Cabin Air Compressor Bearing Cooling Path With Rotor Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft environmental control systems using bleed air compressors are complex, require frequent maintenance, and are inefficient in terms of fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A separate cabin air compressor is used, with dedicated cooling streams for the compressor rotor bearings and motor rotor, discharging cooling air to a cavity behind the compressor rotor to enhance efficiency and maintain pressure drop, reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a separate cabin air compressor is used instead of bleed air, then fuel efficiency and system simplicity are improved, but cooling of motor and bearings becomes more critical and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the compressor operation by using the compressor inlet as the cooling air source and integrating cooling flow paths within the existing compressor structure. The motor rotor cooling flow path and bearing cooling flow path are merged into a unified cooling system that utilizes the same inlet air source and discharge cavity, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor system serves its own cooling needs by using its inlet air as the cooling medium. The cooling air is drawn from the compressor inlet, passed through the motor rotor and bearings, and discharged to the cavity behind the compressor rotor. This self-service approach eliminates external cooling system requirements and reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If cooling air is directed to critical components like motor rotor and bearings, then reliability is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing dedicated cooling flow paths that deliver cooling air directly to specific critical components (motor rotor and bearings) while maintaining optimal flow characteristics for each location. The motor rotor cooling flow path and bearing cooling flow path are separately configured to ensure appropriate cooling at each location without excessive pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes dynamic flow management where the cooling air flow is optimized based on operational conditions. The system dynamically balances the cooling requirements of different components with the available inlet air pressure, adjusting flow distribution to maintain reliability while minimizing pressure drop losses.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If dedicated cooling flow paths are implemented for motor rotor and bearings, then component life is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into distinct flow paths (motor rotor cooling flow path and bearing cooling flow path) that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each cooling path is routed through specific components (inlet, motor rotor, bearings, discharge cavity) allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly while ensuring dedicated cooling for each critical component.
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 improves the reliability and efficiency of the compressor by ensuring the coolest air is directed to critical components, reducing pressure drop, and enhancing the overall performance and fuel efficiency of the environmental control system.
Implementation Method 1
a motor rotor cooling flow path extending from the thrust shaft to the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes a plurality of orifices that open to a cavity on a backside of the compressor rotor and fluidly couple the motor rotor cooling flow path to the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor includes a compressor rotor and a motor disposed about a common axis. The motor includes a rotor shaft coupled to the compressor rotor and configured to drive the compressor rotor; a thrust shaft disposed at an opposite end of the motor from the rotor shaft; a tie rod disposed on the common axis and extending through the rotor shaft, thrust shaft, and the compressor rotor, the tie rod axially retaining the compressor rotor at a forward end and the motor at an aft end; a cooling fluid inlet disposed at an aft end of the motor; and a motor rotor cooling flow path extending from the thrust shaft to the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes a plurality of orifices that open to a cavity on a backside of the compressor rotor and fluidly couple the motor rotor cooling flow path to the cavity.