Electric Motor Lubrication Pump Startup Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine lubrication supply systems are inefficient during startup from prolonged cold-soaked conditions, consuming more power than needed due to being optimized for hot, steady-state conditions, leading to excessive energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft lubrication supply system comprising a motor, pump, and controller that adjusts electrical power from a power bus based on system parameters, lubricant load states, and startup signals to minimize power consumption during startup, implementing real-time control logic to determine and supply the minimal necessary power to the motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lubrication supply system is designed for hot, steady-state conditions, then adequate lubrication is provided at maximum altitude, but excessive power is consumed during cold-start
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static design optimized for hot steady-state conditions to a dynamic control system that adjusts motor power output in real-time based on actual operating conditions. The controller modifies electrical power supply to the motor during startup sequences, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to match actual lubrication demands during cold-start conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the motor during startup by controlling the electrical power input. The controller adjusts parameters such as voltage, current, or frequency to the motor based on system state, enabling the pump to operate at reduced power levels during cold-start while maintaining adequate lubrication flow to critical components.
2Reliability
If the lubrication supply system is designed for hot, steady-state conditions, then adequate lubrication is provided at maximum altitude, but the system is inefficient during startup from prolonged cold-soaked conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static design optimized for hot steady-state conditions to a dynamic control system that adjusts motor power output in real-time based on actual operating conditions. The controller modifies electrical power supply to the motor during startup sequences, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to match actual lubrication demands during cold-start conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes the challenge of cold-start conditions and converts it into an opportunity for improved control. By detecting cold-start conditions and implementing specialized control logic, the system transforms the previously harmful excessive power consumption into a controlled, optimized power delivery that meets actual lubrication needs during startup.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces electrical energy dissipation during startup, optimizing power usage and ensuring adequate lubrication to critical components, thereby improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption compared to mechanically-driven or uncontrolled systems.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is adapted to receive electrical power from a power bus and is operable, upon receipt of the electrical power, to rotate and supply a drive torque
Implementation Method 2
The pump is coupled to receive the drive torque from the motor and is configured, in response thereto, to supply lubricant to a lubricant load
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for controlling an electric motor driven lubrication supply pump that is supplied with electrical power from a power bus, and that supplies lubricant to a rotating machine that is at least part of a vehicle subsystem. A determination is made that the subsystem is being started-up. Moreover, one or more lubricant parameters, power bus electrical state, and one or more lubricant load states are determined. The electrical power supplied from the power bus to the electric motor is varied, based on the one or more lubricant parameters, the power bus electrical state, and the one or more lubricant load states.