Distributed Propulsion Motor-Generator Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face inefficiencies in energy consumption and operation flexibility, as they typically rely on fuel for propulsion and electrical power generation, lacking the ability to seamlessly switch between fuel and electrical power sources or operate in various modes such as vectored propulsion and stealth mode.
Innovation Solution
A distributed propulsion system with multiple turbines, motor-generators, and a controller that allows for the selective operation of turbines on fuel, electrical power, or both, enabling versatile modes of operation by converting electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice versa, and managing power distribution across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gas turbine engine relies on fuel for propulsion and electrical power generation, then it can provide continuous power output, but it lacks operation flexibility and cannot seamlessly switch between fuel and electrical power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a motor to drive the propulsor using electrical power, as a generator to produce electrical power from the propulsor during windmilling, and as a clutch to disconnect the propulsor from the turbine. This multi-functionality enables the system to switch between different power sources and operational modes without requiring separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controllable clutch mechanism that dynamically connects or disconnects the propulsor from the turbine based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the engine to transition between fuel-powered and electric-powered modes, enabling flexible operation in different flight conditions such as stealth mode, vectored propulsion, and hybrid operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gas turbine engine operates in traditional fuel-only mode, then it achieves simple operation, but it cannot operate in versatile modes such as vectored propulsion and stealth mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system can periodically switch between different power sources based on operational needs. During cruise flight, the engine may operate in fuel-only mode, while during maneuvers requiring vectored propulsion or stealth mode, it seamlessly transitions to electrical power from the motor-generator. This periodic switching optimizes fuel consumption by using electrical power for specific operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power sources and operational modes. The controller adjusts the clutch engagement, motor-generator operation, and propulsor configuration to achieve different flight modes such as vectored propulsion, stealth mode, and hybrid operation, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency while maintaining operational versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the turbine is directly coupled to the propulsor, then mechanical energy transfer is efficient, but the system cannot operate in electrical power mode or achieve versatile operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generator acts as an intermediary between the propulsor and the electrical power system. It provides a controlled interface that allows energy conversion between mechanical and electrical forms while enabling the system to operate in multiple power modes. This intermediary component facilitates seamless switching between fuel-powered and electric-powered operation without direct coupling constraints.
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 enables a flexible power system with reduced fuel consumption, lower operating costs, and the ability to operate in multiple modes, including vectored propulsion and stealth mode, by allowing turbines to run on fuel, electrical power, or a combination of both, and efficiently managing energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Each respective motor-generator of the at least two motor-generators is configured to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy to drive a respective propulsor
Implementation Method 2
convert mechanical energy from a respective turbine to which the respective motor-generator is operably coupled to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
The combusted fluid may enter the turbine, where it expands, causing a shaft to rotate
Implementation Method 4
A combustor may add fuel to the compressed fluid and combust the fuel/fluid combination
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes at least one compressor, at least two turbines, and at least two combustors, each fluidically coupled to a respective turbine of the at least two turbines and configured to receive compressed fluid from the at least one compressor. The system further includes at least two motor-generators, each operably coupled to a respective turbine of the at least two turbines and configured to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy to drive a respective propulsor to which the respective motor-generator is operably coupled and to convert mechanical energy from the respective turbine to electrical energy. The system further includes at least two propulsors, each operably coupled to a respective turbine of the at least two turbines and configured to be driven by the respective turbine, a respective motor-generator to which the respective propulsor is operably coupled via the respective turbine, or both the respective turbine and the respective motor-generator.