Engine Control Input Simulation for N1/N2 Speed and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing and testing modern electronic engine control (EEC) systems for gas turbine engines requires actual engine operation to generate speed and vibration signals, which is resource-intensive and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second waveform generators to simulate N1 and N2 speed signals and a composite vibration signal, along with a voltage-to-charge converter to generate a simulated composite vibration charge signal, allowing for efficient simulation of inputs to an EEC system without the need for a physical gas turbine engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical gas turbine engine is used to generate speed and vibration signals for EEC system testing, then the authenticity and reliability of test data is improved, but resource consumption and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simulated engine environment that generates authentic speed and vibration signals without requiring a physical engine. Waveform generators produce simulated tachometer signals and vibration signals that replicate real engine behavior, allowing EEC testing without actual engine operation. This copying approach maintains test authenticity while eliminating resource-intensive engine usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate devices (waveform generators, signal combiners, dummy loads) that mediate between the need for authentic engine signals and the desire to avoid physical engine operation. These intermediaries synthesize realistic signals through electronic means, serving as substitutes for actual engine sensors and mechanical components.
2Reliability
If a physical gas turbine engine is operated for development and testing, then realistic test conditions are achieved, but maintenance requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engine system with an electronic simulation system. Instead of physically operating engine components to generate test signals, the invention uses waveform generators and electronic signal processing to create identical test conditions. This substitution eliminates wear, maintenance, and operational complexity associated with physical engine testing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple waveform generators are synchronized to simulate N1 and N2 speeds, then accurate composite vibration signals are produced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration signal generation into separate segments corresponding to different engine speeds (N1 and N2). Each waveform generator handles a specific speed component, allowing independent optimization and precise control of each frequency component. This segmentation enables accurate composite signal creation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating input signals for an electronic engine control module includes a first waveform generator (52) that is configured to generate a simulated first speed signal that is representative of a first speed and a vibration modulating signal that is representative of the first speed, a second waveform generator (70) that is synchronized with the first waveform generator is configured to receive the vibration modulating signal and to generate a simulated second speed signal that is representative of a second speed and a simulated composite vibration voltage signal, and a voltage-to-charge converter (90) that is configured to receive the simulated composite vibration voltage signal from the second waveform generator (70) and to generate a simulated composite vibration charge signal that simulates a speed/vibration composite signal from an accelerometer.