U.S. patent application number 13/480542 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-28 for speed control of engine pump via summing differential.
This patent application is currently assigned to HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert L. Higgins, Richard E. Versailles, Thaddeus J. Zebrowski. Invention is credited to Robert L. Higgins, Richard E. Versailles, Thaddeus J. Zebrowski.
Application Number | 20130315753 13/480542 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48627066 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130315753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Higgins; Robert L. ; et
al. |
November 28, 2013 |
SPEED CONTROL OF ENGINE PUMP VIA SUMMING DIFFERENTIAL
Abstract
A fluid pumping system for an engine includes a pump; a summing
differential connected to the pump; a gearbox connected to the
summing differential, wherein the gearbox causes the pump to rotate
to provide a fluid flow in the engine via the summing differential;
and a motor connected to the summing differential, wherein the
motor adjusts a rotational speed of the pump via the summing
differential
Inventors: |
Higgins; Robert L.; (North
Haven, CT) ; Zebrowski; Thaddeus J.; (Windsor,
CT) ; Versailles; Richard E.; (New Hartford,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Higgins; Robert L.
Zebrowski; Thaddeus J.
Versailles; Richard E. |
North Haven
Windsor
New Hartford |
CT
CT
CT |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND
CORPORATION
Windsor Locks
CT
|
Family ID: |
48627066 |
Appl. No.: |
13/480542 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/53 ;
417/410.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 2203/0209 20130101;
F04B 2205/09 20130101; F04B 49/065 20130101; F02M 39/02 20130101;
F04B 49/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/53 ;
417/410.1 |
International
Class: |
F04B 35/04 20060101
F04B035/04 |
Claims
1. A fluid pumping system for an engine, comprising: a pump; a
summing differential connected to the pump; a gearbox connected to
the summing differential, wherein the gearbox causes the pump to
rotate to provide a fluid flow in the engine via the summing
differential; and a motor connected to the summing differential,
wherein the motor adjusts a rotational speed of the pump via the
summing differential.
2. The fluid pumping system of claim 1, wherein the gearbox
transfers power from the engine to the pump via the summing
differential.
3. The fluid pumping system of claim 1, wherein the gearbox is
connected to a first leg of the summing differential, and wherein
the motor is connected to a second leg of the summing
differential.
4. The fluid pumping system of claim 1, wherein the motor reduces
or increases the rotational speed of the pump based on a flow meter
that measures the fluid flow in the engine.
5. The fluid pumping system of claim 4, wherein the motor is
controlled by an electronic engine controller of the engine based
on input from the flow meter.
6. The fluid pumping system of claim 1, wherein the motor comprises
an electric motor.
7. The fluid pumping system of claim 6, wherein the motor is
powered by one of a power grid, an auxiliary power unit (APU), and
an engine electrical generator.
8. The fluid pumping system of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow
comprises one of a liquid or a gas.
9. The fluid pumping system of claim 8, wherein the fluid flow
comprises one of fuel, oil, air, or glycol
10. The fluid pumping system of claim 1, wherein the motor adjusts
the rotational speed of the pump to meet a target flow requirement
of the fluid flow.
11. The fluid pumping system of claim 10, wherein the target flow
requirement is based on a target operating condition of the
engine.
12. A method for speed control of a pump to provide a fluid flow in
an engine, the method comprising: powering the pump to rotate by a
gearbox connected to a summing differential to provide the fluid
flow in the engine; and adjusting a rotational speed of the pump by
a motor connected to the summing differential.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the motor adjusts the
rotational speed of the pump based on a flow sensor of the fluid
flow in the engine to meet a target flow requirement of the fluid
flow, wherein the target flow requirement is based on a target
operating condition of the engine.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein, in the event the operating
condition of the engine is high, the motor is configured to
increase the rotational speed of the pump.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein, in the event the operating
condition of the engine is low, the motor is configured to reduce
the rotational speed of the pump.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein, in the event the operating
condition of the engine is steady, the motor is configured to
perform no change of the rotational speed of the pump.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the gearbox is configured to
transfer power from the engine to the pump.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the gearbox is connected to a
first leg of the summing differential, and wherein the motor is
connected to a second leg of the summing differential.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the motor reduces or increases
the rotational speed of the pump based on a flow meter that
measures the fluid flow in the engine.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the motor is controlled by an
electronic engine controller of the engine based on input from the
flow meter.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally pertains to
the field of a control system for a pump that provides a fluid flow
in an engine.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Engines require various fluid flows during operation, for
purposes such as cooling, lubrication, and providing fuel for
combustion. Fluid flows may be propelled by a pump through a
network of pipes and valves on an engine. The flow rate and
pressure of a fluid flow that is needed for an engine may vary
based on the operation of the engine. Providing fluid flows
tailored to engine operation with relative accuracy may require
complex control hardware on the engine. Engine gearbox-driven
pumping systems comprising a fixed gearbox may be used for various
fluid flow applications in an engine. A gearbox pumping and control
system transfers mechanical power from the engine to the pump via
the gearbox to provide the fluid flow in the engine, and may
deliver relatively accurate flows and pressures. However, a
gearbox-driven pumping system may require additional air cooling or
a return to tank path in order to maintain a target fluid
temperature, as fuel recirculation around pump may generate extra
heat in the pumping system that needs to be dissipated.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] According to one aspect, a fluid pumping system for an
engine includes a pump; a summing differential connected to the
pump; a gearbox connected to the summing differential, wherein the
gearbox causes the pump to rotate to provide a fluid flow in the
engine via the summing differential; and a motor connected to the
summing differential, wherein the motor adjusts a rotational speed
of the pump via the summing differential.
