Power generation from turbine engines
By using permanent magnets and windings in turbo power generation systems, the problems of easy equipment damage and maintenance difficulties are solved, and efficient power conversion and system reliability are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021000834
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-01-16
- Filing Date
- 2021-01-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-01-06
AI Technical Summary
In existing turbine power generation systems, the equipment is easily damaged and difficult to maintain during the process of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, which affects the reliability of the system.
A permanent magnet is used to generate a magnetic field on the first rotating assembly of the turbine power generation system and generate and transmit a high frequency magnetic field to achieve electrical energy conversion by induced current on the second rotating assembly.
It improves the efficiency of power conversion, reduces the wear and maintenance requirements of mechanical components, and enhances the reliability and efficiency of the system.
Smart Images

Figure 0007665341000001 
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the generation of electrical energy from turbine engines and, more particularly, to converting mechanical energy from turbine engines into electrical energy usable in aircraft and other vehicles and transmitting that electrical energy to an associated vehicle via an electromagnetic field. [Background technology]
[0002] Various vehicles utilize various combinations of engines to provide propulsion and control of the vehicles. For example, aircraft may use engines incorporating turbines to power jets and propellers. Turbine engines include multiple rotating components to provide propulsion and compression of air / gas. Generators connected to the rotating components of the turbine engine may extract mechanical rotational energy and convert the rotational energy into electrical energy. The converted electrical energy is used to power various on-board systems of the associated vehicle. Due to the operating temperatures, rotational speeds, and airflow within the engine, individual parts of the engine are subject to degradation. As a result, physical components used to extract rotational energy from rotating engine components may be frequently replaced to avoid affecting the reliability of other engine components. Additionally, the location of energy extraction components in the turbine engine may make repairs and replacements difficult or time consuming to perform. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In one aspect of the disclosure, a system is provided that includes a permanent magnet mounted to a first rotating assembly of a turbine engine and emitting a first magnetic field, an armature winding connected to a second rotating assembly of the turbine engine such that the permanent magnet is disposed within the first magnetic field, a resonant emitter configured to receive a power input from the armature winding to generate a second magnetic field of at least a predetermined frequency upon rotation of the first rotating assembly relative to the second rotating assembly, and a resonant receiver mounted to a housing of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the second magnetic field and convert the second magnetic field into a power output.
[0004] In various aspects that may be combined with any of the systems described above or below, the first rotating assembly is a high pressure rotor and the second rotating assembly is a low pressure rotor, and the high pressure rotor rotates at a first speed that is faster than a second speed at which the low pressure rotor rotates.
[0005] In various aspects that may be combined with any of the systems described above or below, the first rotating assembly is a low pressure rotor and the second rotating assembly is a high pressure rotor, and the high pressure rotor rotates at a first speed that is faster than a second speed at which the low pressure rotor rotates.
[0006] In various aspects that can be combined with any of the systems described above or below, the first magnetic field propagates radially outward from a rotational axis of the first rotating assembly in an air gap formed between the permanent magnet and the armature winding.
[0007] In various aspects that can be combined with any of the systems described above or below, the first magnetic field propagates coaxially with the axis of rotation of the first rotating assembly in an air gap formed between the permanent magnet and the armature winding.
[0008] In various aspects that may be combined with any of the systems described above or below, the system further includes a high frequency converter disposed between the armature winding and the resonant emitter, the high frequency converter configured to provide the power input to the resonant emitter at a higher frequency than the first magnetic field received by the armature winding.
[0009] In various aspects that may be combined with any of the systems above or below, the high frequency is greater than a difference in rotational speed between the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly and is based on power transfer efficiency between the resonant emitter and the resonant receiver.
[0010] In various aspects that may be combined with any of the above or below described systems, the power output includes a number of electrical phases based on a number of phases defined in the armature winding.
[0011] In various aspects that may be combined with any of the above or below described systems, the system further includes a power control unit disposed within said housing and connected to a power distribution bus of the vehicle.
[0012] In one aspect of the disclosure, a turbine engine is provided, the turbine engine comprising: a housing having an air intake at an upstream end, a compression section downstream of the air intake, a combustion section downstream of the compression section, a turbine section downstream of the combustion section, and an exhaust at a downstream end, a first shaft connected to a first compressor in the compression section and a first turbine in the turbine section and configured to rotate at a first rotational speed, a second shaft connected to a second compressor in the compression section and a second turbine in the turbine section, extending coaxially with the first shaft and configured to rotate at a second rotational speed, and a second shaft connected to the first compressor and the first turbine. an armature winding connected to one of the second compressors; a permanent magnet connected to the other of the first compressor and the second compressor and configured to emit a first magnetic field and rotate relative to the armature winding at a differential rotational speed corresponding to a difference between the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed, and configured to induce a current in the armature winding; a resonant emitter connected to the armature winding and configured to generate a second magnetic field of at least a predetermined frequency when powered by the current; and a resonant receiver provided in the housing of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the second magnetic field and configured to convert the second magnetic field into a power output.
[0013] In various aspects that can be combined with any turbine engine described above or below, the turbine engine further includes a third shaft connected to a third compressor downstream of the first compressor and the second compressor in the compression section and connected to a third turbine upstream of the first turbine and the second turbine in the turbine section, the third shaft extending coaxially with the second shaft and configured to rotate at a third rotational speed that is faster than the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed.
[0014] In various aspects that may be combined with any turbine engine above or below, the turbine engine further includes a secondary armature winding connected to one of the third compressor and the second compressor, a secondary permanent magnet connected to the other of the third compressor and the second compressor and configured to emit a secondary first magnetic field and rotate relative to the secondary armature winding at a secondary differential rotational speed corresponding to a secondary difference between the third rotational speed and the second rotational speed, and to induce a secondary current in the secondary armature winding, a secondary resonant emitter connected to the secondary armature winding and configured to generate a secondary second magnetic field of at least a secondary predetermined frequency when powered by the secondary current, and a secondary resonant receiver provided to the housing of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the secondary second magnetic field and configured to convert the secondary second magnetic field to a secondary power output.
[0015] In various aspects that can be combined with any turbine engine described above or below, the turbine engine further includes a third shaft connected to a third compressor upstream of the first compressor and the second compressor in the compression section and connected to a third turbine downstream of the first turbine and the second turbine in the turbine section, the third shaft extending coaxially with the second shaft and configured to rotate at a third rotational speed slower than the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed.
[0016] In various aspects that may be combined with any turbine engine above or below, the turbine engine further includes a secondary armature winding connected to one of the third compressor and the first compressor, a secondary permanent magnet connected to the other of the third compressor and the first compressor and configured to emit a secondary first magnetic field and rotate relative to the secondary armature winding at a secondary differential rotational speed corresponding to a secondary difference between the third rotational speed and the first rotational speed, and to induce a secondary current in the secondary armature winding, a secondary resonant emitter connected to the secondary armature winding and configured to generate a secondary second magnetic field of at least a secondary predetermined frequency when powered by the secondary current, and a secondary resonant receiver provided in the housing of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the secondary second magnetic field and configured to convert the secondary second magnetic field to a secondary power output.
