WO2010028729A1 - Améliorations concernant le contrôle et la commande d’un moteur - Google Patents

Améliorations concernant le contrôle et la commande d’un moteur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010028729A1
WO2010028729A1 PCT/EP2009/005881 EP2009005881W WO2010028729A1 WO 2010028729 A1 WO2010028729 A1 WO 2010028729A1 EP 2009005881 W EP2009005881 W EP 2009005881W WO 2010028729 A1 WO2010028729 A1 WO 2010028729A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
communication
engine
data
wireless
network
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Application number
PCT/EP2009/005881
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English (en)
Inventor
Nicholas Paul Davis
Original Assignee
Rolls-Royce Plc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rolls-Royce Plc filed Critical Rolls-Royce Plc
Publication of WO2010028729A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010028729A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
    • F01D25/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, other groups
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
    • F05D2260/00—Function
    • F05D2260/80—Diagnostics
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2223/00—Indexing scheme associated with group G05B23/00
    • G05B2223/06—Remote monitoring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C5/00—Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
    • G07C5/008—Registering or indicating the working of vehicles communicating information to a remotely located station

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to improvements in or relating to engine monitoring and control.
  • Many modern engines include systems which are controlled and monitored. Examples include gas turbine engines used for powering aircraft, ships or other vehicles, or for static power generation.
  • Control functions ensure correct operation of the engine. Monitoring functions collect data for fault detection, or other purposes. Monitoring and control functions may be software controlled.
  • diagnostic equipment In order to retrieve data collected while monitoring an aircraft engine, or for installing software changes or updates, diagnostic equipment is connected directly to the engine, or elsewhere in the aircraft, such as the cockpit. This creates problems because an aircraft will be in-flight for the majority of its operational time, so that access for connecting diagnostic equipment to its engines is only available for the relatively short period in which it is on the ground, at an airport. The aircraft may travel widely, to many different airports, further increasing the difficulty of connecting the diagnostic equipment.
  • the present invention aims to provide apparatus and methods for improved transfer of data between a local or internal gas turbine engine monitoring system and a remote or external system.
  • apparatus comprising: a supervision means; a first communication interface compatible with a data connection in a gas turbine engine to provide communication between the supervision means and the connection/ and at least one further communication interface to provide communication between the supervision means and at least two wireless communication networks which are external of the engine .
  • a plurality of further communication interfaces are provided, each being compatible with at least one of the external wireless communication networks.
  • the supervision means may be operable to use a selected one of the external wireless communication networks to establish communication with a database external of the engine and to transfer data between the database and the data connection of the engine by means of the first and further interfaces.
  • the supervision means may be operable to use at least one of the external wireless communication networks to receive data and to communicate said received data with a software controlled system of the engine.
  • the received data may comprise data representing machine-readable instructions such as software.
  • the supervision means may request data for transmission from an engine monitoring unit via the first communication interface under given conditions, such as, for example, the end of a flight.
  • the conditions may be determined by one or more sensors on the gas turbine engine or on an airframe to which the engine is mounted. Alternatively the engine monitoring unit may automatically transmit data over said first interface under such conditions.
  • the supervision means is operable to communicate operational data with the engine by at least one of the external wireless communication networks.
  • the supervision means may be operable to select an external wireless network in dependence, at least in part, on the operating parameters of the networks.
  • the operating parameters may include at least one of bandwidth and transmission range.
  • the selection may be made based upon predetermined values of parameters associated with each of said wireless network types or communication protocols associated therewith. Alternatively, the selection may be made based upon active determination of one or more current operating parameters for said wireless networks prior to data transmission.
  • Previously determined operating parameters for a given geographic location may be stored by the supervision means for subsequent use in selecting an external wireless network at that location.
  • the supervision means may take the form of one or more supervision circuits.
  • At least one further communication interface is configured to provide communication with a cellular wireless network. Additionally or alternatively, at least one further communication interface is configured to provide communication with a wireless local area network.
  • the invention may be characterised by further comprising a sensor interface operable to provide wireless communication between the supervision means and at least one sensor installed in the engine.
  • the supervision means may be operable to establish or discontinue communication through the further communication interface or interfaces depending on the location of the apparatus.
