Aircraft Dedicated Electric Compressor for Engine-Independent Air Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft air systems that bleed compressed air from gas turbine engines are inefficient and require re-engineering for retrofitting, and there is a need for improved systems that can provide compressed air to environmental control and de-icing systems without mechanical power drag.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft system with a nacelle housing an electric compressor and a turbo-compounded heat engine, where the electric compressor is fluidly decoupled from the powerplant, providing compressed air to environmental control and icing systems independently of powerplant operation, and utilizing separate inlets for powerplant and compressor air intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If compressed air is bled from gas turbine engines, then air supply for environmental control and de-icing systems is achieved, but mechanical power drag increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into two independent components: the powerplant air system and the component air system. Each has its own dedicated compressor, allowing independent operation. The component air compressor is driven by an electric motor rather than bleeding air from the powerplant, eliminating mechanical power drag while maintaining compressed air supply for environmental control and de-icing systems.
2Productivity
If existing air systems are modified to improve efficiency, then operational efficiency increases, but re-engineering of existing systems is required
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor that drives the component air compressor is already integrated into the propulsion system for driving the propulsor rotor. This existing electric motor is utilized to also drive the component air compressor, providing multi-functionality without requiring additional power sources or complex re-engineering of the propulsion system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated compressor is added for component air supply, then independent operation from powerplant is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor serving the propulsor rotor is also used to drive the component air compressor. This multi-functional use of the electric motor eliminates the need for a separate dedicated power source, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent operation capability for the component air supply system.
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
Enhances operational efficiency of powerplants by eliminating mechanical power drag and allows retrofitting without re-engineering existing systems, meeting environmental control and icing demands independently of powerplant operation.
Implementation Method 1
The electric compressor is housed within the nacelle and is fluidly discrete from the powerplant. The electric compressor is fluidly coupled with and is configured to provide compressed air to the aircraft component.
Implementation Method 2
The aircraft propulsion system includes a propulsor rotor and a turbo-compounded heat engine configured to drive rotation of the propulsor rotor.
Implementation Method 3
The powerplant is housed within the nacelle and includes a turbine rotor.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft system includes a nacelle, an aircraft component, an aircraft propulsion system and an electric compressor. The aircraft component is arranged outside of the nacelle. The aircraft propulsion system includes a propulsor rotor and a powerplant configured to drive rotation of the propulsor rotor. The powerplant is housed within the nacelle. The electric compressor is housed within the nacelle and is fluidly discrete from the powerplant. The electric compressor is fluidly coupled with and is configured to provide compressed air to the aircraft component.