Turbine aircraft engine starting method

A turbine aircraft engine starting method for a starting system which includes a power source and a starter for initiating an engine start cycle, the method comprising:

• providing power from the power source to the starter to initiate the engine start cycle;
• monitoring the engine start cycle;
• detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle after initiation of the engine start cycle and prior to a ground idle condition;
• and
• responsive to said detecting and during the engine start cycles changing the power provided to the starter by applying a duty-cycle dependent voltage to said starter and increasing the duty cycle after a fuel ignition time in the engine start cycle.

A turbine aircraft engine starting method for a starting system which includes a power source and a starter for initiating an engine start cycle the method comprising:

• providing power from the power source to the starter to initiate the engine start cycle;
• monitoring the engine start cycle;
• detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle after initiation of the engine start cycle and prior to a ground idle condition;
• and
• responsive to said detecting and during the engine start cycle, changing the power provided to the starter, wherein the power source comprises at least two batteries connected in series, and:
• providing power comprises providing power from one of the batteries;
• and
• changing the power comprises providing power from both of the series-connected batteries.

A turbine aircraft engine starting method for a starting system which includes a power source and a starter for initiating an engine start cycle, the method comprising:

• providing power from the power source to the starter to initiate the engine start cycle:
• monitoring the engine start cycle;
• detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle after initiation of the engine start cycle and prior to a ground idle condition;
• responsive to said detecting and during the engine start cycle changing the power provided to the starter;
• and
• providing recharge means for recharging the power source, wherein said power source comprises a bottom battery and a top battery connected in series with one another and said recharge means comprises voltage monitoring means configured to monitor terminal voltage of both of the batteries and (a) recharge the bottom battery through the top battery when the bottom battery terminal voltage drops below a pre-determined level, and (b) recharge the top battery through the starter when the top battery terminal voltage drops below a pre-determined level.

A turbine aircraft engine starting method for a starting system which includes a power source and a starter for initiating an engine start cycle, the method comprising:

• providing power from the power source to the starter by applying a duty-cycle dependent voltage to initiate the engine start cycle;
• detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle after initiation of the engine start cycle and prior to a ground idle condition;
• and
• responsive to said detecting and during the engine start cycle, changing the power provided to the starter by changing the duty cycle.

A turbine aircraft engine starting method for a starting system which includes a power source and a starter for initiating an engine start cycle, the method comprising:

• providing power at a first power level from the power source to the starter to initiate the engine start cycle;
• detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle after initiation of the engine start cycle and prior to a ground idle condition;
• and
• responsive to said detecting and during the engine start cycle, changing the power provided to the starter from the first level to a second level, wherein changing the power provided to the starter comprises increasing the power provided to the starter.

A turbine aircraft engine starting method for a starting system which includes a power source and a starter for initiating an engine start cycle, the method comprising:

• providing power at a first power level from the power source to the starter to initiate the engine start cycle;
• detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle after initiation of the engine start cycle and prior to a ground idle condition;
• and
• responsive to said detecting and during the engine start cycle, changing the power provided to the starter from the first level to a second level, wherein detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle includes determining when current to the starter decreases below a predetermined level.

A turbine aircraft engine starting method for a starting system which includes a power source and a starter for initiating an engine start cycle, the method comprising:

• providing power at a first power level from the power source to the starter to initiate the engine start cycle;
• detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle after initiation of the engine start cycle and prior to a ground idle condition;
• and
• responsive to said detecting and during the engine start cycle, changing the power provided to the starter from the first level to a second level, wherein detecting a selected time in the engine start cycle includes determining when an electromotive force from the starter achieves a predetermined level.