Hydraulic Starter

The hydraulic starter available to the Purchaser as an option is described on Figure 1. It consists of a
variable-displacement type hydraulic motor with piston stroke controlled by a wobble plate.
Displacement is controlled by varying the angle of the wobble plate by means of a pressure
compensator. The starter is equipped with an overrunning clutch to prevent the starter from being driven
by the gas generator when the hydraulic supply pressure and flow are reduced to zero and the gas
generator speed is greater than that of the starter. Starting time to gas generator idle speed, using the
hydraulic starter, is in the range of 60 to 90 seconds.
The hydraulic supply and control system for the starter is to be supplied by the Purchaser. Figure 2 is a
flow diagram of a typical Purchaser-supplied system. The hydraulic supply and control system for the
starter is supplied by the Purchaser. Figure C6 provides a schematic of a typical Purchaser-supplied
system. The starter requires a flow capability of 0 to 55 gpm minimum of hydraulic fluid at a pressure
differential of 4150 psi. A list of the starter manufacturers approved oil types is found in DEB-101.
Recommended starter inlet pressure (pump compensator pressure) is 4300-4350 psig. Maximum
allowable transient starter inlet pressure 5300 psig. (5300 psig is a maximum value and that starter life is
extended by maintaining the starter inlet pressure at 4300-4350 psig.) Maximum allowable starter
discharge pressure 300 psig. The oil temperature shall be between 32 and 200F and the oil shall be
filtered to 10 m.
Figure 1. Hydraulic Starter.
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Figure 2. Typical Hydraulic Starter Schematic.
Required starter output torque, as a function of speed, is a function of ambient temperature, lube oil
viscosity, accessory gearbox pad usage, and desired time to idle. Figure 3 describes the performance of
the hydraulic starter.
It is recommended that the starter not be engaged unless the gas generator is at rest. If necessary,
engagement can be made at normal windmilling speeds not to exceed 300 rpm. Engagement of the
starter at gas generator speeds exceeding 300 rpm is lokely to damage the starter or accessory gearbox
drive system.
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Figure C-10. Hydraulic Starter Performance.
The oil supply pressure shall be reduced to 0 psig after the gas turbine reaches 4000 to 4500 rpm. Drive
input power for the hydraulic supply pump will be approximately 180 to 200 horsepower, depending on
Purchasers selection of pump and operating pressure.
The maximum flow through the starter case drain is 1.5 gpm. A minimum positive back pressure of 0.1
psig should be maintained on the starter case drain to ensure a proper oil level within the starter cavity
during operation. It is recommended that this be accomplished by mounting the hydraulic oil tank above
the installation elevation of the starter. The maximum allowable back pressure on the starter case drain
is 25 psig.
It is recommended that a circulating system be used that is connected across the case drain interfaces
shown in Figure 1 to maintain a flooded case and ensure lubrication to the clutch in the overrunning
mode. A circulating flow of 2 gpm is recommended with the case protected by a relief valve set at 25
psig. Filtration to 10 mm nominal is required for this system also, and it uses the same fluid as the main
supply and return loop.
The maximum flow from the overboard seal drain is 5 cm3/hour and the maximum back pressure is 1
psig. There are no duty cycle limits on this starter provided the supply temperature is maintained under
140F.
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