[0017] In various aspects that may be combined with any turbine engine above or below, the turbine engine further includes a nacelle defining a bypass flow chamber in which the housing is disposed, and a transmission cable disposed in the bypass flow chamber and extending from the housing to electrically connect the resonant receiver to a power distribution bus of a vehicle.
[0018] In various aspects that can be combined with any turbine engine described above or below, the turbine engine further includes a power control unit disposed within the bypass flow chamber outside the housing and electrically connected between the resonant receiver and the transmission cable.
[0019] In various aspects that may be combined with any of the turbine engines described above or below, the armature winding and the permanent magnets are separated by an air gap formed coaxially with the first shaft.
[0020] In various aspects that may be combined with any of the turbine engines described above or below, the armature winding and the permanent magnets are separated by an air gap formed in a plane that intersects the axis of rotation of the first shaft.
[0021] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided comprising: rotating a permanent magnet about a first shaft of a turbine engine to induce a multi-phase alternating current in an armature winding, the permanent magnet being mounted to a first rotating assembly of the turbine engine and emitting a first magnetic field, the armature winding being mounted to a second rotating assembly mounted to a second compressor of the turbine engine connected to a second shaft coaxial with the first shaft, powering a resonant emitter with the multi-phase alternating current to generate a second magnetic field at or above a predetermined frequency, and converting the second magnetic field into electrical power output via a resonant receiver mounted on an interior surface of a housing of the turbine engine.
[0022] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided comprising: mounting a permanent magnet to a first rotating assembly connected to a first compressor shaft of a turbine engine; mounting a second rotating assembly including an armature winding and a resonant emitter to a second compressor shaft of the turbine engine, the armature winding being disposed within a first magnetic field emitted by the permanent magnet; and mounting a resonant receiver on an inner surface of a housing of the turbine engine in association with the resonant emitter for receiving a second magnetic field as the resonant emitter emits the second magnetic field. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0023] So that the foregoing features of the disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly summarized above will now be rendered by reference to illustrative embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
[0024] [Figure 1A-1B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a turbine engine including one or more generators according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figures 2A-2D] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating components of an electrical extractor and the magnetic field generated therein, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating electromagnetic components of a generator according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram detailing a resonant emitter and a resonant receiver according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for constructing a generator according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for extracting electrical energy from a turbine engine in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are for purposes of illustrating concepts described in the present disclosure, and that the various components shown in these drawings may be depicted in a simplified manner and may not be drawn to scale relative to other components in order to highlight and teach the inventive concepts described herein.
[0026] In the present disclosure, electrical power is extracted and transferred from rotating components of a turbine engine by electromagnetic (EM) components that are not in physical contact with one another, but which extract and convert rotational energy into electrical energy through a series of induced magnetic fields. In some aspects, as the two compressors rotate relative to one another during engine operation, a permanent magnet mounted on a first rotating assembly within the engine rotates relative to a first armature winding on a second rotating assembly within the engine, inducing a current in the first armature winding. The current thus induced powers a radio frequency resonator that generates a second magnetic field at a high frequency, which generates a current in a receiving circuit located at a fixed location in the engine case or shell, thereby wirelessly transferring power to the vehicle's electrical system.
[0027] The electromagnetic power transfer components are arranged radially symmetrically around the engine and in contact with a single thrust generating component (e.g., rotating assembly or housing). Air gaps separate the permanent magnets and the armature windings, as well as the resonant emitters and receivers. Because each of the electromagnetic power transfer components is in physical contact with only one thrust generating component of the engine and not with other power transfer components connected to different thrust generating components, such a system is advantageous because it reduces wear and correspondingly reduces the frequency of replacement of the power transfer components. Also, because the electromagnetic components do not transfer power through wires and shafts located in the turbine engine air stream, but are relatively lighter than gearboxes and shafts that transfer rotational energy to an external generator, the mechanical and fuel efficiency of the engine can be improved. Furthermore, the efficiency of power extraction and transfer through the electromagnetic power transfer components exceeds the efficiency of mechanical power transfer components, further improving engine efficiency.
[0028] Although the examples provided in this disclosure are primarily described for use with power transmission systems in aircraft turbine engines, the power transmission systems described in this disclosure may also be used with turbine engines used in cars, buses, trains, boats, and a variety of other vehicles.
[0029] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of a turbine engine 100 (respectively, turbine engine 100A and turbine engine 100B) that includes one or more generators 110. Turbine engine 100 includes a housing 120 having an air intake 121 at an upstream end, a compression section 122 downstream of air intake 121, a combustion section 123 downstream of compression section 122, a turbine section 124 downstream of combustion section 123, and an exhaust 125 at a downstream end. In various embodiments, housing 120 is contained within a nacelle 130 (also referred to as a housing), and a bypass flow chamber 131 is formed between an exterior surface of housing 120 and an interior surface of nacelle 130. The transmission cable 140 connects the generator 110 to a power distribution bus 150 or other power transfer mechanism (e.g., cable connectors, splitters, protective devices such as circuit breakers, or bus ties) of the vehicle in which the turbine engine 100 is located, and extends from the housing 120 at the bypass flow chamber 131 to electrically connect the electrical distributor 112 to the power distribution bus (of the vehicle).
[0030] Turbine engine 100A shown in Figure 1A includes a first spool shaft 160A (generally, spool shaft or shaft 160, or collectively, shaft assembly) and a second spool shaft 160B, while turbine engine 100B shown in Figure 1B includes a first spool shaft 160A, a second spool shaft 160B, and a third spool shaft 160C. Each shaft 160 extends coaxially with the other shafts 160 and rotates at different speeds from one another during operation due to the release of high pressure exhaust which rotates turbines 180A and B (generally, turbines 180), which in turn drive associated compressors 170A and B, or 170A-C (generally, compressors 170) at different speeds via the associated spool shaft 160. For example, the first spool shaft 160A rotates to rotationally drive the first compressor 170A at a first rotational speed (by force imparted by the first turbine 180A), and the second spool shaft 160B rotates to rotationally drive the second compressor 170B at a second rotational speed (by force imparted by the second turbine 180B). Similarly, in FIG. 1B, the third turbine 180C rotates to rotationally drive the third compressor 170C at a third rotational speed, where the first, second, and third rotational speeds are all different from one another.
[0031] Compressors 170 are provided in compression section 122 of housing 120, and each of these compressors may include a number of fan blades arranged in one or more rows. Turbines 180 are provided in turbine section 124 of housing 120, and each of these turbines may include a number of fan blades arranged in one or more rows. Although not shown, various bearings or low friction surfaces may be provided between shafts 160 to improve the rotational characteristics of shafts 160 (e.g., to reduce friction).
[0032] 1A, the first spool shaft 160A is a low pressure shaft compared to the high pressure shaft of the second spool shaft 160B. Thus, the first compressor 170A is disposed upstream of the second compressor 170B and rotates at a slower rotational speed than the second compressor 170B during operation of the turbine engine 100. Similarly, the first turbine 180A is disposed downstream of the second turbine 180B and rotates at a lower rotational speed than the second turbine 180B during operation of the turbine engine 100.
