Interdependent lubrication systems

Abstract

A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment having a plurality of subsystems in each of which one of a plurality of working fluids is utilized to provide selected operations with there being an air and working fluid heat exchanger providing controlled cooling to cool at least one of the plurality of working fluids in its corresponding subsystem. In addition, a coupling heat exchanger is also provided connected to two of the subsystems to pass there working fluids therethrough, including the subsystem with the air and working fluid heat exchanger, to allow one of the connected subsystems to aid in cooling the other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 595,185, entitled “INTERDEPENDENT LUBRICATION SYSTEMS,” filed Nov. 9, 2006 by Frederick M. Schwartz et al.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to lubrication systems for turbine engines and for associated integrated drive electrical power generator systems and, more particularly, to various outside fluid and lubricant heat exchangers for use in maintaining desired temperatures of the lubricants in such engines and systems.[0003]Lubrication systems for turbine engines and associated equipment, such as a turbofan engine and an associated integrated drive electrical power generator, provide pressurized lubricant, an oil, to lubricate, cool and clean the engine main bearings, gearbox gears, and the like. Similarly, pressurized oil is used for the lubrication of bearings and other parts in an associated integrated drive generator system. During suc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a heat exchange system that cools down multiple working fluids used in different subsystems of an operating equipment. The system uses air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool down the working fluid in each subsystem at varying rates as needed. The system includes an airstream heat exchanger and a coupling heat exchanger that allows one subsystem to cool down the other. The control system operates the coupling heat exchanger to determine the amount of heat exchanged between the two subsystems. The technical effect of this invention is to provide efficient cooling for multiple subsystems in an operating equipment, allowing for better performance and reliability."

Problems solved by technology

During such lubrications, heating of the lubricant is caused to occur due to mechanical energy losses in the lubricated apparatus.

Such a larger sized exchanger correspondingly requires larger fairings about that exchanger leading to a) possible detachment of the fan streams therefrom and the resulting vortex losses absent further preventive measures, b) a larger inlet to the duct possibly resulting in the “spilling” out of incoming air and the accompanying eddy and mixing losses, and to c) a larger range of required motion for the required larger size duct outlet flaps possibly leading to this flap interfering more with the fan airstream passing the outside of the flap when in the range of being nearly fully open to being fully closed.

These three consequences, even in an optimally configured arrangement, will result in pressure losses.

Thus, such an air and lubricating oil heat exchanger duct based system continually leads to thrust losses in the turbofan engine despite being unnecessary for cooling the lubricating oil in many flight situations.

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