Turbine engine starting system

Abstract

System and method for starting a turbine engine are disclosed. These systems and methods for starting a turbine engine may be located on a vehicle, such as such as a Class 8 vehicle, equipped with a turbine engine as the prime mover or as a generator in a hybrid powertrain. In that regard, a fluid forcing device may be employed to start the turbine engine, such as an electric pump/compressor. The fluid forcing device may already be located on the vehicle for other purposes, and can include an electrically powered steering pump (also referred to as an electric pump) or an electrically powered air brake compressor (also referred to as an electric compressor). In order to start the turbine engine, the output of the electric pump/compressor drives an associated fluid circuit, which in turn, supplies fluid over a portion of the turbine shaft, wheel or scroll in order to impart rotational motion thereto. The rotational motion imparted to the turbine shaft, wheel or scroll aims to start the turbine engine. Once started, the output of the electric pump/compressor is either inhibited or redirected to power other devices, such as one or more vehicle accessories (e.g., steering gear, air brakes, power take off (PTO), air conditioner, etc).