  • the supervision means may detect or determine the location by information received through the first communication interface.
  • the supervision means is operable to establish or discontinue communication through the further communication interface or interfaces in dependence on the presence or absence of an engine location signal.
  • the supervision means may be operable to communicate operational data from the engine.
  • the supervision means is operable to communicate data representing software for a software controlled system of the engine.
  • the gas turbine engine may be installed on an airframe.
  • a method comprising the steps of: providing or detecting an interface for communication between a gas turbine engine and a wireless communication network external of the engine; detecting the location of the engine; establishing wireless communication between the engine and the network when permitted by the location of the engine; and communicating data between the engine and the wireless network.
  • the method comprises using wireless communication to establish communication between the engine and a database external of the engine.
  • the database may be used to determine a requirement for transferring data between the database and the engine and the required data may be transferred by wireless communication.
  • An external wireless network or communication protocol may be selected in dependence, at least in part, on the operating parameters of the network or communication protocol.
  • the operating parameters may include at least one of bandwidth and transmission range.
  • the method may comprise determining whether a location is a permitted location for wireless communication.
  • an apparatus having a first communication interface configured for communication with an operation monitoring function for a gas turbine engine; a further interface configured for communication with a wireless communication network external of the engine; and a supervision means operable to enable or disable the further interface in dependence on the location of the apparatus at a location in which wireless communication is permitted.
  • the gas turbine engine may be mounted on an airframe and the further interface may be enabled and/or disabled in accordance with the state of a signal which indicates if the airframe is at a location at which wireless communication is permitted.
  • the apparatus is operable to communicate data between the engine and the wireless network.
  • the apparatus may be operable to interrogate a database to determine a requirement for communicating data between the database and the engine control function and to communicate the required data by wireless communication.
  • the apparatus may be operable to communicate data with the external network by multiple sessions of data transmission.
  • the further interface may be configured for communication by means of a cellular wireless network and/or wireless local area network.
  • Fig. 1 is a simplified section along the axis of a gas turbine engine
  • Fig. 2 illustrates functions provided in the engine of Fig. 1, in accordance with examples of the invention
  • Fig. 3 illustrates apparatus for providing the functions of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a system of which the functions and apparatus of Figs. 2 and 3 form part; and Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method implemented in the system of Fig. 4.
  • a gas turbine engine is generally indicated at 10 and comprises, in axial flow series, an air intake 11, a propulsive fan 12, an intermediate pressure compressor 13, a high pressure compressor 14, a combustor 15, a turbine arrangement comprising a high pressure turbine 16, an intermediate pressure turbine 17 and a low pressure turbine 18, and an exhaust nozzle 19.
  • the gas turbine engine 10 operates in a conventional manner so that air entering the intake 11 is accelerated by the fan 12 which produces two air flows: a first air flow into the intermediate pressure compressor 13 and a second air flow which provides propulsive thrust.
  • the intermediate pressure compressor compresses the air flow directed into it before delivering that air to the high pressure compressor 14 where further compression takes place.
  • the compressed air exhausted from the high pressure compressor 14 is directed into the combustor 15 where it is mixed with fuel and the mixture combusted.
  • the resultant hot combustion products then expand through, and thereby drive, the high, intermediate and low pressure turbines 16, 17 and 18 before being exhausted through the nozzle 19 to provide additional propulsive thrust.
  • the high, intermediate and low pressure turbines 16, 17 and 18 respectively drive the high and intermediate pressure compressors 14 and 13 and the fan 12 by suitable interconnecting shafts 26, 28, 30.
  • the engine 10 may be fitted to an airframe, ship or other vehicle or vessel for propulsion, or to other apparatus.
  • the arrangements being described are particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to engines which move from place to place, during normal use. Accordingly, references herein to the example engine mounted on an airframe are illustrative of one example, in the interests of brevity.
  • the engine 10 includes a remote communication module 40, illustrated highly schematically in figure 1, and accommodated at a convenient location on the engine 10. This may be within the engine core, fan-mounted, or elsewhere.
  • the engine 10 also includes an engine monitoring unit 42.
  • the engine includes data connections 44, 58 which may be based on a network technology such as ethernet or other technologies.
