Abstract: A system and method of estimating the torque value of an engine are provided. The method includes generating corrected variable values from engine measured parameters and using a plurality of steady state tables that output corrected engine torque estimates based on various corrected variable values as inputs. In a preferred embodiment, the method also includes a phase compensation technique that converts each steady state table torque estimate into a dynamic torque estimate that closely matches the torque sensor measurements during both transient and steady state engine operations. In addition, also in a preferred embodiment, the method further includes a weighted averaging scheme that combines multiple torque estimates with weighting factors that are optimized based on the accuracy attributes of each torque estimate.

Abstract: An operations support system for an engine includes a model-based torque estimation unit configured to receive engine data associated with the engine and to generate torque estimation signals based on the engine data using a thermodynamic engine model. The thermodynamic model is based on component maps associated with the engine.

Abstract: A system and method of conducting a continuous performance analysis for a system includes collecting transient performance data for a first parameter of the system and a second parameter of the system. Transfer functions are applied to the transient performance data for at least one of the first and second parameters to thereby generate phase compensated performance data representative of a steady state relationship between the first and second parameter. For each phase compensated performance datum, an estimate of the first parameter is calculated at a predetermined value of the second parameter using the phase compensated performance datum and a previously stored performance characteristic curve representative of the steady state relationship between the first and second parameters in a deterioration model extrapolation method.

Abstract: An operations support system for an engine includes an engine prediction unit configured to receive an engine rating condition and scalars associated with the engine, and to generate condition indicators based on the engine rating condition and the scalars; and a power assurance algorithm unit coupled to the engine prediction unit and configured to generate health indicators based on the condition indicators. The health indicators include a power assurance number.

Abstract: An operations support system for an engine includes a diagnostics unit configured to receive engine data from the engine and to generate condition indicators based on the engine data using a thermodynamic model. The thermodynamic model is based on component maps associated with the engine. The system further includes a fault classification unit coupled to the diagnostic unit and configured to generate health indicators based on the condition indicators.

Abstract: A power management system includes a data fusion unit configured to receive first health indicators from an engine diagnostics module and second health indicators from a power assurance module. The data fusion unit is configured to data fuse the first and second health indicators. A power assessment and decision support unit is coupled to the data fusion unit and configured to generate power available based on the fused first and second health indicators. A system diagnostic reasoner unit is coupled to the data fusion unit, and configured to provide a system level fault diagnosis based on the fused first and second health indicators. A graphical user interface is coupled to the power assessment and decision support unit and the system diagnostic reasoned unit. The graphical user interface is configured to display the system level fault diagnosis and the power available.

Abstract: An operations support system for an engine includes a model-based torque estimation unit configured to receive engine data associated with the engine and to generate torque estimation signals based on the engine data using a thermodynamic engine model. The thermodynamic model is based on component maps associated with the engine.

Abstract: A system and method of estimating the torque value of an engine are provided. The method includes generating corrected variable values from engine measured parameters and using a plurality of steady state tables that output corrected engine torque estimates based on various corrected variable values as inputs. In a preferred embodiment, the method also includes a phase compensation technique that converts each steady state table torque estimate into a dynamic torque estimate that closely matches the torque sensor measurements during both transient and steady state engine operations. In addition, also in a preferred embodiment, the method further includes a weighted averaging scheme that combines multiple torque estimates with weighting factors that are optimized based on the accuracy attributes of each torque estimate.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the fuel flow rate in a direct metering fuel control system to compensate for actuator flow. The system includes a fuel metering pump that supplies fuel to a fluid-operated actuator and to a gas turbine engine combustor and determines, using a generated model of the fuel metering pump and/or the fluid-operated actuator, fuel flow rate needed by the gas turbine engine and/or the actuator fuel flow rate needed by the fluid-operated actuator. The fuel flow rate of the fuel metering pump is controlled based on the determined actuator fuel flow rate and the determined engine fuel flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method implements improved machine performance, most preferably for gas turbine engines. The system and method implement a control law that receives sensed operational parameter feedback signals. For each sensed engine operational parameter, the feedback signals that are supplied to the control law selectively comprise the sensor signal representative of the engine operational parameter, if the sensor signal is valid, or an observer estimate of the sensed engine operational parameter, if the sensor signal is invalid.

