Lubrication system for a turbine engine

Abstract

A lubrication system for a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes a fan having a fan shaft and one or more rotating components. The lubrication system includes one or more tanks in which lubricant is stored, a main lubrication system, and an auxiliary lubrication system. The main lubrication system supplies lubricant from one or more tanks to one or more rotating components during normal operation of the turbine engine. The auxiliary lubrication system includes an auxiliary pump coupled to the fan shaft. The auxiliary lubrication system supplies lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system. Rotation of the fan shaft causes the auxiliary pump to pump lubricant to the one or more rotating components.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 513,302, filed on July 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to lubrication systems, such as lubrication systems for turbine engines. Background Art

[0004] A turbine engine generally comprises a fan and a core section arranged in flow communication with each other. The turbine engine comprises one or more bearings for supporting the rotation of one or more components of the turbine engine. A lubrication system provides lubricant to one or more bearings of the turbine engine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following more particular description of various exemplary embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, or structurally similar elements.

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a turbine engine according to the present disclosure, taken along a longitudinal centerline axis of the turbine engine.

[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine having a lubrication system according to the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine having a lubrication system according to another embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine having a lubrication system according to another embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine having a lubrication system according to another embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine having a lubrication system according to another embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine having a lubrication system according to another embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine having a lubrication system according to another embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 9is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine having a lubrication system according to another embodiment.

[0015] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bidirectional pump of a turbine engine according to the present disclosure, taken along a longitudinal centerline axis of the turbine engine.

[0016] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bidirectional pump of a turbine engine taken along a longitudinal centerline axis of the turbine engine according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Features, advantages and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent by considering the following detailed description, drawings and claims.In addition, the following detailed description is exemplary and is intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0018] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. Although specific embodiments are discussed, this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each component.

[0020] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions relative to the flow of a fluid in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, while "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing.

[0021] The terms "fore" and "aft" refer to relative positions within a turbine engine or vehicle and refer to the normal operating attitude of the turbine engine or vehicle. For example, for a turbine engine, the front position refers to the position closer to the engine inlet, while the aft position refers to the position closer to the engine nozzle or exhaust.

[0022] The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached,” “connected,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attachment, or connection as well as indirect coupling, fixing, attachment, or connection through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0023] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" refer to directions and orientations extending substantially parallel to the centerline of the turbine engine. Additionally, the terms "radial" and "radially" refer to directions and orientations extending substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the turbine engine. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to directions and orientations extending in an arc around the centerline of the turbine engine.

[0025] As used herein, "normal operation" of a turbine engine is intended to mean when the turbine engine is operating and a primary lubrication system of the turbine engine is supplying lubricant to one or more rotating components of the turbine engine.

[0026] As used herein, "windmilling" or "windmilling" refers to a condition in which the fan and low-pressure shaft of a turbine engine continue to rotate at a slow speed, while the high-pressure shaft rotates slowly or even stops. Windmilling may occur when the turbine engine is shut down but air is still flowing through the fan, such as during an in-flight engine shutdown, or when the turbine engine is on the ground and the fan is rotating in the presence of wind when the turbine engine is shut down. During shutdown, such as when the aircraft is on the ground, the fan may also rotate in either direction depending on the stationary position of the turbine engine relative to the ambient wind. Airflow entering the fan exhaust may exit the fan inlet in a direction opposite to the operating direction and cause the fan to rotate in a direction of rotation opposite to the intended operating direction of rotation.

[0027] As used throughout the specification and claims, approximate language is used to modify any quantitative expression that can be allowed to vary without causing changes in the basic function associated with it. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as "approximately", "approximately", "generally" and "substantially" are not limited to the specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language can correspond to the accuracy of an instrument used to measure a value, or the accuracy of a method or machine used to construct a component or system or to manufacture a component or system. For example, approximate language can refer to a margin of one percent, two percent, four percent, ten percent, fifteen percent, or twenty percent in a single value, a range of values, or an endpoint defining a range of values.

[0028] The present disclosure provides a turbine engine with a lubrication system. The turbine engine includes a fan having a fan shaft. The turbine engine includes one or more rotating parts rotating in the turbine engine. The one or more rotating parts may include, for example, one or more shafts, one or more gears, or one or more bearings, and the one or more bearings include one or more engine bearings for one or more shafts (e.g., a low-pressure shaft or a high-pressure shaft) of the turbine engine or one or more gearbox bearings for a gearbox assembly of the turbine engine. One or more gearbox bearings allow one or more gears of the gearbox assembly to rotate around one or more gearbox bearings. In one embodiment, one or more bearings are journal bearings. One or more bearings may include any type of bearing, for example, roller bearings, etc. The lubrication system supplies lubricant (e.g., oil) to one or more rotating parts. The lubrication system includes one or more tanks storing lubricant therein, and a main lubrication system having a main pump and a main lubricant supply line. During normal operation of the turbine engine, the main pump pumps lubricant from one or more tanks to one or more rotating parts through the main lubricant supply line.

[0029] Bearings, particularly journal bearings, are hydrodynamic bearings that typically require a steady supply of lubricant to properly lubricate the bearings during all phases of operation of the turbine engine to prevent damage to the hydrodynamic journal bearings or even the universal gear meshing interface due to sliding contact. The shaft of a turbine engine may experience long periods of continuous rotation after a turbine engine shutdown, such as a shutdown that occurs during a windmilling phenomenon. In this case, one or more rotating parts, particularly one or more bearings, may be affected by not receiving enough lubricant to lubricate one or more rotating parts. For example, during a windmilling phenomenon, the rotational speed of the shaft may be too low to power the main pump to pump lubricant to one or more rotating parts. In some cases, such as during operation of the turbine engine (e.g., in flight), the lubrication system may lose pressure (e.g., due to a failure of the main pump or other components of the main lubrication system), making it impossible for the main lubrication system to provide lubricant to one or more rotating parts via the main pump and the main lubricant supply line.

[0030] The severity of lubrication interruption increases when the bearing is a journal bearing, as lack of lubricant at the journal bearing can lead to journal bearing failure and subsequent gearbox failure, which can result in permanent locking of the low-speed shaft. This failure of the journal bearing is called journal bearing seizure and occurs when contact between the planet pin and the gear bore results in a significant increase in wear and friction, leading to bearing failure. If contact occurs between the journal bearing and the pin during high-power operation, the two components may weld together due to the high temperatures generated by friction.

[0031] Some turbine engines include an auxiliary lubrication system that includes an auxiliary pump to supply lubricant to one or more rotating parts to prevent damage to the rotating parts due to insufficient lubricant supply during windmilling. However, such an auxiliary lubrication system is generally operated based on the speed of the fan, so that the auxiliary lubrication system operates only when the fan speed is below a threshold speed (e.g., during shutdown of the turbine engine). Such an auxiliary lubrication system may not be able to operate during the operation of the turbine engine (e.g., when the turbine engine is operating (e.g., the fan speed is greater than the threshold speed)) to supply lubricant to one or more rotating parts, and the main lubrication system is unable to provide lubricant to one or more rotating parts. In addition, the auxiliary pump needs to increase complexity to provide lubricant during high speeds (e.g., during operation of the turbine engine) and low speeds (e.g., during windmilling (e.g., in flight or on the ground)). In addition, the auxiliary pump needs to increase complexity to provide lubricant when the fan windmills in either direction (e.g., the fan rotates clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0032] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an auxiliary lubrication system that supplies lubricant to one or more rotating parts during any time when the main lubrication system is unable to supply lubricant. The auxiliary lubrication system includes a pump (e.g., a bidirectional pump) coupled to a fan shaft via a pump shaft. The auxiliary lubrication system may include a clutch coupled to the pump shaft. The clutch engages or disengages the pump shaft based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system. For example, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than the main pressure threshold, the clutch disengages the pump shaft so that the auxiliary pump does not operate. When the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than the main pressure threshold, the clutch engages the pump shaft so that the auxiliary pump operates. In this way, when the turbine engine is operating, if the main lubrication system fails and is no longer able to supply lubricant to one or more rotating parts, the auxiliary lubrication system supplies lubricant to the one or more rotating parts.

[0033] In one embodiment, the auxiliary lubrication system includes a one-way pump and a pair of one-way clutches (e.g., sprag clutches) that operate in opposite directions to convert the bidirectional rotation of the fan shaft to a single rotation direction of the auxiliary pump. In this way, when the fan rotates in either direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise), the auxiliary pump can operate in a single rotation direction to pump lubricant to one or more rotating components. This configuration reduces the complexity of the pump compared to a bidirectional pump.

[0034] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a turbine engine 10 taken along a longitudinal centerline axis 12 of the turbine engine 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1As shown, the turbine engine 10 defines an axial direction A (extending parallel to a longitudinal centerline axis 12 for reference) and a radial direction R orthogonal to the axial direction A. Generally, the turbine engine 10 includes a fan section 14 and a turbocharger engine 16 disposed downstream of the fan section 14 .

