Jet Engine Thrust Reverser Electrical Test Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods cannot test the operation of electric thrust reversal systems in aircraft turbojet engines during flight due to safety concerns, leading to potential malfunctions only detected during landing.
Innovation Solution
An integrated test method for the electric power converter controlling the thrust reversal system, using field-oriented control with setpoints defined by a non-zero positive sequence and zero quadratic current components, allowing for in-flight testing without mechanical stress or deployment, and issuing notifications based on current component comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thrust reversers are tested during flight, then operational reliability is improved, but flight safety deteriorates due to potential counter-thrust and airspeed loss
Solution Approach 1:
The test procedure is segmented into distinct phases: initialization phase where the system prepares test parameters, execution phase where current components are measured and compared, and evaluation phase where results are assessed. This segmentation allows the test to be performed without continuous mechanical stress or deployment, maintaining flight safety while improving operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary testing of the electrical converter and motor connection before actual thrust reversal deployment. By conducting electrical component tests and comparing measured current components with expected values, the system identifies potential malfunctions before they affect actual thrust reversal operation, thus improving reliability without compromising flight safety
2Loss of time
If electrical converter operation is tested before landing, then detection time is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified test procedure. The same control system that manages thrust reversal operation is also used to conduct the electrical converter test by modifying current setpoints. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated test equipment, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while enabling earlier malfunction detection
Solution Approach 2:
The test method changes the electrical parameters (current setpoints) of the existing system rather than adding new hardware. By adjusting the direct and quadratic current components within the field-oriented control framework, the system enables testing through parameter modification alone, minimizing system complexity while achieving timely detection of electrical converter malfunctions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
An integrated test method for testing the operation of an electrical power converter that is supplied with power by an on-board power supply network and that controls, using field-oriented control, a three-phase electric motor for a thrust reversal of a jet engine of an aircraft, the method comprising receiving (100) a test initiation command; a command (120) from said converter on the basis of a current setpoint defined on the basis of a non-zero direct component (Id_cons) and of a zero quadratic component (Iq_cons); measuring (130) the currents delivered to each of the three phases as output of said converter; determining (140) the direct and quadratic components (Id, Iq) of the three-phase current measured in the preceding step; comparing (150) these components with the direct and quadratic components (Id_cons, Iq_cons) of the current setpoint, and transmitting (160) a notification to the crew of the aircraft regarding the operation or otherwise of the thrust reversal according to the result of said comparison.