Electric Starter Generators: Their Integration into Gas Turbine Engines

THE MARKET FOR INTEGRATED power systems for more electric aircrafts and, in particular, for unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) is rapidly developing [1]. Due to space constraints, a practical solution for UAVs is to employ electric-starter generators (ESGs) embedded in gas turbine engines to facilitate electric engine crank, assist the engine in reaching the desired idle speed, generate power to drive the onboard auxiliaries, and improve the overall efficiency of the system [2]. To control the ESG, a position sensor is required for the closed-loop control of speed and torque. However, the traditional sensors that provide accurate knowledge of the machine rotor position to facilitate precise control of the ESG cannot be used because of adverse operating conditions.