Integrated unit for transmitting rotational electric power from an electric circuit to de-ice turbine propeller blades and nose cones

Abstract

An integrated unit (220) for transmitting rotational electric power from an electric circuit to de-ice a propeller blade (1101, 1102) and a nose cone (110) of a turbomachine, comprising: - a rotary transformer (2221) comprising a static part and a rotating part; - a DC-AC voltage converter (2231) whose output is connected to the static part of the rotary transformer and whose input is intended to be connected to a DC power supply (2321), and - a power supply switch (2211) connected to the rotary transformer and configured to transmit electric power to at least one pair of propeller blades (1101, 1102) and a nose cone (110) of the turbomachine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of de-icing turbine propeller blades and nose cones, and more specifically to electrical circuits for transmitting power between the stationary and rotating parts of a turbine and for de-icing. Background Technology

[0002] The turbine comprises one or more compressor modules arranged in series from upstream to downstream, which compress air drawn in through an intake port. The air is then introduced into a combustion chamber, where it mixes with fuel and burns. The combustion gases pass through one or more turbine modules, which drive one or more compressors. The gases are then discharged into nozzles to generate propulsion, or into a power turbine to generate power, which is output from a drive shaft.

[0003] Current bypass turbojet or turbofan engines with high expansion ratios consist of a fan rotor and multi-stage compressors, particularly the low-pressure and high-pressure compressors belonging to the engine's main rotor. A large impeller or fan is positioned upstream of the low-pressure compressor, supplying both the primary airflow passing through the low-pressure and high-pressure compressors to the primary air path and a cold or secondary airflow to the secondary air path. This cold or secondary airflow is directly directed to the cold air nozzle, the so-called secondary nozzle. The fan is driven by the rotating shaft of the low-pressure rotor.

[0004] Frost protection for the fan's propeller blades and turbine nose cone is based on electrothermal de-icing. A heating pad consisting of a resistor grid is integrated into the leading edge of the propeller and nose cone. Under icing conditions, a layer of ice is intentionally formed on the leading edge. The resistors of the heating pad are then energized for a predetermined time to heat the surfaces of the propeller and nose cone, thus removing the formed ice layer. As the propeller and nose cone rotate, this ice layer is expelled by centrifugal force.

[0005] The turbine has a large surface area that needs to be de-iced, so a lot of electricity is needed to power the heating pad resistors. The electricity dedicated to de-icing comes from the aircraft's generator. Figure 1 A circuit 120 of a prior art de-icing system is shown, connected to a resistor 110 of a heating pad, power supplies 131 and 132, and a turbine control system 130. Circuit 120 includes a DC-AC voltage converter 123 for supplying AC voltage to a rotary transformer 122. To limit the power supplied to the de-icing system and other non-propulsion systems, the resistor 110 of a pair of propeller blades is powered only for a given time, then the next pair of resistors is powered, and so on. A pair of propeller blades consists of one blade and its opposite blade, and all propeller blades are connected in series with a portion of the nose cone. The alternating power supply to the resistor 110 of the blade pairs is accomplished by a switch 121 positioned between the resistor 110 and the rotary transformer 122.

[0006] To operate the circuit 120 of the de-icing system, auxiliary power connections are required, such as those for the low-voltage DC power supply 142, the high-voltage DC power supply 141, and the communication link 143 between the components 121, 122, and 123 of the circuit 120 and the turbine control system 130. This necessitates the installation of numerous wiring harnesses 141, 142, and 143 within the turbine, while adhering to specific installation limitations, such as restrictions on the radius of curvature of the wiring harnesses or the distances between wiring harnesses and / or between turbine components. These limitations increase the mass and volume of the turbine, and complicate the installation and maintenance of the de-icing system.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an electro-de-icing system that complies with installation limitations while reducing the weight, size, and integration complexity of the de-icing system. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention relates to an integrated unit for transmitting rotating electrical power from a circuit to de-ic turbine propeller blades and nose cone, comprising:

[0009] - A rotary transformer, which includes a static part and a rotating part;

[0010] A DC-AC voltage converter that connects to the static portion of a resolver at its output and is designed to connect to a DC power supply at its input.

