System and apparatus for lubricating gas turbine engine via external pressure source

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods for lubricating a gas turbine are disclosed, including: a reservoir configured to store a lubricant; a supply pump configured to pump lubricant from the reservoir to a component of the gas turbine engine via a supply conduit; a purge pump configured to pump lubricant from the component; and a valve fluidly coupled with the purge pump, the valve for controlling flow of lubricant to the reservoir; and an external pressure source coupled with the valve for providing pressure to actuate the valve from a supply position to a bypass position in which the valve fluidly couples lubricant flowing through the purge pump into a bypass conduit extending from the valve to a position downstream of the supply pump.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 687,606, filed August 27, 2024. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 687,606 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 687,606 is claimed.

[0003] Government interests

[0004] This invention was carried out with government support under contract number W58RGZ-16-C-0047, awarded by the Department of Defense (DOD). The government enjoys certain rights to this invention. Technical Field

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to gas turbine engines, and more specifically, to systems and apparatus for lubricating gas turbine engines. Background Technology

[0006] A gas turbine engine typically comprises a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section. During operation, the compressor section gradually increases the pressure of the air entering the engine and supplies compressed air to the combustion section. The compressed air and fuel mix and burn within the combustion chamber to produce high-pressure, high-temperature combustion gases. These combustion gases flow through a hot gas path defined by the turbine section before leaving the engine. The turbine section converts the energy from the combustion gases into rotational energy. Specifically, the turbine section includes multiple rotor blades that rotate using the kinetic and / or thermal energy generated by the combustion gases. The extracted rotational energy is then used to rotate one or more shafts, thereby driving the compressor section and / or fan assembly of the gas turbine engine.

[0007] Gas turbine engines include a lubrication system (e.g., a recirculation system, a lubricant system, a coolant system, a lubricant and coolant system, etc.) to supply lubricant and / or coolant (e.g., oil, grease, etc.) (as used herein) to one or more components of the turbine engine. The lubrication system includes a supply conduit fluidly connected to a supply pump that pumps lubricant from a reservoir to a target component via the supply conduit. In some examples, the lubricant may be pumped through various components of the engine (e.g., a de-icing circuit, etc.) before reaching the target component. Furthermore, the lubrication system includes a scavenging conduit fluidly connected to a scavenging pump that pumps lubricant from the target component back to the reservoir. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an example gas turbine engine.

[0009] Figure 2 It is used for lubrication, including external pressure sources. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example device for a gas turbine engine.

[0010] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example valve, an example spool, and an example external pressure source.

[0011] Figure 3B yes Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of an example valve, an example spool, and an example external pressure source.

[0012] Figure 3C yes Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of an example valve and an example external pressure source.

[0013] Figure 3D yes Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of an example valve and an example external pressure source.

[0014] Figure 4 It is used for lubrication including Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of an example device for a gas turbine engine with an external pressure source.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A block diagram of an example implementation of an external pressure source.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 2-4 A flowchart of an example operating method for an example device.

[0017] Generally, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the accompanying drawings and written description to denote the same or similar parts. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions may be exaggerated in the drawings. Although the drawings show layers and regions with clearly defined lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and / or irregular. Detailed Implementation

[0018] "Comprising" and "including" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Therefore, whenever a claim uses any form of "comprising" or "including" (e.g., including, comprising, having, etc.) as a preamble or within any type of claim statement, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or statement. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term, for example, in the preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same way that the terms "comprising" and "including" are open-ended. The term "and / or," when used, for example, in the form of A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, and C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the conduct or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the conduct or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0019] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a,” “an,” “first,” “second,” etc.) do not exclude multiples. As used herein, the term “a” or “an” refers to one or more of those objects. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, elements, or actions may be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these features may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that the combination of features is impractical and / or unadvantageous.

[0020] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "above" describes the relationship of two parts relative to the Earth. The first part is above the second part if the second part has at least one portion between the Earth and the first part. Similarly, as used herein, the first part is "below" the second part when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As stated above, the first part may be above or below the second part and may have one or more of the following: having other portions between them, having no other portions between them, the first and second parts in contact, or the first and second parts in direct contact with each other.

[0021] As used in this patent, a statement of any portion (e.g., layer, film, region, area, or plate) in any manner on (e.g., positioned, located, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another portion indicates that the referred portion is in contact with the other portion or that the referred portion is above the other portion, wherein one or more intermediate portions are located between them.

[0022] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, a connection reference (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, and engagement) may include intermediate members between the elements referred to by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements. Thus, a connection reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and / or fixed to each other. As used herein, the statement that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0023] As used herein, "front" refers to the area of ​​a gas turbine engine where air enters the engine (e.g., the "cold end" of the gas turbine engine). The front area may include the gas turbine engine's compressor.

[0024] As used herein, "rear" refers to the region of a gas turbine engine where air exits the engine (e.g., the "hot end" of the gas turbine engine). The rear region of a gas turbine engine may include the combustion chamber, turbine section, and / or exhaust port.

[0025] Unless otherwise specifically stated, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without in any way assigning or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or sorting, but merely as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements and thus facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to using different descriptors (such as “second” or “third”) in the claims. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only in the context of a discussion in which elements may, for example, otherwise share the same name (e.g., within the claims) clearly identify those elements.

[0026] The gas turbine engine disclosed herein is configured to supply lubricant (e.g., oil) from a reservoir to one or more components of the gas turbine engine (e.g., reservoir, gearbox, etc.). In some examples, the system includes a supply conduit extending from the reservoir to one or more components of the engine. As used herein, the "supply conduit" provides a flow of lubricant from the reservoir, a supply pump, and / or another lubricant source to one or more components of the engine. The system also includes a supply pump configured to pump lubricant from the reservoir via the supply conduit. As used herein, the "supply pump" pumps lubricant from the reservoir to one or more components of the engine and / or valves of the engine via the supply conduit to lubricate one or more components of the engine. Furthermore, in some examples, the system includes an external body de-icing circuit fluidly connected in series with the supply conduit. In these examples, lubricant within the supply conduit flows through the de-icing circuit before reaching one or more components. Additionally, the system includes a scavenging conduit extending from one or more components to the reservoir and a scavenging pump configured to pump lubricant from one or more components via the scavenging conduit. As used herein, a "purge conduit" recirculates lubricant from one or more components and directs the lubricant to a reservoir and / or a purge pump. As used herein, a "purge pump" pumps recirculated lubricant from one or more components to a valve for recirculation through the system.

[0027] In addition, the system includes a valve and a bypass conduit. The valve is fluidly connected in series with the supply and scavenging conduits. The bypass conduit extends from the valve to a location on the supply conduit downstream of the external body de-icing circuit and / or downstream of the supply pump. During normal operation of the system, the valve is in the supply position. In the supply position, the valve fluidly connects the supply conduit to one or more components. Therefore, the supply pump pumps lubricant from a reservoir through the valve to the turbine engine components. In some examples, during normal operation of the system, the supply pump pumps lubricant from the reservoir through the valve and the de-icing circuit to one or more turbine engine components. During normal operation of the system, the valve directs flow of lubricant (e.g., lubricant returning from a component) through the scavenging conduit into the reservoir.

