Fuel Patents (Class 60/39.281)
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Patent number: 12258911Abstract: A method of monitoring a fuel system in a gas turbine engine. The method may comprise pumping fuel to a combustor from a fuel tank with a pump. The method may comprise controlling a flow of the fuel to the combustor with a metering valve disposed downstream of the pump and closing a spill valve disposed downstream of the pump, wherein the spill valve is closed in fixed increments and closing the spill valve increases a pressure in the fuel system. The method may comprise opening a pressure valve in response to the pressure in the fuel system being equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and capturing a degree of closing of the spill valve when the pressure valve opens.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2023Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Lee, Mihir Desai, Govindaraj Kalyanasamy, Mark Collett
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Patent number: 12247594Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system includes, a servo configured to control a position of a valve, a driver operatively connected to control movement of the servo, a control module operatively connected to control the driver, can configured to control the driver with pulse width modulated output to control a frequency of a generator through movement of the servo.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2022Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Francisco X. Romo
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Patent number: 12203419Abstract: A system and method of in situ verification of operational status of control components in a redundant flow control system is provided. The flow control system includes a primary electro-hydraulic servo valve (EHSV) and a secondary EHSV. Only the primary EHSV includes a position sensor. The redundant EHSVs are coupled via a transfer valve to control a position of a metering valve supplying fluid flow to at least one downstream system. The downstream system may be, e.g., a combustor, an actuator, an end effector, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2022Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventor: Michael L. Hahn
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Patent number: 12163665Abstract: A fuel nozzle assembly for a gas turbine combustion chamber includes a housing having a first port connected to a first low calorific gas supply, a second port separate from the first port and connected to a second low calorific gas supply, and a third port separate from the first port and the second port and connected to a high calorific fuel supply. The fuel nozzle assembly may further include a first gallery in the housing connected to the first port, a second gallery in the housing separate from the first gallery and connected to the second port, and a third gallery in the housing separate from the first and second galleries and connected to the third port. The fuel nozzle assembly may further include a plurality of injection holes circumferentially disposed in the housing and configured to inject gas from each respective gallery into a can combustor.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: OPRA Technologies BVInventor: Thijs Wilhelmus Felix Maria Bouten
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Patent number: 12152542Abstract: The present application provides a method of determining one or more fuel characteristics of an aviation fuel suitable for powering a gas turbine engine of an aircraft. The method includes: passing UV-visual spectrum light through the fuel; measuring a transmittance parameter indicating the transmittance of light through the fuel; determining one or more fuel characteristics of the fuel based on the transmittance parameter; and communicating the one or more fuel characteristic to a control module of the gas turbine engine or the aircraft. Also disclosed is a fuel characteristic determination system, a method of operating an aircraft, and an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2023Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Peter Swann, David M. Beaven, Craig W. Bemment, Alastair G. Hobday, Benjamin J. Keeler, Christopher P. Madden, Martin K. Yates
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Gas turbine fluid manifold assembly having an adjustable length bypass conduit to attenuate dynamics
Patent number: 12071897Abstract: A structure for damping at a fluid manifold assembly for an engine is generally provided. The fluid manifold assembly includes a first walled conduit defining a first fluid passage therewithin. A flow of fluid defining a first frequency is permitted through the first fluid passage. A second walled conduit includes a pair of first portions each coupled to the first walled conduit. A second portion is coupled to the pair of first portions. A second fluid passage is defined through the first portion and the second portion in fluid communication with the first fluid passage. The flow of fluid is permitted through the second fluid passage at a second frequency approximately 180 degrees out of phase from the first frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2022Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Donald Scott Yeager, Brandon Wayne Miller -
Patent number: 12031490Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system including a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, and an exhaust section. The system also includes multiple sensors coupled to components of the gas turbine system. The system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the gas turbine system and the multiple sensors and configured to control operations of the gas turbine system, wherein the controller is configured to calculate a surrogate value for turbine exit Mach number based on the feedback from the multiple sensors and to utilize the surrogate value to derive a control action for the gas turbine system.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Harold Lamar Jordan, David Spencer Ewens