[0011] - A power switch, which is connected to a rotary transformer and configured to transmit power to at least one pair of propeller blades and nose cone of a turbine.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention combines the switch and converter within the same device (resolver) to form an integrated unit for transmitting rotating electrical power. In other words, they are located in the same location within the turbine. Consequently, the integrated unit is more compact and can be installed in a small-diameter area within the turbine, thereby limiting the high stress and harmful centrifugal acceleration forces that exert significant stress on the electronic components.

[0013] Integrating all components into a single device can reduce or even eliminate the large number of long cables and wiring harnesses between de-icing system components, and also reduce the number and size of electromagnetic interference filters (EMI or EMC filters). Therefore, the mass and volume of the electro-de-icing system can be reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, the integrated unit allows for the centralization of resources such as cooling and low-voltage power supply among these three components. This also provides flexibility in the orientation of the connection device (e.g., axial orientation or circulation) to facilitate the wiring of power harnesses from the (integrated) unit to the blade root or nose cone.

[0015] Finally, in terms of the design and arrangement of components within the unit, integrated units offer more options, such as easier maintenance, improved cooling efficiency, or interconnection between components.

[0016] According to specific features of the invention, the integrated unit includes a first electrical channel and a second electrical channel. The first electrical channel includes a rotary transformer, a converter, and a switch. The second electrical channel includes a second rotary transformer, a second DC-AC voltage converter, and a second power switch. The second rotary transformer includes a static portion and a rotating portion. The output of the second converter is connected to the static portion of the second rotary transformer, and its input is intended to be connected to a DC power supply. The second switch is connected to the second rotary transformer and configured to transmit power to at least one pair of propeller blades and the nose cone of the turbine.

[0017] Because it has two redundant electrical channels, even if one channel fails, there is always one de-icing system in operation.

[0018] According to another specific feature of the invention, the integrated unit includes at least one DC-DC voltage converter associated with and connected to the DC power supply of the associated DC-AC voltage converter, and configured to generate a low-voltage power supply.

[0019] The presence of a DC-DC voltage converter (or DC / DC converter) allows for the generation of a local low-level voltage (e.g., 28V DC voltage) within the integrated unit. This enables each electrical channel to connect the integrated unit to a single high-voltage external power supply and reduces the number of cables between the unit and its environment.

[0020] According to another specific feature of the invention, the integrated unit includes a plurality of rotary transformers in each electrical channel, and within each electrical channel, each rotary transformer is associated with a separate propeller blade pair; the DC-AC voltage converter is shared by the plurality of rotary transformers of the electrical channel, and the switch includes a plurality of switches configured to select one of the plurality of rotary transformers of the electrical channel.

[0021] Because of this feature, each resolver is only energized when the corresponding propeller blade pair is activated. This allows the switching electronics to be inserted between the DC / AC converter and the resolver, thus positioning the switch on the static part of the integrated unit and eliminating centrifugal stress on the electronics.

[0022] According to another specific feature of the invention, in each electrical channel, the rotary transformer and the power switch are combined together.

[0023] This allows only one resolver in each electrical channel to power all propeller blade pairs, and the resolver includes at least as many output terminals as the blade pairs. Additionally, the switching electronics can be located on the static section of the resolver.

[0024] Another subject of the invention is a turbine comprising an integrated unit for transmitting rotating electric power according to the invention and a low-voltage reduction gear, the integrated unit being fixed to the low-voltage reduction gear.

[0025] The low-pressure reduction gear, also known as a gearbox or RGB, is located between the fan, which includes the propeller blades, and the low-pressure shaft of the turbine.

[0026] This allows the propeller blades that drive the turbine fan to rotate at a lower speed than the low-pressure shaft. This reduction in speed makes it possible to increase the fan size.

