Fast thrust response using optimal power splitting in hybrid electric aircraft

A system comprising:

• an engine having a low spool and a high spool;
• a first hybrid electric motor connected to the low spool;
• a second hybrid electric motor connected to the high spool;
• an auto-throttle controller configured to provide a thrust control signal;
• an automatic engine controller configured to determine an amount of power provided to the engine responsive to at least one aircraft parameter and the thrust control signal from the auto-throttle controller;
• a power splitting algorithm implemented in the automatic engine controller configured to determine a power split responsive to the thrust control signal from the auto-throttle controller that controls an amount of fuel flow provided to the engine and power provided to the at least one of the first and second hybrid electric motors responsive to control signals from the automatic engine controller, wherein the power splitting algorithm is configured to command the at least one of the first and the second electric motors to respond to higher frequency changes in the thrust control signal from the auto-throttle controller;
• and
• wherein the at least one of the first and the second hybrid electric motors provide a fast low amplitude transient thrust response to the automatic engine controller.

A method comprising:

• connecting a first hybrid electric motor to a low spool of a engine;
• connecting a second hybrid electric motor to a high spool of the engine;
• receiving a thrust control signal from an auto-throttle controller;
• controlling an amount of power demanded from the engine using an automatic engine controller responsive to the thrust control signal from the auto-throttle controller;
• implementing a power splitting algorithm in the automatic engine controller to control at least one of the first and second hybrid electric motors and the engine;
• determining, using the power splitting algorithm, a power split responsive to the thrust control signal from the auto-throttle controller that controls an amount of fuel flow provided to the engine and power provided to the at least one of the first and second hybrid electric motors to provide a thrust responsive to control signals from the automatic engine controller;
• outputting a control output responsive to the determined power split to the engine, the first hybrid electric motor and the second hybrid electric motor;
• and
• providing a fast low amplitude transient thrust response from the automatic engine controller to the at least one of the first and the second hybrid electric motors.