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Patent number: 11976589Abstract: An engine system for an aircraft includes a first gas turbine engine, a second gas turbine engine, and a control system. The control system is configured to operate the first gas turbine engine with a sub-idle fuel burn schedule based on detecting landing of the aircraft, where the sub-idle fuel burn schedule includes a reduction of an idle fuel burn schedule. The control system is configured to operate the second gas turbine engine with the idle fuel burn schedule based on detecting landing of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: RTX CORPORATIONInventors: Stephen A. Witalis, Ramesh Rajagopalan, Subhradeep Chowdhury
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Patent number: 11898504Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for air recovery are disclosed. The diverted pressurized air may be used to supply a hydrostatic purge to the unutilized portion of a turbine engine fuel manifold circuit to ensure that exhaust gases from the utilized side of the fuel manifold circuit do not enter the portion of the alternative fuel manifold circuit rack. The assembly used to remove compressor section pressurized air may include a flow control orifice, line pressure measuring instrumentation, non-return valves, isolation valves and hard stainless-steel tubing assemblies. In some embodiments, a turbine compressor section diverter system may include a small air receiver used to increase the volume of air supplying the manifold to aid in potential pressure and flow disruptions from a turbine engine compressor section.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLCInventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
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Patent number: 11891959Abstract: A fuel control system for a gas turbine engine includes a fuel metering valve, a pressure raising and shut-off valve (PRSOV), and a shutoff effector including a first stage unit that is electrically powered and a second stage unit that is controlled by the first stage unit. The second stage unit actuates a valve member of the PRSOV between an open position that allows supply of a fuel to burners of the gas turbine engine and a closed position that prevents supply of the fuel to the burners. Upon loss of electrical power to the first stage unit during operation of the gas turbine engine, the first stage unit is configured to: control the second stage unit to actuate the valve member of the PRSOV to the closed position after a predetermined time duration; or retain the valve member of the PRSOV in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: Daniel J Bickley
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Patent number: 11885652Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method fluid flow measurements which include a pressure transducer and a flexible tube. The pressure transducer is tuned to measure flow speeds having a Reynolds number less than 100 and include an inlet. The flexible tube has a first end fluidly coupled to the inlet and a second end positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid outlets of a microchannel flow structure. Each of the plurality of fluid outlets has a cross section defining an outlet area. The second end has a cross section defining a flexible tube area that is larger than the outlet area.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Ercan M. Dede, Yuqing Zhou, Feng Zhou, Danny Lohan
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Patent number: 11859564Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a pump to be connected to a fuel tank. A metering valve is downstream of the pump. A control is programmed to control at least one of the pump and metering valve. The control is operable to take in a flow demand signal and a fuel pressure signal from a controller associated with a gas turbine engine. The flow demand signal is indicative of a desired flow volume and the fuel pressure signal is indicative of a desired fuel pressure. Operation conditions are identified for the at least one of said pump and the metering valve. A gas turbine engine and fuel supply system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Edward W. Goy, Ryan Shook, Benjamin T. Harder
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Patent number: 11859579Abstract: A system for multiple burns from a solid fuel rocket motor may extinguish rocket fuel after the rocket has been ignited. The motor may be extinguished via rapid decompression of the combustion chamber. The fuel may then be reignited by a suitable igniter, and the process of extinguishing and reigniting may be repeated, enabling multi-burn maneuvers. A decompressive extinguishing plug nozzle may extinguish solid rocket fuel after the rocket has been ignited and/or keep a rocket in a disarmed (zero thrust) state until the rocket is to be armed. The nozzle may include a plug that mostly impedes the opening of the nozzle and an outer cowl that is movable to rapidly decompress the combustion chamber. This rapid decompression extinguishes the solid rocket fuel. In some aspects, the fuel can be reignited and extinguished multiple times.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Nicholas Dallmann, Ian Shelburne, Kavitha Chintam, Malakai Coblentz, David Hemsing, Joseph Lichthardt, Bryce Tappan, Mahlon S. Wilson
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Patent number: 11773847Abstract: A fuel system for a turbomachine includes a fuel tank and a first fuel line in fluid communication with the fuel tank and one or more fuel injectors. The first fuel line includes a main fuel pump disposed on the first fuel line, and an electric metering system disposed on the first fuel line downstream of the main fuel pump configured for starting the turbomachine and metering fuel to the fuel injectors.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: William E. Rhoden, Peter J. Padykula
