US2697908A - System for accelerating engines to selected speeds and maintaining the speed selected - Google Patents

System for accelerating engines to selected speeds and maintaining the speed selected Download PDF

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US2697908A
US2697908A US84696A US8469649A US2697908A US 2697908 A US2697908 A US 2697908A US 84696 A US84696 A US 84696A US 8469649 A US8469649 A US 8469649A US 2697908 A US2697908 A US 2697908A
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temperature
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02PCONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS
    • H02P23/00Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by a control method other than vector control
    • H02P23/16Controlling the angular speed of one shaft

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  • This invention relates to control systems for engines as disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 770,872 tiled August 27, 1947, now Patent No. 2,662,372, and in particular to an improved arrangement for controlling acceleration of an engine from an idling to a selected running speed in a manner consistent with maximum safe limits of engine parameters-such as engine temperature and thereafter maintaining the .engine at the selected running speed. While the invention is particularly well suited for use in scheduling fuel ow to an engine of the combustion gas turbine type widely known as a turbojet and it is with respect to such application that the invention is herein illustrated and described, it will be understood that some aspects of the inventive principles involved are applicable as well to other types of engines and the appended claims are to be construed accordingly.
  • Another object is to provide an electronic speed control for turbo-jet engines which permits the engine to be accelerated for any speed at a temperature close to but not exceeding a predetermined maximum allowable safe temperature in the tail pipe.
  • this maximum temperature limit is about 1,500 F. While it is not permissible to exceed the temperature limit neither is it desirable to accelerate at a lower temperature since this makes the engine acceleration time factor undesirably long.
  • the latter factor is extremely important for Naval aircraft operating from carriers since a quickly responsive governor is mandatory under certain ight maneuvers such as a carrier wave-01T. Assuming a plane coming in for a landing on the c'arrier deck with fully retarded throttle is, in the opinion of the landing oflicer flying at an altitude or speed unsafe for landing andthe wave-off signal is given, it is ...y
  • Fig. 5 is also a sub-circuit diagram showing a modified arrangement for the Fig. 2 control wherein acceleration of the engine is scheduled as a function of temperature rise across a stage of the compressor and also protection against compression surge in the engine leaving the main control functions on a basis of tail pipe temperature as shown in Fig. 2;
  • Figure. 7 is also a sub-circuit diagram illustrating a modification for a portion of the Fig. 2 circuit and which features scheduling of the derivative damping component of the speed signal in accordance with fuel ow;
  • Fig. 8 depicts plots of engine temperature and speed respectively against time illustrating a typical engine response.
  • the bridge functions to "oo n tinuously compare the tachometer generator voltage with the speed reference voltage set by potentiometer R102 and 'puts out a speed signal 'component proportional .to the difference between the 'two volta'ges VAand the polarity of which (positive or negative) depends upon vthe direction "of the bridge imbalance.
  • the generator voltage is below that set on 'potentiometer R102, the speed signal component ⁇ w1vll be positive; if above, then the signal will have a negative polarity.
  • the position of the bellows B will be siich that fthe resistor has a minimum iii-circuit yalue and the derivative term is established by a' circuit to which the tachoniete'r generator voltage is applied, the
  • Temperature control circuit makes use of a temperature control circuit for controlling acceleration of the engine up to a predetermined percentage of the engine speed selected on the throttle T. This control is related to the instantaneous temperature of the engine as measured at the tailpipe so that the desired tailpipe temperature is maintained during acceleration.
  • thermocouple 3 The difference between the selected datum voltage and the output voltage of the thermocouple 3 is taken in a circuit constituted by a vibrating switch S3A comprising a vibratory contact reed 5 that takes on the datum voltage via a connection to the adjustable contact on resistor R31 and which works between a pair of stationary contacts 6 7 connected respectively to the ends ofl the primary of transformer L3.
  • the thermocouple voltage is applied via conductor 8 to a center tap on the primary of transformer L3.
  • thermocouple voltages which will be positive when the thermocouple voltage is below the datum voltage and negative when above, is applied in succession to each half of the primary of transformer L3 as the vibrating contact 5 engages first one and then the other of the stationary contacts 6, 7.
  • the vibrating switches S3A and S3B are ganged together for synchronous operation, such being indicated schematically on the drawing by the broken -line interconnecting the vibrating reed contacts of the two switches, and hence serve to provide the desired chopping of the difference voltage at the input side of the amplifier tubes T4 and the synchronous unchopping of the amplified voltage at the output side of the amplifier so that the amplification is essentially an alternating current operation.
  • the chopper type amplifier is considered preferable to other known means for amplifying direct current signal voltages for various reasons and some of its advantages are discussed hereinafter in connection with the description of the main amplifier for the temperature and speed signals.
  • thermocouple 3 is connected to a bridge network of resistors R42, R43, R37 and R38.
  • Resistor R37 has a negative temperature coefficient. This is adjusted so that it gives cold junction compensation according to well known principles. Specifically, it causes the voltage at the ungrounded end of resistor R43 to rise 40 micro-volts for every degree centigrade rise in the temperature of resistor R37, thus giving the same net voltage from the thermocouple 3 with changes in ambient temperature.
  • Stall suppressor circuit In the operation of jet engines, particularly at high altitudes, conditions are encountered where the compressor may surge due to stalling of the compressor blading. I have discovered that such surges may be effectively prevented by controlling the temperature either at the turbine inlet or in the turbine discharge, i. e. in the tailpipe. This is so because I have discovered that compressor stall is uniquely determined by inlet temperature, speed, and either turbine inlet or tailpipe temperature. The temperature must be scheduled as a function of the temperature of the air at the inlet to the compressor. Because the surging tendency is also a function of engine speed, the temperature schedule must also be modified according to the speed of the engine.
  • the temperature sensing resistor K At a lower compressor inlet temperature for example 500 R., the temperature sensing resistor K will of course have a higher resistance due to its negative temperature coefiicient. Thus when the engine speed is low, and point F is at essentially Zero potential, temperature sensing resistor K and resistor R305 form a Voltage divider from the +28 volt terminal to zero, giving a proportionate fraction of positive voltage at point G. This positive voltage is applied to resistor R308, and flowing through resistor R309 adds a potential in series with that produced by the temperature sensing thermocouple 3 in the tailpipe, which results in an overall lowered exhaust gas temperature in the tailpipe. This temperature will then remain unchanged up to the point where point F becomes negative at the 75% speed mark on the Fig. 3 curve.
  • rectifier D301 prevents point G from becoming negative, so that at the speed mark in Fig. 3, the temperature has reached its maximum value, and at higher speeds the tailpipe ternperature follows the maximum 550 R. curve up to maximum engine speed.
  • resistors R306 and R307 The purpose of the resistors R306 and R307 is to provide a small positive bias on rectiiier D301. This increases the rapidity with which the rectier tlattens out the curve at the maximum temperature limit. It both decreases the effect of rectifier resistance, and the mini'- mum resistance of temperature sensing resistor K.
  • Temperature stabilizing circuit condenser C17 and resistor R51 connected in parallel by which the temperature signal voltage is partially dilferentiated.
  • the second of the two stabilizing circuits is constituted by resistor R41 and condenser C13 connected to the output from the main amplifier, to be subsequently discussed, that establishes an integrated feedback signal.
  • the latter is coupled out through resistor' R40 and combined with the differentiatedtemperature signal coupled out through resistor R44.
  • the combined output signal is then introduced into the electronic selector circuit also to be discussed below over conductor. 16.
  • rectifier D4 connected between ground and one side of condenser C17 is to limit the maximum output of the temperature circuit.
  • the electronic circuit is limited in admirage handling capacity by the available Rectier D4 serves to limit the ternperature output signal to a value that will not overload the circuit and starts to conduct at a potential just about sufficient to give full amplifier output. Thus it does not limit performance of the temperature regulating circuit.
  • the present electronic control system functions as a regulator for the tailpipe temperature of the engine during periods of acceleration; and as an all-speed governor when in the vicinityof the selected speed desired to be maintained.
  • the selection of function is automatically made in the electronic selector circuit now to be described.
  • the last stage T3 is a poweramplifer, and it is transformer coupled to the output vibrating switch'SZB and to the load which is constituted by a proportional solenoid 22 that controls the pilot valve 23 Aofa hydraulic servo 24 which in turn conrols the supply of fuel to the iet en ine 9 throu h valve l Swigfch S2B likegswitch S2A inc ludes a contact reed 26 electromagnetically vibrated by interrupter coil 27 between two stationary contacts 28, 29.
  • a control switch 5101A is inserted in the circuit connections 21 from the amplifier output to the proportional solenoid 22, a control switch 5101A is inserted.
  • This switch includes a contact arm 30 electrically connected to the operating coil 22:! of solenoid 22 and mechanically ganged to the control throttle T, and which wipes over an arcuate track providing alternative circuit connections to the solenoid coil.
  • the track is sectionalized providing a narrow coritact segment 31 with which the contact arm 30 is engaged when the throttle T occupies its closed position, and a Wide contact segment 32 engaged by the arm 30 after throttle T has been moved to any desired open position.
  • Contact segment 32 is connected to the signal output lead 21 from transformer L2 to thus apply the speed and temperature control signals to the solenoid coils 22a.
  • Contact segment 31 is, however, connected through resistor R106 to the positive terminal of the 28 volt supply line so that when the throttle is closed, positive voltage is put on the solenoid coils to thus close the fuel valve completely.
  • Rectifier D3 accordingly will pass the output of the temperature circuit into the main amplifier at any speed above the cross-over speed whenever the exhaust gas temperature is above the temperature datum set on potentiometer Rl' notwithstanding the fact that ⁇ at such time rectifier D2 is cut ofi.
  • the output of the cross-over bridge in the selector circuit will be negative and hence the speed of the engine is regulated in accordance with the output signal of the speed circuit applied through rectifier switch D1 and the main amplifier to the control winding 22a of the proportional solenoid 22.
  • the speed signal will of course be zero if the engine speed agrees with the selected speed setting on potentiometer R102; if the two are in disagreement, a signal of the proper polarity to supply the necessary correction to the fuel valve 25 will be generated in the speed circuit and put through the amplifier to the fuel control solenoid 22.
  • the temperature in the tailpipe will normally be quite low as compared to the selected maximum level set on the temperature datum potentiometer R31.
  • the tailpipe temperature may be of the order of 930 F.
  • the derivative voltage across resistor R201 is rectified by rectifier D21 and applied to filter 43.
  • the output voltage from the lter is in such sense as to buck the voltage of the thermocouples 40, 41.
  • the net output of this circuit is then applied to an amplifier 44 of the vibrating type such as that used in the circuit shown in Fig. 2 for initially amplifying the output of the thermocouple in the tailpipe.
  • the amplifier has accordingly been shown in block schematic only.
  • the output from the compensating network C202, R202 can be used in the circuit shown in Fig. 2 in place of the output fromy the compensating network associated with the amplified voltage signal from the tail pipe thermocouple by connecting it to condenser C4 and opening the output from the tailpipe thermocouple compensating network at resistor R44. In this way acceleration of the engine will be scheduled not in accordance with tail pipe temperature but rather along the surge line of the compressor 9a up to the cross-over speed at which the selector circuit cuts out this signal and cuts in the signal from the speed circuit. A safe margin must be allowed in the scheduling to prevent marginal surge from occurring.
  • rectifier D2 will exhibit a high impedance to current transmission through it.
  • the biasing voltage becomes positive thus setting up the converse condition, i. e. rectifier D2 will then pass the alternating component of the temperature signal and rectifier D1 will block off transmission of the speed signal because of the high impedance it exhibits under such condition.