[0028] In some cases, the flow of lubricant from the reservoir through the valve via the supply conduit can be interrupted or otherwise stopped. This interruption can be caused by damage to the reservoir and / or the de-icing circuit, or by air-driven operations. In this situation, the valve switches to the bypass position to direct the flow of lubricant through the purge conduit into the bypass conduit. In the bypass position, lubricant flows through the bypass conduit before re-entering the supply conduit to be delivered to one or more components.

[0029] In these examples, the valve switches from a supply position to a bypass position via pressure from an external pressure source. The external pressure source may be located in a portion of the turbine engine that is not damaged in the event of a reservoir failure (e.g., in a position removed from the reservoir, etc.). As used herein, an external pressure source is defined as any pressure source not entirely contained within the valve. The pressure source may be located in an alternative portion of the engine or outside the engine. In some examples, the external pressure source provides a constant pressure to actuate the valve from the supply position to the bypass position. The external pressure source may provide pressure constantly (e.g., always providing pressure regardless of flow interruption from the supply pump) or be triggered when a threshold of discharge pressure from the supply pump from the reservoir drops. As used herein, pressure constantly provided by the external pressure source refers to pressure when the engine is operating, when the engine is operating at a certain stage, and / or when the engine is operating in a certain mode. Furthermore, in some examples, the external pressure source may stop providing pressure after the discharge pressure from the supply pump from the reservoir exceeds a threshold (e.g., after an in-flight maneuver is completed, etc.).

[0030] In other examples, the valve may be positioned within the system such that it cannot control the flow of lubricant through the supply conduit. In such examples, the valve can be fluidly actuated by the flow of lubricant through the supply conduit. For example, a fluid passage may extend from the supply conduit to the valve, allowing fluid actuation within the fluid passage. In some examples, the fluid passage is connected in parallel with an external pressure source, enabling the external pressure source to actuate and / or facilitate actuation of the valve. In these examples, a bypass conduit extends from the valve to a location downstream of the supply pump (because an external body de-icing circuit may not exist in these examples).

[0031] Valves, bypass circuits, and external pressure sources provide a backflow system for the lubrication of turbine engines. Specifically, damage to the reservoir and / or de-icing circuit can cause lubricant to return to the reservoir and / or be supplied to the de-icing circuit, resulting in leakage from the system. When flow is interrupted in a conventional lubrication system, one or more components may not receive sufficient lubricant, potentially leading to damage to one or more components. Furthermore, in conventional lubrication systems, aerial maneuvers can cause lubricant in the reservoir to flow to one side, temporarily interrupting lubricant flow to one or more components. In particular, aircraft and / or rotorcraft with a single-engine fixed-wing configuration struggle to accommodate lubrication losses during flight.

[0032] However, in this configuration, the valves and bypass circuits of the disclosed system guide the flow of lubricant back into the supply conduit via the purging conduit, bypassing the reservoir and / or de-icing circuit. This maintains lubricant flow to one or more components even after damage and / or interruption of flow to the reservoir and / or de-icing circuit. Furthermore, an external pressure source ensures a constant flow of lubricant regardless of the pressure in the supply conduit. Therefore, in the event of reduced or altered flow from the supply conduit to the valve, the valve is actuated to the bypass position via pressure from the external pressure source to ensure lubricant reaches one or more components.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example gas turbine engine 10. Figure 1 In the example shown, engine 10 is configured as a high-bypass turbofan engine. In other examples, engine 10 may be a propeller fan engine, a turbojet engine, a turboprop engine, a turboshaft engine, or any other suitable type of gas turbine engine.

[0034] Typically, engine 10 includes a fan 14, a low-pressure (LP) spool 16, and a high-pressure (HP) spool 18, all at least partially surrounded by an annular nacelle 20. Fan 14 may include a fan rotor 22 and a plurality of fan blades 24 coupled to the fan rotor 22. Figure 1 In the example shown, one of the multiple fan blades 24 can be seen. However, from other viewpoints, more than one of the multiple fan blades 24 can be seen. The multiple fan blades 24 are circumferentially spaced from each other and extend outward from the fan rotor 22. In addition, the LP spool 16 and HP spool 18 are positioned downstream of the fan 14 along the axial centerline 12. The LP spool 16 is rotatably coupled to the fan rotor 22 and rotates the fan 14. In addition, a multiple circumferentially spaced outlet guide vanes or struts 26 extend between the housing 28 and the nacelle 20 surrounding the LP spool 16 and HP spool 18.

[0035] The housing 28 (e.g., the outer body) typically surrounds or encloses the compressor section 32, combustion section 34, turbine section 36, and exhaust section 38 in a series flow sequence. In some examples, the compressor section 32 may include a low-pressure (LP) compressor 40 of an LP spool 16 and a high-pressure (HP) compressor 42 of an HP spool 18 positioned downstream of the LP compressor 40 along an axial centerline 12. The LP compressor 40 and HP compressor 42 may include one or more rows of stator blades 44 intersecting with one or more rows of compressor rotor blades 46. Furthermore, the turbine section 36 may include a high-pressure (HP) turbine 48 of the HP spool 18 and a low-pressure (LP) turbine 50 of the LP spool 16 positioned downstream of the HP turbine 48 along an axial centerline 12. The HP turbine 48 and LP turbine 50 may include one or more rows of stator blades 52 intersecting with one or more rows of turbine rotor blades 54.

[0036] The LP spool 16 includes a low-pressure (LP) shaft 56, and the HP spool 18 includes a high-pressure (HP) shaft 58 concentrically positioned around the LP shaft 56. In this example, the HP shaft 58 rotatably connects the rotor blades 54 of the HP turbine 48 and the rotor blades 46 of the HP compressor 42. Furthermore, the turbine rotor blades 54 rotatably drive the compressor rotor blades 46. Figure 1 In the example shown, the LP shaft 56 is directly connected to the turbine rotor blades 54 of the LP turbine 50 and the compressor rotor blades 46 of the LP compressor 40. Furthermore, the LP shaft 56 is connected to the fan 14 via a gearbox 60. Therefore, the rotation of the LP turbine rotor blades 54 rotatably drives the LP compressor rotor blades 46 and the plurality of fan blades 24.

[0037] In some examples, engine 10 can generate thrust to propel the aircraft. More specifically, during operation, air (indicated by arrow 62) enters the inlet section 64 of engine 10. Fan 14 supplies a first portion of air 62 (indicated by arrow 66) to bypass airflow passage 30 and a second portion of air 62 (indicated by arrow 68) to compressor section 32. The second portion of air 62 first flows through LP compressor 40, where compressor rotor blades 46 progressively compress the second portion 68 of air 62. After being compressed by LP compressor 40, the second portion 68 of air 62 flows through HP compressor 42, where compressor rotor blades 46 continue to progressively compress the second portion 68 of air 62. The compressed second portion 68 of air 62 is then delivered to combustion section 34. In combustion section 34, the second portion 68 of air 62 mixes with fuel and burns to produce high-temperature and high-pressure combustion gases 70. After generating high-temperature and high-pressure combustion gas 70, the combustion gas 70 flows through the HP turbine 48. The HP turbine rotor blades 54 extract a first portion of kinetic and / or thermal energy from the combustion gas 70. The extraction of this first portion of kinetic and / or thermal energy causes the HP shaft 58 to rotate and drive the HP compressor 42. The combustion gas 70 flows through the LP turbine 50, where the LP turbine rotor blades 54 extract a second portion of kinetic and / or thermal energy from the combustion gas 70. The extraction of this second portion of kinetic and / or thermal energy causes the LP shaft 56 to rotate and drive the LP compressor 40 and, via the gearbox 60, the fan 14. The combustion gas 70 then exits the engine 10 through the exhaust section 38.

