Dual-Spool Power Management for Gas Turbine Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Increasing engine bypass ratios and electrical demands on the compressor section of gas turbine engines lead to increased operating temperatures and power fluctuations, affecting performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A dual-spool power management system with motor-generators and a controller that dynamically manages power distribution between low and high speed spools, combining or directing power between them based on operating conditions to optimize efficiency and thrust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If engine bypass ratio is increased to improve efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but operating temperatures increase and compressor loading increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidoperating temperatures

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor is divided into two independent spools (low-speed and high-speed spools) that can rotate at different speeds and be controlled independently. This segmentation allows the controller to manage power distribution between spools to optimize efficiency while managing temperature and loading conditions on each spool separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If electrical demands on compressor section are increased to meet power needs, then electrical power output is improved, but operating temperatures increase and compressor performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power outputVSAvoidoperating temperatures

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operation of motor-generators on each spool based on real-time operating conditions. The controller can vary the power extraction and generation on each spool independently, allowing flexible power management that responds to changing electrical demands while maintaining optimal temperature and performance levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If power demand is increased to meet aircraft needs, then thrust and power output are improved, but operating perturbation increases due to large swings in power demand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust and power outputVSAvoidoperating perturbation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Motor-generators are introduced as intermediary devices between the spools and the loads. These motor-generators act as buffers that can store or release energy as needed, smoothing out power fluctuations and reducing operating perturbations while still meeting varying power and thrust demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of energy

If dual-spool power management is implemented to improve efficiency, then fuel efficiency and thrust are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional motor-generators and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor-generators are designed to perform multiple functions: they can generate electrical power, drive their respective spools, and act as energy storage devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved fuel efficiency and thrust control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4407159B1Systems and methods of dual-spool power management

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 RTX CORP

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AI summary

A power extraction system (100) for a gas turbine engine (20) may comprise a low spool transmission (72) and a low spool accessory gearbox (70). The low spool accessory gearbox may comprise a generator (76) and a dual clutch transmission. The dual clutch transmission may be coupled between the low spool transmission and the generator.