  • the rectifier impedance will be high enough to enable it to perform its switching function satisfactorily.
  • H6. ln a device i'or controlling lspeed and y'acceleration of a combustion .gas ⁇ turbine engine 'of the type Vincluding coupled turbine and multistage compressor unitsv and a combustion chamber unit therebetween, the combination comprising; means producing a signal 'Voltage vvariable as the temperature rise across at'lea'st'one stage of 'saidcompresser unit, means producingfa second 'voltage 'variable as the square of engine speed, and circuit means comparing said voltages to produce a 'rst control vvoltagefthe amplitude and sense 'of 'which are determined respectively by the amplitude and sense of the difference between said compared voltages; ajthrottleni'ember; means producing a reference voltage ⁇ the amplitude of which is varied vin accordance with 'the throttle setting, means Vproducing a speed 'voltage variable as lia linear function of the engine speed, yand circuit means comparing said reference and speed voltages and 'which produces
  • yIn a device for controlling acceleration from .idling speed of a combustion gas yturbine -engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a com-bustion chamber unitthere'between, thecombination comprising, means producing a signal ⁇ voltage variable with .the .temperature of VVthecornbus-tion gases, means establishing a constant reference voltage 'the magnitude of which is representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control vol-tage variable as their difference, nie-ans responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of .said contr-ol voltage, means responsive to engine speed for rendering said control voltage .ineffective when :a predetermined engine speed has been reached, and speed dependent means effective at engine speeds above said predetermined speed to schedule fuel admission to said engine.
  • a device for controlling acceleration of .a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween comprising, means producing a signal voltage variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, signal modifying means including a temperature sensing device responsive to air temperature at the air inlet to said compressor unit for -effecting an apparent increase in said signal voltage upon a decrease in compressor air inlet temperature, means establishing a constant reference voltage the magnitude of which is representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, circuit means cornparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as their difference, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance lwith the amplitude of said control voltage.
  • a device for controlling acceleration of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber unit therebetween comprising, means producing a rst signal voltage variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means including a temperature sensing device responsive to air temperature at the air inlet to said compressor unit for producing a second signal voltage variable inversely as the change in air temperature at said compressor inlet, means establishing a constant reference voltage the magnitude of which is representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and they sum of said first and second signal voltages, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control volt-age.
  • a device for controlling acceleration of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and multi-stage compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween comprising, means producing ⁇ a signal voltage variable as the temperature rise across at least one stage of said compressor unit, means responsive to engine speed for producing a second signal voltage variable as the square of engine speed, circuit means comparing said voltages to produce a control voltage variable as their difference, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
  • a throttle member means controlled by said throttle member for producing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means generating a speed voltage variable as a linear function of engine speed, a diiferenti-ating circuit having an -adjustable time constant connected to said voltage generating means for producing a derivative vol-tage term variable as the rate-of-change of said speed voltage, means controlled 'by said throttle member for shortening the time constant of said differentiating'circuit as said throttle member is moved Ito a more open position and vice versa, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a ⁇ control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and the sum of said speed voltage yand its derivative term, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
  • a device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units, a combustion chamber therebetween and a fuel valve controlling admission of fuel to said chamber; a throttle member, means controlled by said throttle member for prod ucing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means generating a speed voltage Variable as a linear function of engine speed, a differentiating circuit having an adjustable time constant connected to s-aid voltage generating means for producing a derivative voltage term variable as the rate-of-change of said speed voltage, means controlled by said fuel valve for shortening the time constant of said differentiating circuit as said fuel valve is moved to a more open position and vice versa, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and the sum of said speed voltage and its derivative term, and means responsive to said control voltage for actuating said fuel valve in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
  • a throttle member means controlled by said throttle member for prod ucing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means generating a speed voltage variable as la linear function of engine speed, a differentiating circuit having an adjustable time constant connected to said Voltage generating means for producing a derivative voltage term variable as the rate-of-change of said lspeed voltage, means controlled by said throttle member for shortening the time constant of said differentiating circuit as said throttle member is moved to a more open position and vice versa, means responsive to atmospheric pressure for lengthening said time constant as said pressure decreases with Ian increase in altitude of said aircraft and vice Versa, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and the sum of said speed voltage and its derivative term, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
  • a device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units, a combustion chamber unit therebetween and an electroresponsive valve controlling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber; a throttle member, means controlled by said throttle member for producing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means generating a speed voltage variable as a linear function of engine speed, a resistor-condenser type differentiating circuit connected to said voltage generating means for producing a derivative voltage term variable as the rateof-change of said speed voltage, means controlled by said fuel valve for adjusting the ohmic value of a resistor component of said differentiating circuit in such sense as will shorten the derivative term when said fuel valve is moved to a more open position and vice versa, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and the sum of said signal voltage and its derivative term, and circuit means applying said control voltage to the electro-responsive member of said valve for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of
  • a device for controlling acceleration and speed of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and multi-stage compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween comprising means producing a first signal variable with the temperature rise across at least one stage in the compressor unit, means producing a second signal variable as the square of actual engine speed, means comparing said first and second signals to produce a first control signal variable with the difference therebetween, means producing a second control signal variable with the difference between the actual speed of said engine as compared with a predetermined running speed desired to be maintained, means actuated by said control signals for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber, and
  • a device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween comprising means producing a rst signal proportional to actual engine speed, means obtaining ⁇ a derivative term from Said firstsignal determined -jointl-y by a selectedengine speed desired to be maintrined, lthe lrate-of-change of engine speed and ythe faltitude of theaircraft, means combining said first signal and the said derivative term thereof to produce a combined signal, means producing a ysecond signal representative of said selected engine speed, means producing a control signal variable as the difference between said combined signal and said second signal, and means actuated by said control signal for schedulng admission of fuel to said combustion chamber.
  • a device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units, a combustion chamber therebetween and a fuel valve controlling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber said device comprising means producing a first signal proportional to actual engine speed, means obtaining a derivative term from said first signal determined jointly by the position of said fuel valve and the rate-of-change of engine speed, means combining said first signal and the said derivative term thereof to produce a combined signal, means producing a second signal representative of a selected engine running speed desired to be maintained, means producing a control signal variable as the difference between said combined signal and said second signal, and means applying said control signal to said fuel valve for actuating the same.
  • a device for controlling acceleration and speed of an engine comprising means producing a first control signal variable with the difference between the actual temperature of said engine as compared with a predetermined maximum permissible temperature, means producing a second control signal variable with the difference between the actual speed of said engine as compared with a selected running speed desired to be maintained, means actuated by said control signals for scheduling admission of fuel to said engine, and means responsive to the speed of said engine for applying only said first control signal to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds below a predetermined fraction of said selected running speed and similarly applying only said second control signal at engine speed above said predetermined fraction.
  • a device for controlling acceleration and speed of a combustion gas engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber unit therebetween comprising; means producing a first signal variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means modifying said first signal in accordance with the speed of said engine, means producing a first reference signal representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, means comparing said modified signal and said reference signal to produce a first control signal variable as the difference therebetween; means producing a second signal variable with the engine speed, means producing a second reference signal representative of a selected running engine speed desired to be maintained, means comparing said second signal and second reference signal to produce a second control signal; means actuated by said control signals for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber unit; and means responsive to engine speed for applying only said first control signal to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds below a predetermined fraction of said selected running speed and similarly applying only said second control signal at engine speeds above said predetermined fraction.
  • a device for controlling acceleration from idling speed of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween comprising, means producing a control signal variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means responsive to the temperature of the air which flows through the engine for varying said control signal inversely as the change in said air temperature, and means responsive to said control signal for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber in an amount variable inversely as the amplitude of said control signal.
  • An engine control device as defined in claim 35 and which further includes means responsive to engine speed for varying said control signal inversely as the change in engine speed.
  • a device for controlling acceleration from idling speed of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween comprising, means for producing a control signal variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means responsive to engine speed for varying said control signal inversely as the change in engine speed, and means responsive to said control signal for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber in an amount variable inversely as the amplitude of said control signal.

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Description

F. F. OFFNER 2,697,908
4 Sheets-Sheet 1 SYSTEM FDR AccELEEATTNG ENGINES To SELECTED sPEEDs AND MATNTATNINE THE SPEED SELECTED Filed March 5.1, 1949 Dec. 28, 1954 DGC- 28 1954 F. F. OFFNER SYSTEM EDR ACCELERATTNG ENGINES To SELECTED sPEEDs AND MAINTATNTNG TEE SPEED SELECTED Filed March 31, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 F. OFFNER SYSTEM FOR ACCELERATING ENGINES TO SELECTED SPEEDS AND MAINTAINING THESPEED SELECTED Filed March 3l 1949 I Dec. 28, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 3- 70 EaZ/'ne Speed Dec. 28, 1954 F, F, QFFNER gg SYSTEM FOR ACCELERATING ENGINES TO SELECTED SPEEDS AND MAINTAINING THE SPEED SELECTED Y Filed March 3l, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patenty O SYSTEM FOR ACCELERATING ENGINES TO SELECTED SPEEDS AND MAINTAINING THE SPEED SELECTED Franklin F. Ofl'ner, Chicago, Ill.
Application March 31, 1949, Serial No. 84,696
37 Claims. (Cl. 60-39.28)
This invention relates to control systems for engines as disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 770,872 tiled August 27, 1947, now Patent No. 2,662,372, and in particular to an improved arrangement for controlling acceleration of an engine from an idling to a selected running speed in a manner consistent with maximum safe limits of engine parameters-such as engine temperature and thereafter maintaining the .engine at the selected running speed. While the invention is particularly well suited for use in scheduling fuel ow to an engine of the combustion gas turbine type widely known as a turbojet and it is with respect to such application that the invention is herein illustrated and described, it will be understood that some aspects of the inventive principles involved are applicable as well to other types of engines and the appended claims are to be construed accordingly.
An object of the invention is to provide a substantially all-electronic speed and acceleration control for turbojet engines that is extremely simple and reliable in operation, is relatively insensitive to large changes `in ambient temperature or pressure and which will maintain the desired speed and acceleration within very close limits. Engine tests have shown that any selected engine speed is held automatically within one half per cent. Only one throttle or control lever is required and engine response to its movements is rapid but automatically held within the limits of safe engine operation.
Another object of the invention is to provide an ad jsutable speed control for turbo-jet engines in which the fuel supply to the engine for acceleration purposes is generally scheduled as a function of engine tempera ture and any selected speed thereafter maintained asa function of instantaneous engine speed as compared with the selected speed.
Another object is to provide an electronic speed control for turbo-jet engines which permits the engine to be accelerated for any speed at a temperature close to but not exceeding a predetermined maximum allowable safe temperature in the tail pipe. With present turbojet engines, this maximum temperature limit is about 1,500 F. While it is not permissible to exceed the temperature limit neither is it desirable to accelerate at a lower temperature since this makes the engine acceleration time factor undesirably long. The latter factor is extremely important for Naval aircraft operating from carriers since a quickly responsive governor is mandatory under certain ight maneuvers such as a carrier wave-01T. Assuming a plane coming in for a landing on the c'arrier deck with fully retarded throttle is, in the opinion of the landing oflicer flying at an altitude or speed unsafe for landing andthe wave-off signal is given, it is ...y
essential that full engine power be available with the least possible time delay in the speed control system. The present system is admirably suited to such an evcntuality and tests have shown that if the throttle lever is suddenly advanced after having been fully-retarded and the engine is decelerating at its maximum rate, the fuel ilow will increase to the maximum allowable value within one-half second after the throttle advance. s
Another object is to provide a speed control for turbojet engine propelled aircraft that will hold the engine speed constant with altitude and varying load without droop, the latter term being the proportionality between a change in load or fuel flow'and off-speed:
Another object is to provide an adjustable electric speed 2,697,908 Patented Dec. 28, 1954 ICC . control of the null-seeking type for aircraft turbo-jet engines featuring derivative damping wherein future values of both speed and engine temperature are electronically determined by the preceding rates of change of these functions, and in which the amount of the damping is varied automatically with changes in altitude and/ or speed of the aircraft.