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Patent number: 11767794Abstract: A twin-flow, double body turbojet includes a fan that is positioned upstream from a gas generator and delimits primary and secondary flows. The gas generator is traversed by the primary flow and includes a low-pressure compressor, a high-pressure compressor, a combustion chamber, a high-pressure turbine and a low-pressure turbine. The low-pressure turbine is linked to the low-pressure compressor by a low-pressure rotating shaft, and the high-pressure turbine is linked to the high-pressure compressor by a high-pressure rotating shaft. The turbojet has an electric motor for injecting mechanical power into at least one of the rotating shafts. The turbojet also has a device for removing power from at least one of the rotating shafts and transforming the excess power into electrical energy. An electric storage means is positioned between the device for removing power and the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Bernard Robic, Thierry Jean-Jacques Obrecht, Baptiste Jean Marie Renault
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Patent number: 11725593Abstract: A gas turbine including a fuel gas supply system to supply fuel gas via a fuel piping to a gas turbine combustor, a pressure control valve installed halfway along the fuel piping, a flow control valve installed in the fuel piping at downstream of the pressure control valve, and a control device configured that in a case where a flow rate change occurs in the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas supply system, along with a tendency of change in an opening degree of the pressure control valve or a pressure P1 at upstream of the pressure control valve, a command value of the flow rate of the fuel gas that is determined based on a demand value of a gas turbine load is adjusted so that the change is suppressed in the opening degree of the pressure control valve or the pressure P1.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Hagita, Keita Naito, Mitsuhiro Karishuku, Masaya Kato, Satoshi Tanimura
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Patent number: 11713718Abstract: A flow metering system includes a pump configured to urge a fluid flow from a fluid source, and a recirculation line located at the pump. A pressure regulating valve is located along the recirculating line. One or more fluid delivery lines extend downstream of the pump to deliver the fluid flow to one or more fluid consumers. A flow control valve is located along each fluid delivery line of the one or more fluid delivery lines. A system controller is operably connected to the pressure regulating valve and the one or more flow control valves. The system controller is configured to maintain a selected delta pressure and a selected flow rate of the fluid flow by operation of the pressure regulating valve and the one or more flow control valves.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Diego S. Mugurusa, Jesse Joseph Stieber, Jeffrey S. Dearborn, David D. Frish
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Patent number: 11676061Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus and method for harnessing machine learning and data analytics for a real-time predictive model for a FCC pre-treatment unit. The method includes collecting operating parameters of a pre-treatment unit and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit; evaluating an independent variable of the operating parameters; and adjusting an input to the pre-treatment unit to control the independent variable within specifications in an output of the FCC unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2018Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Soumendra Mohan Banerjee, Deepak Bisht, Krishna Mani, Priyesh Jayendrakumar Jani, Gautam Pandey
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Patent number: 11674455Abstract: A system comprises a variable displacement pump, a metering valve, a bypass line, a pressure regulating valve, a position sensor, and a control system. At least one fuel nozzle can be in fluid communication with the output line downstream of the metering valve, wherein the variable displacement pump is configured to supply fuel to the at least one fuel nozzle. The metering valve can be disposed in the output line for controlling outlet flow from the variable displacement pump. The system can also include an actuator line parallel to the variable displacement pump and connected to the output line to provide actuation pressure from pump output of the variable displacement pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Inventor: Matej Rutar
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Patent number: 11649038Abstract: A system includes a thermal engine operatively connected to drive a propeller. An electric motor is operatively connected to the thermal engine to drive the propeller together with the thermal engine. An external input system is configured to accept input and output a thrust command. A protection function module is configured to enforce limits on the thermal engine, electric motor, and propeller. A low select module is operatively connected to receive input from the external input system and form the protection function module and to output the lower of input from the protection function module and external input system to the thermal engine, the electric motor, and the propeller.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Michael Mark, Leonid Guerchkovitch
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Patent number: 11649763Abstract: Techniques for determining a fan spool speed value associated with a hybrid electric gas engine (“engine”) are described herein. For example, a method includes generating a first fan spool speed value based on a base extraction amount. The method further includes generating a change in the first fan spool speed value based on a flight condition and a change in extraction amount. The method further includes generating a second fan spool speed value based on the extraction amount and an augmentation value for intersection of a combustion instability and burner pressure limit. The method further includes generating a second change in the second fan spool speed value based on the flight condition and the change in extraction amount. The method further includes determining a final fan spool speed value and operating the engine at the final fan spool speed value.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2022Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Michael M. Romero, Neil J. Terwilliger, Daniel B. Kupratis
