United Engine Corporation (UDK, part of Rostec) has created an autonomous fault-tolerant power supply system for the digital control system of an aircraft gas turbine engine. The patent was registered in the FIPS database.

PD-14
PD-14

The development solves an important problem: previously, in the event of a complete failure of the onboard +28 V network, the engine electronic controller received no power, making automatic in-flight restart of the unit impossible.

The new system is based on a magnetoelectric generator. It provides power to the controller and engine sensors even at the minimum rotor speed in autorotation modes, when fuel is not supplied.

The power supply unit generates a stabilized voltage of no less than 18 V, guaranteeing the operability of the control systems.

Device of the fault-tolerant power supply system for the digital control system of an aircraft gas turbine engine
Device of the fault-tolerant power supply system for the digital control system of an aircraft gas turbine engine

Two generator installation options are provided — integral and non-integral. In the first case, the system is mounted directly on the gear wheel shaft of the engine accessory gearbox and develops up to 22,000 rpm.

The second option uses a splined coupling (rotor speed up to 12,500 rpm), while a generator failure does not lead to engine shutdown in flight.

The system also includes two independent generator and onboard network channels, a rectification and conversion unit, as well as a redundant electronic controller channel. This provides fourfold power redundancy and increases engine operating reliability under any operating conditions.

Read more materials on the topic: