Gas Turbine Abnormal Start Detection via Inter-Turbine Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting abnormal engine starts in gas turbine engines are inadequate, as temperature probes may not provide accurate measurements until damage has already occurred, leading to potential distress or damage to the engine.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor the inter-turbine temperature during engine start, comparing it to a threshold that depends on additional parameters such as engine rotational speed and time, to detect abnormal starts and potentially shut down the engine to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature probe is used to detect abnormal engine start, then engine can be shut down when temperature exceeds specific value, but accurate temperature measurement is not obtained until engine is idling, by which time damage has already occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of abnormal engine start conditions by monitoring parameters such as acceleration rate, exhaust gas temperature, and vibration during the start-up phase, before the engine reaches idle speed. This allows the control system to identify potential abnormalities early and take preventive action before damage occurs, rather than waiting for temperature probe measurements at idle speed.
2Reliability
If temperature threshold is set to detect abnormal starts, then engine damage can be prevented, but false detection may occur without considering additional parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the detection parameters from relying solely on temperature threshold to monitoring multiple parameters including acceleration rate, exhaust gas temperature, and vibration characteristics. By analyzing changes in these parameters during engine start-up, the system achieves more accurate detection of abnormal starts while reducing false positives, without requiring a single complex detection device.
Data Source
AI summary
Herein provided are methods and systems for detecting an abnormal engine start of a gas turbine engine. An inter-turbine temperature of the engine is measured during engine start. The inter-turbine temperature is compared to an inter-turbine temperature threshold which depends on at least one additional parameter. An abnormal engine start is detected when the inter-turbine temperature exceeds the threshold. The at least one additional parameter may comprise engine rotational speed. The at least one additional parameter may comprise time.