H2o performance and durability augmentation
AssigneeRtx Corporation
InventorsBrandon M. Evans, Neil J. Terwilliger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An aircraft propulsion system includes a core engine that includes a core flow path through a main compressor where an inlet airflow is compressed and communicated to a combustor to generate an exhaust gas flow that is expanded through a main turbine section to generate power used to drive the main compressor and a propulsive fan. A water augmentation system includes a tank where water is stored and at least one location where water is communicated into the core flow path, and a controller programmed to operate the water augmentation system according to a selected mode of operation, a detected quantity of water and other conditions impacting engine operation.
Claims20
An aircraft propulsion system comprising:
- a core engine comprising a core flow path through a main compressor where an inlet airflow is compressed and communicated to a combustor to generate an exhaust gas flow that is expanded through a main turbine section to generate power used to drive the main compressor and a propulsive fan;
- a water augmentation system comprising a tank where water is stored and at least one location where water is communicated into the core flow path;
- and
- a controller programmed to operate the water augmentation system according to a selected mode of operation, a detected quantity of water and other conditions impacting engine operation.
A method of controlling an aircraft propulsion system comprising:
- selecting an operating mode of a water augmentation system;
- determining a first amount of water required to operate an aircraft propulsion system according to the selected operating mode of the water augmentation system;
- determining a second amount of water available for use by the water augmentation system;
- performing at least one of:
- based on a determination that the first amount of water is greater than the second amount of water, generating an alert to communicate that additional water is needed;
- or
- based on a determination that the first amount of water is equal to or greater than the second amount of water, communicating that sufficient water is available to operate the water augmentation system according to the selected operating mode;
- and
- initiating operation of the water augmentation system and aircraft propulsion system according to the selected operating mode.
An aircraft propulsion system comprising:
- a core engine comprising a core flow path through a main compressor where an inlet airflow is compressed and communicated to a combustor to generate an exhaust gas flow that is expanded through a main turbine section to generate power used to drive the main compressor and a propulsive fan;
- a water augmentation system comprising a tank where water is stored and at least one location where water is communicated into the core flow path;
- an operator selectable switch for selecting a mode of operation, wherein the selected mode of operation includes at least one of a durability mode, an emission reduction mode, a thrust augmentation mode, and a waterless operation mode;
- and
- a controller programmed to determine a net engine thrust requirement, to determine an amount of water required to operate the water augmentation system according to the selected mode and to operate the water augmentation system according to a selected mode of operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.