Dual-Clutch Accessory Drive Switching Between Engine Spools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft dual drive systems face inefficiencies in powering accessories due to the limited speed compatibility between turbine engine spools and generators, requiring constant high-speed operation of the turbine engine to drive accessories, which is not necessary across all operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual drive, dual clutch accessory drive system that selectively connects either a low pressure spool or a high pressure spool of a turbine engine to an output shaft based on speed zones, using a clutch actuator to engage and disengage clutches to ensure optimal power delivery to aircraft accessories, thereby maintaining mechanical isolation between the spools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the turbine engine operates at high speed to drive the generator, then the generator receives sufficient power, but the turbine engine consumes excessive energy and cannot operate efficiently at lower speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two drive paths based on operating conditions. The clutch selectively connects or disconnects the high-pressure spool from the generator, allowing the system to adapt its configuration. When the low-pressure spool cannot provide sufficient speed, the clutch engages to connect the high-pressure spool, ensuring continuous adequate power delivery while allowing flexible operation across different speed ranges.
2Power
If a direct connection is used between the high-pressure spool and generator, then power delivery is efficient, but the system lacks flexibility to operate at different speed zones
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two separate drive paths: one through the low-pressure spool and another through the high-pressure spool. The clutch acts as a switching mechanism between these segments. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate drive path based on operational requirements, providing both efficient power delivery when needed and operational flexibility across different speed zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism provides multi-functionality by enabling the system to operate in two distinct modes: normal operation through the low-pressure spool and high-speed operation through the high-pressure spool. This universal design allows a single system to handle multiple operational scenarios, combining the benefits of both direct connection efficiency and operational flexibility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the turbine engine speed is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but the generator receives insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch serves as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the two spools and the generator. When the low-pressure spool operates at reduced speed to save energy, the clutch can engage to connect the high-pressure spool to the generator, ensuring sufficient power delivery is maintained. This intermediary allows the system to decouple the generator's power requirements from the overall engine speed, enabling energy-saving operation while maintaining adequate power supply.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual drive, dual clutch accessory drive system for an aircraft including a first input shaft connected to a first pressure spool of a turbine engine. The first input shaft rotates at a first speed. A second input shaft is connected to a second spool of the turbine engine that is distinct from the first spool. The second input shaft rotates at a second speed. An output shaft operatively connected to an aircraft accessory. A first drive path selectively operatively connects the first input shaft with the output shaft. The first drive path includes a first clutch. The first drive path being operable to rotate the output shaft at the first speed. A second drive path operatively connects the second input shaft with the output shaft. The second drive path includes a second clutch. The second drive path is operable to rotate the output shaft at the second speed.