Turbomachine Fuel Metering Control via Multi-Sensor Validity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel flow rate control in turbine engines is inaccurate due to variations in fuel density and temperature, and existing flow meter failure detection methods do not adequately adapt to ensure precise fuel injection.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses multiple measurement signals, including temperature, permittivity, and volume flow rate, to estimate the validity of fuel flow rate calculations and select the most accurate weight flow rate, even in the event of flow meter failures, by determining validity criteria and consolidating measurements to ensure accurate control of the fuel metering device's slide position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow meter is used to measure fuel flow rate, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential flow meter failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel flow measurement function into multiple independent measurement paths: (1) flow meter-based measurement, (2) slide position-based calculation, and (3) temperature/permittivity-based density correction. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and detect flow meter failures while maintaining alternative measurement capabilities, thus preserving reliability while achieving precision through multiple validation paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing alternative measurement methods and failure detection mechanisms. The system continuously monitors the validity of flow meter measurements by comparing them against independently calculated values from slide position and by anticipating potential flow meter failures through validity criterion estimation. This preparatory approach ensures that when flow meter failure occurs, the system has already prepared alternative paths to maintain reliable operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement signals are used to improve accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that processes multiple measurement signals (flow meter, slide position, temperature, permittivity) through a unified multi-criteria validity estimation algorithm. The same control unit that manages fuel injection also performs density calculation, temperature compensation, and failure detection across all sensors. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated unit, achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the weighting and selection of different measurement signals based on their validity criteria. Instead of using fixed complex processing, the system changes parameters (validity estimates, density corrections, temperature compensations) in real-time based on sensor conditions. This allows the system to achieve high precision by adapting to varying measurement qualities without requiring permanently complex processing architecture for all possible scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If conventional flow meter validity checking is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates under failure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback by continuously monitoring the validity criteria of flow meter measurements and using this feedback to dynamically adjust the weight flow rate determination. The system estimates validity criteria based on multiple parameters (temperature, permittivity, flow rate consistency) and feeds this information back into the control decision process. This feedback mechanism maintains ease of operation through automated validation while significantly improving measurement precision under failure conditions by detecting and compensating for flow meter inaccuracies in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically detecting flow meter failures and switching to alternative measurement methods without requiring external intervention. The system self-monitors the validity of its own measurements by comparing flow meter data against independently calculated values from slide position and temperature/permittivity measurements. This self-validation capability maintains operational simplicity while ensuring high precision even when the flow meter fails, as the system serves its own validation needs internally.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of fuel flow rate control in turbine engines by detecting and adapting to potential flow meter failures, providing reliable operation even under conditions of varying fuel properties and meter malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one measurement signal coming from a flow meter suitable for measuring a fuel flow rate in the metering device... first and second fuel permittivity measurement signals
Data Source
AI summary
A control of a fuel metering device for a turbine engine as a function of a weight flow rate setpoint includes responding to at least one validity criterion to select a weight flow rate from among: a weight flow rate calculated as a function of a position signal; a weight flow rate calculated as a function of the position signal and of at least one temperature measurement signal; a weight flow rate calculated as a function of the position signal and of at least one permittivity measurement signal; a weight flow rate calculated as a function of the position signal, of at least one temperature measurement signal, and of at least one permittivity measurement signal; and a weight flow rate calculated as a function of a temperature measurement signal, of a permittivity measurement signal, and of a volume flow rate measurement signal.