Another object is to provide a speed control system for turbo-jet engines in which acceleration is in general controlled as a function of engine temperature, the temperature schedule of the control being automatically ad-l turbo-jet engines in which the temperature rise through the compressor or at least a portion thereof is limited so that it will not exceed a value that is allowed t increase as the square of the engine speed.
Another object is to provide a speed control of the null seeking type for rotating members wherein acceleration and speed of the member are controlled as a function of different parameters through a cross-over circuit that automatically selects the respective parameter signals, the cross-over circuit being comprised ofk cascaded unidirectional conducting devices in order to more effecively block out the non-selected signal from the contro The foregoing as well as other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings for a preferred construction in which Fig. l is a circuit diagram in block schematic of the improved electronic speed control;
Fig. 2 is a more detailed diagram showing circuit details of the principal components in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a series of curves pertaining to a detail of the control;
Fig. 4 is a sub-circuit diagram illustrating a modified form of cross-over circuit components featuring cascaded rectiiers to improve their blocking action relative to iricoming signals;
Fig. 5 is also a sub-circuit diagram showing a modified arrangement for the Fig. 2 control wherein acceleration of the engine is scheduled as a function of temperature rise across a stage of the compressor and also protection against compression surge in the engine leaving the main control functions on a basis of tail pipe temperature as shown in Fig. 2;
Figure. 7 is also a sub-circuit diagram illustrating a modification for a portion of the Fig. 2 circuit and which features scheduling of the derivative damping component of the speed signal in accordance with fuel ow; and
Fig. 8 depicts plots of engine temperature and speed respectively against time illustrating a typical engine response.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly Figs. l and 2 for the present, the turbo-jet engine 9 is of typical design being comprised of a multi-stage axial flow compressor 9a driven by a single stage axial flow turbine 9b with a series of combustion chambers 9c therebetween, and a tail pipe 9d through which the turbine exhaust. gases are discharged rearwardly to eiect forward propulsion of the engine.
Engine speed is sensed by a special tachometer generator GEN driven off the engine shaft 9e which puts out a direct current voltage proportional to speed. This voltage is compared with a reference voltage set by the throttle T in a bridge. The difference voltage and a derivative term derived from the generator voltage are combined to constitute the speed signal. Similarly, a temperature sensing element (in the present case a parallel connected therrnocouple group 3 in the tail pipe of Vth'e engine) is used to develop 'a voltage variable with tail pipe temperature, and this voltage combined with its derivative term constitute the temperature signal. The "p'ed land 'temperature signals are Aboth fed into an eltronicselector which blocks one 4or the'bth'er of dependent upon the vengiigie sp'eed. At engine speeds belovsI fa predetermined percentage yof a 'particular vspeed selected which can be called the cross-over point, only the temperature signal is pass'e'd by thejselectr and 'at speeds higher than this only nthe speed signal `is passed. The si'gii'al passed by the selectorY is then amplified and applied to a proportional solenoid 22 that controls the iel val've `2S on the engine through -a hydraulic servo Speed 'circuit u The-speed signal which exercises control over the speed of the engine after the cross-over point has been'reached is obtained from a bridge circuit which includes the output from the tachometer direct current generator GEN driven by the engine, a speed selector potentiometer R102 vadjusted by throttle T, and resistors R1 and R2. A large voltage is desired for the cross-over network in 4the selector circuit that is later described, while a much smaller reference voltage is desired Vfor the speed sig-'nal bridge. Consequently, in the latter, the output of the potentiometer is divided by resistors R7, AR8 to give the desired lower reference voltage for the speed circuit. The bridge output is taken from the `junction point of R1 and R2. The tachometer generator is so designed that the armature voltage is very closely pro'- portional to speed and field current. The generator field winding f is connected in series with the speed :selector potentiometer R-102 to the positive terminal of a 28 v. source of direct current. Thus, if it be assumed that the engine spe'ed is such that the bridge circuit is balanced and the bridge output therefore zero, then any uctuatio'n in the 28 v. supply will change the 'cur'r'ent through ythe :generator field winding f and also through the :speed setting potentiometer R102. B'ut this change in eld current will produce an Aexactly proportional change in the output voltage of the generator land hence the bridge will remain balanced. lt will be `evident that for v,the same'reasoris, any variation in the resistance value of eld winding i, 'or temperature will not `a'lfect the spee'd setting. Furthermore, the 'generator resistance is so low as compared to resistor R1 that changes 4in gen'- eratorarrnature resistance will 'also be ineffective in causing speed changes.
AAs previously explained, the bridge functions to "oo n tinuously compare the tachometer generator voltage with the speed reference voltage set by potentiometer R102 and 'puts out a speed signal 'component proportional .to the difference between the 'two volta'ges VAand the polarity of which (positive or negative) depends upon vthe direction "of the bridge imbalance. In the present varrangement, if the generator voltage is below that set on 'potentiometer R102, the speed signal component `w1vll be positive; if above, then the signal will have a negative polarity.
To improve the sensitivity-response characteristic of the control system, I prefer to combine with the speed signal component described in the preceding Vparagraph a derivative term which alg'eb'raically adds 'to 'such corriL ponent another signal component that varies with kthe rateSof-ehange of the tachorn'eter voltage. This is often referred to as derivative anticipation and makes it possible to stabilize the control system without the use vof droop. `A 'satisfactory approximation of the speed `id crivative ter-m is obtained through resistorcondenser circuit combinations. Since the amount of derivative term required -for c ritical damping is a function of bothraltitude and speed, I prefer to vary the same automatically as the aircraftengine changes speed and/ or altitude,l by means ofA a rotary switch 2 ganged to the throttle Nlever T controlling the position of the speed selectorgpotentiometer R102 which alters the capacitance of the .condenser component as a function of speed -and a variable resistor R60 controlled by an atmospheric pressure r esponsive bellows B fo.r altering the resistance component as a function of altitude. n
At sea level, the position of the bellows B will be siich that fthe resistor has a minimum iii-circuit yalue and the derivative term is established by a' circuit to which the tachoniete'r generator voltage is applied, the
circuit including condenser C2 and resistor R3 connected 'in 'series and altitude variable resistor R60 shunting th'e same, the effect of the resistor R60 being to reduce the time constant of the resistor R3 condenser C2 combination and the derivative voltage that would be produced by the same. As the voltage setting on speed reference potentiometer R102 is reduced, i. e. towai'd reduced speed, additional differentiating condensers C101, C102 aren'successively added in circuit with condenser C2 thus lengthening the differentiated time constant, and increasing the derivative term. The speeds at which condensers C101, C102 come in, `as well as their capacitance value are so chosen that satisfactory damping is obtained at all speeds.
As the altitude is increased from sea level, the altitude responsive bellows B progressively increases the incircuit value of the shunting resistor R60. This further increases the derivative term and lengthensthe differentiation Vtime constant so that satisfactory damping vwill be maintained atpall altitudes. 4The'sefstep like changes. in the differentiation time constant as distinguished from auiijifo'rmly variable `type of control has been found satisfactory since rthe 4arn'oi'ir'it of damping required is not too critical. Thus the use of vVariable condenser values as-speed is changed and variable shunting resistance with changes in valtitude gives `a derivative damping term which is thefprodu'ct of the two factors, and correct damping will be Aina'iii'tained over 'the full speed range as the altitude varies, y g I V p Any minor and slow fluctuations in the potential applied "to the reference '+28 volt terminal and which is usually 'obtained' from batteries will have no adverse effect upon operation of "the 'control system. However, in 'the 'event ythat 'the battery voltage vshould shift rapidly, theresponse of the speed generator circuit to transients isdifferent froin the response 'of the reference voltage source. This is so because the 'reference voltage is `applied purely through 'resistiv'e paths while the speed generator voltagep'is applied both through a resistor and the damping yc ondeui'scr C2. Thus the circuit while balanced for kslow changes in the battery voltage, is not balanced for rapid changes. Thisl defect is overcome b'y the use 0fA varia'blejcojndenser lC60 connected between the out,- put lead from the speed selector potentiometer R102 Yand one side o ffcorid'enser C2, and which serves to make the time 'constant of both paths identical.
Condens r'C60 also has'afnother function. When small changesv are lmade on 'the speed adjusting potentiometer R102,V 'the normal action of 4the damping circuit without condense *'C'tt) would 'beto ndelay the speed response ofwthjefen 'n'e 4accordinguto the time constant lof the 'damp'- ing circuit. Addition of condenser uC60, however, canf cevlrsoiitwthe Vtime constant of the damping circuit by the compensating Ytime,constant vof the speed control circuit. Then, for sni'all changes in potentiometer R102, very rapid Aresponse of the control system is assured. During large, changeslin potentiometer R102, the inain amplie'r foi-fthe signals saturate's, and therefore lthe additional condenser C60 has .littlepeffect .Thisprevents thjecircuit from givingsudden excessively large increments v'of fuel which might V'result in `overfternpe'rature occurring so suddenly that the protective temperature over ride circuit, to be explained later, could not prevent damage to ,the engine. i M g y l ATo eliminate the Vderivative compensating effect it is best to v arythe capaitance 'of )condenser C60 with changes in the setting ofwpotentiornter R102 to maintain v"transient balance and this can Yeasily be done by switching Tvinsuccessive values of this condenser with thepcorfit'rl for potentiometer R102 as indicated diagrammatically o'nthe drawing.1 Y A Thevderivativewterm of. the speed voltage combines electrically withI the speed term voltage at the bridge output, andthe combined speed voltage signal is applied to 'the selector circuitfthat is to be subsequently described. Resistors u connected` respectively between dilerentiatingy condensers C101-, C102 and 'the positiye, grounded terminal of the tachometer generator are pr'o'- vided 4for,then,purposeof maintaining -the voltage across these,cor,nile'risersl at its equilibrium value, and eliminate Swthig gtr. nsijsml.
Associatedwithpthe speed signal circuit vjust described, is `a lter for eliminating Vflic'tuations in the signal. These fluctuations kmay b enoftwo, types: Nornial uctuations due to commutator ripple in the tacho'meteigenerator,
as well as torsional engine oscillations; and abnormal fiuctuations which may result from either a dirty generator commutator, or due to the brushes vibrating off the commutator periodically. The first type of fiuctuation is characterized by relatively constant input impedance, and by not affecting the average value of the speed voltage. Its effect is reduced to a negligible amount by the half section of the filter consisting of inductance L1 and condenser C1 in the output circuit of the generator. This filter serves to greatly attenuate rapid liuctuations in voltage, and eliminates the alternating current component, leaving the direct current component unchanged. The second type of fluctuation is minimized by the input condenser C connected across the output circuit of the generator which functions in the following manner: When the generator brushes are properly in contact with the commutator, condenser C25 will be charged fully to the speed voltage of the generator', As the generator resistance in the present control circuit is approximately 50 ohms, and condenser C25 has a capacitance of one microfarad, it will be charged with a time constant of 50 microseconds-that is, almost instantly. Assume then that one brush leaves the generator commutator. Then the generator impedance is at that instant infinite. Condenser C25 must accordingly discharge through the filter and resistor R1. The effective time constant of this circuit will be of the order of one second. Thus the voltage will change only inappreciably during the brief fraction of a second that the brush may have left the commutator.