Abstract: A system and method of phase compensating transient performance data are provided. Transient performance data are collected for a plurality of parameters, and two of the parameters are selected. A transfer function is applied to the transient performance data for at least one of the selected parameters to thereby generate phase compensated performance data that is representative of a steady state relationship between the selected parameters.

Abstract: A system and method implements improved machine performance, most preferably for gas turbine engines. The system and method implement a control law that receives sensed operational parameter feedback signals. For each sensed engine operational parameter, the feedback signals that are supplied to the control law selectively comprise the sensor signal representative of the engine operational parameter, if the sensor signal is valid, or an observer estimate of the sensed engine operational parameter, if the sensor signal is invalid.

Abstract: An electronic communication analysis and visualization tool that provides a user interface that displays various attributes of electronic communication and any analysis thereof. The tool includes visualization of electronic messages, people associated with electronic communication, electronic communication threads, and concepts associated with electronic communication. The tool may further integrate and display attributes of electronic communication that are derived from a particular electronic communication or a secondary source.

Abstract: A searching procedure, particularly for searching on the Internet, using a search engine associated with a database and comprising submitting a request string comprising a locator (or URL) for the search engine and a search string including at least one search term. This will be an invalid address so an error signal is generated, and the generation thereof is monitored and used to trigger parsing of the request into the locator and the search string. The search string is then submitted to the search engine having the specified locator; and the data returned from the search engine is passed back to the user. The invention also includes a computer readable medium and a set of application program interfaces on such a medium for use in effecting the above procedure. The invention allows convenient searching from a command line.

Abstract: A searching procedure, particularly for searching on the Internet, using a search engine associated with a database and comprising submitting a request string comprising a locator (or URL) for the search engine and a search string including at least one search term. This will be an invalid address so an error signal is generated, and the generation thereof is monitored and used to trigger parsing of the request into the locator and the search string. The search string is then submitted to the search engine having the specified locator; and the data returned from the search engine is passed back to the user. The invention also includes a computer readable medium and a set of application program interfaces on such a medium for use in effecting the above procedure. The invention allows convenient searching from a command line.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for controlling the start-up of a turbine engine, including a compressor and a fuel control system, uses a sensor for sensing a first parameter associated with the start-up, generally the exit temperature of the turbine engine, along with a second sensor for sensing a second parameter associated with the start-up, generally the rate of change of speed of the compressor. These sensed parameters are compared with desired start-up characteristics to determine a first error and a second error. A first look-up table based on fuzzy logic is utilized to determine a first graded membership that is associated with the first error, while a second look-up table based on fuzzy logic is utilized for determining a second graded membership associated with the second error. A third look-up table based on fuzzy logic is utilized for determining an output compensation factor for the start-up based on the graded memberships.

Abstract: A method is provided for computing a stabilized vehicle speed value from a detected vehicle speed pulse signal and a detected engine speed signal, the vehicle speed value being for use by a vehicle speed control system. The method comprises several continuous cyclic steps commncing with generating a measured vehicle speed value from the detected vehicle speed pulse signal and generating a measured engine speed value from the detected engine speed signal. A current gear ratio is calculated from the measured vehicle speed value and the measured engine speed value. This current gear ratio is then passed through a single pole digital filter to filter changes in the gear ratio between consecutive cycles as a function of the current gear ratio and the gear ratio computed in the last preceding cycle of the computation. A current usable gear ratio is generated which is changed from the most recently generated usable gear ratio only if changes in the gear ratio exceed predetermined limit values.

Abstract: An electronic microcomputer based engine brake control device and a method for controlling an engine compression brake is disclosed. An algorithm for enabling engine brake operation includes monitoring a brake enable switch, engine RPM, engine fueling rate, cruise control or power takeoff system activation state, throttle position, manifold pressure and clutch pedal position. Engine brake operation is fully automatic and operates in a safe manner according to the disclosed algorithm.