Digital twin for Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring by machine learning algorithms

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 283; p. 129118
• Main Authors: Kilic, Ugur, Yalin, Gorkem, Cam, Omer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.11.2023
• Subjects: Digital twin; Estimation; Machine learning; Primary engine parameters; Turbofan; Turbofan; Digital twin; Primary engine parameters; Estimation; Machine learning
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129118

Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) parameters play a vital role in the operation of an aircraft to reduce the workload of the cockpit crew. A wide-body commercial aircraft with a triple-spool turbofan engine is examined within the scope of the study. This study is focused on the estimation of the ECAM primary engine parameters: Engine Pressure Ratio, Exhaust Gas Temperature, Fuel Flow, and Shaft Speeds without any additional measurement for data continuity. The recorded flight data obtained from a commercial aircraft is processed with machine learning methods, and the most suitable estimation method is tried to be determined. Correlation analysis is carried out for each data in the study to show strong predictor candidates. The modeling process is conducted by using MATLAB. Results indicate that the Fine Decision Tree is better at memorizing data, while the Wide Neural Network is better at generalizing data. Computational results show that the developed models are outstandingly precise and accurate to estimate aircraft's ECAM data to ensure flight safety for health and performance monitoring of an engine. Thus, when an unreliable situation occurs while performing the flight in practical conditions, the cockpit crew will be able to overcome this situation by Digital Twin. •Predicting the primary engine parameters using machine learning methods.•Creating the Digital Twin for Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM).•Proposing a software-based system for flight reliability and safety.•Providing health and performance monitoring for a turbofan engine.