The next generation of free-turbine engines in the 2 to 5-lb/sec airflow class will undergo vast improvements in performance and efficiency. The improvements will be achieved concurrent with overall reductions in size and weight. Effort is required at optimization and miniaturization of the engine control system to keep pace with these improvements. This paper describes a conceptual design of an advanced engine control system for this class of engine. It provides gas generator and power turbine control with torque, temperature, load sharing and overspeed limiting functions. The control system was concepted to accommodate, with minimum hardware changes, such variants as regenerative cycle and/or variable power turbine geometry. In addition, considerations for closed and open loop modes of control and fluidic, electronic and hydromechanical technologies were studied to best meet a defined specification and a weighted set of evaluation criteria.
An advanced control system for fine coal flotation
