Variable Vane Actuation via Compressor Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting gas turbine engines with variable inlet guide vanes is complex and costly, limiting their ability to improve performance without significant modifications to existing control systems and software.
Innovation Solution
A hydro-mechanical system using a fluid-actuated actuator and servo valve, controlled by a transducer that adjusts the position of variable vanes based on compressor discharge pressure, allowing for automatic and self-adjusting positional changes with minimal additions to existing controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable inlet guide vanes are added to improve engine performance, then engine performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses compressor discharge pressure as a direct input signal to the transducer, which automatically converts it to a control signal for the servo valve. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems or software modifications, allowing the variable inlet guide vanes to adjust automatically based on engine operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a servo valve controlled by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure differential to actuate the variable inlet guide vanes. The transducer converts compressor discharge pressure into a signal that modulates fluid flow to the actuator, providing simple and reliable control without complex electronic systems.
2Productivity
If variable inlet guide vanes are retrofitted to existing engines, then engine performance is improved, but retrofitting complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing compressor discharge pressure as the control input, requiring no additional sensors or electronic control units. The transducer directly converts this readily available pressure signal into actuator control, dramatically simplifying the retrofit process and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer and servo valve assembly can be universally applied to various engine types by connecting to the existing compressor discharge pressure line. This multi-functional approach allows the same retrofit kit to improve performance across different engine configurations without requiring engine-specific control system modifications.
3Measurement precision
If complex control systems and software modifications are used to enable variable inlet guide vanes, then vane positioning control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems and software with a purely mechanical/pneumatic solution. The transducer mechanically converts compressor discharge pressure into a control signal that directly actuates the servo valve, eliminating the need for electronic processors, sensors, and software algorithms while maintaining precise vane positioning control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system inherently provides feedback control by using compressor discharge pressure as both the process variable and the control signal source. As compressor pressure changes with operating conditions, the transducer automatically adjusts the servo valve to maintain optimal vane positioning, creating a self-correcting control loop without external monitoring or adjustment.
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 the facilitation of variable inlet guide vanes in gas turbine engines with reduced complexity and cost, improving engine performance without requiring extensive modifications to existing control systems or software.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-actuated actuator operatively connected to cause positional adjustment of the variable position vane
Implementation Method 2
a servo valve including a valve member cooperating with a spool to control a flow of fluid to the fluid-actuated actuator
Implementation Method 3
a transducer configured to generate the input to the servo valve based on a received signal indicative of the pressure of the air pressurized by the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adjusting a variable position vane in an aircraft engine is disclosed. The system comprises a servo valve operatively connected to the variable position vane and configured to cause adjustment of the variable position vane based on a pressure of air pressurized by a compressor of the aircraft engine.