Control system for an augmented turbofan engine

Abstract

The engine includes a main engine fuel flow, an augmentation fuel flow, and a variable area exhaust nozzle. Primary speed control means is powered by first electrical power supply means. Fan speed is controlled by modulation of main engine fuel flow. Loss of electrical power to the primary speed control means during augmented operation results in a reversion from fan speed control to core engine speed control while simultaneously reducing the augmentation fuel flow toward a minimum level and closing the variable area exhaust nozzle. Backup speed control means is coupled to the primary speed control means for limiting fan overspeed in augmented operation during loss of electrical power to the primary speed control means. The backup speed control means is powered by second electrical power supply means which is independent of the first power supply means. For example, in one embodiment involving aircraft application, the first electrical power supply means comprises an engine-driven alternator and the second electrical power supply means comprises an aircraft positioned power supply. The primary and backup speed control means may be coupled to separate windings of a single torque motor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.