Gas Turbine Power System Speed Control via Electric Machine Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Varying power demands in gas turbine engine-driven power systems can lead to speed droops and inefficient operation, potentially resulting in stall, especially when transitioning between different operational conditions such as takeoff, cruise, and descent in aeronautical vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjust the gas turbine engine's operation mode between maximum and minimum regulator modes to match power generation with power load demands, coordinating electric machine power draw to maintain constant rotational speed, thereby preventing speed droops and ensuring efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical propulsion engine varies power demand based on operating conditions, then the power system can adapt to different vehicle requirements, but speed droops occur in the gas turbine engine leading to inefficient operation and potential stall
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the rotational speed of the gas turbine engine and adjusts the power draw from the electric machine based on feedback signals. When speed droop is detected, the controller reduces the power demand from the gas turbine engine to maintain stable operation, preventing stall conditions while still meeting propulsion requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power draw characteristics of the electric machine based on real-time operating conditions. The controller modulates the electrical load on the gas turbine engine to match the actual propulsion needs, allowing smooth transitions between different power levels without causing destabilizing speed droops.
2Power
If the gas turbine engine increases power generation to meet higher power demands, then the electrical propulsion engine can deliver required thrust, but rotational speed varies causing efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The control system changes the operational parameters of the gas turbine engine by adjusting the power draw characteristics of the electric machine. Instead of allowing the gas turbine speed to vary with power demand, the system modifies the electrical load parameters to maintain constant rotational speed, ensuring the engine operates at peak efficiency points across different power requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power system transitions between different operating conditions, then the vehicle can change flight phases, but speed droops and stall risk increase during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system anticipates upcoming transitions between operating conditions and begins adjusting the power draw characteristics in advance. When a transition is detected or predicted, the controller proactively modifies the electrical load on the gas turbine engine to prevent speed droops before they occur, ensuring smooth and stable transitions between flight phases.
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 allows for efficient and stable power delivery to the power load, reducing the risk of stall and improving overall system performance by maintaining constant rotational speed during changes in power demand, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a gas turbine engine (102), an electric machine (104) rotatable with the gas turbine engine (102), and a power load (106) driven at least in part by electrical power generated by the electric machine (104)
Implementation Method 2
an electric machine (104) rotatable with the gas turbine engine (102), and a power load (106) driven at least in part by electrical power generated by the electric machine (104)
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a command to operate a power load of a power system at a command output power while operating the power load at a reference output power; operating a gas turbine engine of the power system in a maximum regulator mode to increase a power generation of the gas turbine engine when the command output power is greater than the reference output power or in a minimum regulator mode to decrease the power generation of the gas turbine engine when the command output power is less than the reference output power; and coordinating an electric machine power draw from the gas turbine engine with a change in power generation of the gas turbine engine to maintain a rotational speed parameter of the gas turbine engine substantially constant while operating the gas turbine engine in the maximum regulator mode or in the minimum regulator mode.