Aircraft Propulsion Channel With Dual-Fed Asynchronous Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft propulsion systems using turbomachines suffer from significant noise emissions, high fossil fuel consumption, and complex control systems, with synchronous and asynchronous systems either imposing speed variations or requiring heavy control circuits that degrade energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Aircraft propulsion channels incorporating a first polyphase asynchronous rotating electrical machine with dual power supply, a second polyphase rotating electrical machine, and a control and storage module to independently control the first machine's speed and amplitude, eliminating dedicated power control circuits and enhancing energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a synchronous electric generator is directly connected to the gas turbine, then the propulsion system can operate, but the speed variation of the electric propulsion motor is imposed by the gas turbine speed and complex synchronization control is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion motor speed variationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An asynchronous electric machine is introduced as an intermediary between the gas turbine and the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The asynchronous machine decouples the direct mechanical connection, allowing independent speed control of the propulsion motor while the gas turbine drives the asynchronous machine. This eliminates the need for complex synchronization control between the generator and motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If an asynchronous generator with multiple power control circuits is used, then the propeller rotation speed can be varied independently of the turbomachine's rpm, but the overall mass of the propulsion channel increases and energy efficiency degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropeller rotation speed independenceVSAvoidpropulsion channel mass
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control functions for the asynchronous machine are integrated into the control module that already manages the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. This extracts and consolidates the power control circuits, eliminating the need for separate control circuits for the generator and motor, thereby reducing the overall mass while maintaining independent speed control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Power

If a synchronous electric generator is used, then power can be generated, but dedicated power control circuits are required which increase system mass and reduce energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidpower control circuit mass
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control module is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor for propulsion and the asynchronous electric machine for power generation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated power control circuits for the generator, reducing system mass while maintaining full power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Power

If turbomachines are used for aircraft propulsion, then mechanical power can be generated, but significant noise emissions and high fossil fuel consumption occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical power generationVSAvoidnoise emissions and pollutant emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces direct mechanical drive from the turbomachine to the propeller with an electro-magnetic drive system. The turbomachine drives an asynchronous electric machine that generates electrical power, which then drives a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor connected to the propeller. This substitution allows the propeller to be driven electrically, enabling reduced power operation of the turbomachine during phases like taxiing, thereby reducing noise and pollutant emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration minimizes aircraft mass, increases energy efficiency, and reduces noise and pollutant emissions by allowing independent speed control of propulsion motors, optimizing turbomachine operation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Implementation Method 1

at least one second polyphase rotating electrical machine electrically coupled to the first asynchronous rotating electrical machine, wherein the second polyphase rotating electrical machine comprises a permanent magnet polyphase synchronous rotating electric machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4136746B1Propulsion channel for aircraft
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 SAFRAN SA
  • EP4136746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4136746B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4136746B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a propulsion channel (2, 19) for aircraft (1), which comprises: - at least one first dual-fed polyphase asynchronous rotating electric machine (4) intended to be mechanically coupled to a turbine engine (3), - at least one second polyphase rotating electric machine (5) electrically coupled to the first asynchronous rotating electric machine, and - a control and storage module (6) configured to control the first polyphase asynchronous rotating electric machine, said module being connected to the first dual-feed polyphase asynchronous rotating electric machine as well as to said at least second polyphase rotating electric machine, said at least second polyphase rotating electric machine comprising a polyphase synchronous rotating electric machine (9) with permanent magnet.