Feasibility Study of Concepts Leading to Simplified Fuel Controls for Naval Air Propulsion Center.
Abstract
Engine control systems state-of-the-art has progressed to the flight-weight demonstration of full authority electronic controls. However, aircraft carrier operations and future combat scenarios may subject electronic controls to increasing levels of EMI and EMP. As a result, even multi-engine weapon systems may lose their get-home capability due to the malfunction of the electronic main engine control. In an effort to address this concern, a feasibility study was done on a hydromechanical implementation of a new control concept proposed by NAVAIR, aimed at providing a simple, versatile fuel control. The control features proportional-plus-integral control on speed error with variable gain. A simplification to this concept was made by a two straight line approximation to the variable gain function, which amounted to limiting the speed error sensed by the control to a specified maximum value. The study centered around closed-loop computer simulations, utilizing available 600 SHP and 5000 SHP engine models, to investigate the characteristics and the performance of the speed error control. The results of the study show the speed error control to be a feasible means of gas turbine engine control. The major drawback to the control concept is the open-loop operation which results during a transient from the use of a speed error limiter. A revised speed error concept is also included which appears to solve the open-loop operation problem. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 04, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA176079