Aircraft Turbine Engine Starting System Module Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing starting/generating systems for aircraft turbine engines face challenges in reducing maintenance costs and increasing reliability due to the need for long power cables, which result in electrical losses and electromagnetic interference, and expose the management device to harsh conditions when housed in a non-pressurized zone.
Innovation Solution
A brushless drive motor/generator system where the power module is housed adjacent to the motor/generator in a non-pressurized zone, and the control module is in a pressurized zone, connected by a two-way communication cable, eliminating the need for long power cables and allowing for precise control and reduced heat losses, while maintaining the control module in a protected environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power module is positioned in a pressurised zone, then the control module can be protected from harsh conditions, but long power cables are required which cause electrical losses and electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate modules: a control module positioned in the pressurised zone for protection, and a power module positioned in the non-pressurised zone adjacent to the brushless drive motor/generator. This spatial segmentation allows each module to be optimally positioned for its function, eliminating the need for long power cables while maintaining protection of sensitive control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
A two-way communication cable serves as an intermediary between the control module and power module, enabling precise control and monitoring of the power module's operation from the protected control module location. This communication link replaces the need for long power transmission cables while maintaining system control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If long power cables are used to connect the control module in the pressurised zone to the brushless drive motor/generator, then the control module remains protected, but electromagnetic interference and power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into control and power modules positioned in different zones, the harmful effects are minimized. The power module is placed close to the motor/generator in the non-pressurised zone, eliminating long power cables that generate electromagnetic interference, while the control module remains protected in the pressurised zone.
3Loss of energy
If the power module is positioned in the non-pressurised zone adjacent to the brushless drive motor/generator, then power losses are reduced, but the control module is exposed to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two modules positioned in different environmental zones: the power module operates in the non-pressurised zone adjacent to the motor/generator to minimize power losses, while the control module is positioned in the pressurised zone to be protected from harsh conditions. This segmentation allows each module to operate in its optimal environment.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If shielding members are added to prevent electromagnetic disturbances between power and control cables, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts and removes the source of electromagnetic interference by positioning the power module adjacent to the motor/generator, eliminating the need for long power cables that require shielding. This extraction of the power connection from the protected zone removes the need for complex shielding arrangements.
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 reduces power losses, minimizes electromagnetic interference, and simplifies installation and maintenance by allowing a two-way digital communication, ensuring reliable operation and easier design of the control module.
Implementation Method 1
a brushless drive motor/generator (1) configured to be positioned in a housing (3) in a non-pressurised zone (NP) to start an aircraft turbine engine
Implementation Method 2
the control module (6) connected to the power module (7) by a two-ways communication cable (L3)
Implementation Method 3
the power cable L2 has a length of several metres and thus has an intrinsic electrical resistance that results in a loss of power transmitted by the power cable L2. This intrinsic electrical resistance is all the more restrictive when the objective is to use an on-board electrical network 4 having a low voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A starting/generating system for an aircraft turbine engine, the starting/generating system comprising at least one brushless drive motor/generator, at least one control module and at least one power module, the power module being configured to supply/receive electric power from the brushless drive motor/generator, the control module being connected to the brushless drive motor/generator by a control cable in order to control its operation, in which system the power module is configured to be mounted in the housing of the non-pressurized zone so as to be located adjacent to the brushless drive motor/generator and the control module is configured to be mounted in a pressurized zone of the aircraft, the control module being connected to the power module by a two-way communication cable in order to control its operation.