Abstract:
Fuel flow to a gas turbine engine is controlled in response to power lever position and CDP. Fuel is supplied to the engine through three fuel flow regulating circuits which are in parallel. In one of these circuits there is a valve which establishes a minimum fuel flow which decreases with increasing power lever advance. In a second circuit there is a valve which modifies fuel flow in response to CDP. In a third circuit there is a valve which modifies fuel flow in response to CDP and receives fuel from a valve which opens with increasing power lever advance. The fuel control system includes a low power sensitive torque motor which may be activated to increase the pressure drop across the three circuits whose flow thus increases proportionally. Normal engine operation is obtainable without the use of the torque motor which provides an interface to an electronic control unit which senses various engine and ambient parameters and activates the torque motor in order to modify fuel flow accordingly.
Abstract:
A system and method for selectively and controllably supplying a preselected pressure source for controlling a pressure-responsive fuel flow metering system, the system being especially capable for use as a Mach number hold unit for controlling fuel flow to aircraft jet engines.
Abstract:
Apparatus for degrading safety fuel of the type containing an antimisting polymer and comprising a cylindrical vaned stator and vaned rotor in radially concentric array, whereby rotation of the rotor will cause safety fuel pumped through the apparatus to be subjected to sufficient shear and local acceleration to be degraded to a state acceptable to engines and their control apparatus.
Abstract:
A free turbine engine for driving ground vehicles with various deceleration or braking actions including power feedback braking wherein the turbine compressor is selectively interconnected with the power output shaft only in such a manner whereby compressor inertia assists in decelerating the vehicle.
Abstract:
An aircraft having two turbine engines is provided with both torque and temperature sensitive electronic circuitry to control the fuel supplied to the turbine engines. Pushbutton switches are provided for the selection of the desired torque level by the pilot. The fuel to either engine is reduced, regardless of output torque and its relationship to the pushbutton values of selected torque, when the engine temperature exceeds a predetermined safety level. Failsafe operation is provided through the use of a main fuel supply path including a manual fuel control valve extending from the fuel pump to the engine fuel nozzles, and a normally closed bypass fuel control line which selectively diverts fuel from the principal path under the control of the temperature and torque responsive electronic circuitry. An electromagnetically operated valve in the bypass line is normally closed and is selectively operated to the desired open condition under the control of the torque and temperature responsive circuitry mentioned above, to reduce fuel supplied to the turbine engines.
Abstract:
A reference signal generator generates a variable reference signal with which a signal indicating the momentary rotational speed of the prime mover (such as a gas turbine) for a generator is compared, to produce a rotational speed control signal in accordance with a signal representing the load applied to the prime mover, so as to compensate for the rotational speed fluctuation caused by load connection by holding the rotational speed of the prime mover above the desired level during no-load operation and at the desired level under load.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for control of an integrated combined cycle Brayton-Rankine engine is disclosed. The engine has a combustor and main power turbine operating on the Brayton cycle. Combustion air is supplied by a compressor independently driven by a Rankine vapor turbine. The closed loop Rankine cycle derives its heat energy from the exhaust of the Brayton turbine. Engine speed and power level are controlled by varying the fuel flow to the combustor and by throttling the air flow to the compressor.
Abstract:
A control system including a controller for reading temperature values from sensors in a gas turbine, determining the reliability of the sensors, and issuing a fuel control signal for use in controlling the turbine is disclosed. The fuel control signal has a calculated value which is a function of the turbine operating temperature derived from the values of temperature signals generated by the sensors.
Abstract:
A fan spool stabilization loop which improves the stability of the low speed or fan spool in a two spool turbofan engine. In a preferred embodiment, the actual rate of rotation of the high speed spool is compared with the desired rate of rotation determined by integrating the difference between the desired rate of rotation of the fan spool and the actual rate of rotation. The difference therebetween controls the flow of fuel to the turbofan engine. In an alternate preferred embodiment of the invention, the rate of change of rotation of the high speed spool is added to the actual rate of rotation of the fan spool and the result is compared with the desired rate of rotation of the fan spool. The difference therebetween is utilized to control the flow of fuel to the turbofan engine.
Abstract:
In order to take advantage of the efficient utilization of fuel occasioned by operating a turbine type power plant of the multiple spool design at very high overall pressure ratios, the high pressure spool is operated at substantially full speed and substantially full pressure ratio at low altitude and the high pressure compressor exit temperature is maintained at or near the value for which the engine was designed to operate at the climb or altitude cruise condition by controlling the pressure of the air admitted to the high pressure compressor.