Abstract: An event-driven starter controller regulates the speed of a gas turbine engine based on detected events. The event-driven starter controller is used to supply motive force to the gas turbine engine prior such that the gas turbine engine is able to ignite (i.e., achieve light-off). In particular, in response to engine speed reaching a defined threshold, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the starter motor to ramp or increase through a defined range of speeds suitable for engine light-off (i.e, light-off window). Upon reaching an upper threshold of the light-off window, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the starter motor to decrease through the range of speeds suitable for engine light-off. If at any time during the light-off window the event-driven starter controller detects a successful light-off condition, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the gas turbine engine to increase toward a second threshold.

Abstract: An improved method and system for facilitating no-break power transfer between an APU and a main engine includes determining a required APU speed for conducting power transfer based on various APU operating parameters, such as engine speed, fuel, environmental temperature, etc. The APU controller then adjusts the APU speed up or down to the required APU speed. Communication between an aircraft computer and the APU controller may also be provided so that operational data can be exchanged to adjust the electrical load of the aircraft below a maximum load threshold set by the APU, avoiding overloading of the APU during power transfer. By exchanging operational data between the APU controller and the aircraft computer, both the APU and the electrical load can be adjusted to optimize no-break power transfer despite varying APU operating conditions and main engine generator frequencies.

Abstract: A multiple accessory support bracket that mounts a plurality of external accessories for an auxiliary power unit (APU) so that all the external accessories may be mounted to the APU in a single operation.

Abstract: An event-driven starter controller regulates the speed of a gas turbine engine based on detected events. The event-driven starter controller is used to supply motive force to the gas turbine engine, prior such that the gas turbine engine is able to ignite (i.e., achieve light-off). In particular, in response to engine speed reaching a defined threshold, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the starter motor to ramp or increase through a defined range of speeds suitable for engine light-off (i.e, light-off window). Upon reaching an upper threshold of the light-off window, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the starter motor to decrease through the range of speeds suitable for engine light-off. If at any time during the light-off window the event-driven starter controller detects a successful light-off condition, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the gas turbine engine to increase toward a second threshold.

Abstract: An improved method and system for facilitating no-break power transfer between an APU and a main engine includes determining a required APU speed for conducting power transfer based on various APU operating parameters, such as engine speed, fuel, environmental temperature, etc. The APU controller then adjusts the APU speed up or down to the required APU speed. Communication between an aircraft computer and the APU controller may also be provided so that operational data can be exchanged to adjust the electrical load of the aircraft below a maximum load threshold set by the APU, avoiding overloading of the APU during power transfer. By exchanging operational data between the APU controller and the aircraft computer, both the APU and the electrical load can be adjusted to optimize no-break power transfer despite varying APU operating conditions and main engine generator frequencies.

Abstract: An improved method and system for facilitating no-break power transfer between an APU and a main engine includes determining a required APU speed for conducting power transfer based on various APU operating parameters, such as engine speed, fuel, environmental temperature, etc. The APU controller then adjusts the APU speed up or down to the required APU speed. Communication between an aircraft computer and the APU controller may also be provided so that operational data can be exchanged to adjust the electrical load of the aircraft below a maximum load threshold set by the APU, avoiding overloading of the APU during power transfer. By exchanging operational data between the APU controller and the aircraft computer, both the APU and the electrical load can be adjusted to optimize no-break power transfer despite varying APU operating conditions and main engine generator frequencies.

Abstract: A no break power transfer system that is particularly useful onboard an aircraft ensures that there is an appropriate frequency match between the outputs of different power supplies. A frequency adjuster between an auxiliary power unit and a load alters the frequency of power available from the auxiliary power unit before that power is supplied to the load. In one example, a controller determines when the frequency of output power from the main power supply does not match that from the auxiliary power unit. The controller controls the frequency adjuster to make an appropriate frequency change until there is a sufficient match. In one example, the frequency adjuster includes a rectifier that converts an alternating current output of the auxiliary power unit to a direct current output that is then converted by an inverter to provide an alternating current output having the appropriate frequency.

Abstract: A fluid system for calibrating a variable area metering valve during flight when the fluid receiver is not in operation employs several single point fixed calibration orifices that are sequentially used to establish a corresponding number of calibration points in a short time interval. The position of the metering valve movable element is stored in a memory of a microprocessor for each calibration point and the metering valve may thereafter be driven by the microprocessor to control with precision flow rates to the receiver without the need for a flow meter. Operation is free to bench calibration inaccuracies and possible drift due to mechanical wear.