Feed Forward Load Sensing for Hybrid Electric Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric propulsion systems face issues with torque imbalances between engine output and load, leading to speed excursions, poor power quality, and increased engine temperature due to unsensed rapid electrical load changes, causing unsafe aircraft handling and thrust asymmetry.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric system with an engine controller that receives load state data to anticipate and adjust torque output by controlling fuel flow, using feed forward inputs to balance torque loads before changes occur, thereby preventing torque imbalances and maintaining stable engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional torque sensing is used that only detects torque imbalance after speed excursion occurs, then the system structure remains simple, but the response time is delayed and torque imbalance problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using the engine controller to proactively manage torque output based on anticipated electrical load changes. The controller receives load state data and determines whether load changes are anticipated, allowing the system to adjust torque before imbalances occur, rather than reacting after speed excursions are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the engine controller continuously receive load state data from the electrical loads and adjust torque output accordingly. This closed-loop control enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of torque balance, improving response time and preventing torque imbalance issues before they manifest as speed excursions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rapid electrical load changes are allowed to occur, then the electrical system operates flexibly, but torque imbalance causes speed excursions and poor power quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by having the engine controller anticipate electrical load changes and adjust torque output in advance to counteract potential imbalances. When load changes are anticipated, the controller proactively modifies torque to prevent speed excursions and maintain power quality, rather than allowing imbalances to develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by enabling the engine controller to dynamically adjust torque output in real-time based on electrical load conditions. The controller can modify torque rapidly in response to changing load states, maintaining torque balance and power quality while allowing the electrical system to operate flexibly with varying loads.
3Device complexity
If engine torque output is not adjusted in anticipation of load changes, then the control system remains simple, but speed excursions and engine temperature issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by having the engine controller perform multiple functions: it manages fuel flow, determines anticipated load changes, adjusts torque output, and maintains torque balance. This multi-functional approach consolidates control system complexity into a single controller while effectively preventing speed excursions and engine temperature issues through proactive torque management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively anticipates and adjusts torque output to match torque loads, reducing speed excursions, improving power quality, and enhancing engine longevity by quickly responding to electrical load changes, thus ensuring safe and stable aircraft operation.
Implementation Method 1
The hybrid electric system includes an engine configured to generate a torque output... the control command includes instructions for controlling the fuel control device to selectively control the fuel flow to the engine
Data Source
AI summary
Hybrid electric systems and methods therefore are provided. In one exemplary aspect, a hybrid electric system includes an engine, an electric machine operatively coupled thereto and configured to generate electrical power when driven by the engine. One or more electrical loads are electrically connectable with the electric machine. An engine controller of the engine receives load state data indicative of electrical loads that anticipate electrically disconnecting from or electrically connecting to the electric machine at a predetermined time. In this way, the engine controller can anticipate electrical load changes and the engine can be controlled to adjust its torque output in anticipation of the electrical load change. In another exemplary aspect, a hybrid electric system is provided that includes features for nearly instantaneously reacting to load changes on the engine based on load state data received from feed forward inputs of the electrical system of the hybrid electric system.