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Patent number: 11555457Abstract: A fuel control device includes a stem fuel valve opening degree determination unit, a branch line flow rate determination unit, and a correction value determination unit. The stem fuel valve opening degree determination unit is configured to determine an opening degree of a flow rate adjustment valve of a stem fuel supply line. The branch line flow rate determination unit is configured to determine an opening degree of a flow rate adjustment valve of at least one branch line. The correction value determination unit is configured to determine a correction value of the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve of the at least one branch line based on a value of a pressure difference between a fuel pressure upstream of a nozzle connected to the at least one branch line and a corrected fuel pressure for a fuel pressure at an outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kenji Miyamoto, Kotaro Miyauchi, Hisashi Nakahara, Kiyoshi Fujimoto
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Patent number: 11549464Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine engine having a low speed spool, a high speed spool, and a combustor. The system also includes a low spool motor configured to augment rotational power of the low speed spool. The system further includes a controller configured to cause fuel flow. The controller is operable to control the low spool motor to drive rotation of the low speed spool responsive to a thrust command while the controller does not command fuel flow to the combustor.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Neil Terwilliger, Gary Collopy
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Patent number: 11519298Abstract: A mounting member for a sensor for a turbomachine having an axis is disclosed. The mounting member includes a body configured to mount to a portion of a circumferential interior surface of a casing of the turbomachine. An opening extends through a radially inner surface of the body, and is configured to position the sensor facing radially inward relative to the axis. A passage in the body extends longitudinally through the body to route a communications lead of the sensor circumferentially relative to the circumferential interior surface of the casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kurt Kramer Schleif, Robert David Jones, Michael Allen Ball, Andrew David Ellis, Mario Joseph Arceneaux, Donald Shaw
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Patent number: 11506133Abstract: A method of delivering fuel to an engine during operation of the engine, that includes, sensing the speed of sound in the fuel, determining a density or property of the fuel, and based on that density or fuel property adjusting the flow rate of the fuel. Further, an established fuel profile or determined energy density value can also be used to adjust the flow rate of the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Adam Edgar Klingbeil, William James Mailander
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Patent number: 11486316Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting a variable geometry mechanism of an engine are described herein. An engine control request indicative of a desired output power for the engine is monitored. A rate of change of the engine control request is determined. The rate of change is compared to a threshold. Responsive to determining that the rate of change is beyond the threshold, a transient bias map is applied to a steady-state schedule to generate a variable geometry mechanism request indicative of a target position for the variable geometry mechanism. The variable geometry mechanism is adjusted toward the target position according to the variable geometry mechanism request.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Poi Loon Tang, Kirsten Joan Evetts, Philippe Beauchesne-Martel
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Patent number: 11473441Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section and a turbine section. A first spool is rotatable with a first turbine of the turbine section and a first compressor of the compressor section. Additionally, a second spool is rotatable with a second turbine of the turbine section and a second compressor of the compressor section. An electric machine is positioned at least partially inward of the core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine along a radial direction of the gas turbine engine. Additionally, the exemplary gas turbine engine includes a gear assembly mechanically coupled to both the first spool and the second spool, such that the first and second spools may each drive the electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gert Johannes van der Merwe, Daniel Alan Niergarth, Peter David Toot
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Patent number: 11466627Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are useful in control of one or more aspects of a power production plant. More particularly, the disclosure relates to power production plants, methods of starting power production plants, and methods of generating power with a power production plant wherein one or more control paths are utilized for automated control of at least one action. The present disclosure more particularly relates to power production plants, control systems for power production plants, and methods for startup of a power production plant.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: 8 Rivers Capital, LLCInventor: Jeremy Eron Fetvedt
