Patents by Inventor Richard P. Meisner

Richard P. Meisner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10161313
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode, where the open loop model generates current state derivatives, solver state errors, and synthesized parameters as a function of the dynamic states and a model input vector. A constraint on the state derivatives and solver state errors is based on a material temperature utility for determining a material temperature associated with a component of the cycle of the control system. The model processor may include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on at least one of a prior state, the current state derivatives, the solver state errors, and the synthesized parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Ian Michael Dinsmore, Richard P. Meisner, John L. Shade
  • Publication number: 20180347474
    Abstract: A full authority digital engine controller (FADEC) based system is also disclosed. The system includes a processor, and a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicate with the processor, the tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the FADEC to perform operations. The operations may include measuring a first temperature at a first sensor disposed at a first known location of an engine, measuring a second temperature at a second sensor disposed at a second known location of the engine, and estimating at least one of a stress or a strain of a part or component in the engine based on the first temperature and the second temperature. The system may control fuel flow and/or other engine effectors during a thrust transient to limit the estimated stress or the estimated strain of the component from exceeding a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Meisner, David L. Ma, Timothy B. Winfield, James R. Midgley
  • Patent number: 10113487
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The control system may include a computer processor. The control system may also include an outer loop control module programmed into the computer processor to determine a torque request based at least in part on a real-time collective lever angle command. The control system may also include an inner loop control module programmed into the computer processor to receive the torque request from the outer loop control module, to determine fuel flow and inlet guide vane schedules based at least in part on the received torque request, and to send signals to a gas generator of the gas turbine engine in order to control the gas generator according to the determined fuel flow and inlet guide vane schedules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chaohong Cai, Timothy J. Crowley, Richard P. Meisner
  • Patent number: 10107204
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode. The model processor may further include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on a prior state model output and the current state model of the open loop model, the estimate state module determining estimator gain associated with the current state model and applying the estimator gain to determine the estimated state of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner
  • Patent number: 10107203
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode, wherein the open loop model generates current state derivatives, solver state errors, synthesized parameters as a function of the dynamic states and a model input vector. A constraint on the state derivatives and solver state errors is based on a series, of utilities that are based on mathematical abstractions of physical laws that govern behavior of the component. The model processor may include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on at least one of a prior state, the current state derivatives, the solver state errors, and the synthesized parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Matthew Donald, Thomas E. Case
  • Publication number: 20180245517
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor configured to generate a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on a model operating mode. The model processor may further include an estimate state module configured to determine an estimated state of the model based on at least one of a prior state, current state derivatives, solver state errors, and synthesized parameters, the estimate state module using online linearization and gain calculation to determine estimator gain for determining the estimated state of the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Manuj Dhingra
  • Patent number: 10036331
    Abstract: A method and control system for an aircraft using a gas turbine engine is provided. The control system includes a controller that includes a load and engine control modules and communicates control signals to a plant that includes a gas generator and a rotor load, an engine estimation module that receives engine state measurements and effector feedback/command signals from the controller and communicates a power turbine torque estimate, and a load estimation module that receives signals including the power turbine torque estimate, a first power turbine speed value, a first power turbine torque value, a second power turbine speed value, a second power turbine torque value, and a rotor speed value. The load estimation module generates one or more of a power turbine speed estimate, a power turbine torque estimate, and a rotor load estimate based on the received signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chaohong Cai, Timothy J. Crowley, Richard P. Meisner
  • Publication number: 20180073441
    Abstract: A method and control system for an aircraft using a gas turbine engine is provided. The control system includes a controller that includes a load and engine control modules and communicates control signals to a plant that includes a gas generator and a rotor load, an engine estimation module that receives engine state measurements and effector feedback/command signals from the controller and communicates a power turbine torque estimate, and a load estimation module that receives signals including the power turbine torque estimate, a first power turbine speed value, a first power turbine torque value, a second power turbine speed value, a second power turbine torque value, and a rotor speed value. The load estimation module generates one or more of a power turbine speed estimate, a power turbine torque estimate, and a rotor load estimate based on the received signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Chaohong Cai, Timothy J. Crowley, Richard P. Meisner
  • Patent number: 9915206
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode. The model processor may further include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on a prior state model output and the current state model of the open loop model the estimate state module using online linearization and gain calculation to determine estimator gain for determining the estimated state of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Manuj Dhingra
  • Patent number: 9878692
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine engine, a method for controlling a gas turbine engine, and a gas turbine engine are disclosed. The control system may include a hybrid model predictive control (HMPC) module, the HMPC module receiving power goals and operability limits and determining a multi-variable control command for the gas turbine engine, the multi-variable control command determined using the power goals, the operability limits, actuator goals, sensor signals, and synthesis signals. The control system may further include system sensors for determining the sensor signals and a non-linear engine model for estimating corrected speed signals and synthesis signals using the sensor signals, the synthesis signals including an estimated stall margin remaining. The control system may further include a goal generation module for determining actuator goals for the HMPC module using the corrected speed signals and an actuator for controlling the gas turbine engine based on the multivariable control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chaohong Cai, Joshua Adams, Richard P. Meisner
