The on-going development of a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system for the US Navy’s Intercooled Recuperated (ICR) gas turbine requires a high level of system coordination to achieve the primary benefits of reduced specific fuel consumption and improved specific output power relative to a simple cycle engine. This paper describes the system evolution and the hardware and associated control algorithms implemented in the Advanced Development prototype ICR control system design.
The ICR control system is required to coordinate the actions of 58 actuator channels using data taken from 141 sensors. Primary control of the engine output power is provided by regulation of the fuel metering valve. Thermal management of the intercooler, recuperator, and variable area power turbine nozzle results in maximum cycle efficiency within safe operating limits.
The new electronic engine controller (EEC) is based on an open architecture Futurebus+ backplane and is fully redundant in all operationally critical control functions. The EEC also features an integrated operating panel and video display for local operation and maintenance of the control system. The graphical display and function keys provide access to control functions as well as assist maintenance activities with built-in test diagnostics to trouble shoot failed circuitry.
