Single Actuator Control for Turbomachine Variable-Geometry Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing control systems for turbomachines with variable-geometry equipment in different cores require multiple control circuits, actuators, and power sources, leading to high weight, cost, and space requirements, and pose risks during idle conditions due to the complexity and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A single actuator system controls multiple variable-geometry equipment across different cores of a turbomachine, optimizing weight, volume, and cost by synchronizing the operation of equipment like variable pitch stator blades and air bleed valves through a shared actuator driven by the rotation speed of one core, allowing for simultaneous or sequential actuation based on overlapping or non-overlapping actuation ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distinct control systems are provided for variable-geometry equipments in different cores, then each equipment can be controlled independently, but the weight, cost and space requirement of the control system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control systems for variable-geometry equipments in different cores by using a single actuator that can control multiple equipments. The actuator is connected to both the first variable-geometry equipment (in the first core) and the second variable-geometry equipment (in the second core), allowing one actuator to perform multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate actuators and control circuits for each equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with universal functionality to control different types of variable-geometry equipments across different cores. The actuator can be connected to various equipments such as air bleed valves and variable pitch stator blades, making it a multi-functional control device that adapts to different equipment types and locations within the turbomachine.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control circuits and actuators are used for different cores, then each core can operate independently, but the complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control circuits into a single control circuit that manages variable-geometry equipments across different cores. The control unit receives signals and directs the single actuator to control multiple equipments, thereby reducing the overall complexity from having separate control circuits for each core while maintaining the ability to operate independently when needed.
3Weight of moving object
If no air bleed valves are installed to reduce weight, then the weight of actuators and associated components is saved, but the risk of stopping increases significantly during idle speed when water or hail enters the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of air bleed valves with the control of other variable-geometry equipments by using the same single actuator. This allows the air bleed valves to be controlled along with other equipments without requiring separate actuators, thereby maintaining the weight reduction benefit while ensuring the air bleed function is available to prevent engine stopping during idle conditions when water or hail enters the engine.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling at least two variable-geometry equipments of a turbomachine, in which the first equipment is a variable pitch stator blade stage of a compressor of a first core moving between a closed position at idle speed and an open position at high speed, and the second equipment is at least one bleed valve of a compressor of a second core moving between an open position at idle speed and a closed position at high speed, is disclosed. The actuator operates over a portion of its travel a first branch of an angle transmission member which actuates the first equipment and leaves this branch at rest on an abutment over the rest of its travel. The actuator operates the second equipment via a sliding junction member arranging a free travel in the actuation of said second equipment.