Starting Systems

for Aircraft Gas

turbine Engines

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 Starting Systems

An aircraft gas turbine engine starting

system is a combination of two sub-
systems:

Compressor and Turbine are turned to

reach rotational speed

Ignition of the the fuel/air mixture

One sub-system should rotate the gas turbine to a satisfactory speed where a
sufficient mass of air flows into the combustor to mix with the fuel.
A second sub-system will have to ignite the fuel/air mixture and allow the engine
to accelerate up to a self-sustaining speed.

In order to ensure that the engine starts properly both subsystems must function
correctly.

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 Figure 1: Starting sequence

Starting sequence

Over the years, aero gas turbine starting systems have diversified although the
basic procedure for starting remains the same. Whether the aero gas turbine
starting system is independent of ground equipment, is fully automatic or requires
input from the operator, the sequence of events will follow a similar pattern
(Figure 1).

The gas turbine needs to be rotated up to a speed where the ignition system will
start the igniters operating. Once the igniters are operating and the engine has
accelerated a little further up the rpm range the fuel can be metered to the
combustion chamber. The gas turbine should then be able to accelerate up past
the speed where the igniters will cancel with or without starter assistance. At
some point during this acceleration, the starter will cut-out and the engine will
proceed until it reaches the idle speed. Once at this idle speed it is usual to
sustain it for a short time (a couple of minutes) to allow the gas turbine to heat
soak and allow the engine components to stabilise at the running temperature.
This heat soak increases thermal cyclic life.

Note: Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT)

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Starting systems requirements

Operate autonomously

In-flight relight

Low weight requirement

High reliability

Atmospheric conditions

Sustain combustion (ignition system)

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starting systems types

Cartridge starting system

Electric starting system

Hydraulic starting system

Iso-propyl-nitrate starting system

Gas turbine starting system

Air starting system

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Air Starting Systems

Also known as the pneumatic or air-
turbine starter.

Most common starting system.

Advantages

Light weight

Simple construction

Disadvantages

Requires a separate air supply.

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Air Starting System

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 The Air starter

The Air starter includes a turbine with a preceding nozzle guide vane (NGV)
stage, a reduction gear and a clutch. High-pressure air from either a ground
supply cart, APU or from another, already running main engine is directed at the
correct angle to the turbine through the NGV. The air rotates the turbine at a very
high speed. The rotational power of the turbine, through the reduction gear, is
then translated into the lower-speed high torque required to rotate the engine.
This type of starter has many advantages over other starter systems. The most
obvious is its lightweight and simple construction. A disadvantage of this starter is
that it requires a separate air supply to operate although aircraft designers have
accepted the integration of APU and the benefits associated with them.