Multi-Propulsor Phase Synchronization for Vibration and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-engine aircraft propulsion systems, misaligned phase angles and varying engine speeds lead to uneven power application, causing vibration and noise.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for synchronizing phase angles and speeds between propulsors using synchrophasing reference signals, adjusted by electric machines and controllers to minimize cost functions, allowing independent speed adjustments of each engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fan blades of multiple engines operate at different phase angles, then engine independence and operational flexibility are improved, but vibration and noise increase due to uneven power application
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the phase angles of fan blades on different engines in real-time to synchronize their operation. The controller continuously monitors engine speeds and phase positions, then applies dynamic phase shifting to maintain optimal phase relationships, reducing vibration and noise while preserving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by monitoring the actual phase angles and speeds of multiple engines, comparing them against desired synchronized operation, and adjusting fan blade positions accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that phase synchronization is maintained automatically under varying operational conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fan blades of multiple engines operate at different speeds, then adaptability to varying operational requirements is improved, but vibration and noise increase due to uneven power application
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically synchronizes the rotational speeds of multiple engines by adjusting fan blade positions in real-time. The controller monitors engine speeds and applies dynamic phase shifting to maintain synchronized operation even when engines operate under varying load conditions, thereby reducing vibration and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the phase angle parameter of fan blades dynamically to synchronize engine operation. By adjusting the phase angle relationship between engines, the system can maintain speed synchronization and reduce harmful vibrations and noises while preserving operational adaptability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If phase angle synchronization is implemented, then vibration and noise are reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions including monitoring engine speeds, measuring phase angles, calculating required phase shifts, and actuating fan blade position adjustments. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving phase synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts its own phase angles without external intervention. The controller continuously self-regulates the fan blade positions to maintain synchronization, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system includes at least two propulsors. The at least two propulsors each comprising a fan having a plurality of fan blades. A controller includes memory and one or more processors. The memory stores instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the system to perform the following: determine a pairwise phase difference between one propulsor of the at least two propulsors and another propulsor of the at least two propulsors; generate a reference phase angle; determine a target phase shift for each propulsor of the at least two propulsors; and adjust a speed of each propulsor of the at least two propulsors based on the target phase shift until the pairwise phase difference is equal to the reference phase angle.