Gas turbine engine commanded oil flow valve with failsafe

摘要

An improved oil flow reduction valve regulates the flow of lubricant to the fan reduction gearbox of a turbine engine, or other accessories requiring lubrication as a function of engine load. The invention takes advantage of the strong correlation between the gear torque output of the engine and the engine compressor discharge pressure by metering oil flow as a function of compressor discharge pressure. In one embodiment a metering valve employs a sense piston that receives a pressure signal from the compressor section of the engine. In response to the pressure signal, the sense piston moves a slide valve which blocks or uncovers one or more output orifices to regulate the flow of oil through the metering valve. The valve is preferably configured to allow maximum oil flow in the event the valve should fail or in the event the compressor discharge pressure signal is lost, to ensure safe operation of the lubricated components.