Power Control Module PWM for Turbine Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines in aircraft power plants face overheating issues when increasing power output to meet high system loads, limiting the maximum electrical power that can be supplied due to the dependence on maximum temperature limits.
Innovation Solution
A power control system utilizing an Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Power Conditioning and Control Module (PCM) that monitors and regulates gas turbine engine fuel flow and electrical power output, separating load management from the turbine engine operating point, using pulse wave modulation to maintain voltage, and incorporating a battery for partial load support to optimize performance and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fuel flow is increased to meet high system load demand, then electrical power output increases, but gas turbine temperature increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
A power control module is introduced as an intermediary between the generator and system load. This module uses pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the electrical power delivered to the load without requiring the generator to produce proportional power, thereby decoupling the relationship between power demand and turbine temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using PWM duty cycle control to vary the effective power delivery. By adjusting the duty cycle rather than the generator output, the system can meet load requirements while maintaining turbine temperature within safe limits
2Power
If generator power output is increased to supply high system load, then electrical power availability improves, but turbine engine must operate beyond optimal operating point
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery function is segmented into two independent components: the generator produces power at its optimal operating point, while the power control module segments the power delivery control through PWM. This allows the generator to operate efficiently while the PWM controller handles the variable load requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The power control module serves as an intermediary that buffers between the generator and load, allowing the generator to maintain a constant optimal operating point while the PWM controller adapts to varying load demands without affecting engine efficiency
3Power
If maximum fuel flow is used to meet peak load demand, then power output is maximized, but system reliability decreases due to extreme operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The power control module is pre-configured with PWM control capabilities that allow it to limit power delivery before the turbine reaches dangerous temperature levels. This preliminary control action prevents the system from entering unreliable extreme operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the power control module continuously monitors generator output and adjusts PWM duty cycle accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that power delivery is optimized while maintaining turbine operating conditions within reliable limits
Data Source
AI summary
A power plant for an aircraft such as an unmanned aero vehicle in which a gas turbine engine drives an electric generator to produce electrical power for a system load of the aircraft. An engine control unit monitors engine performance and regulates engine power output through fuel flow control to a combustor. A power control module regulates power output of the generator to the system load and to a battery through a bus. A pulse width modulation is used between the power control module and the bus to optimize performance of the gas turbine engine instead of adjusting fuel flow to the combustor.