[0027] Fixing the integrated unit to the low-pressure reduction gear allows the de-icing system to be installed near the reduction gear, making the de-icing system more compact, efficient, lighter, more accessible, and thus simplifying maintenance.

[0028] According to a specific feature of the present invention, the low-voltage reduction gear includes a rotating part and a fixed shaft, the rotating parts of each rotary transformer of the integrated unit are fixed to the rotating part of the low-voltage reduction gear, and the static parts of each rotary transformer of the integrated unit, the power switch and the DC-AC voltage converter are all fixed to the fixed shaft of the low-voltage reduction gear.

[0029] According to another specific feature of the invention, the low-voltage speed reducer includes a rotating part and a fixed shaft, the rotating part of each rotary transformer of the integrated unit and the power switch are fixed to the rotating part of the low-voltage speed reducer, and the static part of each rotary transformer of the integrated unit and the DC-AC voltage converter are fixed to the fixed shaft of the low-voltage speed reducer.

[0030] These two assembly variations of the integrated unit with the fixed (fixed shaft) and rotating parts of the low-voltage reduction gear allow for the elimination of bearings on the integrated unit, thereby improving its reliability and service life. They also eliminate imbalance effects and movement by placing bearings closer to the reduction gear, reducing mechanical clearance between the fixed and rotating parts of the integrated unit, saving weight, particularly at the rotary transformer, saving volume and improving the efficiency of the entire electro-de-icing system, and finally allowing underwing equipment to be accessed and replaced without any specific tools, thus simplifying maintenance, installation, and disassembly operations.

[0031] According to another specific feature of the invention, the turbine includes heat sinks located on the outer surface of the integrated unit and fixed to the rotating portion of the low-pressure reduction gear.

[0032] The heat sink allows forced airflow to be generated around the integrated unit, thereby cooling the components of the integrated unit assembled on the rotating part of the speed reduction device.

[0033] According to another specific feature of the invention, the turbine includes a fan fixed to the rotating portion of a low-pressure reduction gear.

[0034] A fan can blow air to cool the components of the integrated unit assembled on the rotating part of the speed reduction device. Components assembled on the stationary part can also benefit from this airflow for cooling. The fan can be advantageously combined with a heat sink to improve the cooling of the integrated unit. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention but are not intended to be limiting.

[0036] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A prior art de-icing system is illustrated schematically and in part.

[0037] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 An integrated unit of a de-icing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically and in part.

[0038] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 The assembly of the rotating portion of the integrated unit according to an embodiment of the invention on a low-pressure speed reduction device is illustrated schematically and in part.

[0039] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 The assembly of the rotating portion of the integrated unit on a low-pressure speed reduction device is illustrated schematically and in part according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0040] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 An integrated unit according to another embodiment of the invention and its assembly on a low-voltage speed reducer are illustrated schematically and in part. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 2An integrated unit 220 for transmitting rotating electrical power from a de-icing system according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically and partially shown. Throughout the specification, a pair of propeller blades are formed by a blade 1101 and its opposing blade 1102, and the blade and its opposing blade are connected to sections 1121, 1122 of the nose cone 110 of the turbine. Additionally, the blades 1101, 1102, sections 1121, 1122, and nose cone 110 include heating pads composed of resistor networks 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116 for de-icing them. Although not shown in the figures, the propeller blades and nose cone may also be connected in parallel with each other.

