Optimal control for helicopter/turboshaft engine system based on hybrid variable speed

Abstract

In order to address the limitation of fixed-ratio transmission (FRT), which compromises the attainment of both optimal main rotor speed and optimal power turbine speed, an optimal speed control method based on hybrid variable speed (HVS) is proposed. Firstly, based on the integrated performance calculation model of helicopter/turboshaft engine system, the distribution factors of variable speed are applied, and the integrated optimization method of optimal speed is proposed based on the minimum engine fuel flow. Subsequently, an online estimation technique employing a high-order filter is devised and engineered to achieve superior cascaded control of turboshaft engines. Finally, a novel real-time optimal speed control method based on hybrid variable speed is proposed. The simulation results under different operation conditions demonstrate that regardless of whether it is FRT or HVS, the optimal main rotor speed increases with forward velocity. In the case of HVS, turboshaft engine degradations have a significant impact on the optimal power turbine speed rather than optimal main rotor speed. Adopting an estimation method based on high-order filtering for gas turbine rotational acceleration proves more advantageous in mitigating high-frequency oscillation and continuous saltation of estimated values. Moreover, in comparison with the optimal speed control method of FRT, HVS-based approach enables simultaneous attainment of the optimal main rotor speed and power turbine speed, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the integrated helicopter/turboshaft engine system and significantly decreasing engine fuel consumption by over 2%. Consequently, there has been a remarkable enhancement in the overall performance of the integrated helicopter/turboshaft engine system.