Engine Power Management via Deterioration-Adjusted Thermal Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting the output power of a gas turbine engine rely on fixed power schedules based on thermal and mechanical limits, which do not account for engine deterioration over time, leading to suboptimal power management.
Innovation Solution
A power management approach that sets the output power based on non-thermal limits, such as mechanical engine limits, and adjusts the thermal limit by applying a deterioration bias to account for engine deterioration, ensuring that older engines can maintain comparable power output to new engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed power schedules based on thermal and mechanical limits are used, then engine operation is simplified and safe, but power management becomes suboptimal as engine deterioration is not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power schedules that automatically adjust based on monitored engine parameters and detected deterioration patterns, transitioning from static fixed schedules to adaptive dynamic schedules that optimize power management throughout the engine lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors engine parameters including temperature, pressure, and performance metrics, using this feedback to detect deterioration and automatically adjust power schedules, creating a closed-loop control system that improves power management without requiring complex manual intervention
2Power
If thermal limits are strictly enforced, then engine safety is maintained, but power output is reduced when engines are actually capable of operating at higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts thermal limit parameters based on monitored engine condition and detected deterioration patterns, allowing temporary excursions beyond traditional thermal limits when engine state indicates safety, thereby optimizing power output while maintaining reliability through adaptive parameter management
3Power
If traditional thermal limit approaches are used, then engine protection is ensured, but older engines cannot maintain comparable power output to new engines
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamically adapting thermal limits that evolve with engine age and deterioration, allowing older engines to operate at adjusted thermal parameters that maintain optimal power output while accounting for their specific condition, rather than applying uniform limits that would unnecessarily restrict their capability
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for operating an engine (100) are provided. An engine core temperature is monitored. When the engine core temperature is below an engine thermal limit adjusted for a level of deterioration of the engine (100), an output power of the engine (100) is set in accordance with a reference power based on non-thermal limits of the engine (100). When the engine core temperature is near or above the engine thermal limit adjusted for the level of deterioration of the engine (100), the output power of the engine (100) is set to a value lower than the reference power based on non-thermal limits of the engine (100) to reduce the engine core temperature.