[0035] The turbocharger engine 16 includes a compressor section 21, a combustion section 26, and a turbine section 27. The turbocharger engine 16 is shown substantially enclosed within an outer casing 18, which is substantially tubular and defines an annular inlet 20. Figure 1 As shown schematically, the compressor section 21 includes a supercharger or low pressure (LP) compressor 22, followed downstream by a high pressure (HP) compressor 24, a combustion section 26 located downstream of the compressor section 21, and a turbine section 27 located downstream of the combustion section 26 and including a high pressure (HP) turbine 28, followed downstream by a low pressure (LP) turbine 30. The turbocharged engine 16 also includes an ejection exhaust nozzle section 32. As shown, the turbocharged engine 16 includes a high pressure (HP) shaft 34 or spool that drivingly connects the HP turbine 28 to the HP compressor 24. Rotation of the HP shaft 34 causes the HP turbine 28 and the HP compressor 24 to rotate in unison. The turbocharged engine 16 includes a low pressure (LP) shaft 36 that drivingly connects the LP turbine 30 to the LP compressor 22. Rotation of the LP shaft 36 causes the LP turbine 30 and the LP compressor 22 to rotate in unison. The HP shaft 34, the LP shaft 36, or both the HP shaft 34 and the LP shaft 36 are supported by one or more engine bearings 37, thereby allowing the HP shaft 34 and the LP shaft 36 to rotate. The one or more engine bearings 37 may include any type of bearing, such as a roller bearing, etc. The turbine engine 10 may include any number of engine bearings 37 for supporting various rotating components within the turbine engine 10. The compressor section 21, the combustion section 26, the turbine section 27, and the exhaust nozzle section 32 collectively define a core air flow path.

[0036] for Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , fan section 14 includes a fan 38 (eg, a variable pitch fan) having a plurality of fan blades 40 coupled to a disk 42 in a spaced-apart manner. Figure 1 As shown in , fan blades 40 extend outwardly from disk 42 generally along a radial direction R. Each fan blade 40 is rotatable about a pitch axis P relative to disk 42 by virtue of fan blades 40 being operably coupled to an actuation member 44, which is configured to collectively and in unison change the pitch of fan blades 40, as further described below. Fan blades 40, disk 42, and actuation member 44 are rotatable together about longitudinal centerline axis 12 via fan shaft 45, which is powered by LP shaft 36 of a trans-power gearbox (also referred to as gearbox assembly 46). Gearbox assembly 46 is Figure 1 Schematically shown in FIG. The gearbox assembly 46 includes a plurality of gears 47 for adjusting the rotation speed of the fan shaft 45, thereby adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 38 relative to the LP shaft 36. The gearbox assembly 46 also includes one or more gearbox bearings 48 for supporting the rotation of one or more of the plurality of gears 47. The gearbox bearings 48 may include any type of bearing, such as a journal bearing, a roller bearing, etc.

[0037] Still refer to Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the disk 42 is covered by a fan hub 49 having an aerodynamic profile to facilitate airflow through the plurality of fan blades 40. In addition, the fan section 14 includes an annular fan casing or nacelle 50 that circumferentially surrounds the fan 38. In some embodiments, the nacelle 50 circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the turbocharger engine 16. The nacelle 50 is supported relative to the turbocharger engine 16 by a plurality of outlet guide vanes 52 that are circumferentially spaced about the nacelle 50 and the turbocharger engine 16. In addition, a downstream section 54 of the nacelle 50 extends over an outer portion of the turbocharger engine 16 to define a bypass airflow passage 56 therebetween.

[0038] During operation of the turbine engine 10, a volume of air 58 enters the turbine engine 10 through the inlet 60 of the nacelle 50 or the fan section 14. As the volume of air 58 passes through the fan blades 40, a first portion of air 62 is directed or directed into the bypass airflow passage 56, while a second portion of air 64 is directed or directed into the upstream section of the core air flow path, or more specifically, into the annular inlet 20 of the LP compressor 22. The ratio between the first portion of air 62 and the second portion of air 64 is generally referred to as the bypass ratio. The pressure of the second portion of air 64 is then increased, thereby producing compressed air 65, and the compressed air 65 is directed through the HP compressor 24 and into the combustion section 26, where the compressed air 65 is mixed with fuel and combusted to produce combustion gases 66.

[0039] The combustion gases 66 are directed into and expanded through the HP turbine 28, wherein a portion of the heat and kinetic energy from the combustion gases 66 is extracted via sequential stages of HP turbine stator blades 68 coupled to the outer casing 18 and HP turbine rotor blades 70 coupled to the HP shaft 34, thereby rotating the HP shaft 34 to support operation of the HP compressor 24. The combustion gases 66 are then directed into and expanded through the LP turbine 30. Here, a second portion of the heat and kinetic energy is extracted from the combustion gases 66 via sequential stages of LP turbine stator blades 72 coupled to the outer casing 18 and LP turbine rotor blades 74 coupled to the LP shaft 36, thereby rotating the LP shaft 36 to support operation of the LP compressor 22 and rotation of the fan 38 via the gearbox assembly 46.

[0040] The combustion gases 66 are then directed through the jet exhaust nozzle section 32 of the turbocharger engine 16 to provide propulsive thrust. At the same time, the pressure of the first portion of air 62 is significantly increased as it is directed through the bypass airflow passage 56 before being discharged from the fan nozzle exhaust section 76 of the turbine engine 10, also providing propulsive thrust. The HP turbine 28, the LP turbine 30, and the jet exhaust nozzle section 32 at least partially define a hot gas path 78 for directing the combustion gases 66 through the turbocharger engine 16.

[0041] The controller 102 is in communication with the turbine engine 10 for controlling various aspects of the turbine engine 10. For example, the controller 102 is in bidirectional communication with the turbine engine 10 for receiving signals from various sensors and control systems of the turbine engine 10 and for controlling components of the turbine engine 10, as described in further detail below. The controller 102 or components thereof may be located on the turbine engine 10, on the aircraft, or may be located at a location remote from each of the turbine engine 10 and the aircraft. The controller 102 may be a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) for controlling various aspects of the turbine engine 10.

[0042] The controller 102 may be a stand-alone controller or part of an engine controller for operating various systems of the turbine engine 10. In this embodiment, the controller 102 is a computing device having one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors may be any suitable processing device, including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, a logic device, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The memory may include one or more computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer-readable media, computer-readable non-volatile media (e.g., flash memory), RAM, ROM, a hard drive, a flash drive, or other memory devices.

[0043] The memory can store information accessible to one or more processors, including computer-readable instructions that can be executed by one or more processors. Instructions can be any set of instructions or sequence of instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors and controller 102 to perform operations. Controller 102, more specifically, one or more processors are programmed or configured to perform these operations, such as the operations discussed further below. In some embodiments, instructions can be executed by one or more processors to cause one or more processors to perform any operations and functions that controller 102 is configured for, as will be further described below. Instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language, or they can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, instructions can be executed in logically or virtually independent threads on a processor. The memory can also store data that can be accessed by one or more processors.

[0044] The technology discussed herein relates to computer-based systems and actions taken by computer-based systems and information sent to and from computer-based systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for multiple possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functions between and among components. For example, the processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memories, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed on multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel.

[0045] Figure 1 The turbine engine 10 shown in is only by way of example. In other exemplary embodiments, the turbine engine 10 may have any other suitable configuration. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the fan 38 may be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., as a fixed pitch fan), and may also be supported using any other suitable fan frame configuration. In addition, in other exemplary embodiments, any other suitable number or configuration of compressors, turbines, shafts, or combinations thereof may be provided. In other exemplary embodiments, various aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any other suitable turbine engine, such as a turbofan engine, a propfan engine, a turbojet engine, a turboprop engine, or a turboshaft engine.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine 200 having a lubrication system 220 according to the present disclosure. The turbine engine 200 may be used as Figure 11 and 10. The turbine engine 10 of claim 1 includes a fan 202 having a plurality of fan blades 204 coupled to a fan shaft 206. The fan shaft 206 includes a fan shaft gear 208. The turbine engine 200 includes one or more rotating components 210 that allow various components of the turbine engine 200 (e.g., shafts, gears, etc.) to rotate. The one or more rotating components 210 may be, for example, a shaft (e.g., Figure 1 HP shaft 34 or LP shaft 36), gears (e.g., Figure 1 multiple gears 47) or bearings, the bearings including engine bearings (e.g., Figure 1 engine bearings 37) or gearbox bearings (e.g. Figure 1 The one or more rotating components 210 may be embodied as any rotating component of the turbine engine 200.

[0047] The lubrication system 220 includes a main lubrication system 222, one or more tanks 224, and an auxiliary lubrication system 240. The main lubrication system 222 includes a main pump 226 and a main lubricant supply line 228. The one or more tanks 224 store lubricants therein. The lubricant may include any type of lubricant for lubricating one or more rotating components 210 of the turbine engine 200. For example, the lubricant is oil, etc. The one or more tanks 224 may include at least one of a main tank or an auxiliary tank. The main lubricant supply line 228 is in fluid communication with the one or more tanks 224 and the one or more rotating components 210 for supplying lubricant from the one or more tanks 224 to the one or more rotating components 210. The main pump 226 is in fluid communication with the main lubricant supply line 228 for pumping lubricant from the one or more tanks 224 through the main lubricant supply line 228 to the one or more rotating components 210. The lubrication system 220 includes a sump 230 for collecting lubricant discharged from the one or more rotating components 210. The reservoir 230 is in fluid communication with the one or more tanks 224 for supplying lubricant from the reservoir 230 to the one or more tanks 224. In some embodiments, the lubrication system 220 includes a reservoir pump for pumping lubricant from the reservoir 230 to the one or more tanks 224.

[0048] The auxiliary lubrication system 240 includes an auxiliary (aux.) pump 242 and an auxiliary lubricant supply line 244. The auxiliary lubricant supply line 244 is in fluid communication with one or more tanks 224 and one or more rotating components 210. Although the auxiliary lubricant supply line 244 is depicted as a separate flow line, similar to Figure 2 The auxiliary lubricant supply line 244 may form part of the main lubricant supply line 228 , but the auxiliary lubricant supply line 244 may form part of the main lubricant supply line 228 . The auxiliary pump 242 is in fluid communication with the auxiliary lubricant supply line 244 .

