Variable-Geometry Actuator Positioning via Gravitational Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling the positioning of variable-geometry equipment on turbomachines are prone to imprecision due to wear and clearance issues, leading to suboptimal operation and the need for excessive margins to account for tolerance deviations, which complicates installation and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a computer-controlled actuator with a sensor to measure elongation, allowing for precise positioning by defining elongation setpoints relative to the contact with an abutment, enabling detection of system deformations and potential breaks, and adjusting control logic to compensate for wear and deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absolute positioning sensors are used to control jack rod position, then the control system can maintain consistent reference over time, but wear and clearance in the kinematic system cause the equipment position to deviate from the desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical absolute positioning sensor system with a relative positioning system based on gravitational reference. Instead of using sensors that measure position relative to a fixed mechanical reference, the system uses the gravitational field as a universal reference frame. The equipment position is determined by measuring the angle between the equipment axis and the gravitational vertical, eliminating the accumulation of mechanical clearances and wear in the positioning chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference parameter from a fixed mechanical reference (sensor-mounted) to a dynamic gravitational reference. By continuously referencing the equipment position to the gravitational vertical rather than to a fixed point on the jack or equipment, the system maintains accuracy despite wear and clearance in the mechanical components. This parameter change transforms the positioning reference from mechanical to gravitational.
2Reliability
If margins are increased in the dimensioning of the control law to account for wear and tolerance deviations, then the turbomachine can operate reliably throughout its life, but the operating point is chosen further from the surging line reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for conservative margins by replacing the mechanical positioning system with a gravitational reference system. Since gravitational reference does not suffer from wear or clearance accumulation, the control law can be precisely dimensioned without adding excessive margins, allowing the turbomachine to operate closer to the optimal point while maintaining reliability throughout its service life.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning is required during installation to avoid increasing positioning imprecision in operation, then the initial positioning accuracy is improved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and prone to handling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precise mechanical positioning during installation with a gravitational reference system that automatically establishes accurate positioning in operation. Instead of requiring careful manual alignment during installation, the system uses the gravitational field as a reference, which is always available and requires no special installation procedures, thereby reducing installation time and eliminating handling errors while maintaining operational 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
This approach reduces operational margins, enhances precision in positioning, and allows for real-time adaptation to wear and tolerance changes, improving turbomachine efficiency and reliability by accurately determining the real position of the equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for measuring its elongation
Implementation Method 2
the kinematic system being able to be deformed elastically under the action of the actuator when the attachment point is on the abutment
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling positioning of variable-geometry equipment of a turbomachine, including a computer, an actuator of variable geometry driven by the computer, and a drive train, the actuator including moving parts including a sensor for measuring its elongation, the drive train being connected at one of its ends to a point of attachment of the moving parts and at another end to a point of attachment of the equipment, the point of attachment moving under action of the actuator along a travel limited by an end stop and the drive train being elastically deformable under the action of the actuator when the point of attachment is against the end stop. An elongation instruction supplied by the computer to the moving parts is defined as a difference with respect to the value of the elongation of the moving parts that corresponds to contact between the point of attachment and the end stop.