[0033] 1B, relatively, the first spool shaft 160A is a low pressure shaft, the second spool shaft 160B is an intermediate pressure shaft, and the third spool shaft 160C is a high pressure shaft. Thus, the first compressor 170A is disposed upstream of the second compressor 170B, which is disposed upstream of the third compressor 170C, each of which operates at a lower rotational speed than the downstream compressor 170 during operation of the turbine engine 100. Similarly, the first turbine 180A is disposed downstream of the second turbine 180B, which is disposed downstream of the third turbine 180C, each of which operates at a lower rotational speed than the upstream turbine 180 during operation of the turbine engine 100.
[0034] Thus, during operation, a first differential rotational speed is generated between the first spool shaft 160A and the second spool shaft 160B (and their attached components), and in FIG. 1B, a second differential rotational speed (which may be the same as or different from the first differential rotational speed) is generated between the second spool shaft 160B and the third spool shaft 160C (and their attached components).
[0035] The generator 110 includes an electrical extractor 111 fixed to the compressor 170 and an electrical distributor 112 fixed to the housing 120. The electrical extractor 111 is not physically connected to the electrical distributor 112, but is separated by a space (e.g., an "air gap") and is electromagnetically coupled by electromagnetic fields generated during operation. The electrical extractor 111 is connected to the compressor 170 and utilizes the rotational speed of each of the compressors 170 mounted on the different shafts 160 to rotate the components relative to each other with the operational rotation of the components of the turbine engine 100. As shown in FIG. 1A, the electrical extractor 111 is provided at the interface between the first compressor 170A and the second compressor 170B. As shown in FIG. 1B, a first electrical extractor 111A is provided at the interface between the first compressor 170A and the second compressor 170B, and a second electrical extractor 111B is provided at the interface between the second compressor 170B and the third compressor 170C.
[0036] Each electrical extractor 111 is associated with a corresponding electrical distributor 112 fixed radially around a corresponding portion of the housing 120 (e.g., the first electrical extractor 111A corresponds to the first electrical distributor 112A, the second electrical extractor 111B corresponds to the second electrical distributor 112B). The electrical distributor 112 includes a resonant receiver for receiving high frequency power from the electrical extractor 111 and a power conversion unit (PCU) for converting the high frequency power to a predetermined frequency (e.g., 400 Hz) for consumption and / or storage in the vehicle, and is connected to the power distribution bus 150 via a cable 140. Although not shown, in some aspects using a three-shaft design, the turbine engine 100 may include only one generator 110, omitting one of the first generator 110A or the second generator 110B. Also, although Figures 1A and 1B show only one arrangement of the components of generator 110, these components may be arranged in a variety of configurations, as described in connection with Figures 2A and 2B, and Figures 3A and 3B.
[0037] 2A-2D show cross-sectional views of components of the generator 110. FIGS. 2A and 2B show components arranged for radial magnetic coupling, and FIGS. 2C and 2D show components arranged for axial magnetic coupling. Note that in cross-section, FIGS. 2A-2D show a portion of the generator 110 arranged in a radial fashion. The generator 110 may be constructed as shown in one of FIGS. 2A-2D or may be constructed as shown in multiple of FIGS. 2A-2D in multiple different arcuate portions arranged radially around the shaft 160 / inside the housing 120 of the turbine engine 100.
[0038] An electrical extractor 111 is provided at the interface of the two compressors 170A and 170B. For example, the illustrated electrical extractor 111 may be provided between the first compressor 170A and the second compressor 170B. In another example, the illustrated electrical extractor 111 may be provided between the second compressor 170B and the third compressor 170C. In various embodiments, the components shown in Figures 2A-2D may be included in a single electrical extractor 111 (as shown in Figure 1A) or in one of the primary or secondary electrical extractors 111 (as shown in Figure 1B). In embodiments including multiple electrical extractors 111, the individual components may both be provided according to one of Figures 2A-2D or one may be provided according to one of Figures 2A-2D and the other according to the other one of Figures 2A-2D. In this specification, when distinguishing components among multiple generators 110, the components of one generator 110 can be distinguished by calling them "secondary" components. For example, the first electric extractor 111A includes a primary permanent magnet 220 and the second electric extractor 111B includes a secondary permanent magnet 220. In another example, the first electric extractor 111A is attached to the first compressor 170A and the first compressor 210B, and the second electric extractor 111B is attached to the secondary first compressor 170A (which may be a different end face of the same compressor 170 as the first compressor 170A or the first compressor 210B) and the secondary second compressor 170B (which may be a different end face of the same shaft 170 as the first compressor 170A or the first compressor 210B).
[0039] 2A illustrates a first component arrangement 200A of an electrical extractor 111 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A first rotating assembly 210A (generally, rotating assembly 210) is connected to a low pressure first compressor 170A, and a second rotating assembly 210B is connected to a high pressure second compressor 170B at the interface between the two compressors 170. In various embodiments, the rotating assembly 210 is connected to one or more blades of the associated compressor 170, to a ring / connection point of the blade to the associated spool shaft 160, or to the associated spool shaft 160. The rotating assembly 210 positions the various electromagnetic components of the electrical extractor 111 at known distances and orientations relative to each other and to the shaft 160, compressor 170, and electrical distributor 112.
[0040] 2A , the first rotating assembly 210A includes a permanent magnet 220 that generates a first magnetic field 215. The permanent magnet 220 emits the first magnetic field 215 radially through an air gap formed coaxially with the shaft 160, and magnetically couples the permanent magnet 220 with an armature winding 230 included in the second rotating assembly 210B. In various embodiments, the permanent magnet 220 includes a plurality of magnets arranged around the shaft 160 and emits a plurality of first magnetic fields 215.
[0041] The second rotating assembly 210B includes an armature winding 230 and a resonant emitter 240. The armature winding 230 is concentrically and radially disposed around the permanent magnet 220 or the shaft 160, but is not in physical contact therewith. Additionally, the armature winding 230 is located within a predetermined magnetic field strength range of the first magnetic field 215. As a result, the first magnetic field 215 radially couples the permanent magnet 220 and the armature winding 230. In various aspects, as the armature winding 230 rotates relative to the permanent magnet 220, it generates a first current (I 1), which is input to power the resonant emitter 240 to generate the second magnetic field 225. The second rotating assembly 210B positions the resonant emitter 240 outside of a predetermined magnetic field strength range of the first magnetic field 215. Thus, the permanent magnet 220 is positioned outside of a predetermined magnetic field strength range of the second magnetic field 225. The second magnetic field 225 is emitted radially outward from the resonant emitter 240, and electromagnetically couples the resonant emitter 240 and the resonant receiver 250.
