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?(Image from Hartzell Engine Tech website)Hartzell Engine Tech announced that it has delivered the first shipments of developmental prototype electronic wastegates for testing at multiple undisclosed aircraft engine manufacturers.
The new AeroForce brand prototype is supposed to be the first stage of a replacement for hydro-pneumatic wastegates on aircraft engines equipped with FADEC. The company claims that it should eliminate multiple leak paths from oil hoses and connections, reduce oil stress, and streamline on-engine setup. The company is also developing electronic wastegate applications for non-FADEC legacy engines."The design intent of the AeroForce prototype is to maintain the current installation envelope and weight while reusing the existing, time-tested hot section butterfly valve and housing," said Rick Quave, Hartzell Engine Tech vice president of engineering. "Our design features a single-point OEM electrical connection, replicates current actuation force by way of a linear actuator and proprietary driver design hardened to comply with DO-160 conditions, ensuring reliable performance across various environments."
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Hartzell states that the prototype has the potential to lower maintenance costs, enhance reliability and decrease engine oil heat load. The wastegate has improved stability and accuracy in MAP control, manages turbo speed by regulating exhaust pressure and immediately responds to engine-measured parameters.