T. Mooney, K. Wepfer, GE Aviation, Lynn, MA
An engine performance and health monitoring system has been developed for the T700 gas turbine engine for several Army and Navy applications. The T700 system uses sensed engine and aircraft parameters with robust performance algorithms derived from engine thermodynamic models to provide an accurate and fully automated assessment of engine performance health. An on-board system calculates engine power to its first limiting condition and determines engine power at its rating point without the need for special tests or flight conditions.
Engine power at its rating point is further processed post-flight in a ground station where, in combination with information from previous flights, it is used for short and long term engine performance prognosis. Engine performance trends are matched with deterioration models so that recommendations for engine maintenance and accompanying logistics can be made in proactive, cost effective manner. Prognosis algorithms in the ground station use this information to predict remaining time-on-wing.
This paper describes a cooperative program funded by DARPA, the US Army and US Navy to develop and demonstrate a system to determine engine performance health and provide useful prognosis based on that data. The system is being developed for the H60M and H-60R/S applications.
Summary: An engine performance and health monitoring system has been developed for the T700 gas turbine engine for several Army and Navy applications.
