Electric Motor Augmentor Pump for Aircraft Fuel Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmentor fuel pumping systems in aircraft gas turbine engines face limitations due to inlet shutoff valves that restrict suction capabilities and continuous pump rotation when dry, leading to unnecessary wear, and require oversized boost pumps for dual-stage operation.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor-driven augmentor pump with a direct fuel supply from the storage system, eliminating intermediate pumps and shutoff valves, and featuring a check valve to prevent backflow when powered off, allowing independent control of the pump's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inlet shutoff valves are used in the augmentor pump system, then fuel flow can be controlled, but suction capabilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inlet shutoff valve from the augmentor pump system entirely. The electric motor-driven augmentor pump can be controlled to start and stop independently, eliminating the need for inlet shutoff valves that restricted suction capabilities. This extraction of the problematic component resolves the contradiction by maintaining full suction capability while achieving fuel flow control through motor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical inlet shutoff valve control system with an electric motor control system. Instead of using a mechanical valve to control fuel flow, the system uses an electric motor that can be selectively activated and deactivated to control the augmentor pump operation, thereby maintaining suction capabilities while achieving flow control.
2Reliability
If the augmentor pump continues to rotate when dry, then the pump remains ready for operation, but unnecessary wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-driven augmentor pump system provides self-service by automatically controlling its own operation. The motor can be selectively activated and deactivated based on system needs, allowing the pump to stop when not in use rather than continuing to rotate. This eliminates unnecessary wear while maintaining readiness through on-demand activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing the augmentor pump to operate only when needed rather than continuously. The electric motor can be selectively activated and deactivated, creating an on-demand operation pattern that reduces wear during idle periods while maintaining operational readiness when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If boost pumps are sized to provide flow to both main stage and augmentor stage, then dual-stage operation is enabled, but excess pressure and flow are generated when augmentor pump is off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel supply system into two independent pathways: one for the main combustor and one for the augmentor. The augmentor pump with electric motor control can operate independently from the boost pump, allowing the boost pump to be sized appropriately for main combustor needs only, while the augmentor pump handles augmentor stage requirements. This eliminates excess pressure and flow generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through the electric motor that can selectively activate and deactivate the augmentor pump. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt fuel flow to actual demands, enabling the boost pump to be optimized for main stage operation without generating excess capacity for augmentor operation, which is only activated when needed.
4Ease of operation
If an electric motor is used to drive the augmentor pump, then selective activation and deactivation is enabled, but additional components are added to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a simpler electric motor control system. The electric motor provides selective activation and deactivation capabilities through electrical control, which is inherently simpler and more flexible than mechanical valve and linkage systems. This substitution achieves selective control while minimizing added complexity.
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 configuration enhances performance by reducing unnecessary wear, enabling precise control of the augmentor pump, and potentially downsizing the main boost pump, improving thermal efficiency and weight by allowing the augmentor pump to be turned off when not needed.
Implementation Method 1
An electric motor is operatively connected to drive the augmentor pump for selectively activating and deactivating the augmentor pump
Implementation Method 2
The augmentor pump can be a centrifugal pump
Implementation Method 3
A check valve can be operatively associated with the discharge of the augmentor pump
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A fuel system for a gas turbine engine includes an augmentor pump (102) having an inlet (104) communicating with a fuel supply source and a discharge (106) communicating with an augmentation stage of the engine. An electric motor (108) is operatively connected to drive the augmentor pump for selectively activating and deactivating the augmentor pump.