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Patent number: 11460016Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump array of multiple pump-engine assemblies. Each pump-engine assembly comprises a pump and a gas turbine engine driving the pump. A manifold is coupled to the pumps. A master controller is coupled to each of the pump-engine assemblies either directly or via one or more intermediate controllers. The master controller and any intermediate controllers are collectively programmed to respond to user input including a desired hydraulic output at the manifold by automatically calculating and applying inputs to the individual pump-engine assemblies to provide the desired hydraulic output.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignees: Tucson Embedded Systems, Inc., Turbine Powered Technology, LLCInventors: David Crowe, Elden Crom
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Patent number: 11459955Abstract: A method of deactivating a liquid distribution system of a gas turbine engine in the event of a fire condition includes introducing a quantity of air into the liquid distribution system at a location upstream of a liquid pump of the liquid distribution system. The quantity of air is greater than a liquid discharge capacity of the liquid pump, thereby starving the liquid pump.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Thomas Trevor Ricci
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Patent number: 11440683Abstract: Device and method for regulating a flow rate of gas intended to supply a propulsion apparatus for a spacecraft comprising xenon tank, a circuit comprising a withdrawing pipe having an upstream end connected to the tank and a downstream end connected to a propulsion member, the withdrawing pipe comprising an isolation first valve, a regulating second valve and a member for measuring the pressure downstream of the regulating second valve. The regulating second valve regulates the flow rate and/or the determined pressure according to the pressure measured. The regulating second valve is a proportional valve of electrically operated variable throughout PCV type.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Francois Martin
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Patent number: 11428170Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a core having a compressor section with a first compressor and a second compressor, a turbine section with a first turbine and a second turbine, and a primary flowpath fluidly connecting the compressor section and the turbine section. The first compressor is connected to the first turbine via a first shaft, the second compressor is connected to the second turbine via a second shaft, and a motor is connected to the first shaft such that rotational energy generated by the motor is translated to the first shaft. The gas turbine engine includes a takeoff mode of operation, a top of climb mode of operation, and at least one additional mode of operation. The gas turbine engine is undersized relative to a thrust requirement in at least one of the takeoff mode of operation and the top of climb mode of operation, and a controller is configured to control the mode of operation of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventors: Charles E. Lents, Larry W. Hardin, Jonathan Rheaume, Joseph B. Staubach
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Patent number: 11377223Abstract: Herein provided are methods and systems for a method for controlling autothrottle of an engine. A digital power request is obtained from an autothrottle controller, the digital power request based on an autothrottle input to the autothrottle controller. A manual input mode for the engine is terminated, the manual input mode based on a second power request obtained from a manual input associated with the engine. An autothrottle mode for the engine is engaged to control the engine based on the digital power request.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Giancarlo Zingaro, Carmine Lisio, Jasraj Chahal, Saadi Daftari
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Patent number: 11365692Abstract: A fuel metering circuit for a turbomachine includes: a meter; a pump; a control valve configured to return an excess flow of fuel delivered to the meter towards the pump on the basis of a fuel pressure differential at the terminals of the meter; a diaphragm; and a volumetric flow meter. The diaphragm and the volumetric flow meter are mounted parallel to the meter, downstream of the control valve, in order to determine a density of the fuel flowing in the metering circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Loic Pora, Arnaud Bernard Clement Thomas Joudareff
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Patent number: 11352900Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine of a rotorcraft are described herein. An engine parameter indicative of torque of the engine is obtained. A decrease of the torque of the engine is detected. At least one rotorcraft parameter indicative of at least one command to control the rotorcraft is obtained and evaluated to determine whether one of an autorotation mode and a powered flight mode of the rotorcraft has been commanded. When the powered flight mode of the rotorcraft has been commanded and the decrease of the torque has been detected, a shaft shear of the engine is detected and a signal indicative of the shaft shear is transmitted. When the autorotation mode of the rotorcraft has been commanded and the decrease of the torque has been detected, detection of the shaft shear is disabled during operation in the autorotation mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Patrick Manoukian, Philippe Beauchesne-Martel, Olivier Bibor
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Patent number: 11346290Abstract: A control system for limiting a power turbine torque of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. In various embodiments, the control system includes an engine control module configured to output an effector command signal to a gas generator of the gas turbine engine; a power turbine governor module configured to output to the engine control module a power turbine torque request signal; and a power turbine torque limiter module configured to output to the power turbine governor module a power turbine speed rate signal to limit a power turbine speed overshoot of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventors: Chaohong Cai, Richard P. Meisner, Timothy J. Crowley, David Lei Ma
