Subject B1-15b

Subject 15b
Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

Ignition Systems

Topic 13

ENGINE STARTING AND IGNITION

SYSTEMS
Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 Slide 13.1
 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
INTRODUCTION
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

On completion of this topic you should be able to:

15.13.1 Identify components of engine start systems and describe system

operation.

15.13.2 Identify components of engine ignition systems and describe

system operation.

15.13.3 State the safety precautions to be observed when performing

maintenance on engine ignition systems.

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.2

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
ENGINE STARTING
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Enables self sufficiency

Rotates engine to a speed sufficient to support combustion
Starts the combustion process
Shuts off automatically or manually
2 main types:
• Electric starters – use electricity to start engine
• Air turbine starters – use high pressure air to start engine
Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.3
 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
ELECTRIC STARTERS
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

2 Types of electric starters are:

• Direct drive:
• Shift lever
• Solenoid
• Bendix drive Electric Direct Drive Starter

• Teledyne continental engine starter

• Large piston engine starting system
• Starter Generator
Used on:
• Piston engines (direct drive)
• Small turbine engines (starter generators)

Electric Starter Generator

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.4
 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
ELECTRIC STARTERS
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Simple Piston Engine Starter Circuit

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.5
 Subject B1-15b
DIRECT CRANKING STARTER – SHIFT Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

LEVER TYPE
Ignition Systems

Handle is operated to the start position

• Meshing Spring forced closed

• Pinion engages with engine gear

• Engine start switch engaged

Engine gains idle RPM

• Lever released

• Overrunning clutch engages

• Return spring releases pinion

• Starter motor switch released.

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.6

 Subject B1-15b
DIRECT CRANKING STARTER – Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

SOLENOID TYPE
Ignition Systems

Shift Lever System

Solenoid System

Solenoid acts as lever and connects:

• Starter pinion to engine gearing
• Starter motor to DC bus
Removes pinion and DC bus when start switch released
Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.7
 Subject B1-15b
DIRECT CRANKING STARTER – Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

BENDIX TYPE
Ignition Systems

Typical: 12 or 24 volt DC series-wound motor - High starting torque

Excessive initial motor current – NO circuit fuses or circuit breakers

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.8

 Subject B1-15b
DIRECT CRANKING STARTER – Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

TELEDYNE-CONTINENTAL TYPE
Ignition Systems

Teledyne-Continental Starter
Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.9
 Subject B1-15b
DIRECT CRANKING STARTER – Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

LARGE PISTON ENGINES
Ignition Systems

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.10

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
STARTER GENERATORS
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Combines 2 functions:
• Starter and…
• Generator
Provides:
• Electric start, and
• Power generation
= Weight-savings
NO clutch assembly – always spins
Coupled to engine via shear shaft

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.11

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
STARTER GENERATOR OPERATION
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Shunt winding controls back emf during starting

Shunt field not required for starting

Shunt field used for power generation

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.12

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
PNEUMATIC STARTERS
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Used to start medium to large turbine engines

Provides starting using pneumatic air.
High power to weight ratio
Uses a clutch drive system in the starter
Starts engine via high compressor
Caution:
•Exhaust is high pressure
•Exhaust from starter is hot

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.13

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
SPRAG CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Pawls in clutch assembly engage engine drive gear to rotate engine

Once engine starts, engine drive gear accelerates and the pawls disengage

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.14

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
AIR TURBINE STARTER
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Converts air pressure to mechanical energy

Weigh less than comparable electric starters

Components:
• Small turbine assembly
• Reduction gear assembly
• Clutch assembly
Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.15
 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
AIR TURBINE STARTER
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

737-300 Air turbine starter

Turns high pressure

compressor

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.16

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
AIR TURBINE STARTER
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

A Typical Air Turbine Starter Circuit

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 Slide 13.17

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
HIGH VOLUME AIR SOURCE
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Air turbine requires high volume air source:

•Auxiliary power unit (APU)
•Operating engine bleed air source
•Air start cart

APU

Air start cart Engine bleed air

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.18
 Subject B1-15b
GAS TURBINE ENGINE Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

IGNITION SYSTEMS
Ignition Systems

Primary function:
To ignite fuel in the combustion chamber during engine starts
Once ignited, combustion is self sustaining and ignition system is no longer required
2 types:
• Low Joule System
• High Joule System
Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.19
 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
HIGH ENERGY IGNITION UNIT
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Capacitor-discharge ignition system

Used on most gas turbine engines
Typically - 2 separate systems per engine
Provides redundancy
Each consists of:
•An exciter unit / transformer
•A high tension cable / ignition lead
•An igniter

OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS - AVOID LETHAL SHOCKS!

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.20
 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
HIGH ENERGY IGNITION UNIT - HEIU
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

2 types:
• Low-tension – 28 VDC supply
• High-tension – 115 VAC 400 Hz supply
High tension system – most common

When working on the ignition system safety precautions must be observed

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.21
 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
IGNITION UNIT LOCATIONS
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

BAE-146 737-300
Lycoming ALF-501 CFM-56 engine

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.22

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
IGNITER PLUGS
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

High-intensity spark - self cleans carbon deposits from igniter plug tip

Any igniter that is dropped must be replaced

Long service life

DANGER !!!
Some igniter plugs have insulator material made of beryllium oxide.
This substance requires special handling and disposal techniques

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.23

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
IGNITER PLUGS
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.24

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
IGNITER PLUG LOCATION
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Typical igniter installation a turbine engine

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.25

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
IGNITION LEAD
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Testing performed for open circuits, shorts to ground, tip flashover,

mechanical condition and electrical continuity

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.26

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
LOW ENERGY IGNITION UNIT
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Operate same as High Energy Ignition Units

Produce a lower energy, usually 3 joules
Are designed for continuous operation without damage to igniter plug

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.27

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
IGNITION SYSTEM OPERATION
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

LEIU DC circuit

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 Slide 13.28

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
IGNITION SYSTEM OPERATION
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

HEIU DC circuit

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 Slide 13.29

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
IGNITION SYSTEM OPERATION
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

EEC Control Panel

24,000
90 - 124 VAC
VAC

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.30

 Subject B1-15b
IGNITION MAINTENANCE Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Ignition Systems

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Prior to performing maintenance on turbine engine ignition systems:

• Pull relevant circuit breaker/s and tag (DO NOT RESET).

• Wait the time period prescribed in maintenance manual

• Disconnect the input lead to the ignition exciter unit.

• Disconnect the output lead from the ignition exciter unit.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Disconnect input before disconnecting output

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.31

 Subject B1-15b
IGNITION MAINTENANCE Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Ignition Systems

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

After performing maintenance on turbine engine ignition systems:

• Reconnect the output lead to the ignition exciter unit.

• Reconnect the input lead to the ignition exciter unit.

• Remove tag (DO NOT RESET) and reset relevant circuit breaker/s.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Reconnect output before reconnecting input.

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.32

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems
CONCLUSION
Topic 13 Engine Starting and
Ignition Systems

Now that you have completed this topic, you should be able to:

15.13.1 Identify components of engine start systems and define system

operation.

15.13.2 Identify components of engine ignition systems and define system

operation.

15.13.3 State the safety precautions to be observed when performing

maintenance on engine ignition systems.

Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.33

 Subject B1-15b
Gas Turbine Systems

Topic 13 Engine Starting and

Ignition Systems

This concludes Topic 15.13 –

Engine Starting and Ignition
Systems

Any Questions

Your next topic is Topic 15.14

– Engine Indication Systems
Issue A – September 2006 Revision 1 ☻ Slide 13.34