A New Autonomous Generator Will Save an Aircraft Engine in Flight in the Event of Network Failure

The UDK development will ensure the operation of the digital control system even in the event of a complete power loss

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.

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Sources:
FIPS

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