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Patent number: 11326525Abstract: A method of monitoring bleed air provided from a first engine to a second engine of a multi-engine aircraft includes operating the first engine in a powered mode to provide motive power to the multi-engine aircraft; and when the first engine is in the powered mode: actuating an air valve to open an air flow path from a compressor section of the first engine to a plurality of parts of the second engine, after the step of actuating the air valve, determining a change in a temperature in a main gas path of the first engine at a location in the main gas path at or downstream of a combustor of the first engine, and in response to determining that the change is below a threshold, executing an action with respect to the first engine, the air valve, and/or the second engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Patrick Manoukian, Philippe Beauchesne-Martel
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Patent number: 11319834Abstract: An engine control system includes an electronic hardware engine controller in signal communication with at least one engine sensor, which measures an engine operating parameter (Ycrtr_t). The engine controller generates a synthesized engine operating parameter (Ycrtr) calculates an error (ERRcrtr) between the engine operating parameter (Ycrtr_t) and the synthesized engine operating parameter (Ycrtr). The engine controller further determines a corrector error parameter (Xcrtr) and determines a faulty sensor among the at least one engine sensor based on a comparison between the error value (ERRcrtr) and the corrector error parameter (Xcrtr).Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Subhradeep Chowdhury
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Patent number: 11319963Abstract: A compressor surge control system includes a rotor system with at least one compressor section and at least one turbine section operably coupled to a shaft. The compressor surge control system also includes one or more rotor system sensors configured to collect a plurality of sensor data from the rotor system, an electric motor operably coupled to the rotor system, and a controller. The controller is operable to monitor the one or more rotor system sensors while the rotor system is rotating. The controller determines whether the plurality of sensor data from the one or more rotor system sensors is indicative of an early-stage compressor surge oscillation. A surge control torque is determined to diminish the early-stage compressor surge oscillation of the rotor system. The electric motor is commanded to apply the surge control torque to the rotor system.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Alan H. Epstein
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Patent number: 11306654Abstract: An engine system for an aircraft includes a first gas turbine engine, a second gas turbine engine, and a control system. The control system is configured to operate the first gas turbine engine with an idle fuel burn schedule in a taxi mode of the aircraft and operate the second gas turbine engine with a sub-idle fuel burn schedule in the taxi mode of the aircraft. The sub-idle fuel burn schedule includes a reduction of the idle fuel burn schedule. A fuel flow of the first gas turbine engine and the second gas turbine engine is increased above the idle fuel burn schedule prior to takeoff of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Stephen A. Witalis, Ramesh Rajagopalan, Subhradeep Chowdhury
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Patent number: 11300059Abstract: A method of actively controlling torsional resonance of a rotating shaft of an engine is provided. The shaft has a rotational velocity characterised by a low frequency, rotational velocity term and a high frequency, oscillatory term superimposed on the low frequency term, the oscillatory term being caused by torsional resonance. The method including: measuring the rotational velocity of the shaft; extracting the oscillatory term from the measured rotational velocity; and on the basis of the extracted oscillatory term, applying a torque component to the shaft, the torque component being modulated at the same frequency as the torsional resonance to counteract the torsional resonance.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: Marko Bacic
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Patent number: 11300427Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking a measurement supplied by a sensor (2) of a turbine engine, said method being implemented by a computer (5) of the turbine engine. The method comprises the processing steps of: acquiring a first value of the measurement; comparing an increment with an increment threshold; and transmitting a measurement to be processed to the processing interface (6), said measurement being selected so as to be: equal to the value of an estimation model for the received measurement, if the increment is higher than the increment threshold, or equal to the acquired first value of the measurement if the increment is lower than the increment threshold, the method then comprising additional processing steps.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Gilian Thierry Antonio, Gwenael Thierry Esteve
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Patent number: 11293353Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventors: Richard P. Meisner, David L. Ma, Timothy B. Winfield, James R. Midgley