[0042] The integrated unit 220 of the de-icing system circuit includes two redundant electrical channels. The first electrical channel includes a resolver 2221, whose input is connected to a DC-AC voltage converter 2231 (or DC / AC converter 2231), and whose output is connected to a power switch 2211. The second electrical channel also includes a resolver 2222, whose input is connected to a DC-AC voltage converter 2232 (or DC / AC converter 2232), and whose output is connected to a power switch 2212. Each resolver 2221 and 2222 includes a static portion and a rotating portion. These two resolvers 2221 and 2222 can be completely independent, or each can have windings around the same magnetic circuit. The power switches 2211 and 2212 of both channels are connected to at least one pair of propeller blades 1101 and 1102 and the nose cone 110 of the turbine. In this figure, only one pair of propellers is shown for clarity. However, the switches 2211 and 2212 of both channels can be connected to all pairs of propeller blades of the turbine. DC / AC converters 2231 and 2232 are each connected at their inputs to high-voltage DC power supplies 2321 and 2322, and at their outputs to the static portion of a resolver associated with their circuitry. To generate a low-voltage power supply, integrated unit 220 also includes DC-DC voltage converters 2241 and 2242 (or DC / DC converters) in each electrical channel. The input of DC / DC converter 2241 in the first channel is connected to the high-voltage DC power supply 2321, enabling the generation of a low voltage in the first channel; while DC / DC converter 2242 is connected at its input to the high-voltage DC power supply 2322, enabling the generation of a low voltage in the second electrical channel. More generally, the two DC / DC converters 2241 and 2242 enable the supply of low-voltage power to the turbine's control electronics.

[0043] The integrated unit 220 is also connected to the turbine's control system 230. Therefore, the only auxiliary power connections connected to the integrated unit 220 are the auxiliary power connections for the high-voltage power supplies 2411 and 2412 and the auxiliary power connections for communication 2431 and 2432. However, if the unit 220 does not include any DC / DC converter, additional auxiliary power connections may be available between the low-voltage power supplies 2311 and 2312 and the integrated unit 220.

[0044] Figure 3 The assembly of the rotating portions 3201, 3202 of the integrated unit 320 according to an embodiment of the invention on the low-pressure reduction gear 330 is schematically and partially shown.

[0045] The components of the integrated unit 320 are housed within a cylindrical housing enclosed by flanges 321 and 322. The housing and its flanges 321 and 322 are assembled onto the reduction gear 330. Thus, the integrated unit 320 is fixed to the reduction gear 330; specifically, its rotating portions 3201 and 3202 are fixed to the rotating portion of the reduction gear 330. Flanges 321 and 322 are attached to the reduction gear 330 using, for example, screw and nut assemblies 370. Flange 321 includes ventilation grilles 361 and 362 to allow hot air to be exhausted from the integrated unit 320, and the ventilation grille 362 of flange 322 faces the ventilation grille 360 ​​of the reduction gear 330. More specifically, the ventilation grille 361 of flange 321 allows cold air to enter the integrated unit 320, while the ventilation grilles 360 of the reduction gear 330 and the ventilation grilles 362 of flange 322 allow hot air to be exhausted from the integrated unit 320. In this embodiment, a screw and nut assembly 370 for assembling the integrated unit 320 onto the speed reduction device 330 is disposed within the integrated unit 320.

[0046] The speed reduction device 330 includes a fixed shaft 331, and auxiliary power connection devices 3411, 3412, 3431, and 3432 are connected to the integrated unit 320 through the fixed shaft 331.

[0047] Figure 4 The assembly of the rotating portions 4201, 4202 of the integrated unit 420 according to another embodiment of the invention on the low-pressure reduction gear 430 is schematically and partially shown.

[0048] The components of the integrated unit 420 are housed within a cylindrical housing surrounded by two flanges 421 and 422. The housing is assembled to the reduction gear 430 via its flanges 421 and 422. Thus, the integrated unit 420 is secured to the reduction gear 430; specifically, its rotating portions 4201 and 4202 are secured to the rotating portion of the reduction gear 430. The flanges 421 and 422 are attached to the reduction gear 430 using, for example, a screw and nut assembly 470. The flange 421 includes a ventilation grille 461 to allow hot air to escape from the integrated unit 420. More specifically, the ventilation grille 461 allows cool air to enter the integrated unit 420. The reduction gear 430 also includes a ventilation grille 460 for escaping hot air from the integrated unit 420. In this embodiment, the screw and nut assembly 470 for assembling the integrated unit 420 onto the reduction gear 430 is arranged externally on the integrated unit 420.

