Variable Reluctance Machine - Electric Start System for Gas Turbine Engines

A Variable Reluctance Machine - Electric Start System for an advanced ship propulsion turbine engine is offered as a replacement to the existing air turbine start system. The VRM technology is capable of producing the required starting torques for the turbine engine, while operating at lower nominal speeds. This will significantly improve start system reliability. The simple design, intrinsic to the VW will provide a low cost start system with no scheduled maintenance, thereby reducing the life cycle costs of the engine. The VRM system can provide all operating modes supported by the ATS, and additional modes that could further dilute the cost. Combat readiness will be improved by using more available energy sources for starting power. Valuable shipboard space will be gained by the removal of air ducting associated with the ATS. This project will develop a detailed design of the VRM and the power electronic controller to provide a foundation for fabricating and testing prototype hardware in Phase II The variable reluctance technology is proven, and has become cost competitive due to the advances made in power semiconductor technology. The control flexibility associated with electronic control can provide customized start profiles to further enhance engine start performance.