Motor Assembly Power Take-off Control for Gas Turbine Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft motor assemblies with gas turbine engines and electric machines, the maximum propulsive and electrical energy demands often conflict with economic operation, particularly during transitory acceleration phases.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the aircraft motor assembly involves adjusting the setpoint for mechanical power take-off by the electric machine when an operating parameter of the gas turbine engine reaches a predetermined limit, thereby avoiding departure from a preferred operating range without affecting propulsive power or thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the gas turbine engine is dimensioned according to the maximum propulsive and electrical energy demands, then the maximum power requirements are met, but the economic operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic power management by temporarily adjusting the mechanical power extracted from the gas turbine engine during transitory acceleration phases. The control system dynamically modifies the power take-off setpoint based on real-time operating conditions, allowing the engine to operate more economically during steady-state while meeting peak power demands through coordinated control of multiple electric machines.
2Speed
If the mechanical power extracted by electrical generators is reduced during acceleration to facilitate engine acceleration, then the engine acceleration improves, but the electrical power generation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical power generation function across multiple electric machines coupled to different shafts of the gas turbine engine. During acceleration phases, the control system can selectively reduce power extraction from one generator while maintaining or increasing power extraction from another, thereby facilitating engine acceleration while preserving overall electrical power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power output of multiple electric machines to meet the total electrical power demand. By merging the capabilities of generators on different shafts, the system can redistribute power extraction during transitory phases, allowing one generator to support engine acceleration while others maintain electrical power supply.
3Reliability
If the setpoint for mechanical power take-off by the electric machine is changed when an operating parameter reaches a limit, then the operating parameter stays within the preferred range, but the mechanical power take-off varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control system continuously monitors operating parameters of the gas turbine engine and dynamically adjusts the mechanical power take-off setpoint of the electric machine. When an operating parameter approaches a predetermined limit, the control system modifies the power take-off to keep the parameter within the preferred range, ensuring reliable operation while adapting power extraction to current engine conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a motor assembly. The motor assembly includes a gas turbine engine and at least one electric machine which is mechanically coupled to a rotating shaft of the gas turbine engine so as to be rotated for generating electricity. In this control method, a mechanical power take-off setpoint by the electric machine is changed when an operating parameter of the gas turbine engine reaches a predetermined limit. A control unit adapted to perform this method, a motor assembly incorporating this control unit, the electric machine and the gas turbine engine, and a computer program for performing this method.