Aircraft Engine Inclement Weather Detection via Parameter Rate of Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective early detection methods for inclement weather conditions that can cause engine flameouts, such as rain, hail, ice, and snow, which can lead to unintended engine shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that obtain multiple engine parameters, calculate an arithmetic value based on these parameters, determine the rate of change of this value, and detect inclement weather when the rate exceeds a threshold, using a processing unit and computer-readable memory to implement the detection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coping strategies (increasing fuel flow, altering inlet-guide-vanes) are used to deal with inclement weather, then engine protection is improved, but early detection capability remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of inclement weather conditions by monitoring engine parameters before flameout occurs. The method calculates arithmetic values from multiple engine parameters and detects weather conditions early, allowing preventive action to be taken before the engine is actually affected, thus resolving the contradiction between protection reliability and detection timing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple engine parameters are monitored and complex arithmetic calculations are performed, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional approach where a single processing unit performs multiple functions: obtaining engine parameters, calculating arithmetic values, determining rates of change, and detecting weather conditions. This consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into one universal device, maintaining high detection accuracy while managing system complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting inclement weather in the vicinity of an aircraft engine are described herein. At least a first engine parameter and a second engine parameter are obtained, each engine parameter varies with changing weather conditions. An arithmetic value is determined as a function of at least the first engine parameter and the second engine parameter. The arithmetic value varies with changing weather conditions. A rate of change of the arithmetic value is determined. Inclement weather is detected when the rate of change exceeds a threshold.