[0042] 2B illustrates a second component arrangement 200B of the electrical extractor 111 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A first rotating assembly 210A is connected to the high pressure second compressor 170B and a second rotating assembly 210B is connected to the low pressure second compressor 170A at the interface between the two compressors 170. In various embodiments, the rotating assembly 210 is connected to one or more blades of the associated compressor 170, to the ring / connection point of the blade to the associated spool shaft 160, or to the associated spool shaft 160. The rotating assembly 210 positions the various electromagnetic components of the electrical extractor 111 at known distances and orientations relative to each other and to the shaft 160, compressor 170, and electrical distributor 112.
[0043] 2B, the first rotating assembly 210A includes a permanent magnet 220 that generates a first magnetic field 215. The permanent magnet 220 emits the first magnetic field 215 radially through an air gap formed coaxially with the shaft 160, and magnetically couples the permanent magnet 220 with an armature winding 230 included in the second rotating assembly 210B. In various embodiments, the permanent magnet 220 includes a plurality of magnets arranged around the shaft 160 and emits a plurality of first magnetic fields 215.
[0044] The second rotating assembly 210B includes an armature winding 230 and a resonant emitter 240. The armature winding 230 is concentrically and radially disposed relative to the permanent magnet 220 or the shaft 160, but is not in physical contact therewith. Additionally, the armature winding 230 is located within a predetermined magnetic field strength range of the first magnetic field 215. As a result, the first magnetic field 215 radially couples the permanent magnet 220 and the armature winding 230. In various aspects, as the armature winding 230 rotates relative to the permanent magnet 220, it generates a first current (I 1 ), which powers the resonant emitter 240 to generate the second magnetic field 225. The second rotating assembly 210B positions the resonant emitter 240 outside of a range of predetermined magnetic field strength of the first magnetic field 215. Thus, the permanent magnet 220 is positioned outside of a range of predetermined magnetic field strength of the second magnetic field 225. The second magnetic field 225 radially couples the resonant emitter 240 and the resonant receiver 250.
[0045] 2C illustrates a third component arrangement 200C of an electrical extractor 111 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A first rotating assembly 210A is connected to a low pressure first compressor 170A and a second rotating assembly 210B is connected to a high pressure second compressor 170B at the interface between the two compressors 170. In various embodiments, the rotating assembly 210 is connected to one or more blades of the associated compressor 170, to a ring / connection point of the blade to the associated spool shaft 160, or to the associated spool shaft 160. The rotating assembly 210 positions the various electromagnetic components of the electrical extractor 111 at known distances and orientations relative to each other and to the shaft 160, compressor 170, and electrical distributor 112.
[0046] 2C, the first rotating assembly 210A includes a permanent magnet 220 that generates a first magnetic field 215. The permanent magnet 220 emits the first magnetic field 215 through an air gap formed in a plane intersecting the axis of rotation of the shaft 160, and magnetically couples the permanent magnet 220 to an armature winding 230 included in the second rotating assembly 210B. Although the air gap is shown formed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (e.g., to magnetically couple the permanent magnet 220 and the armature winding 230 coaxially), in other embodiments the air gap may be formed at other angles relative to the shaft 160. In various embodiments, the permanent magnet 220 includes multiple magnets arranged radially around the shaft 160 and emits multiple first magnetic fields 215.
[0047] The second rotating assembly 210B includes an armature winding 230 and a resonant emitter 240. The armature winding 230 is radially disposed around the shaft 160, but is not in physical contact with the shaft, and is planetary disposed with respect to the permanent magnets 220. As used herein, when two objects are described as being "planetary" with respect to one another, it means that they rotate about the same axis of rotation (at the same or different radial distances from the axis of rotation) but at different points along the length of the axis of rotation so as to be out of orbit with (i.e., out of contact with) the other object. The relative positions and lengths of the multiple rotating assemblies 210 position the armature winding 230 within a predetermined magnetic field strength of the first magnetic field 215. As a result, the first magnetic field 215 axially couples the permanent magnets 220 and the armature winding 230. In various aspects, the armature winding 230, upon rotation relative to the permanent magnet 220, generates a first current (I 1 ), which powers the resonant emitter 240 to generate the second magnetic field 225. The second rotating assembly 210B positions the resonant emitter 240 outside of a range of predetermined magnetic field strength of the first magnetic field 215. Thus, the permanent magnet 220 is positioned outside of a range of predetermined magnetic field strength of the second magnetic field 225. The second magnetic field 225 radially couples the resonant emitter 240 and the resonant receiver 250.
[0048] 2D illustrates a fourth component arrangement 200D of an electrical extractor 111 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A first rotating assembly 210A is connected to a high pressure first compressor 170A and a second rotating assembly 210B is connected to a low pressure second compressor 170B at the interface between the two compressors 170. In various embodiments, the rotating assembly 210 is connected to one or more blades of the associated compressor 170, to a ring / connection point of the blade to the associated spool shaft 160, or to the associated spool shaft 160. The rotating assembly 210 positions the various electromagnetic components of the electrical extractor 111 at known distances and orientations relative to each other and to the shaft 160, compressor 170, and electrical distributor 112.
[0049] 2D, the first rotating assembly 210A includes a permanent magnet 220 that generates a first magnetic field 215. The permanent magnet 220 emits the first magnetic field 215 through an air gap formed in a plane intersecting the axis of rotation of the shaft 160, and magnetically couples the permanent magnet 220 to an armature winding 230 included in the second rotating assembly 210B. Although the air gap is shown formed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (e.g., to magnetically couple the permanent magnet 220 and the armature winding 230 coaxially), in other embodiments the air gap may be formed at other angles relative to the shaft 160. In various embodiments, the permanent magnet 220 includes multiple magnets arranged radially around the shaft 160 and emits multiple first magnetic fields 215.
[0050] The second rotating assembly 210B includes an armature winding 230 and a resonant emitter 240. The armature winding 230 is radially disposed about the shaft 160, but is not in physical contact with the shaft, and is planetarily disposed with respect to the permanent magnets 220. The relative positions and lengths of the multiple rotating assemblies 210 position the armature winding 230 within a predetermined magnetic field strength range of the first magnetic field 215. As a result, the first magnetic field 215 axially couples the permanent magnets 220 and the armature winding 230. In various aspects, as the armature winding 230 rotates with respect to the permanent magnets 220, it generates a first current (I 1 ), which powers the resonant emitter 240 to generate the second magnetic field 225. The second rotating assembly 210B positions the resonant emitter 240 outside of a range of predetermined magnetic field strength of the first magnetic field 215. Thus, the permanent magnet 220 is positioned outside of a range of predetermined magnetic field strength of the second magnetic field 225. The second magnetic field 225 radially couples the resonant emitter 240 and the resonant receiver 250.
[0051] 2A-2D, the resonant receivers 250 of the power distributor 112 are fixed to the inner surface of the housing 120 and positioned relative to the resonant emitters 240 to receive the second magnetic field 225 of at least a predetermined magnetic field strength. The resonant receivers 250 are positioned radially symmetrically around the housing 120 and receive a third multi-phase alternating current (I 3 ) to generate the third multi-phase alternating current (I 3 ) is supplied to a power control unit 260 (also called a PCU), which regulates the power supplied to the vehicle's bus or other electrical distribution system.