[0038] Figure 1 The configuration of the gas turbine engine 10 is merely an example. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter can be applied to any configuration of gas turbine engines, including other types of aerospace-based gas turbine engines, marine-based gas turbine engines, and / or land-based / industrial gas turbine engines.

[0039] Figure 2 It is used for lubricating gas turbine engines 10 ( Figure 1 An example of a system 100 consisting of one or more components. Figure 2 In the example shown, system 100 is discussed in the context of gas turbine engine 10. However, system 100 can be implemented in any gas turbine engine 10 with any other suitable configuration.

[0040] In some examples, system 100 can provide lubricant to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 10. Figure 2In the example shown, system 100 supplies lubricant to a first reservoir 102 (e.g., reservoir A), a second reservoir 104 (e.g., reservoir B), and a third reservoir 106 (e.g., reservoir C) of engine 10. The first reservoir 102 can accommodate rotatably supported... Figure 1 One or more bearings at the front end of the LP shaft 56. Additionally, the second reservoir 104 can accommodate rotatably supported... Figure 1 One or more bearings of the HP shaft 58. Additionally, the third reservoir 106 can accommodate rotatably supported... Figure 1 One or more bearings at the rear end of the LP shaft 56. Additionally, system 100 may supply lubricant to the engine's accessory gearbox (AGB) 108. AGB 108 transmits power from the HP shaft 58 to one or more pumps or other accessory components of the engine 10. In other examples, system 100 may lubricate any other suitable components of the gas turbine engine 10, such as other reservoirs, gearboxes (gearbox 60), and / or any other components.

[0041] Furthermore, system 100 may be configured to supply lubricant to one or more components of gas turbine engine 10. In some examples, the lubricant may be oil, grease, synthetic, and / or other lubricants that prevent wear and reduce friction between engine components.

[0042] System 100 includes a reservoir 110, a supply conduit 112, and a supply pump 114. Specifically, the reservoir 110 is configured to store lubricant. The supply conduit 112 extends from the reservoir 110 to one or more components. Figure 2In the illustrated example, supply conduit 112 extends from reservoir 110 to first reservoir 102, second reservoir 104, and third reservoir 106. First reservoir 102, second reservoir 104, and third reservoir 106 are fluidly connected in parallel with each other. In some examples, AGB 108 is fluidly connected via branch 113 to the supply conduit 112, which is connected in parallel with reservoirs 102, 104, and 106. In one example, branch 113 may be located within AGB 108. In these examples, a portion of the lubricant within supply conduit 112 flows to AGB 108, and another portion of the lubricant within supply conduit 112 flows to reservoirs 102, 104, and 106. Furthermore, supply pump 114 is fluidly connected in series with the supply conduit 112 upstream of AGB 108. Supply pump 114 is configured to pressurize or otherwise pump lubricant stored in reservoir 110 via supply conduit 112, such that lubricant is supplied to AGB 108 and reservoirs 102, 104, 106. Supply pump 114 pumps lubricant to components at discharge pressure. As used herein, “discharge pressure” refers to the pressure of lubricant leaving supply pump 114. In one example, supply pump 114 is driven via AGB 108. However, in other examples, supply pump 114 may be driven by an external power source, an internal motor of supply pump 114, etc.

[0043] In addition, system 100 includes an outer body de-icing circuit 116. De-icing circuit 116 is configured to heat a portion of the outer casing 28 to remove ice and / or other accumulated frozen material. De-icing circuit 116 is fluidly connected in series with supply conduit 112, such that lubricant flows through de-icing circuit 116 before reaching AGB 108 and reservoirs 102, 104, 106. Specifically, de-icing circuit 116 corresponds to the outer casing 28 adjacent to engine 10. Figure 1 A series of channels, pipes, and / or other conduits are positioned. In some examples, the housing 28 is heated by the flow of lubricant through the de-icing circuit 116.

[0044] Other components may be operatively coupled to the supply conduit 112. In some examples, a lubricant filter 118 is fluidly coupled to the supply conduit 112 downstream of the supply pump 114 and upstream of the AGB 108. The lubricant filter 118 is configured to remove particulate matter and other contaminants present in the lubricant flowing through the supply conduit 112.

[0045] In some examples, the lubricant cooler 120 is fluidly coupled to a supply conduit 112 downstream of the supply pump 114 and the lubricant filter 118 and upstream of the AGB 108 and reservoirs 102, 104, 106. Furthermore, the lubricant cooler 120 is configured to cool the lubricant flowing through the supply conduit 112 before it reaches the AGB 108 and reservoirs 102, 104, 106. In some examples, the lubricant cooler 120 is configured to transfer heat from the lubricant to any other suitable fluid supporting the operation of the engine 10.

[0046] In addition, one or more sensors, indicators or any other suitable components may be operatively coupled to the supply conduit 112.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, system 100 includes a cleaning circuit 122, which includes multiple cleaning system conduits and one or more cleaning pumps 124, 146, 148, 150. The cleaning circuit 122 extends from a component (e.g., a lubricated component) to a reservoir 110. As shown, the cleaning circuit 122 extends from a first reservoir 102, a second reservoir 104, and a third reservoir 106, as well as AGB 108, to the reservoir 110. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 In the example, the purging circuit 122 includes a bulk purging conduit 152 and branches 154, 156, 158, and 160 fluidly connected to the bulk purging conduit 152 via multiple purging pumps 124, 146, 148, and 150. Specifically, a first branch 154 extends from AGB 108 to the bulk purging conduit 152. A second branch 156 extends from a first reservoir 102 to the bulk purging conduit 152. A third branch 158 extends from a second reservoir 104 to the bulk purging conduit 152. A fourth branch 160 extends from a third reservoir 106 to the bulk purging conduit 152. Figure 2 As shown in the example, branches 154, 156, 158, and 160 are connected in parallel.

[0048] Furthermore, system 100 includes first, second, third, and fourth cleaning pumps 124, 146, 148, and 150. Specifically, the first cleaning pump 124 is fluidly connected in series with the fourth branch 160 and is configured to pump lubricant from the third reservoir 106 to the reservoir 110. The second cleaning pump 146 is fluidly connected in series with the third branch 158 and is configured to pump lubricant from the second reservoir 104 to the reservoir 110. Furthermore, the third cleaning pump 148 is fluidly connected in series with the second branch 156 and is configured to pump lubricant from the first reservoir 102 to the reservoir 110. Finally, the fourth cleaning pump 150 is fluidly connected in series with the first branch 154 and is configured to pump lubricant from the AGB 108 to the reservoir 110. After passing through purge pumps 124, 146, 148, and 150, the purge lubricant in branches 154, 156, 158, and 160 is incorporated into the overall purge conduit 152. In one example, purge pumps 124, 146, 148, and 150 are driven via AGB 108 using supply pump 114 (e.g., as shown on shaft 126). In other examples, purge pumps 124, 146, 148, and 150 may be driven by an external power source, an internal motor of purge pump 124, etc.

[0049] Additionally, other components may be operatively coupled to the purging circuit 122. In some examples, lubricant within the purging circuit 122 may flow through one or more actuators for guide vanes and / or distributor lips, various filters / screens, and / or deaerators.

