초록 ▼

A start circuit controlled by an electronic control unit for providing power from one or both of a battery and TRU in parallel to a starter motor coupled to a gas turbine engine. The circuit includes contactors between the TRU and battery and a junction where the current from the TRU and battery com

A start circuit controlled by an electronic control unit for providing power from one or both of a battery and TRU in parallel to a starter motor coupled to a gas turbine engine. The circuit includes contactors between the TRU and battery and a junction where the current from the TRU and battery combine. The circuit further includes two additional contactors in series between the junction and the starter motor. Voltage sensors and contactor position sensors are employed for diagnostics. A novel method of starting the engine using the start circuit contemplated by the present invention is also descibed. In this method, the start is initiated with power only from the battery. After a period of time power from the TRU is added. This method reduces the amplitude of the start motor inrush current, which has a beneficial reliability effect on the components of the start circuit.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A start circuit controlled by an electronic control box for providing power from one or both of a battery and TRU in parallel to a starter motor, said circuit comprising:a first contactor in parallel with a second contactor, said first and second contactors being contro

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A start circuit controlled by an electronic control box for providing power from one or both of a battery and TRU in parallel to a starter motor, said circuit comprising:a first contactor in parallel with a second contactor, said first and second contactors being controlled by said electronic control box;a junction for summing the current through said first contactor and said second contactor;a third and fourth contactor in series and disposed between said junction and said starter motor, said third and fourth contactors being controlled by said electronic control box;a first voltage sensor disposed between said junction and said third contactor, said first voltage sensor delivering a voltage signal to said electronic control box;a second voltage sensor disposed between said third contactor and said fourth contactor, said second voltage sensor delivering a voltage signal to said electronic control box; anda third voltage sensor disposed between said fourth contactor and said starter motor, said third voltage sensor delivering a voltage signal to said electronic control box.