FADEC Memory Segmentation for Engine Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FADEC systems erase abnormality detection flags and information when engines are stopped or power is turned off, leading to reduced reliability in engine control as they do not retain information about previously detected sensor or actuator issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system where abnormality detection information is stored in nonvolatile memory, allowing it to persist even when the engine is stopped or power is off, enabling the system to avoid using faulty devices and improve reliability by referencing this information during subsequent operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the FADEC erases all content in the memory when the engine is stopped, then the memory is cleared for next operation, but the abnormality detection flag is also erased, leading to loss of reliability information
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is divided into two distinct parts: a first memory that stores the control program and is erased when the engine stops, and a second memory that stores abnormality detection flags and is preserved across engine stoppages. This segmentation allows selective erasure of operational data while retaining critical reliability information.
Solution Approach 2:
The abnormality detection flags are stored in advance in the second memory before the engine stops. This preliminary storage ensures that the reliability information is preserved and available for the next engine operation, allowing the system to avoid using previously faulty sensors or actuators.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power source of the FADEC is turned off, then energy consumption is reduced, but the abnormality detection information is also erased, reducing the ability to maintain control reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into a first memory connected to the main power source that is cleared when power is off, and a second memory that maintains abnormality detection flags even when the main power is turned off. This allows energy reduction while preserving critical reliability data.
Solution Approach 2:
The abnormality detection information is stored in advance in the second memory before the power source is turned off. This preliminary storage ensures the information survives power cycling and is available for maintaining control reliability upon the next power-on.
3Device complexity
If the FADEC uses detection signals from sensors without checking abnormality history, then the control system is simpler, but the reliability of engine control is reduced due to potential use of faulty sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the FADEC reads the abnormality detection flags from the second memory before using detection signals from sensors or actuators. This feedback loop ensures that previously identified faulty components are not used, improving reliability while adding minimal complexity since the flag checking is integrated into the existing control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
To improve the reliability of a control in a control system for devices included in an aircraft, such as engines. An engine control system 10 for controlling engines 11 of an aircraft includes a FADEC 30 including a calculation processing unit 33 for performing control calculation, and a first memory 321 for storing abnormality detection information that indicates that the calculation processing unit 33 detects an abnormality occurred in a sensor 20 and an actuator 21 used for a control. The abnormality detection information is not erased but still stored in the first memory 321 since the first memory 321 is not cleared even if the engine 11 is stopped. As a result, referring to the abnormality detection information makes it possible to avoid using a device having a low reliability, in which an abnormality is detected, for the control.