Gas Turbine Starter Torque Control via Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gas turbine engines lack the capability to measure and control starter torque and speed during engine start sequences and cleaning operations, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced engine life due to the absence of feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controlled electrical machine, such as a permanent magnet machine, with a controller that enables closed-loop control and torque measurement, allowing for precise regulation of engine speed and torque during start-ups and cleaning cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gas turbine engines are used without feedback mechanisms, then the system structure remains simple, but engine performance cannot be optimized and engine life is reduced due to lack of control over start sequences and cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that measure starter torque and speed, and through controllers that receive this data and adjust engine operation accordingly. This enables closed-loop control during start sequences and cleaning operations, optimizing performance and extending engine life while managing the added system complexity through integrated control architecture.
2Productivity
If feedback mechanisms are added to measure and control starter torque and speed, then engine performance can be optimized and engine life extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring starter torque and speed during engine start, regulating engine speed during operation, and controlling cleaning cycle parameters. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated controller, optimizing engine performance while limiting the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
3Loss of time
If closed-loop control is implemented during engine start sequences, then start times and temperatures are reduced, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of starter torque and speed characteristics during engine start-up before full operation begins. This preliminary data collection enables the controller to optimize start sequence parameters, reduce start times and temperatures, while the added control complexity is justified by the significant time savings and reduced thermal stress on engine components.
4Reliability
If torque measurement capabilities are added to the electrical machine, then early detection of failure conditions is enabled, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical machine is designed to self-measure its own torque output through sensors integrated into the motor structure, eliminating the need for separate external torque measurement devices. This self-service capability enables early detection of failure conditions through monitoring of torque characteristics while minimizing manufacturing complexity by using the existing electrical machine components as the measurement platform.
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 solution provides real-time feedback and control over engine start sequences, optimizing engine performance, reducing start times and temperatures, and extending engine life by enabling early detection of failure conditions and precise speed regulation during cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a controlled electrical machine, such as a permanent magnet machine
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a gas turbine engine may include operating a starter motor to rotate a spool of the gas turbine engine; determining a torque of the starter motor during rotation of the spool; and controlling the rotation of the spool based on the torque.