SBIR-STTR Award

The application of advanced engine control technology to general aviation engines has the potential to reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency, and improve reliability, simultaneously reducing the necessity for manual pilot intervention. We propose to develop a sensor set, neural network software and hardware, and a learning intelligent controller suitable for taking engine control decisions away from the pilot while ensuring safety and reliability. An example engine will be tested on a dynamometer and emissions, power and efficiency monitored, while the neural network learns the engine's emissions and performance behavior from the on-line monitoring. The neural network software could then be used on production aircraft to measure performance without direct power and emissions measurement. NeuroDyne has ongoing projects on advanced lean-burn engine control for reducing pollution and enhancing fuel economy in automobiles, neural networks for jet engine control, and integrating advanced sensor technology with intelligent control methods to enhance efficiency of next generation vehicle engines. Meanwhile West Virginia University has resident technology, expertise, and existing experimental facilities for general aviation aircraft engines, including hybrid and alternative fuel engines. We propose to leverage all of these programs and facilities to create a suite of "virtual sensors" for key parameters in a general aviation aircraft engine control system.

Potential Commercial Applications:
The main result will be an engine monitoring and control system that will reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. The system is applicable to a variety of engines and operating conditions, including alternative fuel engines. Phase II will be final development and prototype demonstration of this system. The neural network software would be used on production aircraft to give an indication of performance without direct power and emissions measurements. This technology will be readily transferable to general aviation engine manufacturers.