Adaptive Core Engine Compressor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional jet propulsion engines face challenges in maintaining efficient operation at diverse flight conditions, particularly at low power settings where they experience reduced part-power efficiency and cannot retain a high overall pressure ratio, leading to non-optimum fan and bypass ratio selections for both subsonic and supersonic flight.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive core engine design with a front and rear block compressor system, where the rear block compressor is phased out during high-power mode and brought online during low-power mode to maintain a near-constant overall pressure ratio, using variable stator vanes and a blocker door to prevent reverse flows in the bypass duct.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If fan pressure ratio and bypass ratio are optimized for high-power supersonic operation, then thrust capability is improved, but part-power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust capabilityVSAvoidpart-power efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The core compressor is segmented into two independent blocks (front and rear) that can operate separately or in combination. During high-power mode, only the front block operates with high bypass ratio for maximum thrust. During low-power mode, the rear block is activated to maintain high overall pressure ratio, improving part-power efficiency without compromising the high-power performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engine configuration is made dynamic through the ability to transition between different operational states. The rear block compressor can be brought online or taken offline based on power settings, and the blocker door dynamically redirects flow between bypass and core paths. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the engine to adapt its pressure ratio and bypass characteristics to match operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If overall pressure ratio is maintained high for efficient low-power operation, then part-power efficiency is improved, but reverse flows in bypass ducts occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepart-power efficiencyVSAvoidreverse flows

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A blocker door is introduced as an intermediary flow control element that actively manages the bypass duct flow. During low-power mode when the rear block is activated, the blocker door closes to prevent reverse flow into the bypass duct, while still allowing the overall pressure ratio to be maintained at high levels for efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cores with multiple compressors are used to achieve variable flow capability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable flow capabilityVSAvoidengine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple complete core systems, the compressor is segmented into two blocks that share common infrastructure (shaft, bearings, sealing). This segmentation provides variable flow capability while minimizing complexity by reusing components across the front and rear blocks rather than duplicating entire core systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front and rear compressor blocks are designed with universal characteristics, allowing either block to operate independently or in combination. The same basic compressor stage design is used in both blocks, reducing development and manufacturing complexity while providing flexible operational modes for different flight conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adaptive core engine effectively transitions between high and low power modes while maintaining a high overall pressure ratio, improving efficiency and reducing Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) across various flight conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a front block compressor to increase pressure of a fluid to a first pressure ratio

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8622687B2Method of operating adaptive core engines

Publication Date: 2014.01.07 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A method of operating a compressor in an adaptive core engine is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of operating a front block compressor to increase pressure of a fluid to a first pressure ratio in a high-power mode operation; operating a rear block compressor coupled to the front block compressor such that the front block compressor and the rear block compressor operate at the same physical speed; closing a rear block stator vane located axially forward from the rear block compressor such that the flow of the fluid into the rear block compressor is substantially cut off; and keeping a blocker door opened such that substantially all of the fluid pressurized by the front block compressor flows through a bypass passage during the high-power mode operation. The operation may be transitioned from the high-power mode to a low-power mode by opening a rear block stator such that the rear block compressor receives at least a portion of the fluid flowing from the front block compressor and maintains an overall engine pressure ratio.