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Patent number: 11286862Abstract: A combustor system for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor case, a combustor liner disposed within the combustor case and defining a main combustion chamber, a dome defining an upstream end of the main combustion chamber, and at least one torch injector attached to the dome of the main combustion chamber configured to inject combustion gases into the main combustion chamber. Each torch injector includes a torch injector housing defining and surrounding a torch combustion chamber configured to house a combustion reaction, an outlet passage defined by the torch injector housing, an electrothermal ignition source extending at least partially into the torch combustion chamber, and a fuel injector configured to inject fuel into the torch combustion chamber to at least partially impinge on the electrothermal ignition source and generate the combustion gases. The outlet passage directly fluidly connects the torch combustion chamber to the main combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Delavan Inc.Inventors: Jason Ryon, Lev Alexander Prociw, Brandon P. Williams
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Patent number: 11268435Abstract: A low-temperature turbocompressor structural arrangement for an internal combustion engine for using energy that is available but unused during operation to cool the air supplied to the engine by supercharging. The temperature of the air compressed by the compressor is reduced by a cooling system and the air is then conveyed to a further turbine actuated by the intake air flow of the engine. The structural arrangement may be mounted in full or in part, and also each component may be fitted into existing systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Duo Engenharia Criativa LtdaInventors: Natal De Avila Antonini, André Schaan Casagrande, Bruno Hartmann Da Silva, Eduardo Donadel Basso, Vitor Tumelero Valente
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Patent number: 11263912Abstract: An aircraft includes an engine, a thrust reverser, landing gear, a brake system, a pilot input device, and a control system. The engine is configured to generate thrust directed to move the aircraft in a forward direction. The landing gear includes wheels. The brake system is configured to generate a braking force on the wheels. The pilot input device is positioned for use by a pilot of the aircraft. The control system is programmed to: determine whether the taxi operations are allowed; receive a request to achieve and hold a taxi speed at a desired taxi speed from the pilot input device; and command the engine, the thrust reverser, and the brake system to achieve and maintain the desired taxi speed in response to receiving the request to hold taxi speed only when the taxi operations are allowed.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationInventors: Bethany Davis, Michael Knight
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Patent number: 11261740Abstract: A balancing system and method for an engine of an aircraft includes a housing retaining a magnetorheological fluid including magnetic particles within a carrier fluid. Electromagnets are coupled to the housing. The electromagnets are associated with fan blades of the engine. A balancing control unit is in communication with the electromagnets and sensors of the fan blades.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Milan Stefanovic
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Patent number: 11248524Abstract: A system for regulating a thermal parameter associated with a heat exchange assembly of a turbomachine includes at least one device for measuring or estimating the thermal parameter, a controlled valve acting on the flow rate of a fluid in the assembly, and a regulator including a comparator determining the sign of an error signal relating to the difference between the thermal parameter and a setpoint. The regulator further includes a switch configured to deliver, based on the sign, to a valve control system, a maximum control current switching the valve in a closed state or a minimum control current switching the valve in an open state, and a phase-shifter configured to apply on the error signal a phase advance determined from an estimate of a time constant of the control system.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventor: Cedrik Djelassi
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Patent number: 11203986Abstract: A method of operating a rotary machine below a minimum emissions compliance load in a response mode includes reducing a fuel split to zero. The fuel split apportions a total flow of fuel to the combustor between a first combustion zone and a second combustion zone. The method also includes determining a current operating temperature of the first combustion zone using a digital simulation of the rotary machine. The method further includes determining a target operating temperature of the first combustion zone. The target operating temperature enables the rotary machine to operate below a traditional Minimum Emissions Compliance Load (MECL) while still in compliance with emissions standards. The method also includes channeling a first flow of fuel to the first combustion zone. The first flow of fuel decreases the temperature of the first combustion zone to the target operating temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: David Leach, Valerie Suzanne Vernet, Jason Nathaniel Cook, Jayaprakash Natarajan
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Patent number: 11203978Abstract: A fuel supply system for a gas turbine engine includes a fuel tank, a pumping unit downstream of the fuel tank and configured to receive fuel from the fuel tank, and a sharing valve downstream of the pumping unit and configured to receive fuel from the cruise pump of the pumping unit during a first operating condition. The pumping unit includes a boost pump, an actuation pump downstream of the boost pump and in fluid communication with at least one actuator of the gas turbine engine, and a cruise pump downstream of the boost pump and in fluid communication with nozzles of a gas generator of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Morgan O'Rorke, Charles E. Reuter