Turbine Engine Control Circuit for 2-Out-of-3 Transducer Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring critical parameters in turbine engines, such as rotation speed, rely on multiple independent instruments, and when a subset fails, it is challenging to balance operability and safety in a simple, reliable, and cost-effective manner, particularly during safety operations like stopping the machine.
Innovation Solution
An electric control circuit for a turbine engine that includes an electromagnet, transducers, switches, and resistances in parallel, where the failure of a transducer causes a switch to open, allowing the electromagnet to command a change in pressure in the pneumatic/hydraulic system, with proportional current decrease indicating the number of failed instruments, enabling automatic valve operation and proactive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent instruments are used to monitor critical parameters with a 2-out-of-3 safety principle, then the reliability and safety of the turbine engine are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer monitoring functions into a single integrated electric control circuit. The circuit includes multiple transducers connected in parallel to a common electromagnet assembly, where each transducer monitors a critical parameter and all signals are processed together to control a single pneumatic/hydraulic valve, eliminating the need for separate control circuits for each instrument
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet assembly serves multiple functions: it receives control signals from multiple transducers, processes them according to the 2-out-of-3 logic, and controls the pneumatic/hydraulic valve. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate control devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety reliability
2Productivity
If 2 out of 3 transducers must fail before activating safety operations, then the machine operability is maintained, but the response time to detect and react to failures is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors signals from all transducers and provides immediate feedback to the electromagnet assembly. When the 2-out-of-3 condition is met, the circuit instantly activates the pneumatic/hydraulic valve without delay, ensuring both continuous operability and rapid response to critical failures
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with preliminary safety logic built into the control circuit, where the 2-out-of-3 evaluation is continuously performed in advance. When the condition is satisfied, the safety operation is automatically triggered without requiring additional processing or decision-making time, enabling proactive safety intervention
3Productivity
If traditional monitoring systems are used where one failed instrument is repaired while the machine continues operating, then productivity is maintained, but the risk of unexpected shutdowns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed with built-in redundancy evaluation that continuously assesses the operational status of all transducers. By maintaining the 2-out-of-3 functional requirement, the system provides a safety buffer that allows continued operation with one failed instrument while automatically triggering protective shutdown only when the second failure occurs, thus cushioning against unexpected shutdowns and maintaining operational stability
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
This solution provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective means to manage turbine engine safety operations by automatically triggering valve changes based on transducer failures, ensuring timely maintenance and preventing machine shutdowns until necessary, thus maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least an electromagnet (17) for controlling at least a valve (28) of the hydraulic system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An electric control circuit (1) for controlling a pneumatic/hydraulic system (11) in a turbine engine, the control circuit (1) includes: - at least an electromagnet (17) for controlling the hydraulic system (11), - a plurality (N) of transducers (S1-S3), disposed in the electric control circuit in such a way that a failure in any of the plurality (N) of transducers causes a decrease of the current flowing in the electromagnet (17). The electromagnet (17) is dimensioned in such a way to command a change of pressure in the hydraulic system (11) when a portion (n) of the plurality (N) of transducers (S1-S3) fails.