Simulation-based steady-state aero-thermal model for small-scale turboprop engine

Abstract

Purpose An aircraft engine control system consists of a large scale of control parameters and variables because of the complex structure of aero-engine. Monitoring and adjusting control variables and parameters such as detecting, isolating and reconfiguring the system faults/failures depend on the controller design. Developing a robust controller is based on an accurate mathematical model. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a small-scale turboprop engine is modeled. Simulation is carried out on MATLAB/Simulink for design and off-design operating conditions. Both steady-state and transient conditions (from idle to maximum thrust levels) are tested. The performance parameters of compressor and turbine components are predicted via trained Neuro-Fuzzy model (ANFIS) based on component maps. Temperature, rotational speed, mass flow, pressure and other parameters are generated by using thermodynamic formulas and conservation laws. Considering these calculated values, error calculations are made and compared with the cycle data of the engine at the related simulation conditions. Findings Simulation results show that the designed engine model’s simulation values have acceptable accuracy for both design and off-design conditions from idle to maximum power operating envelope considering cycle data. The designed engine model can be adapted to other types of gas turbine engines. Originality/value Different from other literature studies, in this work, a small-scale turboprop engine is modeled. Furthermore, for performance prediction of compressor and turbine components, ANFIS structure is applied.