| 摘要 |
<p>A redundant engine starting system (10) is disclosed that includes at least first and second sub-starters (12, 14) that rotate corresponding sub-starter output shafts (64, 66) affixed by a joining gear (20) to rotate an engine starter shaft (22) to start the engine. Each sub-starter (12, 14) includes a speed sensor (24, 26) for detecting rotational speed of the sub-starter (12, 14), and a control valve (30, 32) to control rotational speed of the sub-starter (12, 14). A system control intelligence (28) interprets sensed rotational speeds of the sub-starters (12, 14) and commands the control valves (30, 32), so that the control valve (30, 32) of an operative sub-starter (12, 14) is commanded to allow increased rotational speed of the sub-starter (12, 14) and therefore its corresponding output shaft (64, 66) whenever the system control intelligence (28) interprets the sensed rotational speed of an inoperative sub-starter (12, 14). In a preferred embodiment, the system (10) is employed to start a gas turbine engine; the sub-starters (12, 14) are powered by compressed air supplied by sub-starter air ducts (16, 18); the control valves (30, 32) are operatively disposed within the ducts (16, 18); and the system control intelligence (28) is an electronic engine control system affixed to the engine.</p> |
