Engine Output Power Synthesis Using Cold-Section Sensor Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for estimating engine output power are inadequate for providing accurate and predictable performance under varying conditions, necessitating improvements for better understanding and control of engine operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that synthesize engine output power using compressor exit pressure, temperature upstream of the exit, and fuel flow rate, utilizing sensors in the cold section of the engine to generate an approximate output power value, which can be used for controlling engine operations and predicting performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing techniques are used for estimating engine output power, then the estimation can be obtained, but the accuracy and predictability under varying conditions is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for power estimation by incorporating compressor exit pressure, temperature upstream of compressor exit, and fuel flow rate into a synthesized power calculation. This approach improves both accuracy and reliability by using multiple varying parameters rather than single-point measurements, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining precise and predictable power estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors in the cold section as intermediary measurement points that indirectly provide information about engine output power. These sensors measure parameters (pressure, temperature, fuel flow) that can be synthesized to estimate power without requiring direct measurement in the hot section, thereby improving measurement accuracy while enhancing reliability under varying conditions
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in the hot section for direct measurement, then direct power measurement is possible, but engine component life is reduced and instrumentation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the cold section as an intermediary zone for measurement, placing sensors in this cooler environment rather than in the hot section. The sensors measure parameters that can be mathematically synthesized to determine engine output power, achieving direct measurement capability while protecting engine components from instrumentation-related stress and extending component life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement in the hot section with a synthesized calculation approach using parameters measured in the cold section. This substitution eliminates the need for instrumentation in the harsh hot environment, thereby improving measurement precision while preserving engine component life
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for synthesizing output power provided by an engine (10) are provided. The engine (10) comprising a compressor section (14), a combustor (16), and a turbine section (18) in serial fluid flow communication. The engine is operated and, during the operating of the engine, a pressure of fluid at an exit of the compressor section (14), a temperature upstream of the exit of the compressor section (14), and a fuel flow rate to the engine are determined. A synthesized value of output power provided by the engine (10) is determined based on a product of at least a first factor, a second factor, and a third factor, the first factor being a function of the pressure, the second factor being a function of the temperature, and the third factor being a function of the fuel flow rate. The synthesized value of output power provided by the engine (10) is output.