[0050] In some examples, one or more components of system 100 can be vented. Figure 2 In the example shown, system 100 includes a vent duct 128 extending from AGB 108 to reservoir 110. Vent duct 128 can deliver vapor present in reservoir 110 to AGB 108. In some examples, other components of system 100 (e.g., reservoirs 102, 104, 106) may be vented to AGB 108. In these examples, AGB 108 may be vented to exhaust section 38 of gas turbine engine 10. Figure 1 In addition, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the vent duct 128 includes a check valve 129 configured to prevent lubricant present in AGB 108 from flowing through the vent duct 128 to the reservoir 110.

[0051] exist Figure 2 In this example, system 100 includes valve 130 and bypass conduit 132. Valve 130 is fluidly connected in series with supply conduit 112 and purge circuit 122. Figure 2As shown, valve 130 is fluidly connected to a supply conduit 112 downstream of supply pump 114. Additionally, valve 130 is connected to the downstream end of integral scavenging conduit 152. Scavenging circuit 122 includes a return conduit 162 extending from valve 130 to reservoir 110. Bypass conduit 132 extends from valve 130 to location 134 on scavenging circuit 122 downstream of de-icing circuit 116. Location 134 may be upstream of lubricant filter 118 and lubricant cooler 120, as well as reservoirs 102, 104, 106, and AGB 108. In cases where supply pump 114 cannot pump lubricant from reservoir 110 into supply conduit 112, valve 130 and bypass conduit 132 allow lubricant flowing through scavenging circuit 122 to bypass reservoir 110 and re-enter supply conduit 112 downstream of de-icing circuit 116. Additionally, check valve 136 is fluidly connected to supply conduit 112 between de-icing circuit 116 and position 134. Check valve 136 is configured to prevent lubricant entering supply conduit 112 from bypass conduit 132 from flowing back into de-icing circuit 116.

[0052] Valve 130 is configured to direct lubricant flowing through purge circuit 122 to reservoir 110 when the lubricant supply is uninterrupted, and to direct lubricant flowing through purge circuit 122 to bypass duct 132 when the lubricant supply is interrupted (e.g., due to ballistic / projectile damage, air maneuvering, etc.). In some examples, valve 130 is configured as a two-position / three-way valve. Valve 130 includes a supply position 138 (e.g., first position, normal position, etc.), in which lubricant in supply duct 112 flows through valve 130 to provide lubrication to engine 10, and lubricant in purge circuit 122 flows to reservoir 110. When valve 130 is in supply position 138, lubricant in purge circuit 122 (e.g., integral purge duct 152) is prevented from flowing into bypass duct 132. Furthermore, valve 130 includes a bypass position 140 (e.g., a second position, etc.), in which lubricant in the purge circuit 122 (e.g., integral purge conduit 152) flows into the bypass conduit 132. When valve 130 is in the bypass position 140, lubricant in the purge circuit 122 (e.g., integral purge conduit 152) is prevented from flowing to reservoir 110.

[0053] In some examples, valve 130 is configured as a fluid-actuated spool valve. In these examples, a fluid passage 142 extends from supply conduit 112 to valve 130, such that lubricant within the fluid passage 142 acts on or otherwise applies force to valve 130. Although in Figure 2The fluid passage 142 is shown as separate from valve 130, but it may be included within valve 130. Furthermore, valve 130 includes a biasing element 144 (e.g., a spring) configured to bias valve 130 toward its bypass position 140. In the bypass position 140, lubricant is pumped from reservoir 110 through supply conduit 112 and acts on the inline shaft (included in reference numeral 164, and in conjunction with...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B (Described in more detail) to overcome the bias of bias element 144 and move valve 130 to supply position 138. However, when the flow of lubricant from reservoir 110 stops, no lubricant acts on the spool. In this case, bias element 144 moves valve 130 to bypass position 140. In another example, bias element 144 is configured to bias valve 130 toward supply position 138. In this example, lubricant flowing through supply conduit 112 and purge circuit 122 acts on the spool. When the flow of lubricant from reservoir 110 stops, the lubricant flowing through purge circuit 122 (e.g., integral purge conduit 152) is not counteracted by the lubricant flowing through supply conduit 112. In this case, the lubricant flowing through purge circuit 122 (e.g., integral purge conduit 152) overcomes bias element 144, causing valve 130 to move to its bypass position 140. In other examples, valve 130 may be configured to operate in any suitable manner to actuate between supply position 138 and bypass position 140.

[0054] In some examples, the lubricant flowing through the purge circuit 122 does not exert sufficient pressure to move valve 130 from supply position 138 to bypass position 140. In these examples, the lubricant in the purge circuit 122 cannot overcome bias element 144. To overcome bias element 144, an external pressure source 143 (e.g., an external pump, etc.) is fluidly connected to valve 130 to actuate valve 130 to bypass position 140 (e.g., the external pressure source 143 may supply pressure to an auxiliary piston). Figures 3A-3D(As shown) pressure is provided to actuate valve 130. The pressure provided by external pressure source 143 may be sufficient to actuate the valve to bypass position 140 without pressure from lubricant in purge circuit 122, or it may provide sufficient pressure to partially actuate the valve to bypass position 140. External pressure source 143 may be located in an area of ​​turbine engine 10 that will not be damaged in the event of damage to reservoir 110 (e.g., reservoir buffer, vent air, etc.). In some examples, external pressure source 143 provides a constant pressure to actuate valve 130 from supply position 138 to bypass position 140. In other examples, external pressure source 143 is triggered to activate pressure on valve 130 after the discharge pressure from supply pump 114 of reservoir 110 drops below a threshold. Furthermore, external pressure source 143 may stop providing pressure after the discharge pressure from supply pump 114 of reservoir 110 exceeds a threshold. The threshold may depend on engine design. In some examples, the threshold is less than any pressure that occurs during normal engine operation.

[0055] During normal operation of system 100, valve 130 directs lubricant flowing through purge circuit 122 to reservoir 110. In normal operation, supply pump 114 pumps lubricant from reservoir 110 through supply conduit 112 to lubricate reservoirs 102, 104, 106, and AGB 108. Valve 130 is in supply position 138 when lubricant flows through supply conduit 112 and purge circuit 122. When valve 130 is in supply position 138, lubricant flowing from reservoirs 102, 104, 106, and AGB 108 through purge circuit 122 is directed to reservoir 110. For example, valve 130 directs lubricant within integral purge conduit 152 into return conduit 162 for delivery to reservoir 110. Lubricant returned to reservoir 110 is then recirculated through system 100.

[0056] During bypass operation of system 100, valve 130 is in bypass position 140, and bypass conduit 132 allows lubricant in the clear circuit 122 to bypass reservoir 110 and re-enter the supply conduit 112 downstream of de-icing circuit 116. In some cases, supply pump 114 may be unable to pump lubricant from reservoir 110 through supply conduit 112. For example, reservoir 110 and / or de-icing circuit 116 may be damaged and leak lubricant during operation (e.g., due to ballistics / projectiles, etc.). Such leakage can discharge lubricant from system 100, which can lead to damage to reservoirs 102, 104, 106, and AGB 108. Additionally, certain air maneuvers can cause lubricant to flow to one side of reservoir 110. In this case, supply pump 114 cannot continuously supply lubricant to reservoirs 102, 104, 106, and AGB 108.

