Air Turbine Starter Lubrication Recirculation for Pressure-Controlled Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubrication systems in air turbine starters for gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently distributing and managing lubricant flow, particularly in varying pressure conditions, which can lead to unnecessary lubricant flow and potential breaches, affecting the longevity and operation of engine components.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication recirculation circuit with a pressure valve and bypass system that controls lubricant flow between the air turbine starter and the accessory gear box, utilizing a multiplex control valve to manage lubricant distribution based on pressure differences, ensuring lubricant is provided only when necessary and redirecting excess lubricant back to the reservoir in case of breaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubricant is continuously supplied to the air turbine starter, then the lubricated components are adequately lubricated, but lubricant waste increases and oil level control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts lubricant flow based on operating conditions. A pressure-sensitive valve automatically controls lubricant supply to the turbine section, opening when pressure is low (needing lubrication) and closing when pressure is high (adequate lubrication). This dynamic control eliminates continuous lubricant supply and prevents waste while ensuring reliable lubrication only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system incorporates feedback through pressure sensing. The pressure-sensitive valve responds to lubricant pressure conditions in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system. When lubricant pressure drops below a threshold, the valve opens to restore pressure; when pressure exceeds the threshold, the valve closes. This feedback mechanism ensures adequate lubrication while preventing excessive lubricant consumption.
2Reliability
If lubricant flow is increased to ensure adequate lubrication, then component protection is improved, but the risk of lubricant breaches and overflow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic pressure-sensitive control to adjust lubricant flow rates based on actual lubrication needs. The pressure-sensitive valve modulates flow to maintain optimal pressure levels, preventing both insufficient lubrication and excessive flow that could cause breaches. This dynamic adjustment ensures component protection without creating overflow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the lubricant flow parameter dynamically based on pressure conditions. The pressure-sensitive valve responds to pressure parameter changes by adjusting its opening degree, thereby controlling the flow rate parameter. This parameter control ensures lubrication adequacy while preventing lubricant breaches by maintaining flow within safe limits.
3Device complexity
If a simple lubrication system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control lubricant distribution under varying pressure conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is self-regulating through the pressure-sensitive valve that automatically responds to pressure conditions without external control. The valve self-adjusts lubricant flow based on inherent pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex external control systems, sensors, or actuators. This self-service approach provides pressure condition adaptability while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic/hydraulic principles through the pressure-sensitive valve that operates on pressure differential. The valve leverages the inherent pressure of the lubricant system itself to control flow distribution, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex electronic controls. This approach provides adaptability to varying pressure conditions while maintaining system simplicity.
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 solution effectively manages lubricant flow, extending the life of bearing and rotating parts by providing lubrication only when needed and ensuring complete shut-off during breaches, thus optimizing lubricant usage and maintaining proper oil levels within the air turbine starter.
Implementation Method 1
A lubrication recirculation circuit with a pressure valve and bypass system that controls lubricant flow between the air turbine starter and the accessory gear box, utilizing a multiplex control valve to manage lubricant distribution based on pressure differences
Implementation Method 2
redirecting excess lubricant back to the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An air turbine starter (ATS) for a gas turbine engine having an accessory gear box (AGB) with a lubricant reservoir, the air turbine starter comprising a housing at least partially defining a working air flow path; a turbine section comprising a turbine having an output shaft and a plurality of blades circumferential spaced about the output shaft and at least partially extending into the working air flow path; a drive section having a drive shaft operably coupled to the output shaft to engage the AGB; and a lubrication recirculation circuit fluidly coupled to the lubricant reservoir.