Turbine Engine Fuel Pump Drift Estimation by Valve Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the condition of turbomachine fuel pumps are inadequate, leading to unnecessary maintenance, downtime, and potential engine failure due to unpredictable pump degradation, with current techniques providing insufficient information on pump flow potential and requiring costly and invasive testing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for estimating fuel pump drift by measuring pressure differences across a metering device, calculating valve positions, and comparing these to reference functions to determine pump aging, allowing for continuous monitoring and preventive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preventive maintenance is carried out at regular intervals, then pump reliability is improved, but maintenance time and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from fixed-interval maintenance to condition-based maintenance by continuously monitoring pump performance parameters (pressure differential, flow rate) and comparing them against degradation thresholds. This allows maintenance to be performed only when actual degradation is detected, rather than following a predetermined schedule, thereby reducing unnecessary maintenance time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of pump performance through pressure sensors and flow measurements. The control unit compares real-time measurements with reference values and triggers maintenance alerts when degradation exceeds predefined thresholds, enabling timely intervention only when necessary and avoiding premature or unnecessary maintenance operations.
2Measurement precision
If pump condition is monitored using traditional testing methods, then accurate assessment of pump wear is achieved, but testing facilities and operational disruption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system performs self-diagnosis by utilizing its own operational parameters (pressure differential across the pump, flow rate) to assess its own condition. The monitoring system uses measurements already available from the pump's normal operation, eliminating the need for external testing facilities, specialized equipment, or removal of the pump from service for assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures pump performance for operational control, assesses pump wear for maintenance planning, and provides diagnostic information for troubleshooting. This multi-functionality is achieved using the existing pressure sensors and control unit already present in the fuel injection system, avoiding the need for dedicated testing equipment.
3Loss of energy
If pump drift is estimated using pressure difference and valve position analysis, then maintenance costs are reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the valve position as an intermediary parameter to translate pressure difference measurements into meaningful pump drift assessment. By combining pressure differential data with valve position information, the control unit can calculate pump performance characteristics more accurately, compensating for measurement uncertainties and reducing the need for extremely high-precision pressure sensors.
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 accurate assessment of pump wear, reducing maintenance downtime and costs by providing timely preventive alerts, ensuring operating margins, and avoiding engine restart failures.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a pressure difference at terminals of a metering device supplied with fuel by the pump
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method which comprises the following steps: - measuring a pressure difference at terminals of a metering device (22) supplied with fuel by a pump (20); - calculating a position of a valve (24) regulating the pressure difference; - determining at least one estimated position of the valve from the pressure difference and at least one reference function giving the pressure difference as a function of the position; - calculating at least one value representing a drift of the pump (20) using the calculated position and the estimated position; and - comparing the value with a predetermined threshold.