It is possible that transients of such speed may occur in the +28 volt power supply battery that the time constant of filter L1, C1 may be sufficient to disturb the transient balance. To avoid this effect, the filter may be moved if necessary to the output side of the derivative damping circuit for the speed voltage signal: that is, it may follow the junction point of R1, R2 and R3.
Temperature control circuit The control system according to the invention makes use of a temperature control circuit for controlling acceleration of the engine up to a predetermined percentage of the engine speed selected on the throttle T. This control is related to the instantaneous temperature of the engine as measured at the tailpipe so that the desired tailpipe temperature is maintained during acceleration.
In particular, the temperature circuit begins at a temperature sensing unit, preferably a thermocouple 3 located in the tailpipe of the engine, the function of which is to produce a control quantity dependent upon tailpipe temperature. In this case, the control quantity is a voltage generated by the thermocouple and such voltage is bucked against an adjustable datum voltage obtained from the voltage drop across adjustable resistor R31 and fixed resistor R30. The datum voltage is obtained from a source that derives its voltage from the inductive kick of the operating coil 4 of the vibrating switch SSB, the inductive surge being rectified by rectifier D5 and filtered. The convention observed with respect to the illustration of rectifier D5 as well as the other rectifiers used in the entire control system is that electron flow is in the direction of the arrow. The filtered voltage is then dropped to a neon voltage regulating tube T5 through resistor R35. The output voltage from tube T5 is further filtered and reduced by dropping it through resistors R32 in conjunction with conldenser C14, and then applied to resistors R and R3 The difference between the selected datum voltage and the output voltage of the thermocouple 3 is taken in a circuit constituted by a vibrating switch S3A comprising a vibratory contact reed 5 that takes on the datum voltage via a connection to the adjustable contact on resistor R31 and which works between a pair of stationary contacts 6 7 connected respectively to the ends ofl the primary of transformer L3. The thermocouple voltage is applied via conductor 8 to a center tap on the primary of transformer L3. Thus the difference between the datum and thermocouple voltages which will be positive when the thermocouple voltage is below the datum voltage and negative when above, is applied in succession to each half of the primary of transformer L3 as the vibrating contact 5 engages first one and then the other of the stationary contacts 6, 7.
The corresponding outputs from both halves of thel center tapped secondary of transformer L3 are amplified respectively in a double tube T4 and the plate circuits of the latter applied to the end terminals of the primary of output transformer L4. The secondary of the latter has its end terminals connected to the stationary con tacts 10, 11 of vibratory switch SSB previously mentioned and the amplified output constituting the instantaneous difference between the datum and thermocouple voltages is taken off through lead 13 connected to a center tap on the secondary of output transformer L4.
The vibrating switches S3A and S3B are ganged together for synchronous operation, such being indicated schematically on the drawing by the broken -line interconnecting the vibrating reed contacts of the two switches, and hence serve to provide the desired chopping of the difference voltage at the input side of the amplifier tubes T4 and the synchronous unchopping of the amplified voltage at the output side of the amplifier so that the amplification is essentially an alternating current operation. The chopper type amplifier is considered preferable to other known means for amplifying direct current signal voltages for various reasons and some of its advantages are discussed hereinafter in connection with the description of the main amplifier for the temperature and speed signals.
It will be noted from the circuit diagram that the other side of thermocouple 3 is connected to a bridge network of resistors R42, R43, R37 and R38. This serves two functions. Resistor R37 has a negative temperature coefficient. This is adjusted so that it gives cold junction compensation according to well known principles. Specifically, it causes the voltage at the ungrounded end of resistor R43 to rise 40 micro-volts for every degree centigrade rise in the temperature of resistor R37, thus giving the same net voltage from the thermocouple 3 with changes in ambient temperature.
The second function of the bridge network will be apparent from the following: Voltage regulator tube T5 does not give perfect regulation. Should the voltage applied to this tube rise about 10% for example, the voltage at the output of tube T5 would be found to have risen about 1%. To compensate out any such error, the resistance bridge is adjusted so that the voltage at the ungrounded end of resistor 43 is, at normal ambients, l0% of the voltage taken from adjustable resistor R31 (at normal temperature datum). Then the voltage changes at resistor R31, and at the ungrounded end of resistor R43, with changes in input voltage to tube T5 will be substantially equal and thus cancel out.
Stall suppressor circuit In the operation of jet engines, particularly at high altitudes, conditions are encountered where the compressor may surge due to stalling of the compressor blading. I have discovered that such surges may be effectively prevented by controlling the temperature either at the turbine inlet or in the turbine discharge, i. e. in the tailpipe. This is so because I have discovered that compressor stall is uniquely determined by inlet temperature, speed, and either turbine inlet or tailpipe temperature. The temperature must be scheduled as a function of the temperature of the air at the inlet to the compressor. Because the surging tendency is also a function of engine speed, the temperature schedule must also be modified according to the speed of the engine.
ln Fig. 3, I have shown a series of typical curves with maximum allowable tailpipe temperature plotted against engine speed for several different temperatures of air at the compressor inlet.
At an air inlet temperature of 550 Rankine, it will be observed that the maximum allowable tail pipe gas temperature curve runs parallel with the abscissa which is to say that at all engine speeds, the allowable exhaust gas temperature is limited only by the temperature limitation of the engine, and maximum exhaust gas temperature consistent with safety limits of the engine may be employed.
At 500 Rankine, it will be observed that a lower exhaust gas temperature must be maintained up to the 75% of maximum speed mark if compressor stalling is to be prevented, but that above such speed, higher exhaust gas temperature is allowable until finally when the speed mark is reached the allowable engine temperature s no longer limited by the compressor surge factor but againl by the physical temperature limitations of the engine itself. Thus from the 90% speed mark to maximum (100%) engine speed, the 500 curve coincides with the 550 curve.
At 450 Rankine, still lower exhaust gas temperatures must be observed if stalling in the compressor is to be prevented. Examination of the 450 curve will show that while increasing temperatures are allowable at engine speeds above the speed mark, the maximum allowable at maximum engine speed is well below the maximum temperature limitation of the engine as repre` sented by the 550 curve.
The required scheduling of temperature to prevent surging in the compressor is accomplished by superimposing an additional control factor upon the temperature circuit since the output signal from thte temperature sensing unit used primarily for controlling acceleration of the engine can easily be modified to incorporate this additional scheduling factor.
Referring again to the circuit diagram shown in Fig. 2, the stall suppression section appears at the lower left corner. When for example the engine is at maximum speed, thc negative output terminal of the tachometer generator will be at its most negative value with respect to ground (the positive terminal being grounded). Resistors R301 and. R303, connected in circuit with the negative generator terminal via lead 15, are in such ratio as determined by the adjustable tap on R302 that tap point F is now negative, so that no current flows through rectier D302.
Assume now that the temperature at the inlet to the compressor unit 9a of the jet engine 9 is high i. e. of the order of 550 R. This temperature is sensed by a resistor unit K placed there, and which has a highly negative temperature coeflicient of resistivity. The resistance of the temperature sensing resistor K will then be relatively low. Under these conditions point G at the junction of resistors R305, R308 would have essentially the same voltage as point F, and therefore would also be negative. Rectiiier D301 is, however, so polarized that point G can never become negative, but only goes down to zero potential. Thus no modifying voltage will be added to that produced by the tail pipe thermocouple 3 via resistor R300 connected in circuit with the latter as seen from the input side of the amplifier unit for the temperature signal. The net result is that tailpipe temperature is scheduled in accordance with the maximum limits of the engine itself as set on the temperature datum selector (potentiometer R31).
As the engine speed decreases, point F will eventually become positive at which time rectifier D302 starts to conduct so that point F remains at zero potential. Since thev compressor inlet temperature sensing resistor K is at a low resistance value because of the assumed high inlet '3 temperature, point G also has essentially zero potential, and no voltage signal is applied to the tailpipe temperature input circuit via resistor R308 at any engine speed. Thus the scheduled temperature would follow the 550 curve in Fig. 3.
At a lower compressor inlet temperature for example 500 R., the temperature sensing resistor K will of course have a higher resistance due to its negative temperature coefiicient. Thus when the engine speed is low, and point F is at essentially Zero potential, temperature sensing resistor K and resistor R305 form a Voltage divider from the +28 volt terminal to zero, giving a proportionate fraction of positive voltage at point G. This positive voltage is applied to resistor R308, and flowing through resistor R309 adds a potential in series with that produced by the temperature sensing thermocouple 3 in the tailpipe, which results in an overall lowered exhaust gas temperature in the tailpipe. This temperature will then remain unchanged up to the point where point F becomes negative at the 75% speed mark on the Fig. 3 curve. Above this speed, the voltage at point G is lowered by the more negative voltage at point F. This results in a continually lower voltage being applied to resistor R300 as the speed increases so that the exhaust gas temperature is lowered by a lesser amount. As the speed continues to increase, point G eventually starts to become appreciably negative, the voltage in series with that produced by the thermocouple would reverse; i. e. the two voltages would oppose each other, so that higher than maximum allowable temperatures as set on potentiometer R31 A cross-over bias.
temperature sensing thermocouple 3.
would be called for. However, rectifier D301 prevents point G from becoming negative, so that at the speed mark in Fig. 3, the temperature has reached its maximum value, and at higher speeds the tailpipe ternperature follows the maximum 550 R. curve up to maximum engine speed.
At even lower compressor inlet temperatures, the effect is the same as outlined in the preceding paragraph, with the inlet temperature sensing resistor K having continually higher resistances as the inlet temperature decreases. However, at suicient low temperatures, the voltage at point G will not have become negative by the time that maximum engine speed is reached, so that even at the speed mark, the exhaust gas temperature in the tailpipe will not have reached its maximum level butA will be at a lesser value.
It will be evident that by varying the magnitude of the various resistors in the stall suppressor circuit, and the resistance-temperature characteristic of the temperature sensing resistor K it is possible to modify the temperature scheduling curves of Fig. 3 to match the characteristics et the particular engine type under consideration.
The purpose of the resistors R306 and R307 is to provide a small positive bias on rectiiier D301. This increases the rapidity with which the rectier tlattens out the curve at the maximum temperature limit. It both decreases the effect of rectifier resistance, and the mini'- mum resistance of temperature sensing resistor K.
Temperature stabilizing circuit condenser C17 and resistor R51 connected in parallel by which the temperature signal voltage is partially dilferentiated. The second of the two stabilizing circuits is constituted by resistor R41 and condenser C13 connected to the output from the main amplifier, to be subsequently discussed, that establishes an integrated feedback signal. The latter is coupled out through resistor' R40 and combined with the differentiatedtemperature signal coupled out through resistor R44. The combined output signal is then introduced into the electronic selector circuit also to be discussed below over conductor. 16.
The function of rectifier D4 connected between ground and one side of condenser C17 is to limit the maximum output of the temperature circuit. The electronic circuit is limited in voitage handling capacity by the available Rectier D4 serves to limit the ternperature output signal to a value that will not overload the circuit and starts to conduct at a potential just about sufficient to give full amplifier output. Thus it does not limit performance of the temperature regulating circuit.
The theory of the temperature regulating circuit is probably rather involved. Briefly, however, it is believed to function in the following manner. The time constant of the differentiating circuit (resistor R51 and condenser C17) is approximately equal to the time constant of the It can be shown that under such conditions, the elective time constant of the over-all circuit is not a function of either time constant individually but rather a shorter time period determined by the electrical circuit components. In the present circuit, the effective value is only about 1/5 the temperature unit time constant, or an almost negligible short value. It can be shown that, in the linear range of the amplifier, the integrated feed-back circuit (resistor R41-condenser C13) is equivalent derivativeanticipa-l tion. It thus serves to stabilize the temperature signal circuit in the 4same manner as the derivative damping circuit in the speed signal circuit, and the component values may be chosen to provide critical damping.
