Gas Generator Control via Single Throttle Lever and Coefficient Table
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine control systems face interruptions and inefficiencies when transitioning from idle to maximum power, burdening propeller assembly control and increasing manual operation complexity, while existing solutions require significant memory and data storage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a single throttle lever input to automatically control gas generator and propeller assembly output, scaling the relationship between throttle position and torque/speed output, eliminating manual inputs and optimizing engine performance across the flight envelope, using a controller with a coefficient reference table to reduce memory usage and provide linear variation of power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple operator manipulated input devices are used to control engine and propeller assembly, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (engine power control and propeller speed control) into a single throttle lever input device. The single lever position simultaneously determines both gas generator output and propeller assembly speed, eliminating the need for separate control devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control through unified management.
Solution Approach 2:
The single throttle lever is designed to perform multiple control functions: it controls both the gas generator power output and the propeller assembly speed. This multi-functional input device replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, simplifying the interface while maintaining comprehensive control capability across the entire propulsion system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple operator manipulated input devices are used to control engine and propeller assembly, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (engine power control and propeller speed control) into a single throttle lever input device. The single lever position simultaneously determines both gas generator output and propeller assembly speed, eliminating the need for separate control devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control through unified management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual changes are required for transitions across flight envelope, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically adapts to different flight conditions and envelopes without requiring manual intervention. The single throttle lever input automatically adjusts engine and propeller parameters based on the current operating regime, allowing the system to self-manage transitions between different flight phases while maintaining optimal performance and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor engine operating conditions and automatically adjust parameters to maintain optimal performance across the flight envelope. This feedback-driven approach enables automatic adaptation to changing flight conditions without requiring manual pilot input for each transition.
4Reliability
If comprehensive control data is stored in memory, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance (memory usage) worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores only the essential control parameters and lookup tables in memory, rather than storing comprehensive control data for all possible operating conditions. By identifying and retaining only the critical data elements needed for reliable control, the system achieves sufficient reliability while minimizing memory consumption.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a system for controlling an output of a gas generator via an operator manipulated input device (202). The system includes one or more sensors (246) measuring one or more environmental conditions, a gas generator shaft speed (240), and a power turbine torque (244). The system further includes an operator manipulated input device (202) and one or more controllers including one or more processors and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices stores instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include receiving, via an operator manipulated input device (202), a throttle lever position defining at least an idle position, a takeoff position, and one or more intermediate positions therebetween; receiving, via one or more sensors (246), one or more environmental conditions, wherein the environmental condition includes one or more of an ambient air temperature, an ambient air pressure, and an ambient airflow rate; determining, via the controller, a first commanded fuel flow of the gas generator based on a gas generator speed output curve (609) based at least on the throttle lever position, the one or more environmental conditions, and a coefficient reference table (218); determining, via the controller, a second commanded fuel flow of the gas generator based on a power turbine torque output curve (220) based at least on the one or more environmental conditions; and generating, via the gas generator, a gas generator output based on the first commanded fuel flow or the second commanded fuel flow.