Distributed Propulsion System Bypass Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed propulsion systems face challenges in achieving high bypass ratios due to limitations in energy storage density and mechanical transmission constraints, leading to inefficiencies and layout limitations on aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A distributed propulsion system that utilizes a high-energy working medium generated by a gas turbine engine, transported through a network of pipes to drive turbine-driven propulsors, eliminating the need for high-density energy storage and mechanical transmission, thereby increasing bypass ratio and propulsion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical drive system is used for distributed propulsion, then propulsion distribution is achieved, but energy storage density and motor power requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical drive system with a direct mechanical transmission system. The gas turbine engine directly drives the propulsors through mechanical linkages, eliminating the need for high-density energy storage devices and ultra-high-power motors required by electrical systems. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving propulsion distribution through mechanical means rather than electrical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical transmission system as an intermediary between the gas turbine engine and the propulsors. This intermediary mechanism enables power transmission without requiring direct electrical conversion, thereby avoiding the energy storage and motor power constraints. The mechanical transmission acts as a mediator that facilitates distributed propulsion while maintaining system efficiency.
2Power
If mechanical transmission system is used for distributed propulsion, then power transmission is achieved, but structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system into modular components distributed throughout the aircraft. Each propulsor has its own independent mechanical transmission unit, allowing for simplified individual designs while achieving overall distributed propulsion. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single transmission system while maintaining the ability to transmit power effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic mechanical linkages that can adapt to varying operational requirements. The mechanical transmission system incorporates movable and adjustable components that optimize power transmission based on real-time flight conditions, reducing the need for overly complex fixed structures. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain simplicity while achieving effective power transmission.
3Productivity
If conventional turbofan engine is used, then propulsion is achieved, but bypass ratio improvement is limited by structural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propulsion system into multiple independent propulsors distributed throughout the aircraft structure. This segmentation allows each propulsor to be optimized independently for high bypass ratio operation, breaking free from the structural constraints of conventional single-engine turbofan designs. The distributed architecture enables higher bypass ratios without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized propulsion approach to a distributed three-dimensional arrangement of propulsors throughout the aircraft structure. This spatial redistribution allows the system to achieve higher bypass ratios by utilizing the full three-dimensional space for propulsion, rather than being constrained by the linear or planar limitations of conventional engine layouts.
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 achieves higher bypass ratios and lower specific fuel consumption, reducing carbon emissions and improving aircraft efficiency by directly transporting high-energy working medium to propulsors, breaking through previous limitations in energy storage and mechanical constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The high-energy working medium is generated by a gas turbine engine
Implementation Method 2
a gas turbine engine core engine (14)
Implementation Method 3
transported through a network of pipes to drive turbine-driven propulsors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a distributed propulsion system. An input end of a gas collecting device of a high-energy working medium collecting device is communicated with an output end of a core engine compressor of a turbine engine core engine; and an output end of the high-energy working medium collecting device is communicated with an inlet of the high-efficiency working medium transporting device. An output end of a transporting branch pipe in the high-efficiency working medium transporting device is respectively communicated with an input end of a propulsor turbine volute of each distributed propulsor; and an input end of the transporting branch pipe is communicated with a transporting header pipe in the high-efficiency working medium transporting device; and multiple distributed propulsors are evenly distributed on both sides of the turbine engine core engine. The present invention overcomes the dependence of the electric power distribution-based distributed propulsion system on a high-energy density energy storage device and an ultra-high-power motor, thereby improving the achievability of the distributed propulsion system and simultaneously getting rid of the mechanical constraints between a gas generator and the propulsors in a mechanical transmission-based distributed propulsion system, breaking through the limitation of the bypass ratio of a turbofan engine to the traditional distributed propulsion, realizing the heat regenerating design and improving the propulsion efficiency.