Gas Turbine Engine Control System for Performance Seeking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines often operate at suboptimal control parameter settings due to predetermined schedules, leading to reduced fuel efficiency, operating temperatures, engine life, and increased exhaust emissions.

Innovation Solution

A control system that iteratively adjusts engine input parameters, such as variable stator vanes or fuel flow, based on real-time measurements of operating parameters to maintain desired outputs, using a processor and machine-readable instructions to determine optimal values for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a predetermined schedule is used for control parameters, then the engine maintains minimum required stall margin and produces acceptable thrust/power output, but the engine operates at suboptimal control parameter settings leading to reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestall marginVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors actual engine operating parameters (temperatures, pressures, speeds) and compares them against target values derived from performance models. The controller adjusts control parameters based on this feedback to minimize deviations from optimal operating conditions while maintaining reliability constraints, thereby improving fuel efficiency without compromising stall margin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes control parameters (variable stator vanes, inlet guide vanes, bleed airflow, cooling airflow, fuel flow distribution) based on real-time operating conditions and performance models. By continuously optimizing these parameters rather than following fixed schedules, the engine operates closer to optimal efficiency points while maintaining minimum reliability thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a predetermined schedule is used for control parameters, then the engine operation is simplified and reliable, but the engine produces reduced level of thrust or power output below its potential capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol parameter settingVSAvoidthrust or power output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static predetermined schedules to dynamic real-time optimization. Control parameters are continuously adjusted based on actual operating conditions, engine degradation state, and performance models to maximize power output at each moment while maintaining reliability constraints, thereby extracting maximum capability from the engine across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engine control system automatically monitors its own performance and adjusts parameters without external intervention. The performance model continuously updates the engine's operational state and degradation, and the controller autonomously optimizes control parameters to maintain optimal performance, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maximizing power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a predetermined schedule is used for control parameters, then the engine operates consistently, but the engine life is reduced due to suboptimal operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating consistencyVSAvoidengine life

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors actual operating parameters and compares them against optimal values derived from performance models that account for engine degradation. By continuously adjusting control parameters to maintain optimal operating conditions throughout the engine's life cycle, the system extends engine life while maintaining operational consistency through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on real-time operating conditions and the engine's aging state. As the engine degrades over time, the performance model updates target parameter values, and the controller adapts operating conditions to remain within optimal ranges, thereby extending engine life while maintaining consistent performance through continuous parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8490404B1Sensor-based performance-seeking gas turbine engine control

Publication Date: 2013.07.23 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Sensor-based, performance-seeking control of gas turbine engines is disclosed. An example method of controlling a gas turbine engine may include varying an engine input parameter while operating the gas turbine engine to produce a desired output, including measuring a pre-adjustment value of an engine operating parameter with an engine input parameter at an initial value, adjusting the engine input parameter to a current adjusted value, and measuring a post-adjustment value of the engine operating parameter. The method may include determining a future adjusted value of the engine input parameter and iteratively repeating the varying the engine input parameter operation and the determining the future adjusted value of the engine input parameter operation. The method may be performed while operating the gas turbine engine to produce a desired output.