초록 ▼

In operation of an engine it is desirable to be able to keep track of engine condition by measuring the values of various engine parameters such as temperatures and pressures and seeing how the relationship between them change. This must be done while the engine is in a steady state condition, gener

In operation of an engine it is desirable to be able to keep track of engine condition by measuring the values of various engine parameters such as temperatures and pressures and seeing how the relationship between them change. This must be done while the engine is in a steady state condition, generally this requires that the engine be in a cruise condition for some time but this is impractical for military aircraft. It is suggested that each of the sense parameter values be operated on by a trending algorithm which generates a trend estimate which provides a measure of the rate of change of the parameter value. When all of the parameters have trend values are below some pre-set value the engine condition is taken to be at least temporarily steady state condition and parameter values recorded for later analysis.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for monitoring the condition of an engine comprising: a plurality of transducers attached at points on the engine to sense a plurality of engine parameters; means for periodically capturing the output values of the engine parameter transducers; a processor including: means for calculating

Apparatus for monitoring the condition of an engine comprising: a plurality of transducers attached at points on the engine to sense a plurality of engine parameters; means for periodically capturing the output values of the engine parameter transducers; a processor including: means for calculating instantaneous rates of change of the transducer output values; means for comparing each said calculated rate of change with a corresponding parameter threshold value to determine when the engine has reached or is close to a steady operating state, said means for comparing executing a trending algorithm according to the formula: Trend=Old Trend+(K2/(2-K)×Delta), wherein Delta=Obs-Old Level-Old Trend, Old Level=Level estimate on previous cycle, Level=Level estimate, Old Trend=Trend estimate on previous cycle, Trend=Trend estimate, Level=Old Level+Old Trend+(K×Delta), K=A Constant, and Obs=Observed parameter value; means for producing an output control signal in response to identification of an engine steady state; and means responsive to said output control signal for recording the output values of the engine parameter transducers.