Gas Turbine Vane Angle Control via Mapped Operating Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines with variable area vanes face challenges in accurately controlling vane angles during operation, which affects fuel efficiency and power output, and existing methods require direct measurement or are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor and control vane angles in gas turbine engines by using mapped data from similar engines to deduce vane angles based on operating parameters such as rotor speeds, pressure ratios, and Mach numbers, allowing for adjustments without direct measurement, utilizing a digital engine controller to achieve accurate angle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement of vane angles is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to required transducers and measurement systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a model engine to create a mapping between operating parameters and vane angles. This model is then copied and applied to the actual engine operation, allowing indirect determination of vane angles through parameter correlation rather than direct measurement, thus reducing the need for complex transducer systems while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces operating parameters (such as pressure ratios, temperatures, and flow rates) as intermediary variables that correlate with vane angles. Instead of directly measuring vane angles, the system uses these intermediary parameters to infer vane angle positions through the pre-established mapping relationship, simplifying the measurement system
2Productivity
If variable area vanes are controlled for improved fuel efficiency and power output, then engine performance is improved, but control precision requirements increase making the system more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where operating parameters are continuously monitored and compared against the pre-established mapping. The system automatically adjusts vane angles based on deviations from optimal performance parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual control while maintaining high fuel efficiency and power output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary work by establishing the mapping between operating parameters and optimal vane angles during engine testing. This pre-characterization allows the control system to automatically determine appropriate vane angles during operation without requiring complex real-time calculations or manual intervention, simplifying operation while maintaining performance
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a variable area gas turbine engine (10) includes, running the variable area turbine engine (10) at initial settings, monitoring two sets of operating parameters of the engine at the initial settings, and deducing vane angles of adjustable vanes (106) without directly measuring the vane angles from mapped data of the two sets of operating parameters of a similar engine operated while direct vane angle measurements were being recorded.