Electric Machine Assisted Turbine Engine for Ground Power ECS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs) consume excessive fuel when driving environmental control systems (ECS) during gate-parking, as they are not equipped to utilize ground-based electrical power, leading to inefficient fuel usage.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a turbine engine mechanically assisted by an electric machine, utilizing ground-based electrical power to reduce APU fuel consumption, comprising an electric machine mechanically coupled to the turbine engine, an electrical power pathway, and a turbine-speed controller with non-volatile memory to manage the turbine engine's speed based on available current from the ground-based power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the APU turbine engine is used to drive the ECS during gate-parking, then the ECS can operate to maintain comfortable cabin temperature, but excessive fuel is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
An electric machine is introduced as an intermediary between the ground-based power source and the APU turbine engine. The electric machine converts electrical energy to mechanical energy to assist in driving the turbine engine, enabling the use of ground-based electrical power as a mediator to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining ECS operation
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a motor to assist the turbine engine during gate-parking operations, and can potentially function as a generator during flight operations. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both ground-based power utilization and in-flight power generation needs
2Weight of moving object
If the APU is minimized in size and weight to be carried through full mission, then the APU can be compact and lightweight, but it cannot efficiently utilize ground-based electrical power to drive the ECS
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into distinct functional components: the compact APU turbine engine for flight operations, the electric machine for power conversion, and the ground-based power interface. This segmentation allows the APU to remain minimized for flight while the electric machine provides the adaptability needed to utilize ground-based electrical power during gate-parking
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different power sources and operational modes. The electric machine can operate in motor mode to assist the turbine during ground operations, and the system can transition between ground-based power and APU-driven power based on operational requirements, providing dynamic adaptability
3Use of energy by moving object
If the aircraft is equipped to utilize ground-based electrical power to drive the ECS, then fuel savings can result from diminished use of the APU, but the aircraft requires additional equipment including electric machine and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine serves multiple functions within the system: it acts as a starter motor for the APU, provides assist torque during ground-based power operations, and can function as a generator during flight. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while enabling fuel savings
Solution Approach 2:
The control system merges multiple functions into a single integrated controller that manages the electric machine's operation, coordinates with the ground-based power interface, and regulates APU operation. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control devices needed, limiting the overall system 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 solution allows for reduced fuel consumption by using ground-based electrical power to assist the turbine engine, thereby minimizing APU fuel usage and enabling efficient operation of the ECS while parked.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine on board the vehicle and mechanically coupled to the turbine engine to drive the turbine engine while the turbine engine drives the ECS
Implementation Method 2
a turbine engine on board the vehicle and coupled to the ECS to pneumatically drive the ECS
Data Source
AI summary
A system for driving an environmental control system (ECS) of a vehicle with ground-based electrical power may include a turbine engine on board the vehicle, coupled to the ECS to pneumatically drive the ECS, and an electric machine, on board the aircraft, mechanically coupled to the turbine engine, to drive the turbine engine. A control system such that the electric machine provides motoring assistance to the turbine engine, and that the motoring assistance is limited to match the available current from the ground-based electrical power.