraft engines tend to overestimate fuel needs due to using theoretical consumption rates, which are conservative and based on new or aged reference engines, leading to excessive fuel carrying and reduced payload capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine the current fuel consumption margin of a functional aircraft engine relative to a theoretical fuel consumption of a reference engine by performing engine health checks using temperature and power sensors, and applying a consumption model to calculate the fuel consumption margin, taking into account installation effects and engine age.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If theoretical fuel consumption based on reference engines is used for flight planning, then fuel safety is improved, but payload capacity deteriorates due to excessive fuel carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter from theoretical reference consumption to actual measured consumption by monitoring engine parameters (N1, N2, fuel flow, temperature) in real-time. This allows dynamic adjustment of consumption values based on actual engine performance rather than using fixed conservative theoretical values, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel margins while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring actual engine parameters during operation and using this information to determine real fuel consumption. This feedback loop replaces the open-loop theoretical approach with a closed-loop system that adapts to actual engine conditions, enabling more accurate fuel planning without compromising reliability
2Reliability
If conservative theoretical consumption rates are used, then fuel sufficiency is improved, but flight efficiency deteriorates due to overestimation
Solution Approach 1:
The engine monitoring system serves itself by using its own operational data (measured parameters) to determine its actual fuel consumption rather than relying on external theoretical models. This self-service approach provides accurate, real-time consumption information that reflects actual engine performance, improving flight efficiency while maintaining fuel sufficiency
3Measurement precision
If engine age is taken into account for consumption estimation, then accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures engine parameters for health assessment, determines actual fuel consumption, and provides data for maintenance planning. This multi-functionality achieves accurate consumption measurement without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while improving precision
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a current fuel consumption margin of a functional engine of an aircraft in relation to a theoretical fuel consumption of a reference engine. This method comprises: a) when in flight, performing at least one engine health check comprising at least measuring a current value of a monitoring temperature and a control value of a power parameter of said functional engine; b) determining, as a function at least of the control value, with a consumption model applied by a controller, said current fuel consumption margin in relation to the theoretical fuel consumption; and c) transmitting said current fuel consumption margin to a receiver.