Jet Temperature Estimation Using Digital Modeling and Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for estimating the temperature of gas flows in turbojets are hindered by the inertia of temperature sensors, leading to time lags and malfunctions, especially during rapid temperature variations, and are costly due to the need for expensive low-inertia sensors and complex correction techniques that do not accurately account for sensor dispersion.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses digital modeling of vein temperature, corrected by an error signal updated during thermal stability phases, allowing for precise estimation of vein temperature using low-cost sensors with high time constants, and adaptive algorithms to account for different operating phases of the turbojet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If temperature sensors with very low inertia are used to avoid time lags and malfunctions during rapid temperature variations, then measurement reliability is improved, but sensor cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsensor cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the temperature measurement system through digital modeling. Instead of physically modifying the sensor to reduce inertia, the system digitally models the sensor's thermal behavior and uses this model to predict and correct measurement delays, thereby achieving reliable temperature estimation without expensive low-inertia sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the physical mechanical solution (using low-inertia sensors) with a computational approach. By substituting the physical sensor modification with digital modeling and signal processing, the system achieves the same reliability improvement without the associated cost increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If numerical modeling with filter parameterization is used to correct measurement signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional estimators and complex correction techniques

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature estimation precisionVSAvoidcorrection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital modeling to create a virtual representation of the temperature measurement system, allowing complex corrections to be applied computationally rather than requiring complex physical hardware modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the modeled signal itself to generate the correction. By comparing the modeled temperature evolution with actual measurements, the system automatically adjusts the error signal without requiring external calibration or complex additional estimators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If fixed charts based on average time constant values are used for correction, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor inertia dispersion not being accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection method simplicityVSAvoidtemperature estimation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static fixed charts to a dynamic adaptive model. The digital model continuously adapts to the specific sensor's characteristics by learning from actual measurements during operation, allowing the system to account for sensor inertia dispersion while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the approach from using fixed average parameters to dynamically adjusting parameters based on actual sensor behavior. The error signal is continuously updated to reflect the specific sensor's time constant characteristics, improving precision without complicating operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If wind tunnel testing is performed to determine time constant for each sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime constant accuracyVSAvoidsensor production cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive physical wind tunnel testing with a computational digital model that can estimate time constants in-situ during normal engine operation, eliminating the need for costly external testing facilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs its own calibration by using actual engine operation data to determine sensor characteristics. Instead of requiring external testing, the sensor's time constant is automatically identified during normal operation through comparison of modeled and actual temperature signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2373965B2Method for estimating a jet temperature in a jet engine
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP2373965B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2373965B2 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2373965B2 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The estimation method according to the invention includes: a step of digitally modeling the jet temperature by means of a modeled signal (T1); and a step of correcting said modeled signal by means of an error signal (T2), the signal being obtained after correction (T3) representing an estimate of the jet temperature. According to the invention, when predetermined conditions related to at least one jet engine operating phase and to thermal stability are verified, the error signal (T2) is updated on the basis of the modeled signal (T1) and a jet temperature measurement signal (T4) produced by a temperature sensor (40).