Electric Boost Actuation for Gas Turbine Translating Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic actuation systems in gas turbine engines are insufficient to overcome increased resistance and friction caused by high g-loading during flight, as they lack the necessary force to effectively actuate translating rings.
Innovation Solution
An electric boost actuation system is introduced, comprising hydraulic and electric actuators, where electric actuators, such as electromechanical or piezoelectric, are controlled by a controller to provide additional force based on sensed engine conditions, specifically during high g-loading, to assist hydraulic actuators in moving the translating ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic actuators are used to move the translating ring, then the system can provide sufficient force under normal conditions, but during high g-loading the hydraulic system cannot overcome the increased resistance and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydraulic actuators and electric actuators into a hybrid actuation system. The hydraulic actuators provide primary actuation force under normal conditions, while electric actuators provide supplemental force during high g-loading conditions when additional force is needed to overcome increased resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the purely hydraulic mechanical system with an electric actuation system. The electric actuators convert electrical energy to mechanical motion to provide supplemental force, substituting for the hydraulic system's insufficient force output during high g-loading conditions.
2Force
If additional hydraulic actuators are added to overcome g-loading resistance, then sufficient force can be provided, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more hydraulic actuators to the existing hydraulic system, the patent merges electric actuators with the single hydraulic actuator. This combination provides the needed additional force during high g-loading without duplicating the entire hydraulic actuation system, thereby reducing complexity compared to adding multiple hydraulic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric actuators serve multiple functions: they provide supplemental force during high g-loading conditions, assist the hydraulic actuator during normal operation, and can potentially operate independently if needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for different operating conditions.
3Force
If additional hydraulic actuators are added to overcome g-loading resistance, then sufficient force can be provided, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges compact electric actuators with the existing hydraulic actuator rather than adding multiple heavy hydraulic actuators. Electric actuators have a higher power-to-weight ratio, providing the needed supplemental force during high g-loading with less weight penalty compared to additional hydraulic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation system's operational parameters by introducing electric actuators that can be activated only when needed (during high g-loading conditions). This allows the system to maintain lower weight by using lighter electric actuators for supplemental force rather than continuously relying on heavier hydraulic actuators for all conditions.
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 electric boost actuation system effectively provides the necessary force to overcome resistance and friction during high g-loading conditions, ensuring reliable operation of translating rings without the need for additional hydraulic actuators, thereby enhancing the engine's performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one electric actuator is configured to provide a second mechanical force to move the translating ring in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The at least one hydraulic actuator is configured to provide a first mechanical force to move the translating ring along the centerline
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation system for a gas turbine engine oriented about a centerline includes a translating ring, at least one hydraulic actuator, and at least one electric actuator. The translating ring is oriented about the centerline and configured to move axially along the centerline. The at least one hydraulic actuator is configured to provide a first mechanical force to move the translating ring along the centerline. The at least one electric actuator is configured to provide a second mechanical force to move the translating ring in the axial direction. The at least one electric actuator is controlled to provide the second mechanical force upon determination of an operating condition.