Polynomial-based time-delay compensation for hardware-in-the-loop simulation of a jet engine fuel control unit

Abstract

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) is a simulation test different from pure real time simulation test because a real component is added to the loop. Since HIL includes a numerical and physical component, a transfer system (actuators and sensors) is required to link these parts. To have accurate test results, the transfer system dynamic effects need to be mitigated. The fuel control unit (FCU) is an electro-hydraulic component of fuel control system in gas turbine engines. Investigation on FCU performance through HIL technique requires the numerical model of other related parts such as the jet engine and the designed electronic control unit (ECU). In addition, a transfer system is employed to link the FCU hardware and the numerical model. The objective of this study is to implement the HIL simulation of FCU. To have accurate simulation results, a polynomial approach is proposed to compensate time delays resulting from inherent dynamics of the transfer system.