Dual-Rotor Spool Power Transfer for Lower-Weight Gas Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating new electric machines with gas turbine engines can introduce inefficiencies in the form of excess weight and other issues, necessitating improved integration methods.
Innovation Solution
A power transfer system for a gas turbine engine that includes a dual rotor electric machine coupled to two spools, utilizing electromagnetic interaction and AC/AC converters to efficiently transfer mechanical power between spools, reducing the need for high-capacity converters and minimizing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional electric machines are integrated with gas turbine engines, then power generation capability is improved, but system weight increases due to excess weight of additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two electric machines into a single integrated unit where the first electric machine's rotor and the second electric machine's rotor are merged, sharing a common stator structure. This merging eliminates redundant components and reduces overall system weight while maintaining dual power generation capabilities from different spools of the gas turbine engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electric machine system serves multiple functions: the first rotor generates power from the low-pressure spool, the second rotor generates power from the high-pressure spool, and both rotors share a common stator structure. This multi-functional design achieves power generation from multiple sources without proportionally increasing system weight.
2Power
If high-capacity converters are used to transfer power between spools, then power transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical power conversion systems with a direct mechanical power transfer mechanism. The mechanically coupled rotors of the integrated electric machine enable direct mechanical power transfer between the low-pressure and high-pressure spools, eliminating the need for high-capacity AC/AC converters and associated control systems, thereby reducing device complexity and weight.
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
The system achieves efficient power transfer with improved efficiency and reduced weight compared to conventional systems, allowing for better management of engine cycles and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a coupled electric machine configured to transfer a mechanical power between the first pressure spool and the second pressure spool
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine having a first pressure spool and a second pressure spool includes a power transfer system to transfer mechanical power between the first pressure spool and the second pressure spool. The first pressure spool can include a first electric machine to convert mechanical power from the first pressure spool to a first electric power. A coupled electric machine having a first coupled rotor and a second coupled rotor can be rotatingly coupled to the first pressure spool and the second pressure spool, respectively. The coupled electric machine is configured to receive an output power (e.g., an output power from an AC/AC converter) to drive a winding of the coupled electric machine to enable power transfer between the first pressure spool and the second pressure spool. An AC/AC converter can be electrically disposed between the first pressure spool and the second pressure spool.