Selector circuit As mentioned in the introduction, the present electronic control system functions as a regulator for the tailpipe temperature of the engine during periods of acceleration; and as an all-speed governor when in the vicinityof the selected speed desired to be maintained. The selection of function is automatically made in the electronic selector circuit now to be described.
The direct current speed signal and the temperature signal are both chopped by an electrically maintained vibrating reed switch 82A containing a contact reed 18 electromagnetically vibrated between two stationary contacts 19, 20. The contact reed is connected to ground and thus as it vibrates the direct current speed and temperature signal voltages will be alternately and periodically grounded thus giving them an essentially alternating current characteristic. The two signals are introduced respectively into selenium rectiiiers D1, D2 that are oppositely polarized with respect to the incoming signals, and a variable bias voltage is applied to each of the rectifiers through the coupling resistors R4, R16. The bias voltage is obtained from a cross-over bridge consisting of the tachonietei generator voltage, the voltage of speed control potentiometer R102, and two resistors R11, R12 so chosen that the bridge is balanced at approximately 80% of the engine speed selected on potentiometer R102. It will be seen that at engine speeds lower than this, the output ofthe cross-over bridge will be positive, so that current will flow through rectifier D2 while rectifier D1 wiil be cut off. Current flowing through the rectifier indicates that its impedance in the direction of current flow is fairly low and thus it will also transmit the essentially alternating current temperature signal. On the other hand, since rectifier D1 is cut off, it will transmit neither a direct current, nor the essentially alternating current speed signal. In a similar manner, above the cross-over speed, the polarity of the bridge output will reverse, becoming negative, so that now rectifier D1 will become conducting whereas rectifier D2 will now be cut off, the effect of which is to transmit the essentially alternating current speed signal through rectifier D1 and block out the temperature signal at rectifier D2. Thus the selection of signal is made automatic in accordance with engine speed.
Rectifiers D1, D2 do not cut off infinitely sharply, nor exactly at zero voltage. The cut-off point is adjustedso that the two overlap slightly by inserting a small positive voltage in series with resistor R9, this voltage being obtained from a suitable source through resistor R10.
Main amplifier As previously mentioned, the signals as initially d eveloped by both the speed circuit and temperature circuit are direct current. The use of such a signal is desirable since it allows differentiation, integration and other forms of computation to be employed as necessary. Howeven the usual form of direct current amplifier is entirely unsuitable for control use. Types of direct current amplifiers previously considered have included straight D. C. electronic amplifiers, ring modulators, and galvanometer amplifiers. photoelectric pick-up, or a form of inductive pick-up. All these forms of amplifier suffer from a common difficulty; the balance point is not stable, and must be adjusted from time to time, thus making them unsuited for control applications.
The amplifier about to be described has none of these drawbacks and is admirably suited to the speed control system. .As mentioned in the previous section dealing with the selector circuit, the direct current speed and temperature signals are first interrupted by the vibrating switch S2A thus converting them into essentially alternating current signals which can then be amplified b y a conventional alternating current amplifier. The amplifier consists of three stages T1, T2 and T3 and is arranged push-pull throughout. pentode amplifier and acts as a phase inverter for signals introduced into either grid, the speed signal being applied through coupling condenser C5 to the grid of the upper half of the tube and the temperature signal through coupling condenser C6 to the grid of the lower half of the y tube. The last stage T3 is a poweramplifer, and it is transformer coupled to the output vibrating switch'SZB and to the load which is constituted by a proportional solenoid 22 that controls the pilot valve 23 Aofa hydraulic servo 24 which in turn conrols the supply of fuel to the iet en ine 9 throu h valve l Swigfch S2B likegswitch S2A inc ludes a contact reed 26 electromagnetically vibrated by interrupter coil 27 between two stationary contacts 28, 29. The contact reeds "of the two switches S2A, S2b are arranged to operate synchronously, both being preferably ganged and d riven from the same vibrator coil as indicated diagrammatically on the circuit diagram, and hence switch SZB will rectify the amplifier output, giving again a direct current output signal, proportional in amplitude and in this ca se reversed in sense to the input signal, but greatly amplified which The latter have taken the form of either The first stage T1 is a double signal is applied from a mid tap on the secondary of output transformer L2 to the fuel valve operating solenoid 22.
Because of the relative` phase reversal of the signal resulting from the use of opposed contacts of S2A for chopping the speed and temperature signals, the signals are applied to opposite grids of the push-pull input. Thus a negative (over-speed) speed signal and a negative (over-temperature) signal at SZA each operate to reduce fuel flow.
lt will be noted that in the circuit connections 21 from the amplifier output to the proportional solenoid 22, a control switch 5101A is inserted. This switch includes a contact arm 30 electrically connected to the operating coil 22:! of solenoid 22 and mechanically ganged to the control throttle T, and which wipes over an arcuate track providing alternative circuit connections to the solenoid coil. The track is sectionalized providing a narrow coritact segment 31 with which the contact arm 30 is engaged when the throttle T occupies its closed position, and a Wide contact segment 32 engaged by the arm 30 after throttle T has been moved to any desired open position. Contact segment 32 is connected to the signal output lead 21 from transformer L2 to thus apply the speed and temperature control signals to the solenoid coils 22a. Contact segment 31 is, however, connected through resistor R106 to the positive terminal of the 28 volt supply line so that when the throttle is closed, positive voltage is put on the solenoid coils to thus close the fuel valve completely.
A few special features of the amplifier are well worth noting. The amplifier operates from 28 volts plate supply with no inverter, etc. This low value of supply voltage requires some special design in the amplifier. However, as exact maintenance of input wave form is not necessary, the problem is simplified. Use of high Values of grid resistor, with grid current bias, stabilizes tube characteristics. In the output stage, improved performance is possible with some negative bias on the grids. Cathode bias could be used but this would reduce the already low available plate supply. The only source of negative Voltage is the tachometer generator. The grid bias used on the output stage is not critical, and the generator voltage is of approximately the proper magnitude. Accordingly, the grid resistors R25, R26 of the output stage are returned via conducted 34 to the negative tachometer generator terminal.
To eliminate undesired voltage fluctuations of the +28 volt plate supply line, an RC filter consisting of resistor R39 and condenser C11 filters the plate supply to the first two stages of the amplifier. Condensers C15 and C24 are used to improve the Wave form of the transmitted signal. Condenser C12 is required to absorb the inductive surge from the load of the proportional solenoid 22 during the switching transients of the vibrating reed switch SZB.
The amplifier circuit has proved to be unusually reliable. This probably is due both to the use of the low plate supply voltage which produces a minimum of strain on the tubes, and to the uncritical nature of the amplifier. Rather wide variations in tube characteristics can be tolerated, without appreciably affecting control performance. In addition, failure of one section of either of the two latter stages will only reduce the amplifier sensitivity and output, but will not cause a complete failure.
' Proportional solenoid The proportional solenoid 22 includes an armature 22b biased to a neutral position by springs 22e that operates the piston member 23a of pilot valve 23. Cylinder 2317 of the valve contains a central high pressure fluid in let 23C, low pressure outlets 23d at each end lead to a sump, and high pressure fluid outlets 23e, 23f leading to the opposite ends of the cylinder 24a of servomotor 24. The piston 24h of the servomotor actuates fuel valve 25 in the fuel injection line 35 leading to the jet engine 9 to control the rate of fuel liow to the combustion chambers.
The proportional solenoid 22 also includes an annular permanent magnet 22d for setting up a magnetic field which when combined with the magnetic field produced electromagnetically by the signal current in coils 22a produces axial movement of armature 22b in one direction or the other from its neutral position fixed by the loading springs 22e dependent upon the sense of the current flow through these coils which in turn depends upon the polarity of the rectified output signal at output transformer L2 of the signal amplifier.
The corresponding motion imparted to valve piston 23a places the high pressure inlet 23C in communication with one end of cylinder 24a of servomotor 24. and the other end of cylinder 24a in communication with one of the lowv pressure outlet lines 23d causing servomotor piston 24b to shift axially and change the setting of the fuel valve 25. Movement of solenoid armature 22h in the opposite direction from its neutral position in response to an output control signal of opposite polarity will of, course have an opposite effect on the setting of the fuel valve 25.
Temperature over-ride Under normal conditions, when it is desired to accelerate from an idling to some selected running speed, the taiipipe temperature will be comparatively low and hence the temperature signal at SZA at the beginning will `be strongly positive. This positive signal (after chopping) is then put through the selector circuit and amplifier and effects an openingof the fuel valve causing the engine to accelerate rapidly with an attendant rise in tail pipe temperature. Should the4 latter, however, rise above the datum level set on the ldatum temperature selector potentiometer R31 `during the period before the cross-over speed is reached, the temperature signal will swing negative, the effect of which is to cause the fuel valve 2S to move toward a more closed position.
After the cross-over speed has been reached at which instant the selector circuit cuts off the temperature signal and cuts in the speed signal, any rise in tailpipe temperature above the selected acceleration datum value `is automatically detected by a temperature over-ride circuit and the fuel rate reduced until the temperature recedes to the selected maximum. This reduction in fuel rate thus limits the acceleration rate at speeds above thev cross-over speed when the derivative damping circuit would otherwise call for too high an acceleration rate." The :over-ride protective circuit also comes into operation when the (control is on speed governing whenever the tailpipe temperature exceeds the acceleration datum value. ,'lt also comes into operation should any abnormal condition arise such as the clogging of one or more nozzles so 'that excessive temperatures would be required to maintain the speed setting on the throttle.
The temperature over-ride circuit consists of a rectifier D3 transmitting a signal effectively in parallel with the normal temperature signal 'transmitterrectifier D2. However, while rectifier D2 obtains its bias through resistor Rid from the signal selector (cross-over) circuit, the bias for the over-ride rectifier D3 is supplied from the output of the thermocouple amplifier through a differentiating Vnetwork consisting of resistors R55, R56 and C29.
This network operates in a manner similar to the differentiating network previously described for stabilizing the temper...-ure signal and serves to partially cancel the time delay inherent in the response characteristic of the thermocouple 3. The bias voltage existing at the ungrounded end of resistor R56 is applied to rectifier D3 through resistor R27. Through the time constant cancelling action of the network, the bias applied to rectifier D3 becomes negative at the same instant as the temperature signal applied to the rectifier D2 from the other differentiating network, through resistor R44. Thus rectifier D3 starts to conduct at the instant the temperature signal indicates that the temperature of the exhaust gases is above the allowable datum level. Were it not for the differentiating network R55, R56, C29, the signal would not be transmitted until the actual temperature of the thermocouple had reached the datum level which because of the inherent time delay constant of the thermocouple may not occur until several seconds after the exhaust gas has reached the selected datum level. Rectifier D3 accordingly will pass the output of the temperature circuit into the main amplifier at any speed above the cross-over speed whenever the exhaust gas temperature is above the temperature datum set on potentiometer Rl' notwithstanding the fact that `at such time rectifier D2 is cut ofi.
Operation While the operating principles of the control system have already been discussed in part in connection with the description of its component parts, a review here of 12 the entire sequence 'of events which take place when the pilot of the jet propelled plane wishes to accelerate the iet engine, with reference to the speed and temperature curves shown in Fig. 8 that are typical of the results produced, will be conducive to a complete understanding of the invention.