[0057] A lack of lubricant flow through supply conduit 112 (and more specifically, valve 130) causes valve 130 to move to bypass position 140. In bypass position 140, valve 130 directs lubricant flow through purge circuit 122 into bypass conduit 132. For example, valve 130 directs lubricant within bulk purge conduit 152 into bypass conduit 132. Lubricant flows through bypass conduit 132 and around reservoir 110 before re-entering supply conduit 112 at position 134 downstream of de-icing circuit 116. In some examples, lubricant flows through lubricant filter 118 and lubricant cooler 120 before re-entering supply conduit 112.

[0058] Check valve 136 prevents lubricant from flowing back from position 134 into de-icing circuit 116. In some examples, check valve 129 prevents lubricant in AGB 108 from flowing into reservoir 110. In these examples, when supply pump 114 fails to supply lubricant to one or more components, system 100 redirects lubricant from purge circuit 122 back to supply conduit 112 for subsequent delivery to the components.

[0059] Therefore, unlike conventional lubrication systems, the disclosed system 100 allows for a continuous supply of lubricant to the components when the reservoir 110 and / or the de-icing circuit 116 is damaged. Furthermore, the system 100 provides an external pressure source 143 to actuate valve 130 if the pressure of the lubricant from the scavenging circuit 122 is insufficient to actuate valve 130 to the bypass position.

[0060] Figures 3A-3D yes Figure 2 The enlarged view marked 164. Figure 3A This is an enlarged view of valve 130 in supply position 138, where valve 130 is controlled by pressure from supply conduit 112, bulk purge conduit 152 and external pressure source 143 (e.g., external pressure source 143 provides constant pressure). Figure 3B This is an enlarged view of valve 130 in bypass position 140, where valve 130 is controlled by pressure from supply conduit 112, bulk purge conduit 152 and external pressure source 143 (e.g., external pressure source 143 provides constant pressure). Figure 3C This is an enlarged view of valve 130 in supply position 138, where valve 130 is controlled by pressure from supply conduit 112 and overall purge conduit 152 (e.g., external pressure source 143 provides pressure based on a signal from control logic) (e.g., external pressure source 143 is prevented from reaching auxiliary piston 145 based on a signal from control logic).

[0061] Figure 3DThis is an enlarged view of valve 130 in bypass position 140, where valve 130 is controlled by pressure from supply conduit 112 and overall purge conduit 152 (e.g., external pressure source 143 provides pressure based on a signal from control logic), which is amplified by external pressure source 143 via spool 141 to counteract bias element 144 (e.g., external pressure source 143 provides pressure to auxiliary piston 145 based on a signal from control logic to overcome bias element 144).

[0062] Figure 3A An example of valve 130 in the supply position 138 is shown. Figure 3A In this example, external pressure source 143 is directly fluidly connected to biasing element 144 and valve 130. In this example, external pressure source 143 provides a constant pressure to biasing element 144. External pressure source 143 does not actuate valve 130 from supply position 138 to bypass position 140. Figure 3B Therefore, the external pressure source 143 cannot provide sufficient pressure to overcome the bias element 144, thereby actuating the valve 130 from the supply position 138 to the bypass position 140. In other examples, the external pressure source 143 can provide sufficient pressure to overcome the primary load balance, thereby actuating the valve 130 from the supply position 138 to the bypass position 140.

[0063] Figure 3B It shows something similar to Figure 3A In one example, an external pressure source 143 is fluidly connected to a biasing element 144 and a valve 130. However, in Figure 3B In the example, external pressure source 143 provides sufficient pressure to overcome bias element 144 (e.g., primary load balancing), thereby moving valve 130 from supply position 138. Figure 3A ) This causes the device to move to the bypass position 140.

[0064] Figure 3C This shows when it comes from supply pump 114 ( Figure 2 The discharge pressure of the spool 141 (in combination with) is sufficient to pump lubricant to one or more components of the engine. Figure 2 The position of the valve is described. In this example, the spool 141 is fluidly connected between the external pressure source 143, the auxiliary piston 145, and the valve 130. Therefore, the pressure from the lubricant in the supply conduit 112 and the bulk purge conduit 152 acts on the valve 130. The primary load balance generated by the biasing element 144 causes the pressure from the supply conduit 112 and the bulk purge conduit 152 to hold the valve 130 in the supply position 138. In some examples, the primary load balance generated by the biasing element 144 holds the valve in the bypass position 140. Figure 3DIn these examples, pressure from the supply conduit 112 and the overall purge conduit 152 holds valve 130 in the supply position 138. In the disconnected position, spool 141 does not trigger an external pressure source 143 to actuate valve 130 from the supply position 138 to the bypass position 140 (e.g., ...). Figure 3B (As shown). As used herein, the disconnected position of spool 141 does not allow pressure from external pressure source 143 to overcome bias element 144. In other examples, external pressure source 143 provides pressure after a threshold change in pressure in fluid channel 142. In these examples, external pressure source 143 may provide pressure after a threshold drop in pressure in fluid channel 142.

[0065] Figure 3D This shows when it comes from supply pump 114 ( Figure 2 When the discharge pressure of the reservoir 110 is insufficient to pump lubricant to one or more components of the engine, the pressure from the fluid passage 142 stops and / or decreases when the flow of lubricant from the reservoir 110 ceases. The spool 141 switches to the engaged position to allow the auxiliary piston 145 to overcome the bias element 144. Therefore, the pressure in the fluid passage 142 switches the spool 141 to the disengaged position (as described above). Figure 3A (As shown in the diagram), however, the lack of pressure from fluid channel 142 switches spool 141 to the connected position. In some examples, the position of spool 141 is determined based on signals from control logic and sensors to determine pressure changes. Figures 3A-3D In some examples, biasing element 144 biases valve 130 to bypass position 140 such that valve 130 is in bypass position 140 in the absence of pressure and / or threshold pressure from fluid passage 142. In some examples, biasing element 144 biases valve 130 to supply position 138 (e.g., the supplied pressure moves valve 130 from supply position 138 to bypass position 140). In these examples, valve 130 is in supply position 138 in the absence of pressure and / or threshold pressure from fluid passage 142. In some examples, biasing element 144 does not fully actuate valve 130 to bypass position 140 (e.g., insufficient pressure to fully actuate to bypass position 140, etc.). In these examples, external pressure source 143 can provide pressure from an area of ​​the engine unaffected by stopped lubricant (e.g., an undamaged area and / or an area resistant to changes in air maneuvering, etc.) to fully actuate the valve to bypass position 140. In some examples, the spool 141 switched to the connected position triggers an external pressure source 143 to provide pressure to overcome the bias element 144. The external pressure source 143 ensures that the bypass position 140 is fully open in the event of a lubricant flow interruption, allowing lubricant to flow consistently to one or more components of the engine.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another example of a system 100 used for lubricating components of a gas turbine engine. Similar to... Figure 2 The example shown, Figure 4 The system 100 shown includes a reservoir 110; a supply circuit or conduit 112; a supply pump 114; a purging circuit 122; purging pumps 124, 146, 148, and 150; a valve 130; and an external pressure source 143. However, with Figure 2 The examples in the text are different. Figure 4 The system does not include a de-icing circuit 116. Instead, a bypass conduit 132 extends from valve 130 to position 135 on the supply conduit 112 downstream of supply pump 114 and upstream of lubricant filter 118. Therefore, a check valve 136 is positioned between position 135 and supply pump 114 to prevent lubricant entering supply conduit 112 from the bypass conduit 132 from flowing back into reservoir 110. In operation, when lubricant is supplied from reservoir 110 to tanks 102, 104, 106, and AGB 108, valve 130 directs flow of lubricant through purge circuit 122 into reservoir 110. Conversely, when the supply of lubricant from reservoir 110 to tanks 102, 104, 106, and AGB 108 ceases, valve 130 directs flow of lubricant through purge circuit 122 into bypass conduit 132.

