Gas Turbine Engine Controller Activation Key Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine systems lack the ability for end-users to customize engine operation based on specific needs, leading to suboptimal design, especially for large fleets, resulting in inefficient operation and reduced engine life.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a first processing unit and an engine controller, where the first processing unit selectively transmits an activation key to the engine controller, allowing it to verify and enable specific operational parameters, enabling customized operation of the gas turbine engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If gas turbine engines are operated at high power levels to meet demand, then power output is improved, but engine life is reduced and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of engine operating parameters based on real-time conditions and user-defined goals. The engine controller can modify operational parameters such as spool speed, fuel flow, and temperature limits to optimize the balance between power output and engine life extension, allowing the engine to operate at lower levels during certain conditions while maintaining high output when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the gas turbine engine based on customized control parameters received from the processing unit. By modifying parameters such as maximum turbine temperature, rotor speed limits, and fuel-air ratio, the system optimizes engine performance to extend life while meeting power demands, rather than operating at fixed high power levels.
2Device complexity
If gas turbine engines are operated with fixed standard parameters, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to specific user needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary communication layer between the user and the engine controller. A processing unit receives customized control parameters from the user and transmits them to the engine controller, which then adjusts operational parameters accordingly. This intermediary layer enables customization without requiring complex direct user-interface programming at the engine level.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine controller is designed to receive and process multiple types of control parameters from different sources (standard parameters, customized parameters, real-time sensor data). This multi-functional capability allows the same controller to operate the engine under various conditions and user goals without requiring separate control systems for each scenario.
3Productivity
If operational parameters are customized for each engine, then end-use optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the engine control system to self-configure by automatically receiving and processing customized parameters from the processing unit. The engine controller autonomously adjusts operational parameters based on the received control parameters and real-time sensor data, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration or complex programming for each customization scenario.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method provide aircraft-specific customization of gas turbine engine operation. The system includes a gas turbine engine, a first processing unit, and an engine controller. The first processing unit is configured to selectively transmit an activation key. The engine controller is in operable communication with the first processing unit and the gas turbine engine. The engine controller is configured to receive the activation key transmitted by the first processing unit and is operable, upon receipt of the activation key, to: verify the received activation key is correct, enable operational parameters in the gas turbine engine and the engine controller when the received activation key is correct, and control the gas turbine engine using the enabled operational parameters.