Referring now to Fig. 8, with the engine 9 running at an idling speed of 2700 R. P. M., the output of the cross-over bridge in the selector circuit will be negative and hence the speed of the engine is regulated in accordance with the output signal of the speed circuit applied through rectifier switch D1 and the main amplifier to the control winding 22a of the proportional solenoid 22. The speed signal will of course be zero if the engine speed agrees with the selected speed setting on potentiometer R102; if the two are in disagreement, a signal of the proper polarity to supply the necessary correction to the fuel valve 25 will be generated in the speed circuit and put through the amplifier to the fuel control solenoid 22.
With the engine running at 2700 R. P. M., the temperature in the tailpipe will normally be quite low as compared to the selected maximum level set on the temperature datum potentiometer R31. Thus, for example, if a datum level of l500 F. is selected, the tailpipe temperature may be of the order of 930 F.
Now assume that the pilot desires to increase the engine speed up to a running speed of about 7800 R. P. M. The throttle T is pushed forward and the corresponding change in the potential taken off potentiometer R102 immediately swings the output of the crossover bridge from negative to positive thus cutting off the speed signal transmission at rectifier D1 and putting the rectifier DZ into condition for passing control signals from the temperature circuit.
Withgthe tail pipe temperature down about 570 F. below the selected datum level, the initial signal output from the temperature circuit amplifier will be strongly positive and therefore result in an initially high rate of increase of fuel through valve 25 with an attendant steep rise in the tail pipe temperature and the latter soon approaches the datum level thus lowering the temperature signal. However, as the engine continues to pick up speed, the resulting increase in the exhaust gas velocity tends to cool off the tail-pipe somewhat so that the temperature signal is maintained. That is to say, the tail pipe temperature will normally remain below the selected datum level and the fuel rate will continue to increase although at a reduced rate.
When the engine speed reaches the point where the output of the cross-over bridge in the selector circuit swings back to a negative value, signal transmission through the switching rectifier D2 associated with the temperature signal circuit becomes blocked and lrectifier D1 unblocks so that the signal produced by the speed circuit is then put through to the solenoid 22 and controls the remainder of the engine vacceleration until the selected speed is reached. As the engine speed approaches the selected speed, the speed signal gradually decreases to zero and the speed circuit thereafter continues to exercise control over the engine speed to maintain the latter substantially constant.
The tail pipe temperature lowers with increased engine speed and will stabilize Well below the datum level after a fairly high speed is reached. In the curves of Fig. 8, it will be observed that the 'tail pipe temperature stabilized at about 1300 F. when the selected speed of 780() R. P. M. was reached.
Modified stall suppressor 'circuit An alternative methodof scheduling acceleration of the engine to prevent compressor stall is shown in the sub-circuit diagram of Fig. 5 and its operation is predicated upon the following relations. I have discovered that the temperature rise across a given stage of the compressor (assuming an axial flow construction for example) at the stall line varies as the square of ,the engine speed. That is, if at a speed of 1,000 R. P. M., a compressor stage stalls at a certain pressure ratio across the compressor, the temperature rise in the air passing through that stage may be, for example, ten degrees centigrade. Then if the engine is rotating at a speed of 2,000 R. P. M., if the pressure rise across the compressor is again increased sufficiently to make this stage stall, the temperature rise will" be four times the previous value, or forty degrees centigrade. The ternperature rise across several stages of the compressor may also be employed for the above purpose. In general, compressor surge occurs due to stalling of the same rows of blades initially in various operating regimes of the l.
ya linear function of speed as will also the frequency.
Therefore the differentiated output voltage of the generator will increase as the square of the engine speed. The output of 'generator 42 is preferably differentiated by a network consisting of condenser C201 and resistor R201 but any of the other well known diierentiating circuits may be employed as well, such as for example a transformer with a low inductance primary.
The derivative voltage across resistor R201 is rectified by rectifier D21 and applied to filter 43. The output voltage from the lter is in such sense as to buck the voltage of the thermocouples 40, 41. The net output of this circuit is then applied to an amplifier 44 of the vibrating type such as that used in the circuit shown in Fig. 2 for initially amplifying the output of the thermocouple in the tailpipe. For simplicity in illustration, the amplifier has accordingly been shown in block schematic only. The output of the latter is then fed through a condenser-resistor compensating network C202, R202 similar to the compensating network (resistor R51 and condenser C17) used at the output of the amplifier for the tail pipe thermocouple voltage and which functions in like manner to reduce the effect of the temperature lag inherent in the thermocouples.
The output from the compensating network C202, R202 can be used in the circuit shown in Fig. 2 in place of the output fromy the compensating network associated with the amplified voltage signal from the tail pipe thermocouple by connecting it to condenser C4 and opening the output from the tailpipe thermocouple compensating network at resistor R44. In this way acceleration of the engine will be scheduled not in accordance with tail pipe temperature but rather along the surge line of the compressor 9a up to the cross-over speed at which the selector circuit cuts out this signal and cuts in the signal from the speed circuit. A safe margin must be allowed in the scheduling to prevent marginal surge from occurring.
When the surge scheduling circuit of Fig. is employed, protection against over temperature can be obtained by using the same over-ride circuit (resistors R27, R56, R55 and condenser C29) as is used when acceleration is scheduled in accordance with temperature in the tailpipe, except that in such case the stall suppressor circuit associated with thermocouple 3 in the tailpipe would be eliminated.
Alternatively, engine acceleration may be scheduled as a function of tailpipe temperature in the manner according to the Fig. 2 circuit and the circuit shown in Fig. 5 used only for protection against surge. With this arrangement, the main control attempts to main the ternperature called for by the tail pipe thermocouple 3 during acceleration. but in the event that the .surge line of the compressor is approached, the Fig. 5 circuit will reduce fuel to prevent surge. One method by which this can be accomplished is shown in Fig. 6. Here the output of the compressor temperature amplifier 44 is applied to a lag compensating network R202, C202 and thence after chopping by an additional stationary contact 45 on vibrator switch S2A to the input of the main amplifier through condenser C203, rectifier D22 and the necessary c oupling resistor R203 and condenser C204. The required bias for rectifier D22 is supplied in a manner similar to that shown for the tailpipe temperature over-ride control, through a condenser-resistor compensating network C206, R206 in conjunction with resistor R207.
Modified damping circuit for speed signal The control circuit shown in Fig. 2 uses condensers These thermocouples are con- C101, C102 and variable resistor R60 for altering the derivative term of the speed signal as a function of speed and altitude. If desired, the modified arrangement shown in the sub-circuit diagram of Fig. 7 may be employed. Condensers C101, C102 are eliminated as is also the altitude responsive resistor R60, and a variable resistor R208 coupled to the fuel valve control rod 25a is substituted. The variable resistor R208 is connected in shunt to the derivative network for the speed signal comprising condenser C2 and resistor R3, and is arranged in such manner that it has a minimum in-circuit resistance when the fuel valve is wide open, and hence brings the derivative damping term of the speed signal to its minimum value. As the fuel valve is moved towards a more closed position, the in-circuit resistance value of resistor R208 is increased, thus increasing the derivative term and hence also the damping action.
Since lower speed requires lower fuel fiow; and also high altitude at a constant speed requires low fuel flow, and in each instance, more damping is required, it is seen that an increase of damping as a function of fuel flow always operates in the correct direction to give the desired damping. Furthermore, it can be shown that the amount of damping required at a given fuel flow is approximately the same, whether the decrease in fuel flow be a result of increased altitude or decreased speed.
Modified selector circuit lt will be recalled from the previous section dealing with the selector circuit that the respective signals from the temperature and speed circuits are selectively put through to the main amplifier and hence to the fuel control ii1 accordance with the ratio between the instant engine speed and the speed selected on potentiometer R102. lf this ratio is below a predetermined amount, for example .8, the selector blocks the speed signal and passes the temperature signal; when the ratio passes .8, the selector then blocks the temperature signal and passes the speed signal. The selection is effected through the instrumentality of rectifier type switches connected respectively between the speed and temperature signal outputs and the amplifier input to which a biasing voltage is applied, the polarity of which reverses from positive to negative when the above mentioned ratio passes the selected changeover point. If the potential at the junction point of condenser C3 and biasing resistor R4 is negative with respect to the potential at the junction of resistor R9 and condenser C5 which condition prevails when the ratio is above the predetermined fraction of the selected speed, only rectifier D1 will conduct. Accordingly, this rectier will transmit the alternating coinponent of the speed signal to the amplifier input, while rectifier D2 will effectively block transmission of the temperature signal because the same negative biasing voltage makes the potential at the junction of condenser C4 and biasing resistor R16 negative with respect to the potential at the junction of condenser C6 and resistor R13, and rectifier D2 it will be remembered is oppositely poled from rectier D1. Thus under such condition rectifier D2 will exhibit a high impedance to current transmission through it. When the ratio is below the preselected fraction, the biasing voltage becomes positive thus setting up the converse condition, i. e. rectifier D2 will then pass the alternating component of the temperature signal and rectifier D1 will block off transmission of the speed signal because of the high impedance it exhibits under such condition. Normally the rectifier impedance will be high enough to enable it to perform its switching function satisfactorily. However, unlike a more positively acting switch, a rectifier of the dry type such as a copper oxide or selenium unit cannot offer infinite impedance and should there be any leakage through the same irrespective of the amplitude of the blocking potential applied, which is the equivalent of shunting the rectifier by a high resistance, the rectifier cannot help but pass some of the signal at the input side. If the latter is suiciently high it can of course cause defective operation of the circuit.
The alternative arrangement for each of the switching rectiiiers as shown in Fig. 4 will serve to greatly inhibit any undesired leakage through the rectifiers. The circuit is similar to that illustrated in Fig. 2 but features two such rectifiers connected in cascade for each signal. The arrangement for the speed signal only has been illustrated, but it will be understood that a similar-circuit 'is-provided for the temperature signal. The iirst section is :identical with that 'of Fig. 2 with the cross-over voltage being applied `over resistor R4 'and the vspeed `s'ignalover condenser C3 to vrectifier D1. When the `c'rtys's-over voltage is negative, rectifier D1 will exhibit a low 'impedance to ow of 'current and hence 'the flatter will contain a pronounced component Ycorresponding 'to the speed signal. However, instead of applying 'the output of rectier D1 directly to the input of the main amplifier, it 'is applied to the condenser component C3 'of another 'rectier circuit containing rectifier D1', resistor R21' *connected in parallel with resistor R4, and resistors R9', R6 corresponding to and of like circuit arrangement as resistors R9 and R6. Assuming the `cross-infer voltage to be still negative, the second rectiiier'Dl likewise Vexhibits a low impedance and hencepassesfthe speed signal. Gn the other hand, when the cross-over biasing voltage swings positive, the total attenuation factor of the lrectii'ers becornes equal not tothesum of v'each but to their product. Thus lassuming-rectiiiersuDland.D2 each show an attenuation factor of thirty, the overall 'attenuation would not be sixty but rather nine hundred which will provide a very `satisfactory control response 'with a -large margin of safety since any leakage will then become inconsequential. t
In conclusion, I wish it 'to be understood that while the invention has been described lwith, reference to particular embodiments, 'various changes may be made ,therein by those skilled in `the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as `deiined in the appended claims. For example, while the ftachometer generator coupled to the engine for -providin'g a control voltage proportional to speed is vshown as a direct current machine, one of the alternating'current type provided with rectiiiers in its output circuit will operate equally as well.