[0067] In addition, with Figure 2 The examples are different, in Figure 4 In this system, valve 130 is positioned such that it does not control the flow of lubricant through supply conduit 112. Instead, valve 130 is fluidly actuated by the flow of lubricant through supply conduit 112. Specifically, fluid passage 142 extends from supply conduit 112 to valve 130, such that fluid actuation of valve 130 occurs within fluid passage 142. Furthermore, fluid passage 142 is fluidly connected to supply conduit 112 downstream of supply pump 114. Figure 4 In the example shown, the external pressure source 143 is fluidly connected to the biasing element 144. Figures 3A-3D As shown, an external pressure source 143 may be additionally or alternatively fluidly connected to an auxiliary piston 145. The external pressure source 143 may provide external pressure to the valve 130 to actuate and / or contribute to actuation of the valve 130 in series with the pressure provided in the fluid passage 142. (As shown in the diagram...) Figure 2 The external pressure source 143 can provide pressure constantly or be triggered to provide pressure, thereby actuating valve 130 based on a threshold.

[0068] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A block diagram of an example embodiment of an external pressure source 143 for providing pressure to actuate valve 130 and / or to facilitate actuation of valve 130. Figure 5 The external pressure source 143 includes an example threshold detection circuit 510 and an example power activation circuit 520. Figure 5 The external pressure source 143 can be instantiated by a programmable circuit (e.g., created, generated, implemented, or carried out over any time period). For example, the programmable circuit can be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) executing first instructions, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a general-purpose array logic (GAL) device, a programmable array logic (PAL) device, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a microcontroller (MCU), a programmable system-on-a-chip (PSoC), etc. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 5 The external pressure source 143 can be instantiated (e.g., instantiated, generated, implemented, carried out, etc.) by (i) an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or (ii) a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) (e.g., another form of programmable circuit), the FPGA being constructed and / or configured to perform an operation corresponding to the first instruction in response to the execution of the second instruction. It should be understood that... Figure 5 Some or all of the circuits can therefore be instantiated at the same or different times. Figure 5 Some or all of the circuitry can be instantiated, for example, in one or more threads that execute concurrently on hardware and / or in series on hardware. Furthermore, in some examples, Figure 5 Some or all of the circuitry can be implemented by microprocessor circuitry that executes instructions and / or FPGA circuitry that performs operations to implement one or more virtual machines and / or containers.

[0069] Threshold detection circuit 510 determines a threshold change in the discharge pressure of supply pump 114. In some examples, threshold detection circuit 510 may detect the discharge pressure via a sensor and / or another sensing device near supply pump 114. Threshold detection circuit 510 determines whether the discharge pressure of supply pump 114 has changed to ensure the activation of external pressure source 143. In some examples, threshold detection circuit 510 monitors a change in pressure from a first pressure to a second pressure, where the first pressure is equal to or greater than the second pressure by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may correspond to the discharge pressure required to lubricate one or more components of the gas turbine engine via valve 130. If threshold detection circuit 510 senses a threshold change in pressure, supply pump 114 does not output a discharge pressure sufficient to lubricate one or more components of the gas turbine engine.

[0070] If the threshold detection circuit 510 does not sense a threshold change in pressure (e.g., the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is not equal to or greater than a predetermined amount), the threshold detection circuit 510 continues to monitor the discharge pressure of the supply pump 114.

[0071] Furthermore, the threshold detection circuit 510 can determine whether a threshold change in the discharge pressure of the supply pump 114 has occurred after the external pressure source 143 has been activated. In these examples, the threshold detection circuit 510 determines whether a threshold pressure change has occurred that indicates the pressure has returned to a level sufficient to lubricate one or more components of the gas turbine engine (e.g., a first pressure is less than a second pressure, and the difference between the first and second pressures is greater than a predetermined amount). In some examples, the threshold detection circuit 510 is instantiated by a programmable circuit that executes threshold detection instructions and / or configured to perform actions such as those initiated by... Figure 6 The operations represented by the flowchart (boxes 610 and 650) are the operations.

[0072] The power activation circuit 520 activates the pressure outlet of the external pressure source 143 based on a signal received from the threshold detection circuit 510 indicating that a threshold change in the discharge pressure of the supply pump 114 has occurred. In other words, the external pressure source 143 supplies pressure to the valve 130 to actuate it from the supply position to the bypass position in response to a determination that the discharge pressure of the supply pump 114 has decreased. In the bypass position, lubricant is directed away from damaged and / or temporarily damaged parts of the system 100 and can lubricate other components. The external pressure source 143 holds the valve in the bypass position by supplying pressure to the valve 130. In some examples, the external pressure source 143 is the sole pressure source for the valve 130, or the external pressure source 143 provides pressure in series with another pressure source in the system 100.

[0073] After determining that a pressure threshold change is sufficient to supply lubricant to system 100, power activation circuit 520 can shut off external power supply 143 to allow valve 130 to be actuated from the bypass position to the supply position. In some examples, power activation circuit 520 is instantiated by programmable circuitry that executes threshold detection instructions and / or configured to perform actions such as those initiated by... Figure 6 The operations represented by the flowchart (boxes 620-640 and 660) are the operations.

[0074] In some examples, the external pressure source 143 includes means for determining a threshold change in the discharge pressure of the supply pump and means for activating the external pressure source. For example, the means for determining and activating may be implemented by a threshold detection circuit 510 and a power activation circuit 520, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the threshold detection circuit 510 and the power activation circuit 520 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the threshold detection circuit 510 and the power activation circuit 520 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers, logic circuits, etc.) configured and / or constructed to execute some or all of machine-readable instructions and / or perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other configurations are also appropriate.

[0075] Despite Figure 5 The implementation is shown in the figure. Figure 2 The example of external pressure source 143, but Figure 5 One or more elements, processes, and / or devices shown may be combined, separated, rearranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way. Furthermore, example threshold detection circuit 510, example power activation circuit 520, and / or more generally, Figure 5 The example external pressure source 143 can be implemented by hardware alone, or by a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. Therefore, for example, the example threshold detection circuit 510, the example power activation circuit 520, and / or more generally, any of the example external pressure sources 143 can be implemented by programmable circuitry, processor circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, logic circuitry, programmable processors, programmable microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), vision processing units (VPUs), and / or field-programmable logic devices (FPLDs) (e.g., FPGAs combined with machine-readable instructions (e.g., firmware or software)). Furthermore, Figure 5 Example external pressure source 143 may include, in addition to Figure 5 One or more elements, processes, and / or devices other than those shown, or in place of... Figure 5 One or more of the elements, processes and / or devices shown, and / or may include any one or more of the elements, processes and devices shown.

[0076] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates that it can be implemented and / or instantiated by programmable circuitry. Figure 5 Example machine-readable instructions and / or representations of the external pressure source 143 can be executed by programmable circuitry to implement and / or instantiate. Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example operation of the external pressure source 143. Machine-readable instructions can be one or more executable programs or part of one or more executable programs, intended to be executed by programmable circuitry. In some examples, machine-readable instructions cause operations, tasks, etc., to be performed and / or carried out automatically in the real world. As used herein, “automation” means without human intervention.

