Systems and methods of controlling load share and speed of engines in multiple-engine propulsion systems

A multiple engine propulsion system, comprising:

• a first engine having:
• one or more first sensors, the one or more first sensors configured to ascertain one or more first operating conditions associated with the first engine;
• and
• one or more first controllable components, the at least one of the one or more first controllable components configured to change a torque or thrust output of the first engine, wherein a first load is based on the torque or thrust output of the first engine;
• a second engine having:
• one or more second sensors, the one or more second sensors configured to ascertain one or more operating conditions associated with the second engine;
• and
• a second one or more controllable components associated therewith, the second one or more controllable components configured to change a torque or thrust output of the second engine, wherein a second load is based on the torque or thrust output of the second engine;
• and
• a first engine control system comprising a memory device and a processor, wherein the memory device comprises computer-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the first engine control system to:
• determine, during operation of the multiple engine propulsion system, a load difference between the first load of the first engine and the second load of the second engine;
• determine, during operation of the multiple engine propulsion system, a load share participation value indicative of a load share participation regime for the first engine, the load share participation value based at least in part on the one or more operating conditions associated with the second engine, wherein the load share participation value is determined to be:
• a full participation load share regime when the one or more operating conditions of the second engine indicate that the second engine operating normally and is capable of control to reduce the load difference by actuating any of the second one or more controllable components of the second engine;
• a partial-participation load share regime when the one or more operating conditions of the second engine indicate that the second engine has at least one first abnormal operating condition in which only a subset of the second one or more controllable components of the second engine may be utilized to reduce the load difference;
• and
• a non-participation load share regime when the one or more operating conditions of the second engine indicate that the second engine has at least one second abnormal operating condition in which none of the second one or more controllable components of the second engine may be utilized to reduce the load difference;
• generate, during operation of the multiple engine propulsion system, a load sharing requirement control command for the first one or more controllable components based on the load share participation value, wherein:
• when the load share participation value is a partial-participation load share regime, the load sharing requirement control command includes controlling the first engine to reduce the load difference subject to at least one limitation on decreasing the load of the first engine;
• when the load share participation value indicates the partial-participation load share regime for the first engine, the at least one limitation includes delaying participation of the first engine for purposes of load sharing with respect to participation of the second engine in load sharing;
• and
• control the first one or more controllable components based at least in part on the load sharing requirement control command.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor operably coupled to an engine control system, cause the engine control system to:

• determine, during operation of a multiple engine propulsion system, comprising at least a first engine and a second engine, a load difference between a first load of the first engine and a second load of the second engine;
• determine, during operation of a multiple engine propulsion system, a load share participation value indicative of a load share participation regime for the first engine, the load share participation value depending at least in part on one or more operating conditions of the second engine, wherein the load share participation value is determined to be:
• a full-participation load share regime when the one or more operating conditions of the second engine indicate that the second engine is operating normally and all controllable components of the second engine may be utilized to reduce the load difference;
• a partial-participation load share regime when the one or more operating conditions of the second engine indicate that the second engine has at least one first abnormal operating condition in which only a subset of the controllable components of the second engine, but not all of the controllable components of the second engine, may be utilized to reduce the load difference;
• and
• a non-participation load share regime when the one or more operating conditions of the second engine indicate that the second engine has at least one second abnormal operating condition in which none of the plurality of controllable components of the second engine may be utilized to reduce the load difference;
• generate, during operation of the multiple engine propulsion system, a load sharing requirement control command for the first engine based on the load share participation value, wherein:
• when the load share participation value is a partial-participation load share regime, the load sharing requirement control command includes controlling the first engine to reduce the load difference subject to at least one limitation on decreasing the load of the first engine;
• when the load share participation value indicates the partial- participation load share regime for the first engine, the at least one limitation includes delaying participation of the first engine for purposes of load sharing with respect to participation of the second engine in load sharing;
• and
• control the first engine based at least in part on the load sharing requirement control command.