[0052] During operation of the turbine engine 100 in which the components are disposed, the rotational forces imparted by the turbine cause the compressor 170 and attached EM components to rotate relative to one another and with respect to the fixed housing 120. The difference in rotational speed of the high pressure compressor 170 and the low pressure compressor 170 causes the first magnetic field 215 to rotate with respect to the armature windings 230 and the second magnetic field 225 to rotate with respect to the (nominally fixed) resonant receiver 250. Thus, electrical energy is extracted from the rotational force of the shaft 160 and transferred wirelessly between the various assemblies via the magnetic fields instead of through mechanical transfer components such as gears.
[0053] The relative sizes and positions of the electromagnetically coupled components shown in Figures 2A-2D are shown to allow the reader to easily identify and distinguish. However, in various aspects, a manufacturer may vary the relative size, shape, and orientation of these components based on the physical characteristics of the turbine engine 100 to which the components are attached (e.g., length, thickness, circumference, clearance distance, rotational torque, speed, and operating temperature) and the desired power characteristics of the extracted power (e.g., number of power phases, voltage / current levels), etc. The length of the components along the axis of the shaft 160 is determined by the torque and / or power rating requirements of the vehicle from the turbine engine 100, and the relative size and distance of the individual components are determined to optimize the torque production and speed from the turbine engine 100 and the power transfer efficiency at the generator 110 within the physical confines of the turbine engine 100. Thus, Figures 2A-2D are intended to illustrate concepts of operation, but do not necessarily represent specific implementations, and may be modified based on the power requirements, thrust requirements, specific fuel consumption rates of the turbine engine, and material properties of the various components.
[0054] For example, a manufacturer may design the permanent magnets 220 and armature windings 230 according to Figures 2A or 2B if it is more convenient to utilize radial space along the length of the compressor 170 blades, or according to Figures 2C or 2D if it is more convenient to utilize axial space between the compressors 170. Similarly, to optimize the power transfer performance of the electrical extractor 111, the resonant emitter 240 may be sized and positioned to overlap the armature windings 230 and / or permanent magnets 220 so that the resonant emitter 240 extends the entire length of the electrical extractor 111, and the length and position of the resonant receiver 250 may be matched to overlap the resonant emitter 240.
[0055] 3 is a schematic diagram 300 of the EM components of the generator 110. The first rotating assembly 210A (including the permanent magnet 220) is arranged to be in magnetic contact, but not in physical contact, with the second rotating assembly 210B (including the armature winding 230 and the resonant emitter 240) via the first magnetic field 215. As used herein, magnetic contact refers to a condition in which the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet or electromagnet is at least a predetermined strength between the two components. The armature winding 230 includes a number of receiver windings 310A-C (generally, receiver windings 310), each of which generates one phase of power from the received first magnetic field 215. It is noted that while three-phase current is shown provided to the resonant emitter 240 via three corresponding receiver windings 310A-C, other aspects may use more or less than three phases, for example using more or fewer receiver windings.
[0056] 2A-2D, first rotating assembly 210A is connected to one compressor 170 in turbine engine 100. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, second rotating assembly 210B is connected to a second compressor 170 in turbine engine 100. Due to differences in rotational speeds of the compressors 170 when turbine engine 100 is operating, first rotating assembly 210A rotates at a different speed than second rotating assembly 210B.
[0057] The second rotating assembly 210B is positioned to be in magnetic but not physical contact with the stationary assembly 320 via the resonant emitter 240 and resonant receiver 250. The stationary assembly 320 is positioned on (or within) the housing 120 of the turbine engine 100 and is therefore stationary with respect to the rotating compressor 170 and its associated EM components. The stationary assembly 320 includes a resonant receiver 250 and a power control unit 260 that physically connects the stationary assembly 320 to the vehicle's electric bus or other power distribution system. As will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5, the resonant emitter 240 and resonant receiver 250 generate and receive radio frequency magnetic fields at a predetermined resonant frequency, respectively, to generate a power output for the power control unit 260 and the vehicle.
[0058] 4 is a detailed circuit diagram 400 of an example of a three-phase resonant emitter 240 and resonant receiver 250 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The armature winding 230 includes multiple receiver windings 310A-C, each of which generates one phase of power (e.g., I 1 Φ 1 , I 1 Φ 2 , I 1 Φ 3) is generated. In embodiments using more or less than three phases of power, a corresponding number of receiver windings 310 other than three are used. The power from the receiver windings 310 is delivered to a high frequency three phase converter 410, such as one or more insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), or other controlled switching devices, to increase the frequency of the power and generate the second magnetic field 225 at a predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency is adjusted to be greater than the difference between the rotational speeds of the compressor 170 to which the resonant emitter 240 and other components of the electrical extractor 111 are connected, and to increase the efficiency of power transfer in the air gap between the resonant emitter 240 and the resonant receiver 250. Each output from the high frequency converter 410 is provided with an emitter capacitor 420A-C (generally, an emitter capacitor 420), and each of these emitter capacitors is connected in series with a phase inductor 430A-C (generally, a phase winding 430) to form an LC resonant circuit that generates a second magnetic field 225 at a predetermined resonant frequency.
[0059] Each phase winding 430 receives one phase of high frequency power and generates one phase of the second magnetic field 225. The corresponding receiving windings 440A-C (generally, receiving windings 440) of the resonant receiver 250 are connected in series with corresponding receiving capacitors among the receiving capacitors 450A-C (generally, receiving capacitors 450) to form an LC resonant circuit. This LC resonant circuit receives the second magnetic field 225 at a predetermined resonant frequency and generates a second current (e.g., I 2 Φ 1 , I 2 Φ 2 , I 2 Φ 3) to generate a phase of power corresponding to the receiving resonant circuit, inductor or winding 440, and capacitor 450. Each receiving resonant circuit, inductor or winding 440, and capacitor 450 are connected to a power control unit 260. The power control unit 260 can convert the power from AC to DC (or AC to AC), increase or decrease the number of phases of the power, make or break an electrical connection to the bus, increase or decrease the voltage of the power, increase or decrease the frequency of the power, and otherwise regulate the state of the power consumed or stored by the vehicle.
[0060] 4 shows an LC (inductive and capacitive) circuit arranged in series, in other embodiments, the resonant emitter 240 and resonant receiver 250 circuits may include RLC (resistive, inductive, and capacitive) elements arranged in other arrangements to enable resonant magnetic coupling between the resonant emitter 240 and the resonant receiver 250 when power is applied to the resonant emitter 240. Other examples include parallel LC circuits, RLC circuits, actively tuned resonant circuits, etc.
[0061] 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 for constructing a generator 110 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The method 500 may be performed during initial assembly of the turbine engine 100, during a retrofit or repair of the turbine engine 100, or as a pre-assembly step for the components of the turbine engine 100.