[0077] Figure 6 yes Figure 2-4 The flowchart of example method 600 for operating the device. Figure 6 Method 600 begins by determining a threshold change in the discharge pressure of supply pump 114 (box 610). In some examples, a sensor may be arranged in fluid communication with supply conduit 112 from supply pump 114 and / or... Figure 2-4 At another location within system 100. In these examples, the sensor can determine whether the discharge pressure from supply pump 114 has changed (e.g., dropped) below a threshold. The threshold pressure corresponds to the discharge pressure from supply pump 114, which is necessary for lubricating one or more components of the gas turbine engine via valve 130. If no threshold pressure change is detected (box 610: No), the process continues to monitor for changes in the threshold pressure.

[0078] If a threshold pressure change is determined (box 610: Yes), external pressure source 143 actuates valve 130 from supply position 138 to bypass position 140 (box 620). External pressure source 143 provides pressure to fully actuate valve 130 to bypass position 140. In bypass position 140, the system can continue to supply lubricant to one or more components of the engine. In some examples, to actuate valve 130 to bypass position 140, external pressure source 143 opens and begins to provide pressure. In these examples, external pressure source 143 is opened by a processor that receives sensor readings from a sensor. In some examples, the processor may be located on external pressure source 143 and / or configured to transmit commands to external pressure source 143. In other examples, external pressure source 143 provides pressure constantly despite changes in the discharge pressure of supply pump 114. In these examples, external pressure source 143 is configured to generate pressure regardless of changes in the discharge pressure of supply pump 114 (e.g., constant pressure generation).

[0079] Furthermore, in some examples, the biasing element 144 biases valve 130 toward bypass position 140, and an external pressure source 143 provides residual pressure to fully actuate valve 130 to bypass position 140. In other examples, there is no biasing element 144, or the biasing element 144 biases valve 138 toward supply position 138. In these examples, the external pressure source 143 provides pressure to fully actuate valve 130 to bypass position 140 and / or provides pressure to counteract the biasing element 144 and fully actuate valve 130 to bypass position 140.

[0080] After valve 130 is actuated to bypass position 140, valve 130 remains in bypass position 140 (box 630). In some examples, after valve 130 is in bypass position 140, external pressure source 143 stops supplying pressure. In these examples, biasing element 144 can bias valve 130 to bypass position 140. In other examples, external pressure source 143 continues to supply pressure (e.g., the pressure can be reduced to adequately counteract biasing element 144, remaining at the pressure required to fully actuate valve 130 to bypass position 140 and / or at a pressure sufficient to retain valve 130 in bypass position 140).

[0081] In bypass position 140, the process determines whether there is a threshold change in the discharge pressure of supply pump 114 (box 640). A threshold change may include an increase in pressure sufficient to supply lubricant to one or more components of the engine without clearing the circuit. In other examples, the threshold change is sufficient pressure to actuate valve 130 from bypass position 140 to supply position 138. If no threshold change in the discharge pressure of supply pump 114 is determined (box 640: No), the process continues to monitor for threshold changes.

[0082] After determining a threshold change in the discharge pressure of the supply pump 114 (box 640: Yes), valve 130 is actuated to supply position 138 (box 650). In some examples, external pressure source 143 may be closed when the threshold change is determined. In other examples, external pressure source 143 may continue to supply pressure. In these examples, the threshold change must generate pressure sufficient to counteract the external pressure source 143 to actuate valve 130 to supply position 138. After valve 130 is actuated to supply position 138 (box 660), method 600 ends.

[0083] This document discloses example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture for lubricating components of a gas turbine engine via an external pressure source. Further examples and combinations thereof are provided by the subject matter of the following sections.

[0084] A system for lubricating a gas turbine engine includes: a reservoir configured to store a lubricant; a supply pump configured to pump the lubricant from the reservoir to components of the gas turbine engine via a supply conduit; a purge pump configured to pump the lubricant from the components; a valve fluidly connected to the purge pump for controlling the flow of the lubricant to the reservoir; and an external pressure source connected to the valve for providing pressure to actuate the valve from a supply position to a bypass position, wherein in the bypass position, the valve fluidly connects the lubricant flowing through the purge pump to a bypass conduit extending downstream of the supply pump.

[0085] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, when the discharge pressure from the supply pump to the component is below a threshold, the external pressure source provides the pressure to actuate the valve to the bypass position.

[0086] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the valve is actuated to the supply position in response to the discharge pressure from the supply pump exceeding a threshold.

[0087] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a fluid passage extending from the supply conduit between the supply pump and the valve is further included, wherein a lubricant flows within the fluid passage, and wherein the lubricant within the fluid passage partially actuates the valve to the bypass position.

[0088] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source supplements the pressure supplied by the lubricant within the fluid passage to fully actuate the valve to the bypass position.

[0089] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the location where the bypass conduit extends from the valve to the supply conduit downstream of the supply pump.

[0090] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a lubricant filter is further included for filtering the lubricant from the supply conduit before supplying the lubricant to the component.

[0091] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a lubricant cooler is further included, fluidly connected downstream of the supply conduit at the location on the supply conduit downstream of the supply pump, wherein the lubricant cooler cools the lubricant after filtration before supplying the lubricant to the component.

[0092] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a check valve is further included, which is fluidly connected to the supply conduit between the location where the supply pump and the bypass conduit are fluidly connected to the supply conduit.

[0093] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the check valve is configured to prevent the lubricant entering the supply pump from the bypass conduit from flowing back into the reservoir.

[0094] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a de-icing circuit coupled to the supply conduit is further included, wherein the supply pump pumps the lubricant from the reservoir through the de-icing circuit to the components of the gas turbine engine.

[0095] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and a third reservoir are further included, wherein the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the third reservoir guide the lubricant from the component to the cleaning pump.

[0096] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a further cleaning circuit is included, the cleaning circuit including at least one cleaning conduit and the cleaning pump to guide the lubricant from the component to the reservoir.

[0097] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a biasing element is further included for biasing the valve to the supply position.

[0098] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source is used to provide pressure to overcome the bias element in order to actuate the valve from the supply position to the bypass position.

[0099] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the biasing element biases the valve to the bypass position.

[0100] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source is used to provide the pressure to overcome the bias element in order to actuate the valve from the bypass position to the supply position.

[0101] In the example system described according to any of the foregoing clauses, an auxiliary piston is further included for receiving pressure from the external pressure source and providing pressure to overcome the bias element.

[0102] An example gas turbine engine includes: a compressor section; a combustion section; a turbine section; one or more components operatively coupled to at least one of the compressor section, the combustion section, or the turbine section; a reservoir configured to store lubricant; a supply pump configured to pump the lubricant from the reservoir to the components via a supply conduit; a purge pump configured to pump the lubricant from the components; and a valve fluidly coupled to the purge pump for controlling the flow of lubricant to the reservoir; and an external pressure source coupled to the valve for providing pressure to actuate the valve from a supply position to a bypass position, wherein in the bypass position, the valve fluidly coupled lubricant flowing through the purge pump to a bypass conduit extending downstream of the supply pump.