  • the connection 58 allows the unit 42 to collect data from apparatus and functions within the engine 10, to process and/or store this data for monitoring purposes.
  • the module 40, monitoring unit 42 and data connection 44 are illustrated in more detail in figure 2. In figure 2, the extremity of the engine 10 is illustrated by a rectangular border.
  • a remote communication module is mounted on the airframe to which the engine is attached, rather than on the engine itself.
  • the module 40 provides for the wireless communication of data from the monitoring unit 42 to ground and thereby to an external or remote system such as, for example an administration, monitoring or operations centre.
  • a system according to the present invention allows wireless communication according to one or more wireless communication protocol standards from a plurality of possible wireless communication protocol standards based on one or more criteria .
  • the module 40 is illustrated in figure 2 as a group of blocks, each representing a different function of the module 40.
  • the functions may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these or other techniques.
  • the module 40 includes supervision means shown here as a supervision circuit 46.
  • the primary function of the supervision circuit 46 is to control the operation of the module 40.
  • the module 40 also has memory functions 48, a first communication interface 50 and at least one further communication interface 52, 54, 56.
  • the memory functions 48 may be implemented as a set of discrete memory structures for various purposes, and which may be implemented by a variety of memory technologies suited to these purposes. These purposes may include, for example, storage of software or firmware in permanent or semi-permanent memory, or buffering of data in rewriteable memory.
  • the module 40 may include a power supply, power store and/or power management function (not shown) to allow the module 40 to continue to function when power is not available from the engine.
  • the first communication interface 50 is compatible with the data connection 44 of the engine 10 to provide communication between the supervision circuit 46 and the connection 44. In particular, this allows communication between the supervision circuit 46 and the engine monitoring unit 42.
  • the engine monitoring unit 42 receives data at 58 from systems and components within the engine 10, from various sensors (not shown) or other sources.
  • the engine monitoring unit 42 typically receives data from a number of sensors and processes said data such that it is communicable in a structured output format for analysis or diagnosis at one or more remote centres. For example the engine data or a sampled - or otherwise reduced portion - thereof may be required by a flight operations centre or else by an airline.
  • Data signals are received from one or more engine components or sensors thereon at 58 and are processed by a signal processing module 60 and may be further processed in a main processing module 62 within the unit 42. Whilst a single link 58 is shown schematically in figures 2 and 4, it is to be noted that data signals may be received from a plurality of sources by the engine monitoring unit, which may comprise sensors or a network of sensors on the engine and/or data sources outside of the engine such as monitoring equipment on the airframe.
  • Memory 64 may be provided within the unit 42, in particular to store operational data from the engine 10 for future diagnostic use, fault detection or the like. Accordingly the engine monitoring unit 42 may or may not conduct some form of diagnosis onboard the engine, dependent on operational requirements.
  • data to be communicated via connection 44 may comprise engine data itself and/or processed engine data indicative of the operational status of the engine or one or more parts thereof.
  • connection 44 may provide communication between the circuit 46 and other control or monitoring systems of the engine, such as an electronic engine control (EEC) system. Any engine control and/or monitoring systems which require data communication with an external system may be accommodated accordingly.
  • EEC electronic engine control
  • the data connections, 44, 58 may comprise data networks or direct connections based on network technology.
  • the connections may comprise dedicated links between particular components.
  • the connections may be electrical links, optical links or links based on other physical phenomena. Protocols for data communication between systems of a gas turbine engine will be well known to the skilled reader.
  • the further communication interfaces 52, 54, 56 provide communication between the supervision circuit 46 and at least two systems 66, 68, which are external of the engine 10 and provide communication by means of wireless infrastructure.
  • an interface 52 is compatible with wireless communication networks 66 in the form of a cellular wireless network.
  • a cellular wireless network is a conventional type of communication system, in which base stations are distributed across a geographical area, to provide coverage within respective cells within that area, so that the mobile transceiver can be in communication with the network by establishing two-way communication with a base station serving the cell in which the transceiver is located.
  • Cellular wireless networks at different locations are typically interconnected to allow communication between almost any two cells at a huge number of locations around the world.
