Gas Generator Voltage Control for Aircraft Transient Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft gas turbine engines face performance degradation and increased specific consumption during transient phases due to high mechanical energy levies on the gas generator, which limits acceleration performance and requires additional equipment or modifications.
Innovation Solution
Modulating the voltage regulation setpoint of the on-board electrical network based on power demand and flight phase conditions to manage load shedding and ballasting, without the need for additional sensors or actuators, thereby optimizing gas generator performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If mechanical energy is taken from the gas generator to supply the on-board electrical network during transient phases, then electrical power demand is met, but the pumping margin of the gas generator is reduced and acceleration performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the voltage regulation setpoint parameter of the electrical network based on the operational phase of the gas generator. During transient phases (acceleration or deceleration), the setpoint is adjusted to reduce the electrical power demand on the gas generator, thereby preserving pumping margin and acceleration performance while still meeting essential electrical power needs through the buffer source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional equipment such as switching flip-flop or dedicated electric motor is added to manage transient phases, then control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes existing sensors and actuators already present in the gas generator control system to detect transient phases and adjust the voltage regulation setpoint. No additional sensors or actuators are required - the system uses its own existing resources to achieve adaptive control during transient operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulation system serves multiple functions: it normally regulates electrical network voltage and during transient phases it automatically adjusts to reduce power demand. The existing control infrastructure is made multi-functional, handling both normal voltage regulation and transient phase management without requiring dedicated separate systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the voltage regulation setpoint is maintained at normal levels during transient phases, then electrical network voltage stability is maintained, but mechanical levies on the gas generator increase and pumping margin is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation setpoint is made dynamic rather than static. It automatically adjusts based on the operational phase detected by the control system: during transient phases (acceleration or deceleration), the setpoint is modified to reduce electrical power demand, and during stable phases, it returns to normal levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to balance voltage stability with reduced mechanical levies on the gas generator.
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 maintains a sufficient pumping margin, enhances acceleration performance, and reduces mechanical levies on the gas generator, ensuring efficient energy management during transient phases without additional equipment or architectural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
the GD source takes kinetic energy from the gas generator to operate in generator mode and supply the electrical consumer equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for improving the acceleration efficiency of a gas generator of a gas turbine by reducing the take-up of electric power, in particular during the transition phases, in order to conserve a sufficiently large surge margin for the operating line. To this end, the invention provides for increasing the acceleration/deceleration power of the gas generator by adjusting the voltage of the electric network onboard the aircraft. In one embodiment, after a phase of starting (50) the gas turbine, the voltage of the onboard network (10) is adjusted by a voltage set value (CT) controlled by a step (100) of determining the unballasting/ballasting (EDEL, ELES, ESTAB) status of a main electricity generation source (7) of the onboard network (10). The status-determining step (100) is carried out according to the demand for taking power (PPREL) to be supplied for the propulsion of the aircraft (41). Said status-determining step is followed by a step (200) of selecting a voltage set value (CT) from a plurality of levels (UH, UB, UM) according to the determination of the unballasting/ballasting status, and a step (300) of applying the selected set value to a control loop of the voltage (15) supplied to the onboard network (10).