[0049] The lubrication system 220 includes one or more valves 245, 247 in fluid communication with the main lubricant supply line 228 and the auxiliary lubricant supply line 244. For example, the one or more valves 245, 247 include a first valve 245 in fluid communication with the main lubricant supply line 228 and a second valve 247 in fluid communication with the auxiliary lubricant supply line 244. The one or more valves 245, 247 are Figure 2 The check valves in FIG. 224 may include any type of valve to allow lubricant to flow through, or to prevent lubricant from flowing through, the main lubricant supply line 228 or the auxiliary lubricant supply line 244, as described in further detail below.

[0050] The auxiliary pump 242 is coupled to the fan shaft 206. For example, the auxiliary pump 242 includes a pump shaft 250 coupled to the fan shaft 206. The pump shaft 250 is coupled to the fan shaft 206 via a pump shaft gear 252 that meshes with the fan shaft gear 208. In this manner, rotation of the fan shaft 206 causes the pump shaft 250 to rotate, thereby providing power to the auxiliary pump 242. The auxiliary pump 242 is a bidirectional pump that pumps lubricant from one or more tanks 224 to one or more rotating components 210 through an auxiliary lubricant supply line 244 regardless of the direction of rotation of the fan shaft 206. Fig.10 and Fig.11 An exemplary bidirectional pump is described in detail. The auxiliary pump 242 may include any type of bidirectional pump, such as a positive displacement pump, such as a piston pump, a gear pump, a gerotor, a rotary pump, a peristaltic pump, etc. The auxiliary pump 242 pumps lubricant from one or more tanks 224 to one or more rotating components 210 when the fan shaft 206 rotates in a first rotational direction and when the fan shaft 206 rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. For example, the first rotational direction is the rotational direction of the fan shaft 206 when the turbine engine 200 is operating, and the second rotational direction is opposite to the rotational direction of the fan shaft 206 during operation (e.g., when the fan 202 is windmilling in the second rotational direction).

[0051] The auxiliary lubrication system 240 includes a clutch 254 that controls the operation of the auxiliary pump 242. For example, the clutch 254 is coupled to the pump shaft 250 and engages the pump shaft 250 to operate the auxiliary pump 242 and disengages the pump shaft 250 to prevent operation of the auxiliary pump 242. The clutch 254 may include any type of clutch for engaging or disengaging the pump shaft 250. The lubrication system 220 includes a lubricant pressure signal line 256 that is in fluid communication with the main lubrication system 222 and the clutch 254. For example, the lubricant pressure signal line 256 is in fluid communication with the main lubricant supply line 228. In this manner, the clutch 254 engages or disengages the pump shaft 250 based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222, as described in further detail below.

[0052] In operation, the lubrication system 220 supplies lubricant to the one or more rotating components 210 to lubricate the one or more rotating components 210. During normal operation of the turbine engine 200, the main lubrication system 222 supplies lubricant to the one or more rotating components 210. For example, the main pump 226 pumps lubricant from the one or more tanks 224 to the one or more rotating components 210 through the main lubricant supply line 228. During normal operation, the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 causes the first valve 245 to open while causing the second valve 247 to close. For example, based on the pressure in the main lubrication system 222 being greater than the main pressure threshold of the first valve 245, the first valve 245 is opened. Based on the pressure in the main lubrication system 222 being less than the main pressure threshold of the first valve 245, the first valve 245 is closed. Similarly, based on the pressure in the auxiliary lubrication system 240 being greater than the auxiliary pressure threshold, the second valve 247 is opened, and based on the pressure in the auxiliary lubrication system 240 being less than the auxiliary pressure threshold, the second valve 247 is closed. In this manner, during normal operation of turbine engine 200, primary lubrication system 222 supplies lubricant, while auxiliary lubrication system 240 is blocked from supplying lubricant. Lubricant is drained from one or more rotating components 210 into sump 230 (as indicated by arrow 231), and the lubricant is directed to one or more tanks 224. In this manner, lubricant is recirculated through primary lubrication system 222.

[0053] When the pressure in the main lubrication system 222 is greater than a predetermined pressure threshold, the clutch 254 disengages the pump shaft 250. For example, the clutch 254 receives a pressure signal from the main lubrication system 222 via a lubricant pressure signal line 256. When the pressure in the main lubrication system 222 is greater than the main pressure threshold (e.g., during normal operation of the turbine engine 200), the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 disengages the clutch 254 from the pump shaft 250, thereby preventing the auxiliary pump 242 from operating and pumping lubricant from the one or more tanks 224.

[0054] In some cases, the main lubrication system 222 may fail to supply lubricant to one or more rotating components 210. For example, during a windmilling event when the turbine engine 200 is shut down or during a failure of the turbine engine 200 or the lubrication system 220 during flight (e.g., a failure of the main pump 226, damage to the main lubricant supply line 228, etc.), the main lubrication system 222 may fail to pressurize the lubricant to supply lubricant to the one or more rotating components 210. In this case, the windmilling event may cause the shaft of the turbine engine 200 (e.g., the fan shaft 206) to rotate, thereby causing one or more rotating components 210 of the turbine engine 200 to rotate. If the lubricant supplied to the one or more rotating components 210 is insufficient, the one or more rotating components 210 may be damaged.

[0055] Thus, in such cases, the auxiliary lubrication system 240 supplies lubricant to the one or more rotating components 210. When the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 is less than the main pressure threshold, the clutch 254 engages the pump shaft 250 so that the rotation of the fan shaft 206 causes the pump shaft 250 to rotate. In this way, the auxiliary pump 242 pumps lubricant from the one or more tanks 224 to the one or more rotating components 210 through the auxiliary lubricant supply line 244. When the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 is less than the main pressure threshold, the first valve 245 is closed and the second valve 247 is opened. Similarly, when the pressure of the lubricant in the auxiliary lubrication system 240 is greater than the auxiliary pressure threshold, the second valve 247 is opened and the first valve 245 is closed. In this way, lubricant flows to the one or more rotating components 210 through the auxiliary lubricant supply line 244. The lubricant is discharged from the one or more rotating components 210 to the sump 230 and returned to the one or more tanks 224, as described in detail above. Therefore, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 is less than the main pressure threshold, for example when the main lubrication system 222 fails during operation of the turbine engine 200, when the fan 202 experiences a windmilling phenomenon during operation, or when the turbine engine 200 is shut down, the auxiliary lubrication system 240 will supply lubricant to one or more rotating components 210.

[0056] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine 300 having a lubrication system 320 according to another embodiment. The turbine engine 300 may be used as Figure 1 The turbine engine 10. The turbine engine 300 and the lubrication system 320 respectively include Figure 2 The lubrication system 320 of the turbine engine 200 and the lubrication system 220 have many components that are the same or similar. However, the lubrication system 320 includes an auxiliary lubrication system 340 that is different from Figure 2 Auxiliary lubrication system 240.

[0057] The auxiliary lubrication system 340 includes an auxiliary (aux.) pump 342 and an auxiliary lubrication supply line 344. The auxiliary pump 342 is a bi-directional pump and includes a pump shaft 350 that is coupled to the fan shaft 206 via a pump shaft gear 352 that intermeshes with the fan shaft gear 208. A clutch 354 engages or disengages the pump shaft 350, causing the auxiliary pump 342 to operate or be prevented from operating, respectively. The clutch 354 is an electromechanical clutch that includes a lubricant pressure switch 360 and a power source 364. The lubricant pressure switch 360 is in fluid communication with the lubricant pressure signal line 356 and is in communication with the clutch 354 (as shown by line 362). The power source 364 is in communication with the clutch 354 (as shown by line 366). The power source 364 may be electricity from the turbine engine 300 (e.g., supplied to Figure 1power to controller 102 or other systems of turbine engine 300).

[0058] The operation of turbine engine 300 and lubrication system 320 are respectively Figure 2 The operation of the turbine engine 200 and the lubrication system 220 is substantially similar. However, the clutch 354 engages or disengages the pump shaft 350 based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 and the power supply from the power supply 364. For example, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 is less than the main pressure threshold (e.g., the lubricant pressure switch 360 is open) or the power supply 364 is disconnected (e.g., the clutch 354 or the lubricant pressure switch 360 is not receiving power from the power supply 364), the clutch 354 engages the pump shaft 350. In this way, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 is less than the main pressure threshold or the power supply 364 is disconnected, the auxiliary lubrication system 340 supplies lubricant from the one or more tanks 224 to the one or more rotating components 210. When the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 is greater than the main pressure threshold (e.g., the lubricant pressure switch 360 is closed) and the power source 364 is on (e.g., the clutch 354 or the lubricant pressure switch 360 is receiving power from the power source 364), the clutch 354 disengages the pump shaft 350. In this manner, the main lubrication system 222 supplies lubricant from the one or more tanks 224 to the one or more rotating components 210.

[0059] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine 400 having a lubrication system 420 according to another embodiment. The turbine engine 400 may be used as Figure 1 The turbine engine 10. The turbine engine 400 and the lubrication system 420 respectively include Figure 2 4 and 5. The lubrication system 420 of the turbine engine 200 and lubrication system 220 may have many components that are the same or similar. Lubrication system 420 includes a main lubrication system 422, one or more tanks 424, a sump 430, and an auxiliary lubrication system 440. Main lubrication system 422 includes a main pump 426 and a main lubricant supply line 428. Main pump 426 is powered by an electric motor 470, as described in further detail below.

[0060] The auxiliary lubrication system 440 includes an auxiliary (aux.) pump 442 and an auxiliary lubricant supply line 444. The auxiliary pump 442 is a bidirectional pump and includes a pump shaft 450 that is coupled to the fan shaft 206 via a pump shaft gear 452 that intermeshes with the fan shaft gear 208. A clutch 454 engages or disengages the pump shaft 450, causing the auxiliary pump 442 to operate or be prevented from operating, respectively. The clutch 454 is an electromechanical clutch that includes a lubricant pressure switch 460 and a power source 464. The lubricant pressure switch 460 is in communication with the controller 102 and is in communication with the clutch 454 (as shown by line 462). The power source 464 is in communication with the lubricant pressure switch 460 (as shown by line 466). The controller 102 is in communication with one or more pressure sensors 104 that sense the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422. For example, the one or more pressure sensors 104 sense the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubricant supply line 428. The one or more pressure sensors 104 may include any type of pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of lubricant in the primary lubrication system 422 .

