TSLM - Turbine Start Limit & Monitor
The TSLM brings auto-start control to gas-turbine engines equipped with electric fuel valves such as the Walter/GE M601 providing a simple and consistent platform to execute start procedures from. It not only lessens operator workload, but enables start-ups using just one hand on the condition/fuel lever, while the other hand can hold the flight control stick, etc.
For the M601 engine it does not only control the start-up at the flick of a switch, but it limits against ITT over-temperatures as well as excessive ITT rate-of-change during the start sequence, and in-flight it limits against propeller over-speeds when in beta (reverse thrust) mode.
Initiating a start the operator is guided by one light only, the Exceed light. Illumination of the Exceed light tells the operator to abort the start, which can be because the TSLM predicts a hot-start to be imminent or otherwise senses the existence of an unsafe condition.
In-flight the Exceed light also illuminates should any primary engine parameter (ITT, torque, NG/N1, NP/N2) exceed. The operator can then make the necessary adjustment to the power or prop lever to let the light to go out.
For normal standalone auto-starting only certain sensors need to be connected to the TSLM. The unit will however accept further sensors in order to work with one or more of our VRX displays to realize full engine monitoring. This arrangement can also provide some instrumentation redundancy against a single unit failure, however rare to occur, to at least leave the operator enough engine indication to "limp home" with.
The TSLM can record all engine parameters in up to 1/10th of a second sample periods. Recordings can be continuous, or triggered to only cover certain events such as parameter exceeds and start sequences.
The TSLM easily retrofits to existing installations, requiring very little instrument panel alteration.
Features
- Turbine auto-start control for simple and consistent starts
- Lessens operator workload while freeing up one hand
- Drives external Exceed light to guide the operator to:
- abort the start if a hot-start is imminent, etc.
- reduce in-flight power or adjust prop lever
- Drives external electric fuel valve to:
- control ITT curve during the start
- control propeller speed (N2) when in beta mode
- Various auto-ignition / auto-relight or anti flame-out possibilities
- Full engine monitoring when combined with VRX display(s)
- Detailed event-driven or continuous in-flight recording
- Designed for easy retrofit as well as for new installs
VRX
A series 5000 (or later) TSLM can combine with one or more VRX display for in-cockpit engine monitoring. This combination adds the following via the display(s):
- Engine gauges:
- Four primary gauges for ITT, NG/N1, Torque and NP/N2 RPM
- Three secondary gauges for Bus Voltage, Oil Pressure and Oil Temperature
- Engine statistics:
- Counters for Engine Hours, Start Cycles and Engine Events
- Last Start sequence's max. ITT, min. Voltage and Time/duration
- Annunciation:
- START - Start sequence in progress
- RUN - Run sequence in progress
- AFO - Anti-Flameout Operation active
- EHT - Limiting in progress
- BETA - Propeller in Beta
- EXCEED - On or more primary parameter in the red
- BUS - Bus Voltage in the red
- OP - Oil Pressure in the red
- OT - Oil Temperature in the red
- Start Error messages that can be acknowledged:
- Start declined - initial ITT too high
- Start declined - Bus Voltage too low
- Start declined - Electric fuel valve not detected
- Start confirmation - to continue with start with ISOL engaged
- Menu Actions:
- Initiate START or RUN sequences
- Turn in-flight AFO operation on and off
- Check Igniters - series 6000 and later checks L and R igniters separately
- Test EHT or Interrupter valves or external EXCEED light to diagnose a problem
- Retrieve recorded history from TSLM to USB disk for review on any Windows PC