Multi-compatible digital engine controller
AssigneeTucson Embedded Systems, Inc.
InventorsDavid Crowe, Elden Crom
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A digital engine controller compatible with multiple variants of gas turbine engine is programmed to receive identification of a variant of gas turbine engine coupled to the digital controller and thereafter to automatically determine and adjust inputs to the engine, according to the received identification of engine variant, to meet user-specified output.
Claims22
A digital engine controller compatible with multiple variants of gas turbine engine, the controller programmed to perform operations including receiving engine-specific data from a machine readable data source physically associated with a target gas turbine engine representing one of the multiple variants, responsive to receiving the engine-specific data determining combustion inputs to the target gas turbine engine in accordance with predetermined target-engine-specific rules and parameters stated or identified by the received engine-specific data, said determined combustion inputs including fuel, air, and ignition, and operating the target gas turbine engine in accordance with the determined combustion inputs.
A method of controlling a gas turbine engine, comprising operations of:
- physically associating a machine readable data source with a target gas turbine engine;
- providing a digital engine controller compatible with multiple variants of gas turbine engine including the target gas turbine engine, the controller being free from said physical association to the data source;
- coupling the digital engine controller to controls and sensors of the target gas turbine engine;
- and
- the digital engine controller receiving data from the data source, and responsive thereto, determining combustion inputs to the target gas turbine engine in accordance with predetermined target-engine-specific rules and parameters stated or identified by the received engine-specific data, said determined combustion inputs including fuel, air, and ignition;
- and
- operating the target gas turbine engine in accordance with the determined combustion inputs.
A method of controlling a gas turbine engine, comprising operations of:
- attaching a digital engine controller to a target gas turbine engine of a variant for which the digital engine controller is not programmed to manage;
- coupling the digital engine controller to controls and sensors of the target gas turbine engine;
- the digital engine controller receiving data from a machine readable data source physically associated or affixed to the gas turbine engine, the received data including predetermined target-engine-specific rules and parameters compatible with the variant of the target gas turbine engine;
- and
- the controller managing combustion inputs to the target gas turbine engine in accordance with the received data including the predetermined target-engine-specific rules and parameters received from the data source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.