[0061] The auxiliary lubricant supply line 444 is in fluid communication with the auxiliary pump 442 and the electric motor 470. The electric motor 470 is coupled to and powers the main pump 426, as described in further detail below.

[0062] The operation of turbine engine 400 and lubrication system 420 are respectively Figure 2 The operation of the turbine engine 200 and the lubrication system 220 is substantially similar. During normal operation of the turbine engine 400, the main lubrication system 422 is as described above with respect to Figure 2 During normal operation of turbine engine 400, main pump 426 is powered by an electric motor, an accessory gearbox, a turbine section of turbine engine 400 (e.g., Figure 1 The turbine section 27) etc. provide power.

[0063] The clutch 454 engages or disengages the pump shaft 450 based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422 and the power supply from the power supply 464. For example, the controller 102 receives the sensed pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422 from the one or more pressure sensors 104. During normal operation of the turbine engine 400, the main lubrication system 422 supplies lubricant to the one or more rotating components 210. For example, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422 is greater than the main pressure threshold (e.g., the controller 102 controls the lubricant pressure switch 460 to be closed) and the power supply 464 is on (e.g., the lubricant pressure switch 460 is receiving power from the power supply 464), the clutch 454 disengages the pump shaft 450. In this way, the main lubrication system 422 supplies lubricant from the one or more tanks 424 to the one or more rotating components 210.

[0064] During a situation where the main lubrication system 422 is unable to supply lubricant to one or more rotating components 210 under normal operation of the turbine engine 400 (e.g., the fan 202 experiences a windmilling phenomenon), the auxiliary lubrication system 440 provides power to the main pump 426 to supply lubricant to the one or more rotating components 210. For example, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422 is less than the main pressure threshold (e.g., the controller 102 controls the lubricant pressure switch 460 to be open), the power supply 464 is disconnected (e.g., the lubricant pressure switch does not receive power from the power supply 464), or the lubricant pressure switch 460 does not receive a signal from the controller 102, the clutch 454 engages the pump shaft 450. In this manner, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422 is less than the main pressure threshold, the power supply 464 is disconnected, or the lubricant pressure switch 460 does not receive a signal from the controller 102, the auxiliary lubrication system 440 supplies lubricant from the one or more tanks 424 to the motor 470 through the auxiliary lubricant supply line 444. For example, the motor 470 is a hydraulic motor and is powered by lubricant flowing through the motor 470 from the auxiliary lubricant supply line 444. The lubricant then flows from the motor 470 to the sump 430 or one or more tanks 424 (as indicated by arrow 472). In this manner, the auxiliary lubrication system 440 powers the motor 470, and the motor 470 powers the main pump 426 to pump lubricant from the one or more tanks 424 to the one or more rotating components 210 through the main lubricant supply line 428.

[0065] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine 500 having a lubrication system 520 according to another embodiment. The turbine engine 500 may be used as Figure 1 The turbine engine 10. The turbine engine 500 and the lubrication system 520 respectively include Figure 4The turbine engine 400 and the lubrication system 420 have many components that are the same or similar. However, the lubrication system 520 includes an auxiliary lubrication system 540 that is different from Figure 4 Auxiliary lubrication system 440.

[0066] In particular, the auxiliary lubrication system 540 includes a clutch 554, which is controlled by a lubricant pressure switch 560, a control signal switch 563, and a power source 564. The lubricant pressure switch 560 and the control signal switch 563 are in communication with the clutch 554 (as indicated by arrow 562), and the power source 564 is in communication with the lubricant pressure switch 560 and the control signal switch 563 (as indicated by line 566). The lubricant pressure switch 560 is in fluid communication with the main lubrication system 422 via the lubricant pressure signal line 556. The control signal switch 563 is in communication with the controller 102, so that the control signal switch 563 receives a signal from the controller 102.

[0067] The operation of turbine engine 500 and lubrication system 520 are respectively Figure 4 The operation of the turbine engine 400 and the lubrication system 420 is substantially similar. However, the clutch 554 engages or disengages the pump shaft 450 based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422, the signal from the controller 102, and the power supply from the power supply 564. For example, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422 is less than the main pressure threshold (e.g., the lubricant pressure switch 560 is open), the control signal switch 563 does not receive a signal from the controller 102, or the power supply 564 is disconnected, the clutch 554 engages the pump shaft 450. In this way, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422 is less than the main pressure threshold (e.g., the lubricant pressure switch 560 is open), the controller 102 is offline (e.g., the control signal switch 563 is open), or the power supply 564 is disconnected, the auxiliary lubrication system 540 supplies lubricant from the one or more tanks 424 to the motor 470.

[0068] When the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 422 is greater than the main pressure threshold (e.g., the lubricant pressure switch 560 is closed), the controller 102 is online and sends a signal to the control signal switch 563 (e.g., the control signal switch 563 is closed), and the power supply 564 is on (e.g., the clutch 554, the lubricant pressure switch 560, or the control signal switch 563 is receiving power from the power supply 564), the clutch 554 disengages the pump shaft 450. In this manner, during normal operation of the turbine engine 500, the main lubrication system 422 supplies lubricant from the one or more tanks 424 to the one or more rotating components 210.

[0069] Figure 6FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine 600 having a lubrication system 620 according to another embodiment. The turbine engine 600 may be used as Figure 1 The turbine engine 10. The turbine engine 600 and the lubrication system 620 respectively include Figure 4 The lubrication system 620 has many components that are the same or similar to the turbine engine 400. However, the lubrication system 620 includes an auxiliary lubrication system 640 that is different from Figure 4 Auxiliary lubrication system 440.

[0070] In particular, the auxiliary lubrication system 640 includes a clutch 654, which is different from Figure 4 4. Clutch 654 is a centrifugal clutch that engages or disengages pump shaft 450 based on the rotational speed of fan 202 (e.g., fan shaft 206). The operation of turbine engine 600 and lubrication system 620 are respectively Figure 4 The operation of turbine engine 400 and lubrication system 420 is substantially similar. However, when the rotational speed of fan 202 is less than the fan speed threshold, clutch 654 engages pump shaft 450. When the rotational speed of fan 202 is greater than the fan speed threshold, clutch 654 disengages pump shaft 450.

[0071] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine 700 having a lubrication system 720 according to another embodiment. The turbine engine 700 may be used as Figure 1 The turbine engine 10. The turbine engine 700 and the lubrication system 720 respectively include Figure 2 The lubrication system 720 of the turbine engine 200 and the lubrication system 220 have many components that are the same or similar. However, the lubrication system 720 includes an auxiliary lubrication system 740 that is different from Figure 2 Auxiliary lubrication system 240.

[0072] Auxiliary lubrication system 740 includes an auxiliary (aux.) pump 742, an auxiliary lubrication supply line 744, a pump shaft 750, a pump shaft gear 752, a plurality of clutches 754, and a lubricant pressure signal line 756. Auxiliary pump 742 is a unidirectional pump that operates in a single rotational direction to pump lubricant from one or more tanks 224.

[0073] The plurality of clutches 754 converts the bidirectional rotation of the fan 202 (e.g., the fan shaft 206) into a single rotation direction so that the auxiliary pump 742 operates in a single rotation direction. The plurality of clutches 754 include a first clutch 754a, a second clutch 754b, and a third clutch 754c. The first clutch 754a is in fluid communication with the main lubrication system 222 through a lubricant pressure signal line 756. In this way, the first clutch 754a engages or disengages the pump shaft 750 based on the pressure in the main lubrication system 222. The second clutch 754b and the third clutch 754c are sprag clutches. In this way, the second clutch 754b and the third clutch 754c are one-way clutches. The second clutch 754b operates in a first clutch rotation direction, while the third clutch 754c operates in a second clutch rotation direction opposite to the first clutch rotation direction. The first clutch rotation direction is the same as the operating rotation direction of the pump shaft 750 for operating the auxiliary pump 742. The third clutch 754c is coupled to the reverse gear 755 to rotate in a direction opposite to the second clutch rotation direction. In this manner, when the second clutch 754b engages the pump shaft 750 and when the third clutch 754c engages the pump shaft 750, the pump shaft 750 rotates in the operating rotational direction.

[0074] The operation of turbine engine 700 and lubrication system 720 are respectively Figure 2 The operation of the turbine engine 200 and the lubrication system 220 is substantially similar. When the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 222 is less than the lubricant pressure threshold, the first clutch 754a engages the pump shaft 750. If the fan 202 (e.g., the fan shaft 206) rotates in a first fan rotation direction that is the same as the operating rotation direction of the pump shaft 750, the second clutch 754b engages the pump shaft 750 to operate the auxiliary pump 742. If the fan 202 (e.g., the fan shaft 206) rotates in a second fan rotation direction that is different from the operating direction of the pump shaft 750, the third clutch 754c engages the pump shaft 750, and the reversing gear 755 converts the rotation direction to the operating direction of the pump shaft 750. In this way, the auxiliary pump 742 operates in a single rotation direction regardless of the fan rotation direction of the fan 202.

