Aircraft Propulsion Power Assessment via Partial Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking the maximum power available in aircraft propulsion systems, especially in hybrid and all-electric propulsion systems, are inadequate as they cannot accurately determine the maximum power capacity under operating conditions, leading to uncertainties and complex maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed to check the maximum power available to members of an aircraft propulsion system by placing each member in a maximum power state, adjusting the power delivery of synergistic members, determining the delivered power, and deducing the maximum power available. This method ensures that each member can deliver maximum power under various operating conditions, including take-off and One Engine Inoperative (OEI) states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature and rotation speed measurements are carried out to determine maximum power capacity, then the capacity to deliver maximum power can be assessed, but the power level tested is significantly less than take-off power, increasing uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by testing each propulsion member individually at reduced power levels rather than requiring full take-off power testing. Each member is tested separately with other members adjusted to compensate, allowing assessment of maximum power capacity without subjecting the entire system to extreme stress conditions that would increase uncertainty or risk.
2Reliability
If maintenance operations are performed to detect latent failures, then component reliability can be improved, but the operations are particularly delicate and complicated, requiring specific tools and qualified staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the propulsion system to perform self-diagnosis and self-testing through automated monitoring of temperature, rotation speed, and power delivery parameters. The system automatically detects latent failures by comparing actual performance against expected performance characteristics, eliminating the need for complex manual maintenance operations requiring specialized tools and highly qualified staff.
3Power
If the valid turbine engine delivers power greater than rated power to compensate for failure, then sufficient power is available for safe flight continuation, but the engine is damaged and can no longer be used without heavy maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propulsion system into multiple independent members (turbine engines, electric motors, propellers) that can be tested and monitored separately. By testing each member individually at manageable power levels with other members adjusted to compensate, the system can assess maximum power capacity without requiring any single member to operate beyond its rated capacity, thereby avoiding damage while ensuring overall system capability.
4Measurement precision
If the propulsion system is tested at maximum power state, then the maximum power available can be accurately determined, but the risk of damage or failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by distributing the maximum power testing across multiple members sequentially rather than testing all members simultaneously at full power. Each member is tested individually at its maximum capacity while other members are adjusted to compensate, achieving accurate maximum power determination without concentrating excessive stress on any single component, thereby minimizing damage risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking the maximum power available to members of a propulsion system of an aircraft includes first members that are sized to compensate for the failure of second members of the propulsion system by delivering a maximum power to keep the aircraft in a safe operating range. The method includes the following steps for each of the first members: placing the first member in a state that is substantially equal to a maximum power state; adjusting the power delivered by the second member working in synergy with the first member so that the first member and the second member contribute to delivering the power required for the aircraft in the flight phase; determining the power delivered by the first member placed in the maximum power state; from the determined power, deducing information relating to the maximum power available to the first member.


