Multi-Engine Rotorcraft Ground Control With One Active Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary-wing aircraft with multiple engines experience high fuel consumption and noise/particle emissions during ground operations, which are not adequately addressed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
Implement an energy-saving phase on the ground where one engine operates at an active rating to rotate the rotary wing, while the other engines are stopped or set to an inactive rating, optimizing fuel consumption and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple engines are operated during ground operations, then the aircraft can perform taxiing and other ground maneuvers, but fuel consumption and noise emissions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the engine operation into segmented phases: one engine operates at active rating while other engines are stopped or operate at inactive rating during ground operations. This segmentation allows the aircraft to perform ground maneuvers with reduced fuel consumption while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by operating only one engine at active rating during ground operations instead of all engines. The active engine produces sufficient power for taxiing and ground maneuvers, while other engines remain stopped or operate at minimal inactive rating, thereby reducing overall fuel consumption without compromising ground maneuverability.
2Reliability
If multiple engines are operated during ground operations, then the aircraft can maintain readiness for takeoff, but noise and particle emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments engine operation during ground operations, with one engine at active rating and others stopped or at inactive rating. This reduces noise and particle emissions from multiple engines while maintaining takeoff readiness through the active engine. The inactive engines can be quickly activated if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by operating only one engine at active rating during ground operations. This single active engine produces sufficient power for taxiing and maintains adequate thrust for takeoff readiness, while minimizing noise and particle emissions compared to operating all engines at full power.
3Use of energy by moving object
If engines are stopped during ground operations to save fuel, then fuel consumption decreases, but the ability to respond quickly to takeoff requirements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating one engine at active rating during ground operations, which produces sufficient power for taxiing and maintains adequate thrust for quick takeoff response. The active engine can be further throttled up or additional engines can be activated if rapid takeoff is required, balancing fuel savings with response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic engine operation where the active engine's power output can be adjusted based on operational needs. During normal ground operations, the active engine operates at sufficient power for taxiing. When takeoff is imminent or required, the active engine can be rapidly throttled up or inactive engines can be activated, ensuring quick response time while maintaining fuel efficiency during prolonged ground operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an aircraft having at least two engines burning fuel and a transmission system connected to a rotary wing, each engine having a power shaft connected to the transmission system. An energy-saving phase comprises at least one energy-saving period comprising controlling, at an active rating, with a control system, one active engine from the at least two engines, and using the control system to stop or control, at an inactive rating, each inactive engine from the at least two engines that is not the active engine.