Engine Core Electric Machine Placement for Compact Gas Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for arrangements and systems that facilitate the integration of electric motors and generators within the core of a gas turbine engine to reduce the overall size of the engine.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electric machine, comprising an electric machine rotor and stator, is arranged within the engine core, positioned between the compressor and turbine rotors, allowing for both motor and generator operations, and is supported by bearings with a lubrication system to direct lubricant effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electric motor and electric generator are connected to a gearbox outside of the engine core, then the engine core structure is simpler, but the overall size of the gas turbine engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric motor and electric generator within the engine core, merging previously separate external components into the core structure. This integration reduces the overall engine size by eliminating the need for external gearbox mounting while maintaining functional complexity through shared space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is nested within the engine core structure, with the rotor positioned between the compressor rotor and turbine rotor. This nesting arrangement allows the electric machine components to occupy space within the existing core architecture, reducing overall volume without requiring additional external structures.
2Volume of moving object
If the electric machine is arranged within the engine core, then the overall size of the gas turbine engine is reduced, but the arrangement and integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine core is segmented into distinct functional zones along the flowpath, with the electric machine positioned in a specific axial location between the compressor and turbine sections. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and manufacturing of the electric machine as a separate unit that can be integrated into the predefined space within the core.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is arranged in the axial dimension within the engine core, utilizing the length of the core along the flowpath rather than requiring additional radial or circumferential space. This dimensional arrangement allows integration without increasing the engine's external footprint.
3Volume of moving object
If the electric machine rotor is positioned between the compressor rotor and turbine rotor, then space utilization is optimized, but the mechanical complexity and bearing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting the compressor rotor, supporting the turbine rotor, and supporting the electric machine rotor. This multi-functional bearing arrangement reduces the total number of separate support structures needed while managing the mechanical complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine rotor acts as an intermediary component between the compressor and turbine sections, utilizing the space in the flowpath. The bearing system serves as an intermediary support structure that manages the mechanical loads and rotational requirements of multiple rotors in close proximity.
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 the overall size of the gas turbine engine by utilizing existing space within the engine core and enables efficient operation as both an electric motor and generator, while maintaining effective lubrication to prevent heat-related degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The electric machine may be configurable as an electric motor during a motor mode of operation. The electric machine may also or alternatively be configurable as an electric generator during a generator mode of operation.
Implementation Method 2
The lubrication system may be configured to direct lubricant through the electric machine to the bearing.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine assembly includes an engine core and an electric machine. The engine core includes a first rotating structure, a second rotating structure, a combustor and a flowpath. The first rotating structure includes a first structure turbine rotor. The second rotating structure includes a second structure compressor rotor, a second structure turbine rotor and a second structure shaft connecting the second structure compressor rotor to the second structure turbine rotor. The second structure compressor rotor, the combustor, the second structure turbine rotor and the first structure turbine rotor are arranged sequentially along the flowpath. The electric machine is arranged within the engine core. The electric machine includes an electric machine rotor and an electric machine stator adjacent the electric machine rotor. The electric machine rotor is rotatable with the second rotating structure and located between the second structure compressor rotor and the first structure turbine rotor.