  • Cellular wireless networks are also typically connected to the internet and to wired telecommunication networks.
  • the interface 52 will typically provide the longest range of wireless communication from the available interfaces 52, 54, 56.
  • the interface 54 is compatible with a wireless communication network 68 in the form of a wireless local area network 68.
  • Wireless local area networks are another established communication technology. Examples include WiFi and other examples from the family of standards known as IEEE 802. Hx wireless standards. Other relevant protocols or standards may include the 802.16 family, such as WiMax/WMAN.
  • a wireless local area network allows a mobile unit to connect to the network, but the network is typically limited in range, perhaps having only a single wireless base station. A typical range limit, in practice, would be 50m. However, other arrangements may be made for connecting the network more widely, such as by a gateway to the Internet.
  • the bandwidth of a wireless local area network is typically greater than the bandwidth available from a cellular wireless network.
  • the interface 56 is compatible with a short range standard for wireless communication with sensors 70 located at various positions around the engine, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below.
  • Example short range standards include those contained within the IEEE 802.15.x family, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee and others, as well as communications based on Ultra-wideband
  • communication externally of the engine may be achieved by means of an intermediary device, such as a portable device brought to the engine when the airframe is on the ground.
  • an intermediary device such as a portable device brought to the engine when the airframe is on the ground.
  • one of the interfaces 52, 54 is able to communicate with the intermediate device, and the intermediate device is able to communicate with an external network either simultaneously or subsequently, and either wirelessly or by wire, such as by means of a docking station.
  • the intermediary device may be introduced through a conventional inspection aperture in the engine nacelle or housing, to provide indirect external communication, even if screening contains wireless signals within the nacelle or housing. An intermediate device would be required to act as a buffer for communications, when used in this way. In Fig.
  • the nacelle wall is illustrated schematically at 71, to illustrate communications from the interfaces 52, 54 passing through the wall 71, for external communication.
  • Other forms of wireless communication other than radio, could be used. These can include optical communication, either in optical fibres (or other guides) or in free space.
  • the term “wireless”, and associated terms such as “wireless communication” are used herein to encompass all of these possibilities, and other equivalent alternatives, and are not limited to radio techniques.
  • the interfaces 52, 54 and 56 are illustrated as separate elements in figure 2, and have been described separately above. In some examples of the present invention, each interface will be provided as a separate hardware unit, which may all be within the module 40.
  • one or more of the interfaces may be provided by a single hardware unit, particularly a multi-band or multi-protocol unit able to communicate by means of more than one frequency band, communication protocol or the like.
  • the networks 66, 68 allow the interfaces 52, 54 to provide communication between the module 40 and a location 72, illustrated schematically as a computer.
  • the connection through the network 66 may be solely by means of a cellular network, or may also include wired communication networks 74, including public telecommunication networks, or the internet, or private networks connected to the network 74 or the network 66, or other telecommunication arrangements.
  • the first leg from the module 40 will be provided by a cellular wireless network.
  • connection through the network 68 to the computer 72 may also include telecommunication networks other than the network 68, but in this example, the first leg from the module 40 will be provided by a wireless local area network.
  • Operation of wireless interfaces such as the interfaces 52, 54, 56 may be unacceptable at certain times or in certain locations.
  • wireless transmissions externally of the engine 10 may be unacceptable while an airframe is in flight, particularly during takeoff and landing.
  • Wireless transmission within the engine 10 may be permissible even during flight, and particularly if the engine nacelle or other structure provides screening, as discussed above.
  • the supervision circuit 46 is able to control communication through at least the external interfaces 52, 54 and in particular, is able to establish or discontinue communication in dependence on the location of the module 40, and hence the location of the engine 10 to which the module 40 is fitted. This can be achieved in many different ways.
  • the supervision unit 46 uses the connection 44 to determine if the current location is one in which wireless communication is permitted. For example, a conventional "weight on wheels” (WOW) signal can be received from elsewhere on the airframe, when weight is detected on the undercarriage, indicating that the airframe is on the ground.
  • the WOW signal may be received directly by the control unit 46 over the connection 44. Alternatively, the WOW signal may be received indirectly.