[0062] The method 500 begins at block 510 where a manufacturer attaches a permanent magnet 220 to a first compressor shaft. In various embodiments, the first compressor shaft may be the shaft 160 associated with the low pressure compressor 170 or the high pressure compressor 170 at the interface area between the two compressors 170, with the permanent magnet 220 attached directly or via the first rotating assembly 210A. In various embodiments, by repeating block 510, a manufacturer can attach a secondary permanent magnet 220 to a secondary first compressor shaft (e.g., at a different location on the shaft 160 in the primary generator 110) for use in a secondary generator 110 of a three-shaft turbine engine 100.
[0063] In block 520, the manufacturer mounts the second rotating assembly 210B, including the armature-emitter assembly, to the second compressor shaft. For example, the manufacturer mounts the second rotating assembly 210B to the shaft 160 associated with the low pressure compressor 170 if the permanent magnets 220 are mounted to the shaft 160 of the high pressure compressor 170, but mounts the second rotating assembly 210B to the shaft 160 associated with the high pressure compressor 170 if the permanent magnets 220 are mounted to the shaft 160 associated with the low pressure compressor 170. The interface area between the first and second compressors 170 defines an area that is free of the fan or blades of the corresponding compressor 170. In various aspects, by repeating block 520, the manufacturer can mount the secondary second rotating assembly 210B to a secondary second compressor shaft (e.g., the shaft 160 associated with the third compressor 170C) for use in the secondary generator 110 of the three-shaft turbine engine 100.
[0064] The second rotating assembly 210B includes an armature winding 230, a resonant emitter 240, and a spacer for positioning the armature winding 230 and the resonant emitter 240 in the first magnetic field 215 and for isolating the first magnetic field 215 from the second magnetic field 225 as the compressor 170 rotates relative to the first magnetic field 215 during operation of the turbine engine 100. The spacer also for positioning the resonant emitter 240 in a configured position such that the emitter engages and magnetically couples with the resonant receiver 250 during operation of the turbine engine 100.
[0065] In block 530, the manufacturer mounts the resonant receiver 250 on an inner surface of the housing 120 of the turbine engine 100 in relation to the interface area between the two compressors 170 where the secondary magnetic field 225 is generated during operation of the turbine engine 100. In various embodiments using a three-axis design, by repeating block 530, the manufacturer can mount the secondary resonant receiver 250 on the inner surface of the housing 120 at a secondary location that corresponds to the interface area between the two compressors 170 used by the secondary generator 110 and where the secondary secondary magnetic field 225 is generated during operation of the turbine engine 100. The method 500 may then end.
[0066] 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method 600 for wirelessly extracting electrical energy from a turbine engine 100, according to an aspect of the disclosure. Note that in a three-shaft turbine engine 100, the method 600 can be executed twice in parallel to extract power from the differential rotation of primary and secondary generators 110 located at the interface between different pairs of compressors 170.
[0067] The method 600 begins at block 610, where an operator of the turbine engine 100 rotates a permanent magnet 220 attached to a first compressor 170A of the turbine engine 100 relative to a second compressor 170B of the turbine engine 100. The operator operates the turbine engine 100 to generate thrust for the vehicle. That is, rotational energy may be induced on the compressor 170 by combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber and exhaust gas may be expelled through a turbine region to cause relative rotation, which may result in a turbine 180 rotating the corresponding shaft 160 and thereby rotating the compressor 170. The permanent magnet 210 may be one of a plurality of permanent magnets 220 connected to the first compressor 170A and radially arranged around the shaft 160, and emits a first magnetic field 215. When rotating, the first magnetic field 215 generates a multi-phase alternating current (e.g., I 1 Φ 1-3 ) to induce a first current in the armature windings 230, which are connected to the second compressor 170B and radially arranged around the shaft 160. In various aspects, the armature windings 230 may be arranged coaxially with the permanent magnets 220, planetarily arranged with respect to the permanent magnets 220, or alternately coaxially and planetarily arranged with respect to the permanent magnets 220 around the shaft 160. In other words, the air gap between the permanent magnets 220 and the armature windings 230 through which the first magnetic field 215 propagates may be coaxial with the shaft 160, may be formed in a plane intersecting the shaft 160, or may be formed in a coaxial plane and an intersecting plane at multiple different positions around the shaft 160.
[0068] In various aspects, the "first" compressor 170 refers to either the high pressure compressor or the low pressure compressor in a two-shaft turbine engine 100, and the "second" compressor 170B refers to the other compressor. Similarly, in a three-shaft turbine engine 100, if the "first" compressor 170A refers to the high pressure compressor or the low pressure compressor, the "second" compressor 170B refers to the intermediate pressure compressor, and if the "first" compressor 170A refers to the intermediate pressure compressor, the "second" compressor 170B refers to either the high pressure compressor or the low pressure compressor. It should be noted that the pressure terms "high", "intermediate", and "low" are used for different components in the turbine engine 100 based on the relative operating pressures between these components. Thus, it should be understood that for a given pair of rotors, one is the higher pressure rotor and the other is the lower pressure rotor.
[0069] At block 620, a first current (I 1 ) powers an electromagnet (e.g., resonant emitter 240) to generate the second magnetic field 225 at or above the predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, the predetermined frequency is adjusted to suit the characteristics of the turbine engine 100, including, but not limited to, the distance between the resonant emitter 240 and the resonant receiver 250, the relative spatial position of the second magnetic field 225 to the first magnetic field 215 in the generator 110, the relative position of the primary generator 110 to the secondary generator 110, the rotational speed of the compressor 170, etc. In various embodiments, the predetermined frequency can be set high (e.g., at least 10 kHz) to reduce losses in wirelessly transferring power via the resonant emitter 240 to the resonant receiver 250.
[0070] At block 630, a resonant receiver 250 disposed on an inner surface of the housing 120 converts the radiated electromagnetic field power (e.g., from the rotating second magnetic field 225) into an electrical power output. In various embodiments, the electrical power output is a fourth current (I 4), but in other aspects the power output may be single phase and / or direct current (DC) depending on the power consumption characteristics of the vehicle.
[0071] At block 640, the resonant receiver 250 communicates the power to the electric bus for use and / or storage by the vehicle. In various aspects, the resonant receiver 250 communicates the power output to the bus via a power control unit 260, which can regulate the power, convert the power from AC to DC (or DC to AC), increase or decrease the number of phases of the power, make and break electrical connections to the bus, increase or decrease the voltage of the power, increase or decrease the frequency of the power, etc.
[0072] The method 600 may continue as long as the first and second compressors 170 continue to rotate relative to one another.
[0073] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes the following appended claims, and the scope of protection is defined by the claims.
[0074] Addendum 1. A system including: a permanent magnet mounted to a first rotating assembly of a turbine engine and emitting a first magnetic field; an armature winding connected to a second rotating assembly of the turbine engine so as to be disposed within the first magnetic field; a resonant emitter configured to receive a power input from the armature winding to generate a second magnetic field of at least a predetermined frequency when the first rotating assembly rotates relative to the second rotating assembly; and a resonant receiver mounted to a housing of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the second magnetic field and convert the second magnetic field into a power output.
[0075] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the first rotating assembly is a high pressure rotor and the second rotating assembly is a low pressure rotor, the high pressure rotor rotating at a first speed that is faster than a second speed at which the low pressure rotor rotates.
