Predictive Control Strategy in Distributed Networked Control Systems for Turbine Engine Under Faulty Communication Network

Abstract

Future turbine engines will require more efficient consumption of energy and greater reliability. A reduction in weight of turbine engine control systems and increased robustness will be critical in achieving said requirements. This paper presents the development of an advanced control strategy to replace the Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) system (commonly used by turbine engines) with a lighter weight, Distributed Networked Control System (DNCS) that uses smart nodes (SN) architecture to enhance robustness. The concept of Distributed Networked Control Systems (DNCS) is rooted in the idea that the sum of the parts can be designed to weigh less than the whole, thereby allowing a single control system to be replaced by a set of sub-controller components that interact effectively through a network with improved functionality. The addition of artificial intelligent techniques employed to overcome the challenges inherent in DNCS operating under faulty communication networks are included. Specifically, an Artificial Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is employed to function as a state estimator within the distributed control nodes. The full implementation of the developed DNCS consists of distributed controllers, state estimators (ANFIS), and a simulated network interface. The focus of this paper is to report the development and test results related to the implementation of the described advanced distributed control methodology and its influence in recovering the engine operation in the presence of faults occurring within the communication network. The complete DNCS was tested on the MAPSS turbine engine simulation model. The test results showed that the developed DNCS with ANFIS state estimators improved turbine engine performance even under severe network delay conditions. As a result, the developed control system proved to be a viable alternative to the current engine control system. The research demonstrates that DNCS technology yields a reduction in engine weight leading to a reduction in energy consumption and a corresponding increase in engine efficiency and performance.