  • the unit 46 may detect a change of state of another system, such as the engine monitoring unit 42, whose state is determined, in turn, by the WOW signal.
  • signals include signals indicative of an engine operational state and/or signals from navigation apparatus, indicating the current location, and may be received directly or indirectly by the unit 46. Any of the direct or indirect signals may be received passively by the unit 46, or the unit 46 may actively poll another system to return the signal.
  • the interfaces 52, 54 are enabled or disabled in accordance with the state of a signal (received directly or indirectly) which indicates if the airframe is at a location at which wireless communication is permitted.
  • Figure 3 illustrates some of the components illustrated in figure 2, showing these as structural, rather than functional blocks. Thus, the structural blocks to be described in relation to figure 3 provide the functions described above and illustrated in figure 2.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a microprocessor, microcomputer or other processing device 76 which is software controlled to provide at least the functions of the supervision circuit 46. Thus, under software control, the processor 76 acts as a supervision circuit 46. Software and other data may be permanently or transiently stored in various memories 48, 78 associated with the processor 76. This allows data, e.g.
  • An appropriate interface 80 is provided for connecting the processor 76 to the data connection 44 which therefore provides connection from the processor 76 to the unit 42.
  • the interface 80 provides the first interface 50 of figure 2, which may be an Ethernet interface.
  • Other wired or wireless LAN technologies could be used, as noted above.
  • Separate hardware blocks, indicated generally at 84, are connected with the processor 76 to provide the various wireless interfaces 52, 54, 56.
  • an interface for cellular wireless communication may be provided by one or more hardware units 84 to provide a multiband interface 52, or by a single multi-band unit.
  • Other units 86 and 88 are configured to provide the interfaces 54 and 56 to the wireless local area network 68, and for communication with one or more sensor units 70.
  • Wireless communication between the processor 76 and the or each sensor 70 allows convenient use of sensors around the engine for fault finding, fault checking or other analysis, or at locations for which permanent wiring is undesirable or difficult to provide.
  • the apparatus and functions which have been described form part of a larger system, illustrated schematically in figure 4.
  • the engine 10, the associated unit 42 and the module 40 are interconnected by means of the data connections 44, 58.
  • Sensors 70 are also schematically illustrated, with wireless connection to the module 40.
  • Two antennae 92 are used to illustrate the first, wireless leg of the connection from the module 40 to the computer 72. In figure 4, the antennae could represent either the cellular interface 52 or the wireless local area network interface 54, these both having the significant feature of being wireless.
  • the connection to the computer 72 may also include other network technologies, illustrated schematically at 94.
  • the computer 72 may include or be connected with a database 96.
  • the computer 72 and the database 96 are located, in one example, at the premises of the business responsible for maintaining the engine 10, which may be the manufacturer of the engine 10. In another example, computers 72 may be located at many different locations (for example, at each airport), each with access to a database 96 which is a copy of a master database controlled by the engine manufacturer or maintenance company.
  • the database 96 contains various different types of information. These include operational data 98 (such as readings collected from the sensors 70, configuration data etc) which has been downloaded from engines (as will be described) , software updates 100 for uploading to engines (as will be described) and engine identification data and maintenance data 102 (for use as will be described) .
  • the supervision circuit 46 waits at step 104 for the "weight on wheels" signal, or another signal indicating that one or more of the interfaces 52, 54 can be used. This signal may be received directly or indirectly, as noted above.
  • the circuit 46 disables the wireless interfaces 52, 54 if the required signal is not present (step 106) . When the required signal is detected, the circuit 46 knows that the airframe is on the ground or is otherwise permitted to establish wireless communication by means of the interfaces 52, 54. The circuit 46 therefore establishes wireless communication (step 108) .
  • Step 108 may be implemented in many different ways as described below.
  • an estimation of existing or potential data rates for a plurality of different communication protocols and/or standards is determined prior to selecting the most appropriate communication method for the proposed data transfer.
  • the supervision circuit then initiates a sequence of steps to determine the most suitable communication methodology for use.
  • a cellular data communication protocol such as 3G/GSM
  • the supervision circuit autonomously sends pilot signals to one or more base stations in range and awaits a response there-from. Once a response is received, the signal strength (i.e. uplink and Downlink power levels) is measured and a theoretical data rate for one or more available cellular links is calculated.
