Aircraft Propulsion Lubrication Circuit With Temperature Bypass Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication systems for aircraft propulsion systems with electric machines are not compact and do not effectively tailor lubricant temperatures for different engine components, leading to inefficiencies and potential material degradation.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system with a lubricant circuit and bypass circuit that directs lubricant to various components at optimized temperatures, using a mixing valve and sensor-controlled flow regulation to adjust lubricant temperature based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single lubrication circuit is used for all components, then the system is simpler, but different components cannot receive lubricant at their optimal temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into multiple separate circuits: a first lubrication circuit for the electric machine and a second lubrication circuit for propulsion system components. Each circuit can independently control lubricant flow and temperature for its designated components, enabling temperature tailoring without requiring a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary device between the two lubrication circuits. It enables thermal interaction and temperature regulation between the circuits, allowing each component to receive lubricant at its optimal temperature while maintaining circuit independence.
2Reliability
If lubricant is circulated through all components, then all components are lubricated, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lubrication system into separate circuits for different components, the patent reduces the volume of lubricant that needs to be circulated throughout the entire system. Each circuit only contains the minimum necessary lubricant volume for its specific components, thereby reducing overall system volume while ensuring all components receive adequate lubrication.
3Ease of operation
If lubricant temperature is not controlled, then the system is simpler to operate, but material degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Each lubrication circuit is equipped with its own temperature control capabilities through integrated heat exchangers and flow control valves. The system automatically regulates lubricant temperature for each component without requiring complex centralized control, maintaining ease of operation while preventing material degradation through proper temperature management.
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 system provides lubrication at tailored temperatures for different propulsion system components, reducing material degradation and space requirements while enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The lubrication system includes a lubricant circuit and a lubricant source configured to direct lubricant through the lubricant circuit
Implementation Method 2
The lubricant source is also configured to direct the lubricant through the bypass circuit to the component volume to bypass the machine volume
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This aircraft propulsion system assembly includes an electric machine, a rotating structure, a geartrain, a propulsion system component and a lubrication system. The electric machine includes a machine volume and a machine rotor. The rotating structure includes a bladed rotor. The geartrain couples the machine rotor to the rotating structure. The geartrain includes a geartrain volume. The propulsion system component is arranged with the rotating structure. The propulsion system component includes a component volume. The lubrication system includes a lubricant circuit and a lubricant source configured to direct lubricant through the lubricant circuit. The lubricant circuit includes the machine volume, the geartrain volume and the component volume.