[0075] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine 800 having a lubrication system 820 according to another embodiment. The turbine engine 800 may be used as Figure 1 The turbine engine 10. The turbine engine 800 and the lubrication system 820 respectively include Figure 2The turbine engine 200 and the lubrication system 220 have many components that are the same or similar. The turbine engine 800 includes one or more rotating components 810, and the one or more rotating components 810 include one or more first rotating components 810a and one or more second rotating components 810b. The one or more first rotating components 810a can be used as Figure 1 One or more engine bearings 37, and one or more second rotating components 810b can be used as Figure 1 One or more gearbox bearings 48. One or more first rotating components 810a and one or more second rotating components 810b may be any rotating components of the turbine engine 800.

[0076] The lubrication system 820 includes a main lubrication system 822, one or more tanks 824, a sump 830, and an auxiliary lubrication system 840. The main lubrication system 822 includes a main pump 826 and a main lubricant supply line 828. The main lubricant supply line 828 is in fluid communication with the one or more tanks 824 and the one or more first rotating components 810a. The auxiliary lubrication system 840 includes an auxiliary (aux.) pump 842 and an auxiliary lubricant supply line 844. The auxiliary pump 842 is a bidirectional pump and includes a pump shaft 850, which is coupled to the fan shaft 206 via a pump shaft gear 852 that intermeshes with the fan shaft gear 208. The auxiliary lubrication system 840 does not include a clutch.

[0077] The auxiliary lubrication system 840 supplies lubricant from one or more tanks 824 to one or more second rotating components 810b during normal operation of the turbine engine 800 and during windmilling of the fan 202. An auxiliary lubricant supply line 844 is in fluid communication with the one or more tanks 824 and the one or more second rotating components 810b. The auxiliary lubrication system 840 includes a pressure regulator 843, which maintains the pressure of the lubricant to the one or more second rotating components 810b below a maximum lubricant pressure threshold, as further described below.

[0078] The operation of turbine engine 800 and lubrication system 820 are respectively Figure 2 The operation of turbine engine 200 and lubrication system 220 is substantially similar. Main lubrication system 822 supplies lubricant to one or more first rotating components 810a during normal operation of turbine engine 800. For example, main pump 826 pumps lubricant from one or more tanks 824 to one or more first rotating components 810a through main lubricant supply line 828. Lubricant is discharged from one or more first rotating components 810a to storage tank 830 (as shown by arrow 831a).

[0079] The auxiliary lubrication system 840 supplies lubricant to one or more second rotating components 810b. For example, the auxiliary pump 842 pumps lubricant from one or more tanks 824 to one or more second rotating components 810b through the auxiliary lubricant supply line 844. The lubricant is discharged from the one or more second rotating components 810b to the storage tank 830 (as shown by arrow 831b). During the normal operation of the turbine engine 800, the pressure regulator 843 ensures that the pressure of the lubricant to the one or more second rotating components 810b does not exceed the maximum pressure threshold. For example, during the normal operation of the turbine engine 800, the fan 202 (e.g., the fan shaft 206) rotates at a high fan speed, thereby causing the auxiliary pump 842 to rotate at a high pump speed. Therefore, the pressure regulator 843 guides a portion of the lubricant to bypass the one or more second rotating components 810b to the storage tank 830 or one or more tanks 824 (as shown by arrow 831c). During the windmill phenomenon, when the fan 202 rotates at a low fan speed, the auxiliary pump 842 rotates at a low pump speed. In this case, the pressure regulator 843 directs substantially all of the lubricant in the auxiliary lubricant supply line 844 to the one or more second rotating components 810b. Thus, during normal operation of the turbine engine 800 and during windmilling of the fan 202, the auxiliary lubrication system 840 supplies lubricant from the one or more tanks 824 to the one or more second rotating components 810b.

[0080] Fig. 9 FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine 900 having a lubrication system 920 according to another embodiment. The turbine engine 900 may be used as Figure 1 The turbine engine 10. The turbine engine 900 and the lubrication system 920 respectively include Figure 8 Turbine engine 800 and lubrication system 820 have many components that are the same or similar.

[0081] The lubrication system 920 includes a main lubrication system 922 and an auxiliary lubrication system 940. The main lubrication system 922 includes a main pump 926 and a main lubricant supply line 928. The main lubricant supply line 928 includes a first main lubricant supply line 928a and a second main lubricant supply line 928b. The first main lubricant supply line 928a is in fluid communication with one or more tanks 824 and one or more first rotating components 810a. The second main lubricant supply line 928b is in fluid communication with one or more tanks 824 and one or more second rotating components 810b.

[0082] The auxiliary lubrication system 940 includes an auxiliary (aux.) pump 942, an auxiliary lubricant supply line 944, and a pressure regulator 943. The auxiliary pump 942 is a bidirectional pump and includes a pump shaft 950, which is coupled to the fan shaft 206 via a pump shaft gear 952 that intermeshes with the fan shaft gear 208. The auxiliary lubrication system 840 does not include a clutch. The auxiliary lubricant supply line 944 is in fluid communication with one or more tanks 824 and one or more second rotating components 810b. The lubrication system 920 also includes one or more valves 945, 947, which include a first valve 945 and a second valve 947. The one or more valves 945, 947 and Figure 2 The one or more valves 245, 247 are substantially similar.

[0083] The operation of turbine engine 900 and lubrication system 920 are respectively Figure 8 The operation of the turbine engine 800 and the lubrication system 820 is substantially similar. During normal operation of the turbine engine 900, the main lubrication system 922 supplies lubricant from one or more tanks 824 to one or more first rotating components 810a and one or more second rotating components 810b. For example, the main pump 926 pumps lubricant from one or more tanks 824 to one or more first rotating components 810a through a first main lubricant supply line 928a. The main pump 926 pumps lubricant from one or more tanks 824 to one or more second rotating components 810b through a second main lubricant supply line 928b. During normal operation of the turbine engine 900, the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system 922 opens the first valve 945 and closes the second valve 947, so that the lubricant flows to the one or more second rotating components 810b.

[0084] When the turbine engine 900 is not operating under normal operation (e.g., during a windmilling event or when the lubricant in the main lubrication system 922 is less than a lubricant pressure threshold), the auxiliary lubrication system 940 supplies lubricant from one or more tanks 824 to one or more second rotating components 810b. For example, the auxiliary pump 942 pumps lubricant from one or more tanks 824, and the pressure of the lubricant in the auxiliary lubricant supply line 944 causes the second valve 947 to open and the first valve 945 to close. In this way, the lubricant flows through the auxiliary lubricant supply line 944 to the one or more second rotating components 810b.

[0085] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bidirectional pump 1000 of a turbine engine according to the present disclosure, taken along a longitudinal centerline axis of the turbine engine. The bidirectional pump 1000 may be used as any bidirectional pump detailed herein.

[0086] The bidirectional pump 1000 includes a pump housing 1002 having a plurality of hollow interiors 1004, a plurality of pistons 1006, and a pump shaft 1008. The plurality of hollow interiors 1004 include a first hollow interior 1004a and a second hollow interior 1004b. The plurality of pistons 1006 include a first piston 1006a disposed in the first hollow interior 1004a and a second piston 1006b disposed in the second hollow interior 1004b. The plurality of pistons 1006 are coupled to the pump shaft 1008. The pump shaft 1008 may be used as any pump shaft described in detail herein. The plurality of pistons 1006 are coupled to the pump shaft 1008 such that the first piston 1006a is 180° out of phase with the second piston 1006b, as described in further detail below. Although the bidirectional pump 1000 includes two pistons 1006, the bidirectional pump 1000 may include at least two or more pistons 1006 of any number. For example, the plurality of pistons 1006 may include three pistons 120° out of phase, four pistons 90° out of phase, or any number of at least two or more pistons 1006. Increasing the number of pistons 1006 reduces pump output fluctuations when the pistons pump lubricant, but also increases the weight and complexity of the bidirectional pump 1000.

[0087] Bidirectional pump 1000 includes an input flow path 1010 and an output flow path 1012. Input flow path 1010 is in fluid communication with first hollow interior 1004a and second hollow interior 1004b. For example, input flow path 1010 includes a first inlet 1014a in fluid communication with first hollow interior 1004a, and a second inlet 1014b in fluid communication with second hollow interior 1004b. Output flow path 1012 is in fluid communication with first hollow interior 1004a and second hollow interior 1004b. For example, output flow path 1012 includes a first outlet 1016a in fluid communication with first hollow interior 1004a, and a second outlet 1016b in fluid communication with second hollow interior 1004b.

[0088] The bidirectional pump 1000 includes a plurality of pump-valves 1018. The plurality of pump-valves 1018 are flapper valves, but may include any type of valve, such as a check valve, etc. The plurality of pump-valves 1018 include a first pump-valve 1018a, a second pump-valve 1018b, a third pump-valve 1018c, and a fourth pump-valve 1018d. The first pump-valve 1018a is in fluid communication with the first inlet 1014a, the second pump-valve 1018b is in fluid communication with the first outlet 1016a, the third pump-valve 1018c is in fluid communication with the second inlet 1014b, and the fourth pump-valve 1018d is in fluid communication with the second outlet 1016b.

[0089] In operation, the pump shaft 1008 rotates in a first pump rotation direction 1030. The first pump rotation direction 1030 corresponds to the fan rotation direction during operation of a turbine engine (e.g., any turbine engine detailed herein). The pump shaft 1008 may also rotate in a second pump rotation direction 1032. The second pump rotation direction 1032 is opposite to the first pump rotation direction 1030. During a windmilling event, the pump shaft 1008 may rotate in the first pump rotation direction 1030 or the second pump rotation direction 1032. As the pump shaft 1008 rotates, the plurality of pistons 1006 move downward (as indicated by arrows 1034) to draw lubricant from the input flow path 1010 into the corresponding hollow interior 1004, and move upward (as indicated by arrows 1036) to push the lubricant out of the hollow interior 1004 and out of the bidirectional pump 1000 through the output flow path 1012. For example, as the pump shaft 1008 rotates, the first piston 1006a moves downward, causing the first pump valve 1018a to open and the second pump valve 1018b to close. In this way, lubricant flows from the input flow path 1010 (as shown by arrow 1038) and flows into the first hollow interior 1004a through the first inlet 1014a, while the second pump valve 1018b prevents the lubricant from flowing into the output flow path 1012 through the first outlet 1016a. At the same time, the second piston 1006b moves upward, causing the third pump valve 1018c to close and the fourth pump valve 1018d to open. In this way, lubricant flows out of the second hollow interior 1004b through the second outlet 1016b into the output flow path 1012 (as shown by arrow 1040), while the third pump valve 1018c prevents the lubricant from flowing into the input flow path 1010 through the second inlet 1014b.

