High-Pressure Spool Balancing via Trigger Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In two-spool gas turbine engines, the phase data of the high-pressure spool is not available during normal operation, leading to balancing solutions that may not be ideal for typical operating conditions, as they are typically acquired at sub-idle speeds with the engine partially disassembled.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize an input shaft coupled to an accessory gear box, a trigger rotatably coupled to the input shaft at a specific speed ratio, and sensors to detect the trigger and generate signals representative of each revolution of the high-pressure spool, allowing for the determination of a balancing solution during typical operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vibration and phase data are acquired at sub-idle speeds with the engine partially disassembled, then the balancing solution can be obtained, but the dynamic characteristics at normal operating speeds are not accurately reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameter (rotational speed) from sub-idle speeds to normal operating speeds during data acquisition. By operating the engine at typical operating conditions rather than reduced speeds, the dynamic characteristics of the high-pressure spool are accurately captured, resulting in a balancing solution that is valid for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (trigger device coupled to the accessory gear box) that enables phase data acquisition at normal operating speeds. This intermediary allows the system to capture high-pressure spool phase information without requiring engine disassembly or speed reduction, thus bridging the gap between operational requirements and measurement capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the engine is partially disassembled to expose the high-pressure spool, then visual exposure for balancing is achieved, but normal operating conditions cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of visual exposure (disassembly) with an electronic/sensing approach. Instead of exposing the high-pressure spool visually through disassembly, the system uses a trigger device and sensor to electronically detect and record phase information, eliminating the need for engine disassembly while maintaining measurement capability.
3Productivity
If the high-pressure spool is rotated at reduced speeds, then data acquisition is simplified, but the dynamic characteristics differ from normal operating speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the speed parameter from reduced/sub-idle speeds to normal operating speeds during data acquisition. The trigger device and sensor system enables accurate phase measurement at normal operating speeds, ensuring that the dynamic characteristics captured represent actual operating conditions while maintaining data acquisition efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods useful for balancing high-pressure spools of gas turbine engines are disclosed. An exemplary device may comprise: an input shaft configured to be coupled to an output of an accessory gear box driven by a high-pressure spool of a gas turbine engine; a first trigger rotatably coupled to the input shaft at a first speed ratio; and a sensor configured to detect the trigger at each revolution of the trigger. The first speed ratio may permit a rotational speed of the first trigger to be substantially the same as a rotational speed of the high-pressure spool. Upon detection of the trigger, the sensor may generate one or more signals representative of each associated revolution of the high-pressure spool of the gas turbine engine.