Variable rate ignition
AssigneePratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
InventorsRichard Kudrna, Danielle Methot
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Abstract
Variable rate ignition method and system that take advantage of knowledge and analysis of environmental conditions and/or operational conditions. A variable ignition rate for igniting the engine permits an optimal use of the igniters and thereby prolongs their life as well as its associated maintenance schedule. Operating costs and durability are also enhanced. Furthermore, flexibility is enhanced since any changes to the method of determining the best spark rate can be made through update in the software of the engine controller instead of change in the hardware (e.g., the exciter).
Claims14
A method of igniting a gas turbine engine, the method comprising:
- providing a fuel flow;
- gathering information on at least one of an environmental condition and an operating condition;
- selecting a desired spark rate based on said gathered information;
- and
- commanding a spark according to the selected spark rate.
A system for igniting a flow of fuel to a gas turbine engine comprising:
- an engine controller to gather information on at least one of an environmental condition and an operating condition to determine a desired spark rate based on said gathered Information;
- an exciter to command a spark according to the selected spark rate;
- and
- an igniter to ignite said flow of fuel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.