Ejector-Driven Fuel Deoxygenation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum systems for fuel stabilization units in gas turbine engines are heavy and costly due to the need for multiple vacuum pumps to create a sufficient partial oxygen pressure differential for deoxygenation, which is inefficient in terms of space and weight, especially in aircraft applications.
Innovation Solution
An ejector-driven system that uses a high-pressure fluid stream to generate a vacuum across an oxygen permeable membrane, eliminating the need for secondary vacuum sources and reducing system weight by creating a single, efficient vacuum source for fuel deoxygenation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vacuum pumps are used to create sufficient partial oxygen pressure differential, then deoxygenation effectiveness is improved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum generation function with the existing high-pressure fluid system by using an ejector that utilizes the high-pressure fluid to create vacuum. This merging eliminates the need for separate vacuum pumps, reducing system weight while maintaining the required partial oxygen pressure differential for effective deoxygenation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an ejector that utilizes pneumatic principles to generate vacuum. The high-pressure fluid stream creates a low-pressure zone through the ejector, drawing in and removing dissolved oxygen from the fuel. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical vacuum pumps, achieving the same deoxygenation effectiveness with reduced weight.
2Reliability
If multiple vacuum pumps are used to create sufficient partial oxygen pressure differential, then deoxygenation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum generation function into the existing high-pressure fluid system architecture. By using an ejector that utilizes the high-pressure fluid, the system eliminates separate vacuum pump components and their associated control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining deoxygenation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-pressure fluid system serves multiple functions: it provides the primary fluid flow for the fuel stabilization unit and simultaneously generates the vacuum effect through the ejector for deoxygenation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated vacuum pump components, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Stress or pressure
If vacuum pumps are used to generate vacuum, then partial oxygen pressure differential is achieved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic ejector system that generates the required partial oxygen pressure differential without requiring bulky mechanical vacuum pumps. The ejector utilizes the existing high-pressure fluid stream to create vacuum, achieving the same pressure differential with significantly reduced space consumption, which is critical for aircraft applications.
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 effectively deoxygenates fuel without the need for additional vacuum pumps, resulting in a lightweight and cost-effective solution that increases the heat sink capacity of the fuel, optimizing space usage in aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum source employs an ejector and a stream of high pressure fluid flowing through the ejector
Implementation Method 2
generating an oxygen partial pressure differential across the oxygen permeable membrane
Implementation Method 3
fuel is pumped over an oxygen permeable membrane. As the fuel passes over the membrane, a partial oxygen pressure differential across the membrane promotes the transport of oxygen out of the fuel through the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel stabilization unit includes a fuel inlet and outlet, an oxygen permeable membrane and a vacuum source. The vacuum source employs an ejector and a high pressure fluid to generate an oxygen partial pressure differential across the membrane. A fuel deoxygenation system includes a fuel stabilization unit and a vacuum source. The fuel stabilization unit has a fuel flow path, a vacuum chamber and an oxygen permeable membrane separating the fuel flow path and the vacuum chamber. The vacuum source employs an ejector and a high pressure fluid to reduce pressure in the vacuum chamber to generate an oxygen partial pressure differential across the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for deoxygenating a fuel includes delivering a high pressure fluid to an ejector, generating an oxygen partial pressure differential across an oxygen permeable membrane using only the ejector and removing oxygen from the fuel using the oxygen partial pressure differential.