Turbine Engine Power Allocation Control via Health Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for assessing engine health in multi-shaft turbine engines are primarily offline, lacking real-time monitoring and power allocation optimization, which can lead to inefficient operation and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system for turbine engines that includes an engine health monitor and a power allocation optimizer, which continuously assesses engine health and optimizes power extraction between multiple shafts based on real-time data from sensors, adjusting fuel flow and power allocation to maintain optimal performance and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power extraction is optimized based on real-time engine health monitoring, then fuel efficiency and engine performance are improved, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The engine control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional engine control, real-time health monitoring, and power allocation optimization. By making the ECU multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated systems while achieving real-time optimization based on engine health parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the engine's own operational data (from existing sensors) to monitor its health and automatically adjust power allocation. The engine essentially monitors and optimizes itself without requiring external intervention or additional complex monitoring infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If offline health assessment methods are used, then system complexity is minimized, but maintenance costs increase and operational efficiency decreases due to lack of real-time optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static offline health assessment to dynamic real-time monitoring. The system continuously updates engine health status and power allocation based on current operational conditions, enabling adaptive optimization rather than periodic fixed-schedule maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring engine parameters, assessing health status, and adjusting power allocation accordingly. This real-time feedback mechanism enables ongoing optimization of fuel efficiency and performance without requiring complex external intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A control for a turbine engine using electrical machines monitors engine health and allocates power extraction between the electrical machines.