Hybrid Turbo-Electric Propulsion Control for Rotor Stall Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods for modeling and controlling turbo-electric distributed propulsion (TeDP) systems in aircraft, particularly for stable, efficient, and fault-tolerant operation during dynamic missions, as they fail to provide comprehensive dynamic models and control designs that optimize performance across varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered energy-based modeling and control method is introduced, utilizing dynamics of stored energy and rate of change of stored energy to coordinate power interactions between engine and electric systems, ensuring stable and efficient operation through nonlinear control and predictive optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional single-spool aircraft designs are used, then engine design is simpler, but rotor stall and surge instabilities occur during highly dynamic missions
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft propulsion system is segmented into separate turbo-engine and electric propulsion modules, allowing independent optimization of each. The turbo-engine operates in a stable regime while electric motors handle dynamic power demands, eliminating rotor stall and surge instabilities without requiring complex oversizing of the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static engine sizing to dynamic power management by introducing electric propulsion modules that can rapidly adjust power output. This dynamic configuration allows the turbo-engine to operate within stable operating ranges while electric motors compensate for rapid power changes during maneuvering.
2Reliability
If oversized engine design is used to avoid engine instabilities, then engine stability is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges conventional turbo-engine propulsion with electric propulsion modules to create a hybrid system. This combination allows the turbo-engine to be sized for efficient cruise operation without the weight penalty of oversizing for dynamic maneuvers, while electric motors provide the additional power capacity needed for maneuvering without increasing engine weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Electric propulsion modules act as intermediaries between the turbo-engine and the aircraft's power demands. During highly dynamic missions, electric motors absorb or supply power as needed, shielding the turbo-engine from rapid load changes that would cause instabilities, thereby eliminating the need for oversized engine design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TeDP systems are designed for highly dynamic missions, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components, each managing specific functions of the turbo-electric propulsion system. This modular architecture allows independent control of engine parameters, electric motor parameters, and power distribution, simplifying the overall control complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different mission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operating mode and power distribution between turbo-engine and electric motors based on real-time mission requirements. This dynamic control strategy enables the system to adapt to highly dynamic missions with varying power demands without requiring overly complex control algorithms, as the control logic follows the natural dynamics of power demand changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a fundamental modeling and control method in dynamic energy conversion and transfers in complex energy systems with multiple energy sources, fuel and electric. The multi-layered modeling enables efficient and stable operation through optimized coordination of engines and electric part of a hybrid turbo-electric distribution system (TeDP). A provable coordination of power and rate of change of power interactions between the components is done at the higher-system level. Advanced nonlinear control of components is disclosed to ensure that components meet power/rate of change of power commands given by the higher level. This method is used to demonstrate, for the first time, how rotor stall and surge instabilities in engines can be eliminated by controlling the electric generators and/or storage.