I claim:
`l. In a device for controlling acceleration and speed of an` engine the combination comprising; means establishing a constant reference Voltage the magnitude of which is representative of a selected maximum permissible engine temperature, means producing'a Voltage Varlable with engine temperature and Vcircuit means comparing said voltages and from which is produced a first control voltage variable as Athe difference between said compared voltages; a throttle member, means controlled by said throttle member for establishing a reference voltage variable with the throttle `setting, means driven by said engine for generating a speed Voltage variable w'ith engine speed and circuit means comparing said voltages l and whichproduces a second control voltage variable 'as the difference between Vsaid compared voltages; electroresponsive means controllingjfuel flow tosaid engine; and
means selectively applying said first and second control A voltages to said electro-responsive means to control reif spectively the acceleration of said engine and the selected running speed thereof as determined by said throttle setting,
2. In a device for controlling acceleration andpspeed of an engine the combination comprising; means estab- 7 lishing a constant reference voltage the magnitude of which is representative of a 'selected maximum permissible engine temperature, means producing a voltage variable with engine temperature and circuit means comparing said voltages and from which is produced a llirst control voltage variable as the difference between said compared voltages; a throttle member, means controlled by said throttle member for establishing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means driven by said engine for generating a speed voltage variable with engine speed and circuit means comparing said voltages vand which produces a second control voltage variable as the difference between said compared voltages; means for producing a cross-over voltage variable with engine speed;
means responsive to said control voltages for controlling fuel admission to said engine; and first-and second switching means individual respectively to said rst and second control voltages and actuated alternatively in accordance with the amplitude of said cross-over voltage forL alternatively transmitting said control voltages to said fuel control means.
3. An engine control device as detined in claim 2 and which further includes a third switching means connected in parallel with said lirst switching means, actuation Vof Said third `switching means being :controlledrin accord- 16 ance with said lrstgcontrol voltage .for *transmitting the latter to said fuel control means. l
y4. -In ra device for controlling acceleration Sand speed of an engine the combination comprisingpmeans 'establishing ia constant reference voltage `the magnitude of which is representativel of a selected maximum ,permissible engine temperature, 'means `producing 'la voltage variable with engine temp'erature'a'nd circuit means comparing said voltages and from 'which is produced *a 'r'st control voltage the amplitudeand sense, of 'which are determined by the amplitude 'and 'sense of 'the'diffe'rence between said compared voltages; a throttle member; meanscontrolled 'by said throttle member for 'producing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means for generating'a speed voltage variable 'with engine speed, and circuit means 'comparing said vol-tages 'and which produces a second control voltage 'the amplitude 'and sense of whichare 'determined b'y the amplitude `and sense of the difference between said compared voltages; means for producing a cross-over voltage 'variable with engine speed; means responsive to 'said control voltages for controlling fuel admission to said engine; and ufirst and second switching means individual respectively tos'aid rst and second control voltages and actuated alternatively in accordance with the amplitudejof 'sjaidtcross-over voltage for alternatively transmitting said 'control voltages to said fuel control means.
5. An'engine control device 'as deii'ned in claim 4 and which further `includes a thirdswitclfiing'means 'connected in parallel withsaid first switching means, actuation of said thirdswitching means being controlled, in accordance with the sense of said irstcontrol voltagejyfor transmitting the 'latter to said fu'el controlmeans irrespective `of the amplitudeof said cross-over voltage.
H6. ln a device i'or controlling lspeed and y'acceleration of a combustion .gas `turbine engine 'of the type Vincluding coupled turbine and multistage compressor unitsv and a combustion chamber unit therebetween, the combination comprising; means producing a signal 'Voltage vvariable as the temperature rise across at'lea'st'one stage of 'saidcompresser unit, means producingfa second 'voltage 'variable as the square of engine speed, and circuit means comparing said voltages to produce a 'rst control vvoltagefthe amplitude and sense 'of 'which are determined respectively by the amplitude and sense of the difference between said compared voltages; ajthrottleni'ember; means producing a reference voltage `the amplitude of which is varied vin accordance with 'the throttle setting, means Vproducing a speed 'voltage variable as lia linear function of the engine speed, yand circuit means comparing said reference and speed voltages and 'which produces a second control 'voltage the amplitude 'and sense of which are determined by the amplitude and sense of the dile'rence between said compared' voltages; means for'produc'- ing a cross-over voltage variable with engine speed; means responsive to said first and `second control voltages 'for controlling fuel admission 'to said combustion chamber unit, and irst Aand second `switching'means'individual respectively to said first and 'second'cont'rol voltages and actuated alternatively in raccord-ance with the amplitude of Isaid Ycross-over voltage for alternatively transmitting said control voltages t-o said fuel control means.
l 7. In a device for controllingspeed and acceleration of 'a combustion 'gas turbine 'engine of the type including coupled turbine and multi-stage Icompressor units and a combustion chamber unit therebetween, t'the combination comprising; means producing a signal voltage variable with the temperature loftheoombu'stion gases, meanslestablishing a constant reference voltage the amplitude of which is'representative of a selected 'maximumpermissible combustiongas temperature, and circuit ftn'elans comparing said voltagesand from which is yproduced ifa 'rst control voltage whosejamplitude and sense are 'determined rby the amplitude and-'sense of. the difference betweensaidV comparedvoltages; at'hrott'le member; means controlled by said throttle frnember for producing a second reference voltage variable ywith the throttle setting, Imeans producing a voltage variable linearly 4with'en'gine speed, and circuit lmeans 'comparing said vvoltages and from which is `proluced a second control voltage whose `'amplitude andsense are determined 'byltheamplitude and sense of the diiierence-'between lsaid, compared voltages; means producing asignal voltage variable as the temperature rise across a`t least one stage of said compressor unit, lmeans producingA anothersignal voltage fv'ariable as the square of engine -speed and-circuit means comparing said voltages to produce a third c-ontrol voltage whose amplitude and sense Vare de'tc mined Vby the amplitude and 'sense of the difference between said compared voltages; means producing a cross-over voltage vari-able with engine speed; means responsive to and circuit connected with said control voltages for controlling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit; and first, second and third switching means individual respectively to said first, -second and third control voltages and arranged in the respective lcircuit connections to said f-uel control means, said first and second switching ym'eansbeing controlled by said cross-over voltage and actuated alternatively in accordance with the amplitude thereof to alternatively transmit said first or second control voltage to said fuel control means, and said third switching means Ibeing con- 'trolled by said third control signal and actuated in accordance with the sense thereof to transmit the same to said fuel control means.
8. In ya device for controlling speed and acceleration of a combustion -gas turbine engine of Ithe type including coupled turbine and multistage compressor units fand a combustion chamber unit therebetween, the combination comprising; means producing a signal voltage variable as the temperature rise across at least one stage of said compressor unit, means producing a secondy vol-tage variable as the square of engine speed, and circuit vmeans comparing said voltages to produce a first control voltage the amplitude and sense of which are determined respectively by the amplitude and sense of the difference between-said compared voltages; a throttle member; means producing a reference voltage the amplitude of which is varied in accordance with the throttle setting, means producing a speed volt-age variable as a linear function of the engine speed, and circuitv means comparing said reference and speed voltages and which produces a second control voltage the amplitudek yand sense of whichare determined bythe amplitude and sense 'of the difference between said compared voltages; means producing a signal voltage variable with the temperature ofthe combustion gases, means establishing a constant reference voltage the 'amplitude of `which is representative of ,a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, and circuit means comparing said voltages and from which is produceda third control voltage whose amplitude and sense are determined by the `amplitude and 'sense ofthe differencefbetween said compared voltages; means for producing a cross-over voltage variable with .engine speed; means responsive to and circuit connected with s-aid control voltages for controlling Vfuel admission to said combustion chamber unit; and first, second and third switching means individual respectively to Asaid iirst, second and third control voltages and arranged in the respective ycircui-t connections to said fuel control means, said first and second switching means being controlled by said cross-over voltage and actuated alternatively in :accordance with lthe amplitude thereof to alternatively transmitsaid first or second Icontrol voltage to said fuel .control means, and said third switching means being controlled b y said third control signal and actuated in accordance with the `sense thereof to transmit the same to said fuel control means.
9. Ina device for controlling acceleration of an engine from idling speed, Ymeans producing -a signal voltage variable with engine temperature, means establishing a constant reference voltage the magnitude of which is representative of a .selected maximum permissible engine temperature, circuit means comparing said volt-ages and from which is produced a control voltage output variable as ythe difference between said compared voltages, means responsive to said control voltage. output for scheduling fuel admission to said engine in accordance with the amplitude of said output, means responsive .to engine speed for rendering said control voltage yineffective when a predetermined engine speed has been reached, `and speed dependent means effective 'at engine speeds above said predetermined speed to schedule y.fuel :admission to said engine.
10. yIn a device for controlling acceleration from .idling speed of a combustion gas yturbine -engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a com-bustion chamber unitthere'between, thecombination comprising, means producing a signal `voltage variable with .the .temperature of VVthecornbus-tion gases, means establishing a constant reference voltage 'the magnitude of which is representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control vol-tage variable as their difference, nie-ans responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of .said contr-ol voltage, means responsive to engine speed for rendering said control voltage .ineffective when :a predetermined engine speed has been reached, and speed dependent means effective at engine speeds above said predetermined speed to schedule fuel admission to said engine.
l1. In .a device for controlling acceleration of .a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, the combination comprising, means producing a signal voltage variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, signal modifying means including a temperature sensing device responsive to air temperature at the air inlet to said compressor unit for -effecting an apparent increase in said signal voltage upon a decrease in compressor air inlet temperature, means establishing a constant reference voltage the magnitude of which is representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, circuit means cornparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as their difference, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance lwith the amplitude of said control voltage.
12. An engine control device as defined in claim ll in which said signal modifying means also includes means responsive to engine speed for likewise effecting an apparent increase in said voltage signal upon a `decrease in speed.
13. In a device for controlling acceleration of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber unit therebetween, the combination comprising, means producing a rst signal voltage variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means including a temperature sensing device responsive to air temperature at the air inlet to said compressor unit for producing a second signal voltage variable inversely as the change in air temperature at said compressor inlet, means establishing a constant reference voltage the magnitude of which is representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and they sum of said first and second signal voltages, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control volt-age.