[0004] According to another aspect, a method for speed control of a
pump to provide a fluid flow in an engine includes powering the
pump to rotate by a gearbox connected to a summing differential to
provide the fluid flow in the engine; and adjusting a rotational
speed of the pump by a motor connected to the summing
differential.
[0005] Other aspects, features, and techniques of the invention
will become more apparent from the following description taken in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are
numbered alike in the several FIGURES:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a
system for speed control of an engine pump via a summing
differential;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a system for speed
control of an engine pump via a summing differential; and
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for speed control
of an engine pump via a summing differential.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Embodiments of systems and methods for speed control of an
engine pump via a summing differential are provided, with exemplary
embodiments being discussed below in detail. A gearbox-driven
pumping system may be used in conjunction with a summing
differential and a motor to provide a fluid flow in an engine. The
gearbox may provide the primary power source to the pump from the
engine, while the motor may be used to increase or decrease the
rotational speed of the pump in order to meet a target flow
requirement (e.g., flow rate and pressure) for the fluid flow in
the engine. The gearbox may be sized to input power to the pump
from the engine to produce a base rotational pump speed that is
determined based on the design of the pump and the requirements of
the pumping application. The motor input to the differential may
add or subtract rotational speed from the pump shaft in order to
make adjustments in the pump speed, as the actual pump flow demand
in the engine may vary. The motor may be controlled based on a flow
sensor in the engine in order to meet a target flow requirement for
the fluid flow. The flow sensor may be part of an electronic engine
controller of the engine in some embodiments. In one embodiment, by
matching the pumping to the flow requirement, less heat is created
in the pumping system, eliminating the need to return fuel to the
aircraft tank. This may eliminate the need for relatively complex
plumbing and valve systems. The motor may also act as a back-up
power source for the pump in the event of a failure in the power
transmission path comprising the gearbox.
[0011] Embodiments of speed control of an engine pump via a summing
differential may be used in conjunction with any appropriate type
of engine, including but not limited to an aircraft engine, such as
an airplane or helicopter engine, a ground vehicle, a relatively
large industrial engine, or a ground-based electric generator. The
pump that is powered via the summing differential may provide any
appropriate fluid flow in the engine, including but not limited to
fuel, oil, air, or glycol. The motor may comprise an electric
motor, and may be powered by any appropriate power source,
including but not limited to a power grid, an auxiliary power unit
(APU), or the engine itself via a generator. The target flow
requirement may be based on a current operating condition of the
engine. For example, in embodiments where the engine comprises an
aircraft engine, during ground idle or at the top of a descent the
pump flow target may be low, so the motor may subtract speed from
the pump by way of the summing differential to provide a desired
flow in the engine. When the aircraft engine is at full power (for
example, at takeoff), there is high flow demand, and the motor adds
speed to the pump for increased flow. During straight and level
flight (for example, during cruising), the motor may provide
relatively little or no speed adjustment to the pump, and so that
the motor requires relatively little power to maintain the flow at
the desired level in the engine.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram an embodiment of a system
100 for speed control of an engine pump via a summing differential.
Summing differential 103 receives power inputs from motor 101 and
gearbox 102, and causes pump 104 to rotate to provide a fluid flow
in engine 105. The fluid flow provided by pump 104 is measured by
flow meter 106. Gearbox 102 transfers rotational power from the
engine 105 to the pump 104 via the summing differential 103. Motor
101, which may comprise an electric motor, is controlled based by a
motor control module 107, which receives input from the flow meter
106. Motor 101 is controlled by the motor control module 107 to
speed up or slow down the rotation of the pump 104 (via the summing
differential 103) as needed to adjust the fluid flow output by the
pump 104 to meet a target flow requirement based on input from the
flow meter 106. The motor control module 107 may further control
the motor 101 based on the current rotational speed of the motor
101, the current rotational speed of the pump 104, and the current
operating conditions of the engine 105 in various embodiments.
Motor control module 107 may be part of an electronic engine
controller of the engine 105 in some embodiments. The motor control
module 107 may be located in any appropriate location with respect
to the engine 105.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a system 200 for
speed control of an engine pump via a summing differential. Summing
differential 206 comprises a first leg 207a and a second leg 207b.
Gearbox 203 is connected to the first leg 207a of the summing
differential 206. Gearbox 203 transfers power received from the
engine via engine power input 204 to the pump 205 via the summing
differential 206, causing pump 205 to rotate and provide a fluid
flow in the engine. Motor 201 is connected to the second leg 207b
of the summing differential 206, and is controlled via flow
sensor-based motor control input 202, which controls the motor 201
based on the state of the fluid flow in the engine. The motor 201
acts to speed up or slow down the rotation of the pump 205 via
summing differential 206, as needed, to meet a target flow
requirement for the fluid flow produced by the pump 205 in the
engine. The target flow requirement may be based on a current
operating condition of the engine.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of a method
300 for speed control of an engine pump via a summing differential.
In block 301, the pump is powered to rotate by the engine via the
gearbox and summing differential, thereby providing a fluid flow in
the engine. In block 302, the speed of the pump is adjusted up or
down, as needed, by a motor via the summing differential to meet a
target flow requirement for the fluid flow in the engine. The motor
is controlled based on a flow sensor that measures the fluid flow
in the engine. The target flow requirement may be based on a
current operating condition of the engine.
[0015] The technical effects and benefits of exemplary embodiments
include reduction of complexity in a fluid pumping system for an
engine while providing fluid flows that may relatively accurately
meet engine requirements.
[0016] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. While the description of the present invention has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description, it is
not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the
form disclosed. Many modifications, variations, alterations,
substitutions, or equivalent arrangement not hereto described will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the scope and spirit of the invention. Additionally, while
various embodiment of the invention have been described, it is to
be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some
of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to
be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only
limited by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *