Aircraft Engine Heat-to-Power Conversion via Integrated Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft engines generate significant heat energy that is largely wasted, as it is absorbed by engine components rather than being harnessed for electrical power, leading to inefficiencies and increased weight and cost of generators.

Innovation Solution

Integration of thermophotovoltaic and thermoelectric cells within the aircraft engine to convert waste heat into electrical energy by capturing thermal emissions and temperature differentials, respectively, reducing the demand on traditional generators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional generators are used to provide electrical power for aircraft systems, then reliable power supply is ensured, but aircraft weight increases and fuel efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidgenerator weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power generation function with the existing engine structure by integrating energy-generating cells into the engine housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate traditional generators, reducing overall weight while maintaining power supply reliability through dual sources (engine-driven generator and heat-generated electrical energy).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful waste heat that is normally absorbed by engine components into beneficial electrical energy. By placing energy-generating cells in thermal contact with high-temperature engine parts, the previously wasted thermal energy is transformed into useful electrical power, reducing the load on traditional generators and thereby reducing their required weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional generators are used to meet electrical power demands, then power supply is sufficient, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power supplyVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms waste heat energy that would otherwise be lost into useful electrical energy. The energy-generating cells capture thermal energy from high-temperature engine components and convert it to electrical power through thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic effects, directly reducing the amount of fuel needed to generate the same amount of electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The engine system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to produce mechanical thrust while simultaneously generating electrical energy through the integrated energy-generating cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power generation systems and improves overall energy utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If waste heat is absorbed by engine components, then thermal management is simplified, but electrical energy generation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal management systemVSAvoidwaste heat energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously wasted heat energy absorbed by engine components into useful electrical energy. The energy-generating cells are integrated into the engine housing and placed in thermal contact with high-temperature components, transforming the heat that would otherwise be lost into electrical power for aircraft systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The engine system serves itself by generating its own electrical energy needs through the integrated energy-generating cells. The waste heat that is naturally present in the engine is utilized to produce electrical power, reducing the burden on external power generation systems and improving overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enhances fuel efficiency by reducing the size and weight of generators, lowers operational costs, and provides a reliable backup power source, while also reducing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

The example aircraft engine includes an energy-generating cell coupled to a portion of the engine housing defining the core exhaust cavity. The energy-generating cell is to generate electrical energy from high temperature fluid in the core exhaust cavity.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermophotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11015509B2Systems and apparatus to generate electrical power from aircraft engine heat

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Systems and apparatus to generate electrical power from aircraft engine heat are described herein. An example aircraft engine described herein includes a gas turbine engine having an engine housing. The engine housing defines a flow path through a combustion chamber and a core exhaust cavity. The example aircraft engine also includes an energy-generating cell coupled to a portion of the engine housing defining the core exhaust cavity. The energy-generating cell is to generate electrical energy from high temperature fluid in the core exhaust cavity.