Multi-Engine Gas Turbine Standby Transition With PWM Air Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine operating regimes in multi-engine aircraft do not efficiently manage asymmetric engine operation, particularly during cruising conditions where fuel efficiency can be improved by running one engine at high power and the other at low or no power, leading to suboptimal fuel usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for operating a gas turbine engine in a multi-engine aircraft that transitions between standby and active modes, using pulse width modulation on the air switching system to gradually adjust pressure and temperature, allowing one engine to provide motive power while the other engine is in standby, and vice versa, to optimize fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If both engines operate at full regime during cruising conditions, then the aircraft has sufficient power and redundancy, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by allowing one engine to operate in active mode at high power while the other operates in standby mode at low or no power during cruising conditions. This asymmetric operation pattern enables fuel efficiency improvement while maintaining sufficient reliability through the standby engine's ability to quickly transition to active mode if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the air switching system that can dynamically transition engines between standby and active modes. The pulse width modulation technology enables smooth, dynamic control of air flow to the engine, allowing rapid mode transitions while maintaining engine reliability and responsiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If one engine operates at high power and the other at low power during cruising, then fuel efficiency improves, but engine control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical engine control systems with electronic pulse width modulation technology. This substitution simplifies the control architecture by using electronic signals to manage air flow and engine transitions between modes, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving precise control over asymmetric operation and fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The air switching system serves multiple functions: it controls air flow to the engine, enables mode transitions between standby and active operation, and facilitates smooth power adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits.
3Speed
If the engine transitions rapidly from standby to active mode, then power response improves, but mechanical stress and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulse width modulation signals to control the air switching system during mode transitions. This periodic action allows for controlled, rhythmic adjustment of air flow to the engine, enabling rapid power response while distributing mechanical stress over time through controlled cycling, thereby protecting engine components from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using the pulse width modulation system to gradually and controlledly increase air flow and power during transitions from standby to active mode. This gradual transition cushions the engine components against sudden mechanical shocks and stress spikes, protecting durability while still achieving rapid overall power response.
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 enables better fuel efficiency by allowing one engine to operate at high power while the other provides minimal power, and vice versa, optimizing power distribution and reducing fuel consumption during cruising conditions.
Implementation Method 1
applying pulse width modulation to an air switching system of the gas turbine engine while transitioning the gas turbine engine from the standby mode to the non-standby mode
Implementation Method 2
applying pulse width modulation to an air switching system of the gas turbine engine while transitioning the gas turbine engine from the standby mode to the non-standby mode
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for operating a gas turbine engine in a multi-engine aircraft are described. The method comprises operating the gas turbine engine in a standby mode to provide substantially no motive power to the aircraft when another engine of the multi-engine aircraft is operated in an active mode to provide motive power to the aircraft, transitioning the gas turbine engine from the standby mode to the non-standby mode, and applying pulse width modulation to an air switching system of the gas turbine engine while transitioning the gas turbine engine from the standby mode to the non-standby mode.