  • the data rate may vary to a greater degree for communications under 3G standards as compared to GSM-GPRS, during the available transfer window.
  • the supervision circuit determines the amount of data to be transmitted, which may vary dependent on rate of sensor readings or sampling thereof, flight duration, or requirements of the gas turbine engine operator. Using the estimated volume of data for transmission, estimates for the required data-rate for a known or estimated time window can be determined. For example the supervision circuit may work from a standard or else user-input time window. The supervision circuit is now able to autonomously choose the type of wireless communication from the available communication links that enable transfer of the intended data within the allowed time-frame. Typically this would involve selecting the communication protocol or standard offering the fastest data transfer. However other factors may be taken into account in arriving at a decision, such as locality, cost or the like.
  • the supervision circuit For communication according to a Wi-Fi standard, the supervision circuit detects the availability of wireless networks. There may be a plurality of Wi-Fi networks available in the local environment, for example within the vicinity of an airport, and hence it is envisaged that the supervision circuit would have previously stored data representative of the available Wi-Fi networks in a particular destination. However for the first time an aircraft has arrived at a particular location, the supervision circuit may attempt connection over all the available Wi-Fi networks.
  • the supervision circuit may estimate the available data transfer rates based upon the connection quality therewith or else may predict a theoretical data transfer rate depending on the hardware configuration. Given the practical effect that network traffic can have on the data transfer rates, it will be appreciated that the determination of an estimated current transfer rate is an important consideration in assessing the suitability of an available Wi-Fi network. Accordingly the best suited network may be selected for data transfer .
  • each prescribed communication protocol may be assigned a priority rating .
  • Wi-Fi is prescribed as priority one, 3G as priority two and GSM or GPRS as priority three. Accordingly the supervision circuit simply initiates transfer over the highest priority protocol or standard of available communication links. The supervision circuit would initiate transfer over a Wi-Fi link as soon as it is detected in preference to a GSM link on the basis that, the average/ slowest uplink data rate of Wi-Fi is assumed to be faster than the best uplink data rate of 3G. If a Wi-Fi connection is not detected then RCM shall send data via 3G and if, in a worst case scenario, 3G link is unavailable or lost, an available GSM-GPRS link would be selected. Where possible, continued monitoring of the available communication protocols is conducted during data transfer such that the communication protocol can switch to a preferred link where possible.
  • the above embodiments relate to an assumption that the rate of data transfer is the predominant consideration. However in other embodiments, it should be acknowledged that a relatively smaller volume of data may need to be transmitted. Alternatively, there may be a relatively long time period in which the data can be transmitted. In such circumstances, where data transfer rates are less critical, the available communication links may be prioritized base upon reliability of connection rather than transfer rates. Thus an embodiment of the invention may require a decision to be made concerning the communication link or links to be used based upon the volume of data to be transmitted and the available time for transmission. In such circumstances, polling signals may be used to determine the most appropriate communication protocol to be used based on the prioritized parameters.
  • any or any combination of a predetermined hierarchy of communication protocols or else a strategy which determines the best communication protocol based on relevant parameters may be adopted, each with practical strengths and shortcomings.
  • the implemented solution will typically represent a best-fit approach based upon the number of parameters to be satisfied and whether a snapshot or else streaming of those parameters is to be accommodated .
  • the circuit 46 may be configured to use one of the interfaces by default, turning to the other interface only in the event that wireless communication cannot be established by means of the first.
  • the circuit For transmission, the circuit initiates Uplink security mechanisms (e.g. encryption, tunnelling) to establish a secure call/uplink to the intended data recipient server. Upon a successful completion the data is transferred.
  • Uplink security mechanisms e.g. encryption, tunnelling
  • WPA2 or other conventional encryption techniques are used for Wi- Fi communication but additional tunnelling mechanisms could be implemented to enhance data security.
  • the circuit 46 establishes communication with the computer 72, which may involve a log-on process, or other security measures 110 such as the use of a virtual private network.
  • the maintenance information 102 is consulted, either automatically by the computer 72, or manually by an operator, or semi-automatically to establish if data transfer is required with the engine 10 to which the module 40 is fitted. This check is made at step 112.