14. In a device for controlling acceleration of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber unit therebetween, the combination comprising, means producing a iirst signal voltage variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means including a ternperature sensing device responsive to air temperature at the air inlet vto said compressor unit and a device responsive to engine speed for producing la second signal voltage variable inversely as the change in engine speed and also inversely as the change in air temperature of said compressor inlet, means establishing a constant reference voltage the lamplitude of which is representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temper-ature, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage 4and the sum of said rst and second signal voltages, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
15. In a device for controlling acceleration of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and multi-stage compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, the combination comprising, means producing `a signal voltage variable as the temperature rise across at least one stage of said compressor unit, means responsive to engine speed for producing a second signal voltage variable as the square of engine speed, circuit means comparing said voltages to produce a control voltage variable as their difference, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
16. In a device for controlling acceleration of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine Iand multi-stage compressor units -and a combustion chamber unit therebetween, the combination comprising, means producing a first signal voltage variable as the temperature rise across at least one stage of said compressor unit, an altern-ating current .signal generator driven by said engine and which produces a voltage whose amplitude and frequency both vary as a linear function of engine speed, circuit means differentiating the output voltage of said generator to produce a second signal volt- -age which therefore varies as the square of engine speed, circuit means comparing said first and lsec-ond signal vol-tages to produce a control voltage variable as ltheir difl ference, and means responsive to said control voltage foi scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
17. In a device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by -a combustion gas turbine engine of the -type including coupled turbine and compressor units, and a combustion chamber therebetween; a throttle member, means controlled by said throttle member for producing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means generating a speed voltage variable as a linear function of engine speed, a diiferenti-ating circuit having an -adjustable time constant connected to said voltage generating means for producing a derivative vol-tage term variable as the rate-of-change of said speed voltage, means controlled 'by said throttle member for shortening the time constant of said differentiating'circuit as said throttle member is moved Ito a more open position and vice versa, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a `control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and the sum of said speed voltage yand its derivative term, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
18. In a device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units, a combustion chamber therebetween and a fuel valve controlling admission of fuel to said chamber; a throttle member, means controlled by said throttle member for prod ucing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means generating a speed voltage Variable as a linear function of engine speed, a differentiating circuit having an adjustable time constant connected to s-aid voltage generating means for producing a derivative voltage term variable as the rate-of-change of said speed voltage, means controlled by said fuel valve for shortening the time constant of said differentiating circuit as said fuel valve is moved to a more open position and vice versa, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and the sum of said speed voltage and its derivative term, and means responsive to said control voltage for actuating said fuel valve in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
19. In a device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber unit therebetween, a throttle member, means controlled by said throttle member for prod ucing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means generating a speed voltage variable as la linear function of engine speed, a differentiating circuit having an adjustable time constant connected to said Voltage generating means for producing a derivative voltage term variable as the rate-of-change of said lspeed voltage, means controlled by said throttle member for shortening the time constant of said differentiating circuit as said throttle member is moved to a more open position and vice versa, means responsive to atmospheric pressure for lengthening said time constant as said pressure decreases with Ian increase in altitude of said aircraft and vice Versa, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and the sum of said speed voltage and its derivative term, and means responsive to said control voltage for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
20. In a device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units, a combustion chamber unit therebetween and an electroresponsive valve controlling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber; a throttle member, means controlled by said throttle member for producing a reference voltage variable with the throttle setting, means generating a speed voltage variable as a linear function of engine speed, a resistor-condenser type differentiating circuit connected to said voltage generating means for producing a derivative voltage term variable as the rateof-change of said speed voltage, means controlled by said fuel valve for adjusting the ohmic value of a resistor component of said differentiating circuit in such sense as will shorten the derivative term when said fuel valve is moved to a more open position and vice versa, circuit means comparing said voltages and which produces a control voltage variable as the difference between said reference voltage and the sum of said signal voltage and its derivative term, and circuit means applying said control voltage to the electro-responsive member of said valve for scheduling fuel admission to said combustion chamber unit in accordance with the amplitude of said control voltage.
2l. A device for controlling acceleration and speed of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, said device comprising means producing a first control signal variable with the difference between the actual combustion gas temperature of said engine as compared with a predetermined maximum permissible temperature, means producing a second control signal variable with the difference between the actual speed of said engine as compared with a selected running speed desired to be maintained, means actuated by said control signals for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber, and means responsive to the speed of said engine for applying only said first control signal to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds below a predetermined fraction of said selected running speed and similarly applying only said second control signal at engine speeds above said predetermined fraction.
22. A control device as defined in claim 2l and which further includes means modifying said rst control signal as a function of air temperature at the air inlet to the compressor unit of said engine.
23. A device for controlling acceleration and speed of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and multi-stage compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, said device comprising means producing a first signal variable with the temperature rise across at least one stage in the compressor unit, means producing a second signal variable as the square of actual engine speed, means comparing said first and second signals to produce a first control signal variable with the difference therebetween, means producing a second control signal variable with the difference between the actual speed of said engine as compared with a predetermined running speed desired to be maintained, means actuated by said control signals for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber, and
means responsive to engine speed for applying only saidrst control signal to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds below a predetermined fraction of said selected running speed and similarly applying only said second control signal at engine speeds above said predetermined fraction.
24. A device for controlling acceleration of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and multi-stage compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, said device comprising means producing a first signal variable with the temperature rise across at least one stage in the compressor unit, means producing a second signal variable as the square of actual engine speed, means comparing said signals to produce a control signal variable with the difference therebetween, and means actuated by said control signal for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber.
25. A device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, said device comprising means producing a rst signal proportional to actual engine speed, means obtaining `a derivative term from Said firstsignal determined -jointl-y by a selectedengine speed desired to be maintrined, lthe lrate-of-change of engine speed and ythe faltitude of theaircraft, means combining said first signal and the said derivative term thereof to produce a combined signal, means producing a ysecond signal representative of said selected engine speed, means producing a control signal variable as the difference between said combined signal and said second signal, and means actuated by said control signal for schedulng admission of fuel to said combustion chamber.
26. A device for controlling the speed of an aircraft propelled by a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units, a combustion chamber therebetween and a fuel valve controlling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber, said device comprising means producing a first signal proportional to actual engine speed, means obtaining a derivative term from said first signal determined jointly by the position of said fuel valve and the rate-of-change of engine speed, means combining said first signal and the said derivative term thereof to produce a combined signal, means producing a second signal representative of a selected engine running speed desired to be maintained, means producing a control signal variable as the difference between said combined signal and said second signal, and means applying said control signal to said fuel valve for actuating the same.
27. In a device for controlling an engine, the combination comprising means producing a temperature signal variable with engine temperature, means producing a speed signal variable with engine speed, means connected with and actuatable by one or the other of said signals for scheduling fuel admission to said engine, signal switching means interposed in the connections between said signals and said fuel scheduling means, and control means responsive to engine speed and operable at a fraction of a selected steady state engine speed for actuating said signal switching means to cut in one of said signals and simultaneously cut out the other signal, said control means effecting connection of only said temperature signal through said switching means to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds below the operating point of said control means, and said control means effecting connection of only said speed signal through said switching means to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds above the operating point of said control means.
28. A device for controlling acceleration and speed of an engine comprising means producing a first control signal variable with the difference between the actual temperature of said engine as compared with a predetermined maximum permissible temperature, means producing a second control signal variable with the difference between the actual speed of said engine as compared with a selected running speed desired to be maintained, means actuated by said control signals for scheduling admission of fuel to said engine, and means responsive to the speed of said engine for applying only said first control signal to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds below a predetermined fraction of said selected running speed and similarly applying only said second control signal at engine speed above said predetermined fraction.
29. A device for controlling acceleration and speed of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, said device comprising; means producing a first signal variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means modifying said signal as a function of both engine speed and air temperature at the air inlet to said compressor unit, means producing a first reference signal representative of a selected maximum permissiblel combustion gas temperature, and means comparing said modified first signal with said reference signal to produce a first control signal variable as the difference therebetween, means producing a second signal variable with the difference between the actual speed of said engine as compared with a selected running speed desired to be maintained; means actuated by said control signals for scheduling admission of fuel to said combus- 4tion chamber; and means responsive to the speed of said engine for applying only said first control signal to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds below a predetermined fraction of said selected running speed and simi- 22 larly applying only said second control signal at engine speeds above saidzpredeterminedfraction.
30. A device for controlling acceleration from idling speed-of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including Acbupled tur-bine and vcompressor units and -a combustion chamber vunit therebetween, said dev-ice comprising meansl producing -a first signal variable with the temperature of lthe combustion gases, means producing a reference signal representative -of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, means comparing said signals to produce a control signal variable as the difference therebetween, means actuated by said control signal for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber unit, means responsive to engine speed for rendering said control signal ineffective when` a predetermined engine speed has been reached, and speed dependent means effective at engine speeds above said predetermined speed producing a second control signal and which is applied to said fuel scheduling means.
3l. A control device for engines as defined in claim 30 and which further includes means modifying said control signal in accordance with the speed of said engine.
32. A control device for engines as defined in claim 30 and which further includes means modifying said control signal in accordance with the air temperature at the air inlet to said compressor unit.
33. A control device for engines as defined in claim 30 and which further includes means modifying said control signal in accordance with engine speed and air temperature at the air inlet to said compressor unit.
34. A device for controlling acceleration and speed of a combustion gas engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber unit therebetween, said device comprising; means producing a first signal variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means modifying said first signal in accordance with the speed of said engine, means producing a first reference signal representative of a selected maximum permissible combustion gas temperature, means comparing said modified signal and said reference signal to produce a first control signal variable as the difference therebetween; means producing a second signal variable with the engine speed, means producing a second reference signal representative of a selected running engine speed desired to be maintained, means comparing said second signal and second reference signal to produce a second control signal; means actuated by said control signals for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber unit; and means responsive to engine speed for applying only said first control signal to said fuel scheduling means at engine speeds below a predetermined fraction of said selected running speed and similarly applying only said second control signal at engine speeds above said predetermined fraction.
35. A device for controlling acceleration from idling speed of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, the combination comprising, means producing a control signal variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means responsive to the temperature of the air which flows through the engine for varying said control signal inversely as the change in said air temperature, and means responsive to said control signal for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber in an amount variable inversely as the amplitude of said control signal.
36. An engine control device as defined in claim 35 and which further includes means responsive to engine speed for varying said control signal inversely as the change in engine speed.
37. A device for controlling acceleration from idling speed of a combustion gas turbine engine of the type including coupled turbine and compressor units and a combustion chamber therebetween, the combination comprising, means for producing a control signal variable with the temperature of the combustion gases, means responsive to engine speed for varying said control signal inversely as the change in engine speed, and means responsive to said control signal for scheduling admission of fuel to said combustion chamber in an amount variable inversely as the amplitude of said control signal.
(References on following page) 23 24 References Cited in the le of this patenty Nunber Namev 1 Date 2,4 3,566 Saldin Mar. 8, 1949 N b UNHID STATES PATENTS :D 2,492,472 Y Forrescue Dec. 27, 1949 um er ame ate A l 2,148,718 Agins v Feb. 28, 1939 5 Y FOREIGN PATENTS 2,219,994 Jung Oct. 29, 1940 Number Country Date 2,336,232 Doran Dec. 7, 1943 926,065 France Sept. 22, 1947 2,391,291 Bollo etal Dec. 18, 1945 (Corresponding Great Britain 601,107, Apr. 28, 1948.)
2,457,595 Orr Dec. 28, 1948
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US2776536A (en) * 1950-08-19 1957-01-08 Honeywell Regulator Co Combustion engine control apparatus
US2805546A (en) * 1952-01-31 1957-09-10 Gen Electric Control system having dynamic limit controls
US2806352A (en) * 1951-09-28 1957-09-17 Bendix Aviat Corp Fuel control system responsive to engine temperature and speed conditions
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US2841336A (en) * 1953-07-09 1958-07-01 Bendix Aviat Corp Electro-magnetic control device
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US2760337A (en) * 1950-04-21 1956-08-28 Honeywell Regulator Co Jet engine fuel control apparatus
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US2776536A (en) * 1950-08-19 1957-01-08 Honeywell Regulator Co Combustion engine control apparatus
US2806352A (en) * 1951-09-28 1957-09-17 Bendix Aviat Corp Fuel control system responsive to engine temperature and speed conditions
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US2962860A (en) * 1955-12-21 1960-12-06 Bendix Corp Temperature rate responsive fuel control for a gas turbine engine
US2971326A (en) * 1956-01-23 1961-02-14 Bendix Corp Temperature limiting system for gas turbine exhaust area control
US2948114A (en) * 1956-03-17 1960-08-09 Hispano Suiza Sa Engine fuel control including acceleration-biased control signal selector
US3295316A (en) * 1964-06-10 1967-01-03 United Aircraft Corp Speed overshoot limiter for fuel controls
US3902315A (en) * 1974-06-12 1975-09-02 United Aircraft Corp Starting fuel control system for gas turbine engines
US10059432B1 (en) 2017-02-22 2018-08-28 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Single lever control in twin turbopropeller aircraft
US10800514B2 (en) 2017-02-22 2020-10-13 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Single lever powerplant control on twin turbopropeller aircraft

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