[0076] Clause 3. The system of clause 1, wherein the first rotating assembly is a low pressure rotor and the second rotating assembly is a high pressure rotor, the high pressure rotor rotating at a first speed that is faster than a second speed at which the low pressure rotor rotates.
[0077] Addendum 4. The system of Addendum 1, wherein the first magnetic field propagates radially outward from a rotational axis of the first rotating assembly in an air gap formed between the permanent magnet and the armature winding.
[0078] Addendum 5. The system of Addendum 1, wherein the first magnetic field propagates coaxially with the axis of rotation of the first rotating assembly in an air gap formed between the permanent magnet and the armature winding.
[0079] Clause 6. The system of clause 1, further comprising a high frequency converter disposed between the armature winding and the resonant emitter, the high frequency converter configured to supply the power input to the resonant emitter at a higher frequency than the first magnetic field received by the armature winding.
[0080] Addendum 7. The system of Addendum 6, wherein the high frequency is greater than a difference in rotational speed between the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly and is based on power transfer efficiency between the resonant emitter and the resonant receiver.
[0081] Clause 8. The system of clause 1, wherein the power output includes a plurality of electrical phases based on a number of phases defined in the armature winding.
[0082] Clause 9. The system of clause 1, further comprising a power control unit disposed within the housing and connected to a power distribution bus of the vehicle.
[0083] Addendum 10. A compressor includes a housing having an air intake at an upstream end, a compression section downstream of the air intake, a combustion section downstream of the compression section, a turbine section downstream of the combustion section, and an exhaust at a downstream end, a first shaft connected to a first compressor of the compression section and a first turbine of the turbine section and configured to rotate at a first rotational speed, a second shaft connected to a second compressor of the compression section and a second turbine of the turbine section, extending coaxially with the first shaft and configured to rotate at a second rotational speed, and a second shaft connected to the first compressor and the second compressor. a permanent magnet connected to the other of the first compressor and the second compressor and configured to emit a first magnetic field and rotate relative to the armature winding at a differential rotational speed corresponding to a difference between the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed, inducing a current in the armature winding; a resonant emitter connected to the armature winding and configured to generate a second magnetic field of at least a predetermined frequency when powered by the current; and a resonant receiver provided in the housing of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the second magnetic field and configured to convert the second magnetic field into a power output.
[0084] Clause 11. The turbine engine of clause 10, further comprising a third shaft connected to a third compressor downstream of the first compressor and the second compressor in the compression section and connected to a third turbine upstream of the first turbine and the second turbine in the turbine section, the third shaft extending coaxially with the second shaft and configured to rotate at a third rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed.
[0085] Clause 12. The turbine engine of clause 11, further comprising: a secondary armature winding connected to one of the third compressor and the second compressor; a secondary permanent magnet connected to the other of the third compressor and the second compressor and configured to emit a secondary first magnetic field and rotate relative to the secondary armature winding at a secondary differential rotational speed corresponding to a secondary difference between the third rotational speed and the second rotational speed, and to induce a secondary current in the secondary armature winding; a secondary resonant emitter connected to the secondary armature winding and configured to generate a secondary second magnetic field of at least a secondary predetermined frequency when powered by the secondary current; and a secondary resonant receiver provided to the enclosure of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the secondary second magnetic field and configured to convert the secondary second magnetic field to a secondary power output.
[0086] Clause 13. The turbine engine of clause 10, further comprising a third shaft connected to a third compressor upstream of the first compressor and the second compressor in the compression section and connected to a third turbine downstream of the first turbine and the second turbine in the turbine section, the third shaft extending coaxially with the second shaft and configured to rotate at a third rotational speed slower than the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed.
[0087] Clause 14. The turbine engine of clause 13, further comprising: a secondary armature winding connected to one of the third compressor and the first compressor; a secondary permanent magnet connected to the other of the third compressor and the first compressor and configured to emit a secondary first magnetic field and rotate relative to the secondary armature winding at a secondary differential rotational speed corresponding to a secondary difference between the third rotational speed and the first rotational speed, and configured to induce a secondary current in the secondary armature winding; a secondary resonant emitter connected to the secondary armature winding and configured to generate a secondary second magnetic field of at least a secondary predetermined frequency when powered by the secondary current; and a secondary resonant receiver provided to the enclosure of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the secondary second magnetic field and configured to convert the secondary second magnetic field to a secondary power output.
[0088] Clause 15. The turbine engine of clause 10, further comprising a nacelle defining a bypass flow chamber in which the housing is disposed, and a transmission cable disposed in the bypass flow chamber and extending from the housing to electrically connect the resonant receiver to a power distribution bus of the vehicle.
[0089] Clause 16. The turbine engine of clause 15, further comprising a power control unit disposed within the bypass flow chamber outside the housing and electrically connected between the resonant receiver and the transmission cable.
[0090] Addendum 17. The turbine engine of claim 10, wherein the armature winding and the permanent magnet are separated by an air gap formed coaxially with the first shaft.
[0091] Clause 18. The turbine engine of clause 10, wherein the armature winding and the permanent magnet are separated by an air gap formed in a plane intersecting the axis of rotation of the first shaft.
[0092] Addendum 19. A method comprising: rotating a permanent magnet about a first shaft of a turbine engine to induce a polyphase alternating current in an armature winding, the permanent magnet being mounted to a first rotating assembly of the turbine engine and emitting a first magnetic field, the armature winding being mounted to a second rotating assembly mounted to a second compressor in the turbine engine connected to a second shaft coaxial with the first shaft, powering a resonant emitter with the polyphase alternating current to generate a second magnetic field at or above a predetermined frequency, and converting the second magnetic field into a power output via a resonant receiver mounted on an inner surface of a housing of the turbine engine.
[0093] Clause 20. A method comprising: mounting a permanent magnet to a first rotating assembly connected to a first compressor shaft of a turbine engine; mounting a second rotating assembly including an armature winding and a resonant emitter to a second compressor shaft of the turbine engine, the armature winding being disposed within a first magnetic field emitted by the permanent magnet; and mounting a resonant receiver on an inner surface of a housing of the turbine engine in association with the resonant emitter for receiving the second magnetic field as the resonant emitter emits the second magnetic field.
[0094] The present disclosure refers to various embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically described embodiments. Rather, any combination of the features and elements described below is contemplated for practicing the present disclosure, whether or not they relate to different embodiments. Also, when an element of an embodiment is described in the form of "at least one of A and B," each of the embodiments including only element A, the embodiment including only element B, and the embodiment including elements A and B is contemplated. Furthermore, while some embodiments provide advantages over other possible solutions and / or the prior art, whether or not a particular effect is obtained by an embodiment is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Thus, the embodiments, features, and effects disclosed herein are merely exemplary, and should not be considered as elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the appended claims. Similarly, the term "the present invention" should not be construed as a generalization of the gist of the invention disclosed herein, and should not be construed as an element or limitation of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the appended claims.
