Hartzell brings electronic turbo wastegates to aviation

The Alabama-based Signia Aerospace subsidiary designed the electronic wastegate to replace hydro-mechanical wastegates installed in aircraft turbochargers. The wastegate is a key component of the turbocharger, and it prevents overspeed of the turbine (driven by engine exhaust) that pressurizes air flowing into the cylinders by diverting exhaust gas away from the turbine as needed.

Hartzell delivered prototypes of its electronic wastegate to undisclosed engine manufacturers for evaluation. The electronic wastegate is designed for engines with full authority digital engine controls, though the company also plans to adapt the design for non-FADEC legacy engines in the future.

“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 Hartzell Engine Tech Vice President of Engineering Rick Quave in an August 25 news release. “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.”

Hartzell said its prototype responds immediately to changing engine parameters and simplifies the wastegate assembly, which can potentially reduce maintenance cost and engine oil heat load, while improving manifold pressure stability and control accuracy.