  • the maintenance information 102 may indicate that operational data from the engine is required (step 114), in which case an additional step 116 is implemented by instructing the supervision circuit 46 to download operational data to the database 96.
  • the operational data may be retrieved in response to the instruction, by the supervision circuit 46, from the unit 42 or elsewhere within the engine, or the data may have been previously received by the supervision circuit 46 and stored until required.
  • Software upload takes place at step 120. If software is to be uploaded, data representing that software is forwarded to the module 40 by means of the wireless connections 66, 68 and can then be forwarded to the unit 42 or elsewhere within the engine 10, for updating or upgrading the appropriate software controlled system of the engine 10. Distribution of software to the appropriate software controlled system of the engine may be by means of the data connections 44, 58.
  • Software controlled systems may include the engine monitoring unit 42 or the EEC, or others.
  • the process ends at step 122.
  • the use of more than one of the wireless networks in parallel is expected to provide advantages of bandwidth and speed, and may also allow data transfer in a data packet manner, with different packets taking different routes and being reassembled after receipt.
  • appropriate networks could be chosen according to other operating parameters, such as error correction facilities, or Quality of Service measures.
  • the selection of the appropriate communication protocol and/or network may be made based, at least in part, upon the reliability of connection associated with or determined for the available networks.
  • a communication method may be selected based upon both the amount of data to be transferred, the time available and the quality or reliability of connection to the network. If a communication session ends before all necessary data has been transferred, this can be noted in the database 96. When the particular engine is next in communication with the database 96 (the next communication session) the data transfer can be resumed. In this way, data transfer may take place over several sessions which are widely separated in time and/or place (such as at two airports, between which the aircraft has flown between sessions) . In this context, a session begins when communication is established between the engine and the database, and ends when communication is broken. A session may be forced to end by external factors such as signal loss, network disruption or overloading etc.
  • a session may be ended because wireless communication is no longer permitted, for example because the airframe has moved or is preparing to move or fly. It is envisaged that different interfaces may be appropriate for different data transfer operations. For example, downloading operational data from the engine may require relatively high bandwidth and be more appropriate for a wireless local area network than a cellular wireless network. Uploading software may not require such wide bandwidth, so that it can readily be achieved by means of a cellular wireless network. The use of a cellular wireless network for software upload is also considered desirable because access to such networks is now virtually universal at all airports and other transport hubs, so that in the case of an aircraft, for example, engine software can be updated reliably and very shortly after an update is released.
  • the database 96 can readily be maintained with a record of those engines to which the update has been supplied, and those to which it has not yet been supplied. Accordingly, it can be understood from the above description and accompanying drawings that by providing the apparatus and functions described, the engine 10 is provided with an interface for communication between the engine and a wireless communication network external of the engine, the presence of the engine at a location in which wireless communication is permitted can be detected, and wireless communication can then be used to transfer data between the engine and the wireless network, or vice-versa, such as operational data or software updates.
  • Gas turbine engines having the facilities described may be installed on an airframe or in a submarine or surface marine vessel, or in a fixed industrial plant.
  • a plurality of different wireless communication protocol standards may relate to a plurality of different protocols and/or a plurality of different standards within a protocol and may require transmission under any or any combination of different frequencies, wavelengths, powers or transmission formats.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Turbomoteur 10, pour une structure d’aéronef, comprenant un circuit de contrôle 46, une interface 50 compatible avec une connexion de données 44 du turbomoteur 10, et au moins deux interfaces 52, 54 permettant les communications entre le circuit de contrôle 46 et au moins deux réseaux de communications sans fil 66, 68. Les réseaux de communications sans fil 66, 68 sont externes au turbomoteur 10 et peuvent comprendre un réseau cellulaire sans fil et un réseau local sans fil.
PCT/EP2009/005881 2008-09-15 2009-08-13 Améliorations concernant le contrôle et la commande d’un moteur WO2010028729A1 (fr)

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GBGB0816728.0A GB0816728D0 (en) 2008-09-15 2008-09-15 Improvements in or relating to engine monitoring and control
GB0816728.0 2008-09-15

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