[0095] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects described herein may be implemented as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects may take the form of entirely hardware aspects, entirely software aspects (such as firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or aspects combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may be generally referred to herein as "circuits," "modules," or "systems." Additionally, aspects disclosed herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable storage medium(s) containing computer-readable program code.
[0096] In describing aspects of the present disclosure, reference is made to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to aspects of the present disclosure. Each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus form means for implementing the functions / acts described in the blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.
[0097] These computer program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes instructions implementing the functions / acts described in the blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.
[0098] Furthermore, computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to execute a series of operational steps on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to realize computer-implemented processes, such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device provide processes for implementing the functions / operations described in the blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.
[0099] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible embodiments of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or part of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function. It is to be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions shown in the blocks may be performed in an order different from the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may be executed in the reverse order or in a different order, depending on the related functionality. In addition, each block of the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be executed by a special purpose hardware-based system that performs a specific function or operation, or a combination of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0100] While aspects of the disclosure have been described, various other aspects may be envisioned without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims.
Claims
1. A turbine engine including a housing; a first rotating assembly disposed within the housing; a second rotating assembly disposed coaxially with the first rotating assembly within the housing; a permanent magnet disposed in the first rotating assembly of the turbine engine and emitting a first magnetic field; an armature winding connected to the second rotating assembly of the turbine engine so as to be disposed within the first magnetic field; a resonant emitter configured to receive a power input from the armature winding to generate a second magnetic field of at least a predetermined frequency upon rotation of the first rotating assembly relative to the second rotating assembly; a resonant receiver mounted to an enclosure of the turbine engine and positioned to receive the second magnetic field and convert the second magnetic field into an electrical power output.
2. the first rotating assembly being a high pressure rotor; the second rotating assembly being a low pressure rotor; The system of claim 1 , wherein the high pressure rotor rotates at a first speed that is faster than a second speed at which the low pressure rotor rotates.
3. the first rotating assembly being a low pressure rotor; the second rotating assembly being a high pressure rotor; The system of claim 1 , wherein the high pressure rotor rotates at a first speed that is faster than a second speed at which the low pressure rotor rotates.
4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first magnetic field propagates radially outward from a rotational axis of the first rotating assembly in an air gap formed between the permanent magnet and the armature winding.
5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first magnetic field propagates coaxially with an axis of rotation of the first rotating assembly in an air gap formed between the permanent magnet and the armature winding.
6. a high frequency converter disposed between the armature winding and the resonant emitter; the high frequency converter is configured to provide the power input to the resonant emitter at a frequency higher than the first magnetic field received by the armature winding; The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the high frequency is greater than a difference in rotational speed between the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly and is based on power transfer efficiency between the resonant emitter and the resonant receiver.
7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the power output includes a number of electrical phases based on a number of phases defined in the armature winding.
8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a power control unit disposed within the housing and connected to a power distribution bus of the vehicle.
9. an air intake at an upstream end; a compression section downstream of the air intake; a combustion section downstream of the compression section; a turbine section downstream of the combustion section; and an exhaust outlet at a downstream end; A housing having a first shaft connected to a first compressor in the compression section and a first turbine in the turbine section and configured to rotate at a first rotational speed; a second shaft connected to a second compressor in the compression section and a second turbine in the turbine section, extending coaxially with the first shaft and configured to rotate at a second rotational speed; an armature winding connected to one of the first compressor and the second compressor; a compressor connected to the other of the first compressor and the second compressor; Emitting a first magnetic field; rotate relative to the armature winding at a differential rotational speed corresponding to a difference between the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed; a permanent magnet configured to induce a current in the armature winding; a resonant emitter connected to the armature winding and configured to generate a second magnetic field of at least a predetermined frequency when powered by the current; a resonant receiver disposed in the housing and positioned to receive the second magnetic field and configured to convert the second magnetic field into an electrical power output.
10. a third shaft connected to a third compressor downstream of the first compressor and the second compressor in the compression section and connected to a third turbine upstream of the first turbine and the second turbine in the turbine section; the third shaft extends coaxially with the second shaft and is configured to rotate at a third rotational speed that is faster than the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed; The turbine engine further comprises: a secondary armature winding connected to one of the third compressor and the second compressor; a compressor connected to the other of the third compressor and the second compressor; Emitting a secondary first magnetic field, rotate relative to the secondary armature winding at a secondary differential rotational speed corresponding to a secondary difference between the third rotational speed and the second rotational speed; a secondary permanent magnet configured to induce a secondary current in the secondary armature winding; a secondary resonant emitter connected to the secondary armature winding and configured to generate a secondary second magnetic field of at least a secondary predetermined frequency when powered by the secondary current; 10. The turbine engine of claim 9, further comprising: a secondary resonant receiver disposed in the turbine engine housing and positioned to receive the secondary second magnetic field and configured to convert the secondary second magnetic field into a secondary power output.
11. a third shaft connected to a third compressor upstream of the first compressor and the second compressor in the compression section and connected to a third turbine downstream of the first turbine and the second turbine in the turbine section; the third shaft extends coaxially with the second shaft and is configured to rotate at a third rotational speed slower than the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed; The turbine engine further comprises: a secondary armature winding connected to one of the third compressor and the first compressor; a compressor connected to the other of the third compressor and the first compressor; Emitting a secondary first magnetic field, a secondary differential rotational speed corresponding to a secondary difference between the third rotational speed and the first rotational speed; and rotating relative to the secondary armature winding at a secondary permanent magnet configured to induce a secondary current in the secondary armature winding; a secondary resonant emitter connected to the secondary armature winding and configured to generate a secondary second magnetic field of at least a secondary predetermined frequency when powered by the secondary current; 10. The turbine engine of claim 9, further comprising: a secondary resonant receiver disposed in the turbine engine housing and positioned to receive the secondary second magnetic field and configured to convert the secondary second magnetic field into a secondary power output.
12. a nacelle defining a bypass flow chamber in which the housing is disposed; a transmission cable disposed in the bypass flow chamber and extending from the housing, electrically connecting the resonant receiver to a power distribution bus of a vehicle; The turbine engine according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising: a power control unit disposed outside the housing within the bypass flow chamber and electrically connected between the resonant receiver and the transmission cable.
13. A turbine engine according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the armature winding and the permanent magnet are separated by an air gap formed coaxially with the first shaft.
14. A turbine engine according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the armature winding and the permanent magnet are separated by an air gap formed in a plane intersecting the axis of rotation of the first shaft.
15. a permanent magnet is rotated about a first shaft of a turbine engine to induce a polyphase alternating current in an armature winding, the permanent magnet being mounted to a first rotating assembly of the turbine engine and emitting a first magnetic field, the armature winding being mounted to a second rotating assembly of the turbine engine that is mounted to a second compressor connected to a second shaft coaxial with the first shaft; powering a resonant emitter with the polyphase alternating current to generate a second magnetic field having a predetermined frequency or higher; converting the second magnetic field into an electrical power output via a resonant receiver disposed on an interior surface of an enclosure of the turbine engine.
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