Turbomachine Control Using Dual Temperature Sensors for Water Ingestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engine control systems face challenges in detecting water or hail ingestion, leading to excessive opening of compressor vanes and potential surging, particularly due to the high cost and technical compromises of existing solutions that require inertial separators for temperature sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method using two temperature sensors with different time constants, where a faster-responding second sensor detects water or hail ingestion, allowing the control setpoint to be determined using a modeled first temperature, eliminating the need for an inertial separator and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a temperature sensor with a long time constant is used to measure compressor inlet temperature, then the sensor structure can be simpler and cost lower, but the measurement responds slower to temperature changes caused by water or hail ingestion
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the temperature measurement function into two independent sensors: a first sensor with long time constant for normal operation and a second sensor with short time constant for rapid detection of water/hail ingestion. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The two temperature sensors work together in a multi-functional system where the first sensor provides accurate temperature measurement for control purposes while the second sensor provides rapid detection of abnormal conditions. The control system universally handles both normal and abnormal operations using inputs from both sensors, achieving both simplicity and responsiveness.
2Reliability
If a probe with an inertial separator is used to protect the temperature sensor from water and hail, then the temperature measurement is protected from disturbance, but the probe cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts the protection function from the temperature sensor itself and implements it through a separate detection mechanism. The second temperature sensor with short time constant acts as an independent protection detector, allowing the first sensor to remain simple without requiring an inertial separator, thus maintaining reliability while reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The second temperature sensor serves as an intermediary detection element that indirectly protects the first temperature sensor. Instead of physically protecting the first sensor with an inertial separator, the second sensor detects water/hail ingestion and triggers control adjustments, mediating the protection function in a cost-effective manner.
3Measurement precision
If the control setpoint is determined based on the first temperature measurement, then the control is accurate under normal conditions, but the compressor may surge when water or hail is ingested due to excessive vane opening
Solution Approach 1:
The solution implements preliminary detection using the second temperature sensor that responds rapidly to water/hail ingestion. When the second sensor detects a temperature drop indicating ingestion, the control system preemptively adjusts the control setpoint based on the first sensor's temperature measurement, preventing compressor surge before it occurs while maintaining accurate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from both temperature sensors to dynamically adjust the control setpoint. Under normal conditions, the first sensor's measurement provides accurate control. When the second sensor detects abnormal temperature changes indicating water/hail ingestion, the feedback triggers a modification of the control setpoint to prevent surge, thus maintaining stability while preserving measurement precision.
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 early detection of water or hail ingestion, preventing compressor surging without the need for expensive inertial separators, allowing a simple and cost-effective temperature sensor with a long time constant to be used, and adjusts control setpoints to maintain engine stability.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor (25) presenting a time constant C1
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor (3) presenting a time constant C2 shorter than the time constant C1 of the first sensor (25)
Implementation Method 3
a step of estimating a third temperature modeling said first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a turbine engine, including: measuring a first temperature by a first temperature sensor; measuring a second temperature by a second temperature sensor; estimating a third temperature modeling the first temperature; and determining at least one control setpoint for at least one piece of variable-geometry equipment of the engine, as a function of the measured first temperature. The first sensor presents a time constant longer than a time constant of the second sensor. The method further detects ingestion of water or hail as a function of a drop in the measured second temperature; and when water or hail ingestion is detected, determines the control setpoint as a function of the estimated third temperature.