Air Turbine Starter Anomaly Detection via Frequency Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial vehicle systems lack effective methods for detecting irregular movement in air turbine starters, which can lead to engine damage during start-up, and there is a need for real-time monitoring and notification of anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize sensors on a stationary portion of the air turbine starter to monitor the rotating portion, providing data on frequency and magnitude to controllers for anomaly detection and notification, allowing for tailored fluid provision to the starter air valve to mitigate potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional air turbine starter systems are used without monitoring, then the system structure remains simple, but irregular movement cannot be detected leading to potential engine damage
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotating portion and the controller. The sensor detects frequency signals from the rotating portion and transmits this information to the controller, enabling anomaly detection without directly interfering with the starter's mechanical operation. This intermediary approach maintains system reliability while adding minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the frequency signal from the sensor and comparing it against expected operational parameters. When irregularities are detected, the controller receives real-time information and can respond accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables proactive anomaly detection, preventing engine damage while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture.
2Loss of information
If sensors and controllers are added to monitor the air turbine starter, then real-time anomaly detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is extracted as a separate, dedicated sensor component rather than being integrated into the existing starter mechanism. This allows the sensor to focus solely on frequency detection, simplifying its design and reducing the complexity burden on the overall system. The extracted monitoring function can operate independently while providing critical information to the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is positioned to monitor the rotating portion directly, allowing it to self-generate the frequency signal it needs for detection without requiring external excitation or complex measurement systems. The rotating portion itself serves as the signal source, and the sensor passively captures this information, reducing the complexity of the monitoring system while preventing information loss.
3Productivity
If the air turbine starter operates at high speed, then engine start-up is efficient, but irregular movement can cause damage more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors the frequency signal during normal high-speed operation, preparing the system to detect anomalies before they cause damage. By maintaining surveillance during efficient high-speed operation, the system can identify irregular movements early and alert operators before they escalate into damaging conditions. This preliminary detection approach preserves productivity while mitigating harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency signal, which naturally occurs during high-speed operation, is converted into a useful diagnostic tool. The same rotational motion that enables efficient engine start-up also generates the frequency signal that the sensor detects. By utilizing this existing signal for monitoring purposes, the system transforms a potential harm indicator into a beneficial diagnostic resource, allowing high-speed operation to remain productive while enabling anomaly detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time detection and notification of irregular movements, reducing engine and gearbox damage during start-up and allowing for proactive maintenance, thereby improving engine reliability and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors placed on the at least one stationary portion to monitor the at least one rotating portion... The one or more sensors are configured to sense a frequency and communicate a signal indicative of the sensed frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting an issue with a starter (104, 300) are provided. One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting an anomaly with an air turbine starter (304). The method includes receiving, by one or more controllers (106, 306), data indicative of a frequency associated with an integrated air turbine starter (104, 300) from one or more sensors (316) located on a stationary portion of the air turbine starter (304) to monitor a rotating portion of the air turbine starter (304). The method includes determining, by the one or more controllers (106, 306), an anomaly associated with the integrated air turbine starter (104, 300) based at least in part on the data indicative of the frequency. The method includes providing, by the one or more controllers (106, 306), a notification indicative of the anomaly associated with the integrated air turbine starter (104, 300).