[0090] As the pump shaft 1008 continues to rotate, the first piston 1006a moves upward and the second piston 1006b moves downward. The upward movement of the first piston 1006a causes the first pump valve 1018a to close and the second pump valve 1018b to open. In this way, lubricant flows out of the first hollow interior 1004a through the first outlet 1016a into the output flow path 1012, while the first pump valve 1018a prevents the lubricant from flowing into the input flow path 1010 through the first inlet 1014a. The downward movement of the second piston 1006b causes the third pump valve 1018c to open and the fourth pump valve 1018d to close. In this way, lubricant flows from the input flow path 1010 into the second hollow interior 1004b through the second inlet 1014b, while the fourth pump valve 1018d prevents the lubricant from flowing into the output flow path 1012 through the second outlet 1016b. Thus, the bi-directional pump 1000 pumps lubricant regardless of whether the pump shaft 1008 rotates in the first pump rotation direction 1030 or the second pump rotation direction 1032 .

[0091] Fig.111 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bidirectional pump 1100 of a turbine engine taken along a longitudinal centerline axis of the turbine engine according to another embodiment. Bidirectional pump 1100 may be used as any bidirectional pump detailed herein. Bidirectional pump 1100 includes a pump housing 1102 having a hollow interior 1104 and a plurality of gears 1106. Bidirectional pump 1100 includes a pump shaft that is coupled to the plurality of gears 1106 and is not disposed in a Fig.11 The pump shaft of the bidirectional pump 1100 can be any pump shaft described in detail herein.

[0092] The plurality of gears 1106 include a first gear 1106a and a second gear 1106b disposed in the hollow interior 1104. Although the bidirectional pump 1100 includes two gears 1106, the bidirectional pump 1100 may include any number of gears 1106 of at least two or more.

[0093] Bidirectional pump 1100 includes an input flow path 1110 and an output flow path 1112. Input flow path 1110 and output flow path 1112 are in fluid communication with hollow interior 1104. For example, input flow path 1110 includes a first inlet 1114a in fluid communication with hollow interior 1104 and disposed on a first axial side of hollow interior 1104, and a second inlet 1114b in fluid communication with hollow interior 1104 and disposed on a second axial side of hollow interior 1104. Output flow path 1112 includes a first outlet 1116a in fluid communication with hollow interior 1104 and disposed on a first axial side of hollow interior 1104, and a second outlet 1116b in fluid communication with hollow interior 1104 and disposed on a second axial side of hollow interior 1104.

[0094] The bidirectional pump 1100 includes a plurality of pump valves 1118. The plurality of pump valves 1118 are flapper valves, but may include any type of valve, such as a check valve, etc. The plurality of pump valves 1118 include a first pump valve 1118a, a second pump valve 1118b, a third pump valve 1118c, and a fourth pump valve 1118d. The first pump valve 1118a is in fluid communication with the first inlet 1114a, the second pump valve 1118b is in fluid communication with the first outlet 1116a, the third pump valve 1118c is in fluid communication with the second inlet 1114b, and the fourth pump valve 1118d is in fluid communication with the second outlet 1116b.

[0095] In operation, the pump shaft rotates in a first pump rotation direction and a second pump rotation direction, as detailed above. The first pump rotation direction 1030 corresponds to the fan rotation direction during operation of the turbine engine (e.g., any turbine engine detailed herein). As the pump shaft rotates (e.g., in either direction), the plurality of gears 1106 rotate in the first gear rotation direction 1134 to draw lubricant from the input flow path 1110 into the hollow interior 1104 (as indicated by arrows 1138), and out of the hollow interior 1104 into the output flow path 1112 (as indicated by arrows 1140). For example, as the pump shaft rotates, the rotation of the plurality of gears 1106 in the first gear rotation direction 1134 causes the first pump valve 1118a to open and the second pump valve 1118b to close. In this way, lubricant flows from the input flow path 1110 and into the hollow interior 1104 through the first inlet 1114a, and the second pump valve 1118b prevents the lubricant from flowing back into the input flow path 1110 through the second inlet 1114b. At the same time, third pump valve 1118c is closed and fourth pump valve 1118d is opened. In this manner, lubricant flows out of hollow interior 1104 through second outlet 1116b into output flow path 1112, and third pump valve 1118c blocks lubricant from flowing through first outlet 1016a.

[0096] When the pump shaft rotates in the second pump rotation direction, the plurality of gears 1106 rotate in the second gear rotation direction ( Fig.11 114b). The second gear rotation direction is opposite to the first gear rotation direction 1134. The plurality of gears 1106 rotating in the second gear rotation direction causes the first pump valve 1118a and the fourth pump valve 1118d to close, and causes the second pump valve 1118b and the third pump valve 1118c to open. In this way, lubricant flows from the input flow path 1110 and into the hollow interior 1104 through the second inlet 1114b, and the first pump valve 1118a prevents the lubricant from flowing back into the input flow path 1110 through the first inlet 1114a. At the same time, the lubricant flows out of the hollow interior 1104 through the first outlet 1116a into the output flow path 1112, and the fourth pump valve 1118d prevents the lubricant from flowing through the second outlet 1116b. Therefore, whether the pump shaft rotates in the first pump rotation direction or the second pump rotation direction, the bidirectional pump 1100 pumps the lubricant.

[0097] Therefore, the present disclosure provides for supplying lubricant to one or more rotating parts during shutdown or other pressure loss situations of a turbine engine (e.g., when the turbine engine is operating). The lubrication system herein supplies lubricant during windmilling and pressure loss situations, regardless of the direction of rotation of the fan. For example, regardless of whether the fan is rotating in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the auxiliary lubrication system supplies lubricant to one or more rotating parts. In some embodiments, the auxiliary lubrication system operates passively, such as based on the pressure of the lubricant from a lubricant pressure signal line, and operates independently of the controller. In this way, the auxiliary lubrication system can operate even if the controller fails.

[0098] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0099] A lubrication system for a turbine engine, the turbine engine comprising a fan having a fan shaft and one or more rotating parts, the lubrication system comprising one or more tanks in which lubricant is stored; a main lubrication system, the main lubrication system supplies the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating parts during normal operation of the turbine engine; and an auxiliary lubrication system, the auxiliary lubrication system comprising an auxiliary pump coupled to the fan shaft, the auxiliary lubrication system supplies the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating parts based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system, rotation of the fan shaft causes the auxiliary pump to pump the lubricant to the one or more rotating parts.

[0100] Lubrication system according to the preceding clause, wherein the one or more rotating components are one or more bearings.

[0101] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the turbine engine comprises a turbocharger engine having one or more shafts, the one or more rotating components being the one or more shafts.

[0102] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more bearings are one or more engine bearings, the one or more engine bearings allowing the one or more shafts of the turbine engine to rotate.

[0103] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the turbine engine comprises a gearbox assembly having a plurality of gears, wherein the fan shaft is coupled to the turbocharger engine via the gearbox assembly, wherein the one or more rotating components are the plurality of gears.

[0104] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more bearings are one or more gearbox bearings of the gearbox assembly, the one or more gearbox bearings allowing the plurality of gears to rotate.

[0105] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the auxiliary lubrication system supplies the lubricant to the one or more rotating components when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than a main pressure threshold.

[0106] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the auxiliary lubrication system is prevented from supplying the lubricant to the one or more rotating components when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than a main pressure threshold.

[0107] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the main lubrication system comprising a main pump and a main lubricant supply line, the main pump pumping the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components through the main lubricant supply line.

[0108] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a sump which collects the lubricant exhausted from the one or more rotating components.

[0109] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the sump is in fluid communication with the tanks, the lubricant being supplied from the sump to the one or more tanks.

[0110] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the auxiliary lubrication system comprising an auxiliary lubricant supply line through which the auxiliary pump pumps the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components.

[0111] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, further comprising one or more valves in fluid communication with the main lubricant supply line and the auxiliary lubricant supply line.

[0112] According to the lubrication system of the preceding clause, the one or more valves include a first valve, which opens to allow the lubricant to flow from the main lubrication system to the one or more rotating components, and the first valve closes to prevent the lubricant from flowing from the main lubrication system to the one or more rotating components.

[0113] According to the lubrication system described in the preceding clause, the one or more valves include a second valve, which is opened to allow the lubricant to flow from the auxiliary lubrication system to the one or more rotating components, and the second valve is closed to prevent the lubricant from flowing from the auxiliary lubrication system to the one or more rotating components.

[0114] According to the lubrication system of the preceding clause, the auxiliary pump comprises a pump shaft coupled to the fan shaft, rotation of the fan shaft causing the pump shaft to rotate such that the auxiliary pump pumps the lubricant.

[0115] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the fan shaft comprises a fan shaft gear and the pump shaft comprises a pump shaft gear intermeshing with the fan shaft gear.

[0116] According to the lubrication system of any preceding clause, the auxiliary pump is a bidirectional pump, which pumps the lubricant to the one or more rotating parts when the fan shaft rotates in a first rotational direction and when the fan shaft rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0117] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the auxiliary lubrication system comprising a clutch which engages the pump shaft to operate the auxiliary pump, or disengages the pump shaft to prevent operation of the auxiliary pump.