  • Publication number: 20170198643
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine engine, a method for controlling a gas turbine engine, and a gas turbine engine are disclosed. The control system may include a hybrid model predictive control (HMPC) module, the HMPC module receiving power goals and operability limits and determining a multi-variable control command for the gas turbine engine, the multi-variable control command determined using the power goals, the operability limits, actuator goals, sensor signals, and synthesis signals. The control system may further include system sensors for determining the sensor signals and a non-linear engine model for estimating corrected speed signals and synthesis signals using the sensor signals, the synthesis signals including an estimated stall margin remaining. The control system may further include a goal generation module for determining actuator goals for the HMPC module using the corrected speed signals and an actuator for controlling the gas turbine engine based on the multivariable control command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Chaohong Cai, Joshua Adams, Richard P. Meisner
  • Patent number: 9540944
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, and an electronic engine control system. The compressor, combustor, and turbine are arranged in flow series. The electronic engine control system is configured to generate a real-time estimate of compressor stall margin from an engine model, and command engine actuators to correct for the difference between the real time estimate of compressor stall margin and a required stall margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Meisner, Brian V. Winebrenner, Matthew R. Feulner, Boris Karpman, Juan A. Marcos, David L. Ma
  • Patent number: 9500138
    Abstract: A load power sharing control system for a twin-engine rotorcraft having a first gas turbine engine and a second gas turbine engine is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Chaohong Cai, Michael H. Levesque, Richard P. Meisner, Timothy J. Crowley, Joshua Adams, Timothy J. Gaudet
  • Patent number: 9441547
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine engine, a method for controlling a gas turbine engine, and a gas turbine engine are disclosed. The control system may include a hybrid model predictive control (HMPC) module, the HMPC module receiving power goals and operability limits and determining a multi-variable control command for the gas turbine engine, the multi-variable control command determined using the power goals, the operability limits, actuator goals, sensor signals, and synthesis signals. The control system may further include system sensors for determining the sensor signals and a non-linear engine model for estimating corrected speed signals and synthesis signals using the sensor signals, the synthesis signals including an estimated stall margin remaining. The control system may further include a goal generation module for determining actuator goals for the HMPC module using the corrected speed signals and an actuator for controlling the gas turbine engine based on the multivariable control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chaohong Cai, Joshua Adams, Richard P. Meisner
  • Publication number: 20160146109
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode. The model processor may include an input object for processing model input and setting a model operating mode, the model operating mode being a starting mode if the model input is within a data range associated with a starting operation of the control device. The model processor may further include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on a prior state model output and the current state model of the open loop model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, David Sembiante, Thomas Niemczycki
  • Publication number: 20160069277
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for controlling turboshaft engines. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving input signals for a collective lever angle (CLA) command and real-time power turbine speed (NP) of an engine, determining system data for engine effectors by the control unit based on the input signals for the collective lever angle (CLA) command and the real-time power turbine speed (NP) based on an integrated model for the turboshaft engine including a model of a gas generator section of the turboshaft engine and a model of a power turbine and rotor load section of the turboshaft engine. The method may also include determining control output based on model-based multi-variable control including optimization formulation and a constrained optimization solver. The method may also include outputting one or more control signals for control of the turboshaft engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Richard P. MEISNER, Chaohong Cai, James W. Fuller, Timothy J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20160017814
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode, wherein the open loop model generates a current state model as a function of the dynamic states and the model input, wherein a constraint on the current state model is based a series of cycle synthesis modules, each member of the series of cycle synthesis modules modeling a component of a cycle of the control system and including a series of utilities, the utilities are based on mathematical abstractions of physical properties associated with the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Ian Michael Dinsmore, Richard P. Meisner, John L. Shade
  • Publication number: 20160017813
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode. The system may include a control law for directing the actuator as a function of a model output and for determining if the control device is operating with deteriorated conditions. The model processor may further include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on a prior state model output and the current state model of an open loop model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner
  • Publication number: 20150378334
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode, wherein the open loop model generates a current state model as a function of the dynamic states and the model input, wherein a constraint on the current state model is based a series of cycle synthesis modules, each member of the series of cycle synthesis modules modeling a component of a cycle of the control system and including a series of utilities, the utilities are based on mathematical abstractions of physical properties associated with the component. The model processor may further include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on a prior state model output and the current state model of the open loop model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Matthew Donald, Thomas E. Case
  • Publication number: 20150370233
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode. The model processor may further include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on a prior state model output and the current state model of the open loop model, the estimate state module determining estimator gain associated with the current state model and applying the estimator gain to determine the estimated state of the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner