Aero Propulsion and Power Technology

The proposed innovation is a High-bandwidth, Efficient, fuel Flow Actuator (HEFA). The design stems from a systems perspective, including power electronics, mass & volumetrically efficient driving mechanism, preferential failure modes, and thermallytolerant operation. Our solution leverages innovations in flow, mechanical packaging, electromechanical and power transfer efficiency to yield a robust performance device for combustion control. The actuator targets the problem of pressure fluctuations inaircraft engines. Specifically, it focuses on eliminating pressure fluctuations through high bandwidth modulation of the fuel. The results of controlling unwanted fluctuations are reduced high cycle fatigue (improved lifetime and reliability), improvedcombustion efficiency, and potentially reduced pollutant emissionsThe proposed solution will directly benefit DoD programs to control pressure oscillations in high performance engines such as those slated for future fighter aircraft. Furthermore, as amajor manufacturer of aircraft engines and ground based gas turbines, General Electric views the development of systems and techniques for suppressing and/or eliminating the pressure oscillations, which are inherent to all gas turbine combustion systems,as important to the reduction of engine development and operation costs.