Micro Fuel Pumps for Small, Heavy Fuel Engines

Small lightweight fuel pumps capable of supplying heavy fuels at low flows are currently needed for multiple IC and gas turbine engines under development by various engine manufacturers. The market need is for highly reliable and efficient pumps that extend the mission of UAVs, UGSs and UMSs. A very small, lightweight pump with flows ranging from 2-30 PPH and pressures up to 200 psi, integral electronics and PHM capability will be produced to meet the needs of gas turbine engines in this phase II effort. A custom designed brushless motor will provide good power density and efficiency along with a specially designed low flow pumping element that saves space and weight. The pump’s electronic controller will provide closed loop flow control with high accuracy as well as health monitoring capability. A high temperature motor and pump will also be produced that is capable of operation up to 250C. To further enhance PHM capabilities and reduce overall engine weight, a prototype integrated engine/pump controller will be created. The produced fuel pump will be ready for engine testing by the end of the first quarter 2010, while the integrated engine/fuel controls will be ready for engine testing by the end of 2010. BENEFIT: The research conducted will provide several gas turbine engine manufacturers with heavy fuel pumps that are capable of precise fuel metering in the flow ranges they need on their engines. The development of a custom motor in conjunction with the specialized pumping element allows for excellent efficiency at the highest required power levels which will allow for longer range missions by reducing weight and electrical power required. The optional health monitoring capability will provide the end user with valuable maintenance information which will increase reliability over time. The integrated pump/engine controller will reduce engine weight and overall cost as well as provide a general controller that can be customized per engine application.