Turbo Generator Powered by Bleed Air for Aircraft Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for generating electrical energy in vehicles rely on fossil fuels and are not efficient.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a turbo generator powered by bleed air from a jet engine, connected to an electrical generator with a gearbox, and a cooling system that combines expanded bleed air and ram air heat exchangers to efficiently generate and distribute electrical energy, while reducing cooling load and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fossil fuel-based systems are used for generating electrical energy in vehicles, then the system can operate independently, but the efficiency is low and environmental impact is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical energy generation system with the aircraft's existing bleed air system. The turbo generator is powered by bleed air that would otherwise be wasted or used for other purposes, merging two functions (cooling/pressurization and power generation) into one integrated system, thereby improving overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The bleed air system serves multiple functions: it provides cooling for the turbo generator, drives the turbine for electrical power generation, and can still be used for cabin pressurization and wing anti-icing. This multi-functionality increases energy utilization efficiency without requiring separate systems
2Productivity
If bleed air is used to power the turbo generator, then electrical energy generation efficiency improves, but the cooling capacity available for electrical consumers may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent pathways: bleed air cooling for the turbo generator, expanded bleed air cooling for electrical consumers, and ram air cooling as additional capacity. This segmentation ensures that cooling functions are distributed and can operate independently or in combination
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the bleed air as it passes through different stages. Bleed air is first used to drive the turbine (expanding and cooling), then the still-warm expanded bleed air is routed to cool electrical consumers. The system adapts temperature and pressure parameters at different stages to maximize efficiency
3Temperature
If ram air heat exchangers are used for cooling electrical consumers, then cooling effectiveness improves, but aircraft drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function for electrical consumers with the existing ram air cooling system used for other aircraft components. By integrating this function into the existing airflow path rather than adding separate cooling inlets, the increase in drag is minimized while still achieving effective cooling
4Device complexity
If a single cooling system is used for electrical consumers, then the system is simpler, but reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the cooling system have different qualities and sources: bleed air cooling provides controlled, reliable cooling for critical components, while ram air cooling provides additional capacity and redundancy. Each component receives cooling appropriate to its specific thermal requirements, improving overall system reliability
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 efficiently generates electrical energy using bleed air from a jet engine and effectively cools electrical consumers, reducing the load on ram air consumption and drag, and providing redundant cooling systems for reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a turbo generator (13) which is powered by bleed air from the engine
Implementation Method 2
the turbo generator comprising at least one turbine (15a, 15b)
Implementation Method 3
configured to drive at least one electrical generator with variable frequency or an electrical generator with constant frequency or HVDC
Implementation Method 4
an expanded bleed air heat exchanger configured to cool the electrical consumer
Implementation Method 5
the expanded bleed air heat exchanger can take up to 25% of the cooling load
Implementation Method 6
the electrical consumer is cooled by ambient or ram air through an ambient air- or ram air heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
System (1) and method for generating electrical energy in a vehicle, comprising an engine (3) having a bleed air output line (5a), a turbo generator (13) connected to the engine (3), and an electrical consumer (A, B, C, D) connected to the turbo generator (13), wherein the turbo generator (13) has a bleed air input line (5b) connected to the bleed air output line (5a) of the engine (3) and is confgured to be powered by bleed air from the engine (3).