[0049] As mentioned above, the speed reduction device 430 includes a fixed shaft 431, and auxiliary power connection devices 4411, 4412, 4431, and 4432 are connected to the integrated unit 420 through the fixed shaft 431.

[0050] Figure 5 The assembly of the integrated unit 520 on the low-voltage speed reducer 530 is illustrated schematically and in part according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The fixed portions 5203 and 5204 of the integrated unit 520 are fixed to the fixed shaft 531 of the low-pressure reduction gear 530. More specifically, the integrated unit 520 includes a rotatably fixed hollow sliding shaft 571. This fixing is achieved, for example, by a key. The hollow shaft 571 allows various auxiliary electrical connection devices—such as power supplies 5411 and 5412 and communications 5431 and 5432 with the turbine control system—to extend from the integrated unit 520 via the fixed shaft 531 of the reduction gear 530. The translational fixing of the hollow shaft 571 is then accomplished, for example, by a slotted nut 570 mounted at the end of the shaft 571.

[0052] Figure 3 , 4 The rotating and fixed parts of 5 include Figure 2The integrated unit comprises two electrical channels: a resolver, a DC / AC converter, a DC / DC converter, and a power switch. The fixed portion includes the static portion of each resolver, the DC / DC converter, and the DC / AC converter, while the rotating portion includes the rotating portion of each resolver. The power switches may be located in either the fixed or rotating portion. If the switches are located in the fixed portion of the integrated unit, they are typically placed between the DC / AC converter and the static portion of each resolver; while if the switches are located in the rotating portion of the integrated unit, they are typically placed between the rotating portion of each resolver and the resistance of the propeller blade pair and the turbine nose cone. By placing the switches in the rotating portion of the integrated unit, space can be freed up for the DC / AC converter, and / or the output of the integrated unit can be brought closer to the resistance of the propeller blade pair and the nose cone.

[0053] The DC / AC converter, DC / DC converter, power switch, and resolver are housed within an integrated unit, which is suitable for meeting reliability and / or cooling constraints. For example, to improve cooling, the most temperature-sensitive components can be positioned in contact with the outer surface of the integrated unit's housing and close to the cool air ventilation grille. Alternatively, to limit mechanical stresses associated with centrifugal force, certain components of the rotating parts of the integrated unit can be placed as close as possible to the axis of rotation.

[0054] Additionally, integrated units 320, 420, and 520 may include one or more fans 341, 342, 441, 442, 541, and 542, which are fixed to the rotating portions 3201, 3202, 4201, 4202, 5201, and 5202 of the integrated units 320, 420, and 520. These fans 341, 342, 441, 442, 541, and 542 blow forced air to dissipate heat from the integrated units 320, 420, and 520.

[0055] Heat sinks 551 and 552 can also be mounted on the outer rotating surface of the integrated unit 520 (e.g., Figure 5 As shown), to accelerate the surrounding air and generate a forced airflow, which is also used to remove heat from the integrated unit 520, especially from the rotating elements 5201 and 5202 of the integrated unit 520.

[0056] Alternatively, heat sinks 561 and 562 can be installed inside the integrated unit 520, so that these heat sinks 561 and 562 are fixed to the fixed parts 5203 and 5204 of the integrated unit 520. These three cooling solutions can be implemented individually or in combination on the integrated unit 520 to accommodate different constraints: cooling, overall size, weight, etc.

[0057] In addition, it is advantageous to place in Figure 3 ,4 The components in the rotating part of the integrated unit shown in Figure 5 are symmetrically assembled and distributed around the deceleration device to ensure the balance of the components and avoid imbalance.

[0058] If integration or other constraints require this, the integrated unit may also have its own bearing, especially on the flange side.

[0059] Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, the integrated unit includes multiple resolvers, each associated with a separate pair of propeller blades. If, for example, there are N pairs of propeller blades (N greater than or equal to 1), then there will be N resolvers in each electrical channel of the integrated unit. Within an electrical channel, each resolver is powered only during the activation time of the corresponding blade pair. To power resolvers in the same channel, the integrated unit may include a DC / AC converter per channel (and, if applicable, a DC / DC converter), and the power switch includes a switch for activating the resolver associated with the activated blade pair.

