Engine Thrust Control Using Altitude and Mach Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
When air data is unreliable, existing engine control systems cannot accurately select a thrust rating for an aircraft engine, leading to ineffective control of engine thrust.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect compromised air temperature data, determine a target engine rotational speed based on the thrust lever position and altitude or Mach number data, and adjust the engine rotational speed to control thrust, allowing for alternate thrust control even with unreliable air data inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If air data is used for thrust rating selection, then thrust control precision is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when air data is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter used for thrust control from air temperature data to alternative parameters (altitude data and Mach number data) when air temperature data is compromised. This allows the system to maintain thrust control functionality by substituting one set of parameters with another, resolving the contradiction between precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of air temperature data compromise and switches to alternate control methods before thrust control failure occurs. By detecting the compromised state in advance and preparing alternative control parameters, the system maintains reliability while preserving thrust control precision.
2Reliability
If alternate thrust control is implemented without air temperature data, then system reliability is improved, but thrust control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the thrust control mechanism universal by enabling it to function with multiple different data sources (air temperature data, altitude data, Mach number data). This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain both reliability (by operating without compromised data) and precision (by using alternative valid data sources).
3Duration of action of moving object
If thrust control continues with compromised air data, then operational continuity is maintained, but safety deteriorates due to thrust inversions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting compromised air temperature data and switching to alternate control methods before thrust inversions can occur. This preventive measure eliminates the harmful effect while maintaining operational continuity, as the system transitions safely to an alternative control mode.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling thrust of an engine for an aircraft are described herein. A position of a thrust lever for controlling the engine is obtained from one or more sensors. Air data is obtained from one or more air data inputs. An air temperature data input is detected as compromised from the air data. In response to detecting the air temperature data input is compromised, a target engine rotational speed is determined based on the position of the thrust lever and at least one of altitude data and Mach number data from the air data. A rotational speed of the engine is adjusted to the target engine rotational speed to control thrust of the engine.