[0118] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch disengages the pump shaft when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than a main pressure threshold.

[0119] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch engages the pump shaft when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than a main pressure threshold.

[0120] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a lubricant pressure signal line in fluid communication with the main lubrication system and the clutch, the lubricant pressure signal line engaging or disengaging the clutch based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system.

[0121] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the clutch being coupled to a lubricant pressure switch which engages or disengages the clutch from the pump shaft based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system.

[0122] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than the main pressure threshold, the lubricant pressure switch closes to disengage the clutch from the pump shaft.

[0123] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than the main pressure threshold, the lubricant pressure switch opens to cause the clutch to engage the pump shaft.

[0124] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a power source in communication with the clutch and supplying power to the clutch to engage or disengage the pump shaft.

[0125] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch disengages the pump shaft when the power source supplies power to the clutch.

[0126] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch engages the pump shaft when the power source is not providing power to the clutch.

[0127] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a controller in communication with the clutch to engage or disengage the pump shaft.

[0128] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, further comprising one or more pressure sensors sensing the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system.

[0129] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the controller receives a sensed pressure of the lubricant in the primary lubrication system from the one or more pressure sensors.

[0130] In a lubrication system according to any preceding clause, when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than the main pressure threshold, the controller controls the clutch to disengage the pump shaft.

[0131] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the controller controls the clutch to engage the pump shaft when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than the main pressure threshold.

[0132] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein the controller is in communication with the lubricant pressure switch, the controller controlling the lubricant pressure switch to open or close based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system.

[0133] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, further comprising an electric motor powering the main pump.

[0134] According to the lubrication system described in any of the preceding items, the electric motor is a hydraulic motor, the hydraulic motor is fluidically connected to the auxiliary pump through the auxiliary lubricant pipeline, the auxiliary pump pumps the lubricant to the electric motor through the auxiliary lubricant pipeline to provide power to the electric motor, thereby causing the main pump to pump the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating parts.

[0135] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a control signal switch that engages or disengages the clutch based on a control signal from the controller.

[0136] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein the control signal switch disengages the clutch from the pump shaft when the control signal switch receives a control signal from the controller.

[0137] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the control signal switch causes the clutch to engage the pump shaft when the control signal switch does not receive the control signal from the controller.

[0138] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch is a centrifugal clutch which is engaged or disengaged based on the rotational speed of the fan.

[0139] A lubrication system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch disengages the pump shaft when the rotational speed of the fan is greater than a fan speed threshold.

[0140] A lubrication system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch engages the pump shaft when the rotational speed of the fan is less than the fan speed threshold.

[0141] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the auxiliary pump is a unidirectional pump that pumps the lubricant to the one or more rotating components based on a single rotational direction of the pump shaft.

[0142] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch is a first clutch, the lubrication system further comprising a second clutch and a third clutch, the second clutch and the third clutch being one-way clutches rotating in opposite directions.

[0143] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the third clutch being coupled to a reversing gear which reverses a direction of rotation of the third clutch to the direction of rotation of the pump shaft.

[0144] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second clutch and the third clutch are sprag clutches.

[0145] According to the lubrication system of any preceding clause, the one or more rotating components include one or more first rotating components and one or more second rotating components, the main lubrication system supplies the lubricant to the one or more first rotating components, and the auxiliary lubrication system supplies the lubricant to the one or more second rotating components.

[0146] A lubrication system as in any preceding clause, the auxiliary lubrication system comprising a pressure regulator directing at least a portion of the lubricant to the one or more tanks to bypass the one or more second rotating components during normal operation of the turbine engine.

[0147] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the pressure regulator directs substantially all of the lubricant in the auxiliary lubrication system to the one or more second rotating components when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than the main pressure threshold.

[0148] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more first rotating components are one or more engine bearings.

[0149] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more second rotational components are one or more gearbox bearings.

[0150] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the auxiliary pump is a bi-directional pump.

[0151] The lubrication system according to the preceding clause, the bidirectional pump comprises a first hollow interior and a second hollow interior, and a first piston within the first hollow interior and a second piston within the second hollow interior.

[0152] The lubrication system according to the preceding clause, the first piston and the second piston are coupled to the pump shaft such that rotation of the pump shaft causes the first piston and the second piston to move upward or downward.

[0153] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising an input flow path having a first inlet in fluid communication with the first hollow interior and a second inlet in fluid communication with the second hollow interior.

[0154] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising an output flow path having a first outlet in fluid communication with the first hollow interior and a second outlet in fluid communication with the second hollow interior.

[0155] According to the lubrication system described in any of the preceding items, the bidirectional pump includes a plurality of pump valves, the plurality of pump valves including a first valve connected to the first inlet fluid, a second valve connected to the first outlet fluid, a third valve connected to the second inlet fluid, and a fourth valve connected to the second outlet fluid.

[0156] A lubrication system as in any preceding clause, wherein when the first piston moves downwardly, the first valve opens to allow the lubricant to flow into the first hollow interior through the first inlet.

[0157] A lubrication system as in any preceding clause, wherein when the first piston moves upwardly, the second valve opens to allow the lubricant to flow into the outlet flow path and out of the first hollow interior through the first outlet.

[0158] A lubrication system as in any preceding clause, wherein when the second piston moves downwardly, the third valve opens to allow the lubricant to flow into the second hollow interior through the second inlet.

[0159] A lubrication system as in any preceding clause, wherein when the second piston moves upwardly, the fourth valve opens to allow the lubricant to flow into the outlet flow path and out of the second hollow interior through the second outlet.

[0160] A lubrication system as described in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising a hollow interior and a plurality of gears disposed within the hollow interior.

[0161] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising a first inlet and a first outlet disposed on a first axial side of the hollow interior.

[0162] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising a second inlet and a second outlet disposed on a second axial side of the hollow interior.

[0163] According to the lubrication system described in any of the preceding items, the bidirectional pump includes a plurality of pump valves, the plurality of pump valves including a first pump valve connected to the first inlet fluid, a second pump valve connected to the second inlet fluid, a third pump valve connected to the first outlet fluid, and a fourth pump valve connected to the second outlet fluid.

[0164] According to the lubrication system of the preceding clause, when the fan rotates in a first rotational direction, the first pump valve and the fourth pump valve are opened and the second pump valve and the third pump valve are closed to allow the lubricant to flow from the input flow path to the outlet flow path through the first inlet and the second outlet.

[0165] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein when the fan rotates in a second rotational direction, the second pump valve and the third pump valve are opened and the first pump valve and the fourth pump valve are closed to allow the lubricant to flow from the input flow path to the outlet flow path through the second inlet and the first outlet.

[0166] A turbine engine, comprising a fan and a turbocharger, and a lubrication system. The fan is coupled to the turbocharger. The turbine engine comprises one or more rotating parts. The lubrication system is a lubrication system according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0167] A method of operating a lubrication system according to any preceding clause, the method comprising, during normal operation of the turbine engine, supplying the lubricant from one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components through the main lubrication system, and supplying the lubricant to the one or more rotating components through the auxiliary lubrication system by pumping the lubricant using the auxiliary pump based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system, the turbine engine comprising a fan having a fan shaft, and rotation of the fan shaft causes the auxiliary pump to pump the lubricant to the one or more rotating components.

[0168] A method as recited in the preceding clause, wherein said one or more rotating components are one or more bearings.

[0169] A method as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the turbine engine comprises a turbocharger engine having one or more shafts, the one or more rotating components being the one or more shafts.

[0170] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more bearings are one or more engine bearings, the one or more engine bearings allowing the one or more shafts of the turbine engine to rotate.

[0171] A method as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the turbine engine comprises a gearbox assembly having a plurality of gears, the fan shaft being coupled to the turbocharger engine via the gearbox assembly, the one or more rotating components being the plurality of gears.

[0172] The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising supplying the lubricant to the one or more rotating components through the auxiliary lubrication system when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than a main pressure threshold.

[0173] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising preventing the auxiliary lubrication system from supplying the lubricant to the one or more rotating components when the pressure of the lubricant in the primary lubrication system is greater than a primary pressure threshold.

[0174] A method according to any preceding clause, the main lubrication system comprising a main pump and a main lubricant supply line, the method further comprising pumping the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components through the main lubricant supply line using the main pump.

[0175] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising collecting the lubricant exhausted from the one or more rotating components using a sump.

[0176] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising supplying the lubricant from the sump to the one or more tanks.

[0177] A method as in any preceding clause, the auxiliary lubrication system comprising an auxiliary lubricant supply line, the method further comprising pumping the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components through the auxiliary lubricant supply line using the auxiliary pump.

[0178] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising one or more valves in fluid communication with the primary lubricant supply line and the auxiliary lubricant supply line.

[0179] According to the method described in the preceding clause, the one or more valves include a first valve, and the method further includes opening the first valve to allow the lubricant to flow from the main lubrication system to the one or more rotating components, and closing the first valve to prevent the lubricant from flowing from the main lubrication system to the one or more rotating components.

[0180] According to the method described in the preceding clause, the one or more valves include a second valve, and the method further includes opening the second valve to allow the lubricant to flow from the auxiliary lubrication system to the one or more rotating components, and closing the second valve to prevent the lubricant from flowing from the auxiliary lubrication system to the one or more rotating components.

[0181] A method as in any preceding clause, the auxiliary pump comprising a pump shaft coupled to the fan shaft, the method further comprising rotating the pump shaft such that the auxiliary pump pumps the lubricant as the fan shaft rotates.

[0182] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the fan shaft comprises a fan shaft gear and the pump shaft comprises a pump shaft gear intermeshing with the fan shaft gear.