[0060] Within the same electrical channel, a resolver and a power switch can also be combined. Therefore, the number of resolver outputs is the same as the number of propeller blade pairs to be powered, and the switch combined with the resolver acts as a selector to select the resolver output corresponding to the activated blade pair. More specifically, an electromagnetic actuator is associated with a single primary circuit of the resolver, and controls the selector to position the actuator, thereby positioning the primary circuit of the resolver, where the secondary circuit of the resolver corresponds to the blade pair activated during de-icing. Each channel always has one DC / AC converter.

[0061] Regardless of the implementation method, a DC / AC converter can be single-phase, three-phase, or have other topologies.

[0062] Regardless of the implementation method, the rotary transformer can be single-phase, three-phase, or have other topologies. Regardless of the implementation method, the switch can be DC or AC.

Claims

1. An integrated unit for transmitting rotational electrical power from a circuit to de-ice propeller blades and nose cone of a turbine, said integrated unit being fixed to the turbine and comprising components located within the same electrical channel: - A rotary transformer, which includes a static part and a rotating part; A DC-AC voltage converter, the output of which is connected to the static part of the resolver, and the input of which is connected to a DC power supply, and - A power switch, connected to the output of the rotary transformer and configured to transmit power to at least one pair of propeller blades and the nose cone of the turbine. Its features are, Each electrical channel of the integrated unit also includes a DC-DC voltage converter, the input of which is connected to the DC power supply and configured to generate a low-voltage power supply in the corresponding electrical channel to supply low-voltage power to the corresponding control electronics of the turbine, wherein... In each electrical channel, the rotary transformer and the power switch are combined together, and the electronic components of the power switch are located on the static part of the rotary transformer.

2. The integrated unit of claim 1, comprising a first electrical channel and a second electrical channel, the first electrical channel comprising the rotary transformer, the DC-AC voltage converter and the power switch, the second electrical channel comprising a second rotary transformer, a second DC-AC voltage converter and a second power switch, the second rotary transformer comprising a static portion and a rotating portion, the output terminal of the second DC-AC voltage converter being connected to the static portion of the second rotary transformer and its input terminal being connected to a corresponding DC power supply, and the second power switch being connected to the output terminal of the second rotary transformer and configured to transmit power to at least a pair of propeller blades and a nose cone of the turbine.

3. The integrated unit as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of resolvers located in each electrical channel, and within each electrical channel: each resolver is associated with a separate pair of propeller blades; the DC-AC voltage converter is shared by the resolvers of the electrical channel; and the power switch comprises a plurality of power switches configured to select one of the resolvers of the electrical channel.

4. A turbine comprising an integrated unit for transmitting rotating electric power as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 and a low-voltage reduction gear, wherein the integrated unit is fixed to the low-voltage reduction gear.

5. The turbine as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The low-voltage speed reduction device includes a rotating part and a fixed shaft. The rotating parts of each rotary transformer of the integrated unit are fixed to the rotating part of the low-voltage speed reduction device, and the static part of the rotary transformer of the integrated unit, the power switch and the DC-AC voltage converter are fixed to the fixed shaft of the low-voltage speed reduction device.

6. The turbine as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The low-voltage speed reduction device includes a rotating part and a fixed shaft. The rotating part of the rotary transformer of the integrated unit and the power switch are fixed to the rotating part of the low-voltage speed reduction device, and the static part of each rotary transformer of the integrated unit and the DC-AC voltage converter are fixed to the fixed shaft of the low-voltage speed reduction device.

7. The turbine as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a heat sink located on the outer surface of the integrated unit and fixed to the rotating portion of the low-pressure reduction gear.

8. The turbine as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a fan fixed to the rotating portion of the low-pressure reduction gear.

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