[0103] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein when the discharge pressure from the supply pump to the component is below a threshold, the external pressure source provides the pressure to actuate the valve to the bypass position.

[0104] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the valve is actuated to the supply position in response to the discharge pressure from the supply pump exceeding a threshold.

[0105] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a fluid passage is further included extending from the supply conduit between the supply pump and the valve, wherein a lubricant flows within the fluid passage, and wherein the lubricant within the fluid passage partially actuates the valve to the bypass position.

[0106] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source supplements the pressure supplied by the lubricant within the fluid passage to fully actuate the valve to the bypass position.

[0107] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the bypass duct extends from the valve to the location on the supply duct downstream of the supply pump.

[0108] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a lubricant filter is further included for filtering the lubricant from the supply conduit before supplying the lubricant to the component.

[0109] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a lubricant cooler is further included, which is fluidly connected downstream of the supply conduit at the location on the supply conduit downstream of the supply pump, wherein the lubricant cooler cools the lubricant after filtration before supplying the lubricant to the component.

[0110] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a check valve is further included, which is fluidly connected to the supply conduit between the location where the supply pump and the bypass conduit are fluidly connected to the supply conduit.

[0111] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the check valve is configured to prevent the lubricant entering the supply pump from the bypass duct from flowing back into the reservoir.

[0112] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a de-icing circuit coupled to the supply conduit is further included, wherein the supply pump pumps the lubricant from the reservoir through the de-icing circuit to the component of the gas turbine engine.

[0113] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and a third reservoir are further included, wherein the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the third reservoir guide the lubricant from the component to the purge pump.

[0114] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a purging circuit is further included, the purging circuit including at least one purging conduit and the purging pump to guide the lubricant from the component to the reservoir.

[0115] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a biasing element is further included for biasing the valve to the supply position.

[0116] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source is used to provide pressure to overcome the bias element in order to actuate the valve from the supply position to the bypass position.

[0117] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the biasing element biases the valve to the bypass position.

[0118] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source is used to provide pressure to overcome the bias element in order to actuate the valve from the bypass position to the supply position.

[0119] In the example gas turbine engine described according to any of the foregoing clauses, an auxiliary piston is further included for receiving pressure from the external pressure source and providing pressure to overcome the bias element.

[0120] An example method for lubricating a gas turbine engine includes determining a threshold change in the discharge pressure of lubricant from a supply pump configured to pump the lubricant from a reservoir to components of the gas turbine engine via a supply conduit; and, in response to the determination of the threshold change in the discharge pressure of the supply pump, actuating a valve from a supply position to a bypass position via an external pressure source, wherein the valve is fluidly connected to a purge pump to pump the lubricant from the components, and in the bypass position, the valve fluidly connects the lubricant flowing through the purge pump to a bypass conduit extending downstream of the supply pump.

[0121] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the threshold change of the discharge pressure of the lubricant from the supply pump is a threshold decrease of the discharge pressure.

[0122] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the valve is actuated to the bypass position via the external pressure source after the threshold of the discharge pressure is determined to have decreased.

[0123] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the threshold change of the discharge pressure of the lubricant from the supply pump is an increase in the threshold of the discharge pressure.

[0124] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the valve is actuated to the supply position via the external pressure source after the threshold for determining the discharge pressure has increased.

[0125] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a fluid passage extending from the supply conduit between the supply pump and the valve is further included, wherein the lubricant within the fluid passage partially actuates the valve to the bypass position.

[0126] In the example method according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source supplements the pressure supplied by the lubricant within the fluid passage to fully actuate the valve to the bypass position.

[0127] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the bypass conduit extends from the valve to a location on the supply conduit downstream of the supply pump.

[0128] In the example methods described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the lubricant is further included by filtering the lubricant from the supply conduit via a lubricant filter before supplying the lubricant to the component.

[0129] In the method according to any of the foregoing clauses, the method further includes, after filtration and before supplying the lubricant to the component, cooling the lubricant via a lubricant cooler fluidly connected downstream of the supply conduit at the location on the supply conduit downstream of the supply pump.

[0130] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a check valve is further included, which is fluidly connected to the supply conduit between the location where the supply pump and the bypass conduit are fluidly connected to the supply conduit.

[0131] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the check valve is configured to prevent the lubricant entering the supply pump from the bypass conduit from flowing back into the reservoir.

[0132] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a de-icing circuit coupled to the supply conduit is further included, wherein the supply pump pumps the lubricant from the reservoir through the de-icing circuit to the component of the gas turbine engine.

[0133] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and a third reservoir are further included, wherein the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the third reservoir guide the lubricant from the component to the cleaning pump.

[0134] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a further cleaning circuit is included, the cleaning circuit including at least one cleaning conduit and the cleaning pump to guide the lubricant from the component to the reservoir.

[0135] In the example methods described according to any of the foregoing clauses, a biasing element is further included for biasing the valve to the supply position.

[0136] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source is used to provide pressure to overcome the biasing element in order to actuate the valve from the supply position to the bypass position.

[0137] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the biasing element biases the valve to the bypass position.

[0138] In the example method described according to any of the foregoing clauses, the external pressure source is used to provide the pressure to overcome the bias element in order to actuate the valve from the bypass position to the supply position.

[0139] In the example methods described according to any of the foregoing clauses, an auxiliary piston is further included, the auxiliary piston being used to receive pressure from the external pressure source and provide pressure to overcome the bias element.

[0140] The following claims are incorporated herein by reference. Although certain example systems, devices, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all systems, devices, articles of manufacture, and methods that fall fully within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A system for lubricating a gas turbine engine, characterized by, The system comprises: a reservoir for storing a lubricant; a supply pump for pumping the lubricant from the reservoir to a component of the gas turbine engine via a supply conduit; a scavenging pump for pumping the lubricant from the component; and a valve fluidly coupled with the scavenging pump for controlling flow of the lubricant to the reservoir; and an external pressure source coupled with the valve for providing pressure to actuate the valve from a supply position to a bypass position, wherein in the bypass position the valve fluidly couples the lubricant flowing through the scavenging pump into a bypass conduit extending from the valve to a location downstream of the supply pump.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, wherein the external pressure source provides the pressure to actuate the valve to the bypass position when a discharge pressure from the supply pump to the component is below a threshold value.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, wherein, in response to a discharge pressure from the supply pump exceeding a threshold value, the valve is actuated to the supply position.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, further comprising a fluid passage extending from the supply conduit between the supply pump and the valve, wherein the lubricant flows within the fluid passage, and wherein the lubricant within the fluid passage partially actuates the valve to the bypass position.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein, wherein the external pressure source supplements the pressure supplied by the lubricant within the fluid passage to fully actuate the valve to the bypass position.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, wherein the bypass conduit extends from the valve to a location on the supply conduit downstream of the supply pump.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein, further comprising a lubricant filter for filtering the lubricant from the supply conduit prior to supplying the lubricant to the component.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein, further comprising a lubricant cooler fluidly coupled to the supply conduit downstream of the location on the supply conduit downstream of the supply pump, wherein the lubricant cooler cools the lubricant prior to supplying the lubricant to the component after filtering.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein, further comprising a check valve fluidly coupled to the supply conduit between the supply pump and the location on the supply conduit where the supply conduit and the bypass conduit are fluidly coupled to the supply conduit.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, wherein the check valve is configured to prevent the lubricant from the bypass conduit entering the supply pump from flowing back into the reservoir.

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