[0183] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the auxiliary pump is a bidirectional pump that pumps the lubricant to the one or more rotating components when the fan shaft rotates in a first rotational direction and when the fan shaft rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0184] A method according to any preceding clause, further comprising engaging the pump shaft with a clutch to operate the auxiliary pump, and disengaging the pump shaft to prevent operation of the auxiliary pump.

[0185] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising disengaging the pump shaft from the clutch when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than the main pressure threshold.

[0186] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising engaging the pump shaft with the clutch when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than the main pressure threshold.

[0187] According to the method described in any of the preceding clauses, the auxiliary lubrication system further includes a lubricant pressure signal pipeline connected to the main lubrication system and the clutch fluid, and the method further includes engaging or disengaging the clutch from the pump shaft based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system from the lubricant pressure signal pipeline.

[0188] A method as claimed in any preceding clause, the clutch being coupled to a lubricant pressure switch, the method further comprising using the lubricant pressure switch to engage or disengage the clutch from a pump shaft based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system.

[0189] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising closing the lubricant pressure switch to disengage the clutch from the pump shaft when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than the main pressure threshold.

[0190] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising opening the lubricant pressure switch to cause the clutch to engage the pump shaft when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than the main pressure threshold.

[0191] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the auxiliary lubrication system further comprises a power source in communication with the clutch, the method further comprising supplying power to the clutch using the power source to engage or disengage the pump shaft.

[0192] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising disengaging the pump shaft from the clutch when the power source supplies power to the clutch.

[0193] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising engaging the pump shaft with the clutch when the power source is not providing power to the clutch.

[0194] A method as claimed in any preceding clause, further comprising controlling the clutch to engage or disengage the pump shaft using a controller.

[0195] A method as described in any preceding clause, further comprising sensing the pressure of the lubricant in the primary lubrication system using one or more pressure sensors.

[0196] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising sending a sensed pressure of the lubricant in the primary lubrication system from the one or more pressure sensors to the controller.

[0197] A method according to any preceding clause, further comprising controlling the clutch to disengage the pump shaft using the controller when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than the main pressure threshold.

[0198] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising controlling the clutch using the controller to engage the pump shaft when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than the main pressure threshold.

[0199] A method according to any preceding clause, further comprising controlling the lubricant pressure switch to open or close based on the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system using the controller.

[0200] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising powering the main pump using an electric motor.

[0201] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the electric motor is a hydraulic motor, the hydraulic motor being fluidically connected to the auxiliary pump via the auxiliary lubricant line, the method further comprising using the auxiliary pump to pump the lubricant to the electric motor via the auxiliary lubricant line to provide power to the electric motor, thereby causing the main pump to pump the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components.

[0202] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising engaging or disengaging the clutch based on a control signal from the controller using a control signal switch.

[0203] A method according to any preceding clause, further comprising disengaging the clutch from the pump shaft when the control signal switch receives a control signal from the controller.

[0204] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising engaging the clutch to the pump shaft when the control signal switch does not receive the control signal from the controller.

[0205] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch is a centrifugal clutch, the method further comprising engaging or disengaging the pump shaft from the clutch based on a rotational speed of the fan.

[0206] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising disengaging the pump shaft from the clutch when the rotational speed of the fan is greater than a fan speed threshold.

[0207] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising engaging the pump shaft with the clutch when the rotational speed of the fan is less than the fan speed threshold.

[0208] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the auxiliary pump is a unidirectional pump that pumps the lubricant to the one or more rotating components based on a single rotational direction of the pump shaft.

[0209] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the clutch is a first clutch, the lubrication system further comprising a second clutch and a third clutch, the second clutch and the third clutch being one-way clutches rotating in opposite directions.

[0210] A method as in any preceding clause, the third clutch being coupled to a reversing gear which reverses a direction of rotation of the third clutch to the direction of rotation of the pump shaft.

[0211] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the second clutch and the third clutch are sprag clutches.

[0212] According to the method of any preceding clause, the one or more rotating components include one or more first rotating components and one or more second rotating components, and the method further includes supplying the lubricant to the one or more first rotating components using the main lubrication system, and supplying the lubricant to the one or more second rotating components using the auxiliary lubrication system.

[0213] A method according to any preceding clause, the auxiliary lubrication system comprising a pressure regulator, the method further comprising directing at least a portion of the lubricant to the one or more tanks to bypass the one or more second rotating components using the pressure regulator during normal operation of the turbine engine.

[0214] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising directing substantially all of the lubricant in the auxiliary lubrication system to the one or more rotating components using the pressure regulator when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than the main pressure threshold.

[0215] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more first rotating components are one or more engine bearings.

[0216] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more second rotational components are one or more gearbox bearings.

[0217] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the auxiliary pump is a bi-directional pump.

[0218] The method of the preceding clause, the bidirectional pump comprising a first hollow interior and a second hollow interior, and a first piston within the first hollow interior and a second piston within the second hollow interior.

[0219] The method of the preceding clause, wherein the first piston and the second piston are coupled to the pump shaft such that rotation of the pump shaft causes the first piston and the second piston to move upward or downward.

[0220] A method as in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising an input flow path having a first inlet in fluid communication with the first hollow interior and a second inlet in fluid communication with the second hollow interior.

[0221] A method as in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising an output flow path having a first outlet in fluid communication with the first hollow interior and a second outlet in fluid communication with the second hollow interior.

[0222] According to the method described in any of the preceding clauses, the bidirectional pump includes a plurality of pump valves, the plurality of pump valves including a first valve connected to the first inlet fluid, a second valve connected to the first outlet fluid, a third valve connected to the second inlet fluid, and a fourth valve connected to the second outlet fluid.

[0223] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising opening the first valve to allow the lubricant to flow into the first hollow interior through the first inlet when the first piston moves downwardly.

[0224] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising opening the second valve to allow the lubricant to flow into the outlet flow path and out of the first hollow interior through the first outlet when the first piston moves upward.

[0225] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising opening the third valve to allow the lubricant to flow into the second hollow interior through the second inlet when the second piston moves downward.

[0226] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising opening the fourth valve to allow the lubricant to flow into the outlet flow path and out of the second hollow interior through the second outlet when the second piston moves upward.

[0227] A method as in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising a hollow interior and a plurality of gears disposed within the hollow interior.

[0228] A method as in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising a first inlet and a first outlet disposed on a first axial side of the hollow interior.

[0229] A method as in any preceding clause, the bi-directional pump comprising a second inlet and a second outlet disposed on a second axial side of the hollow interior.

[0230] According to the method described in any of the preceding clauses, the bidirectional pump includes a plurality of pump valves, the plurality of pump valves including a first pump valve connected to the first inlet fluid, a second pump valve connected to the second inlet fluid, a third pump valve connected to the first outlet fluid, and a fourth pump valve connected to the second outlet fluid.

[0231] The method according to the preceding clause further comprises: when the fan rotates in a first rotational direction, opening the first pump valve and the fourth pump valve and closing the second pump valve and the third pump valve to allow the lubricant to flow from the input flow path to the outlet flow path through the first inlet and the second outlet.

[0232] The method according to any preceding clause, further comprising: when the fan rotates in a second rotational direction, opening the second pump valve and the third pump valve and closing the first pump valve and the fourth pump valve to allow the lubricant to flow from the input flow path to the outlet flow path through the second inlet and the first outlet.

[0233] Although the above description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, even if not explicitly stated above, the features described in conjunction with one embodiment of the present disclosure may also be used in conjunction with other embodiments.

Claims

1. A lubrication system for a turbine engine, the turbine engine comprising a fan having a fan shaft and one or more rotating parts, characterized in that: The lubrication system comprises: one or more tanks in which lubricant is stored; a primary lubrication system that supplies the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components during normal operation of the turbine engine; and an auxiliary lubrication system comprising an auxiliary pump coupled to the fan shaft, the auxiliary lubrication system supplying lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components based on a pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system, wherein rotation of the fan shaft causes the auxiliary pump to pump the lubricant to the one or more rotating components.

2. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more rotating components include at least one of one or more bearings, one or more shafts of a turbocharger engine, or one or more gears of a gearbox assembly.

3. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Wherein when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is less than a main pressure threshold, the auxiliary lubrication system supplies the lubricant to the one or more rotating components.

4. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Wherein when the pressure of the lubricant in the main lubrication system is greater than a main pressure threshold, the auxiliary lubrication system is prevented from supplying the lubricant to the one or more rotating components.

5. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary pump is a bidirectional pump that pumps the lubricant to the one or more rotating components when the fan shaft rotates in a first rotational direction and when the fan shaft rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

6. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary pump includes a pump shaft coupled to the fan shaft, and rotation of the fan shaft causes the pump shaft to rotate, causing the auxiliary pump to pump the lubricant.

7. The lubrication system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The auxiliary lubrication system includes a clutch that engages the pump shaft to operate the auxiliary pump, or disengages the pump shaft to prevent operation of the auxiliary pump.

8. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main lubrication system includes a main pump and a main lubricant supply line, the main pump pumping the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components through the main lubricant supply line.

9. The lubrication system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The auxiliary lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant supply line through which the auxiliary pump pumps the lubricant from the one or more tanks to the one or more rotating components.

10. The lubrication system according to claim 9, characterized in that: Further comprising one or more valves in fluid communication with the primary lubricant supply line and the auxiliary lubricant supply line, the one or more valves comprising: a first valve that opens to allow the lubricant to flow from the main lubrication system to the one or more rotating components and that closes to prevent the lubricant from flowing from the main lubrication system to the one or more rotating components; and A second valve is opened to allow the lubricant to flow from the auxiliary lubrication system to the one or more rotating components, and the second valve is closed to prevent the lubricant from flowing from the auxiliary lubrication system to the one or more rotating components.

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