Electrical connection of an electrical machine in an aircraft turbine engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of a high-power electric machine on the low-pressure body of an aircraft turbomachine is complex due to mechanical integration, temperature resistance, and accessibility issues, particularly in connecting the machine to the electronic power circuit located at a distance, with large diameter harnesses posing technical problems and requiring vibration mitigation.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft turbomachine design featuring an electric machine with a rotor coupled to the fan, where the stator is connected to the electronic power circuit using rigid electroconductive bars that pass through IGV arms, allowing for efficient electrical connection and maintaining low temperatures and high power production, with the bars having a constant section and being surrounded by an insulating sheath for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large diameter power harnesses are used to connect the electric machine to the electronic power circuit, then electrical connection is achieved, but the bend radius becomes too large for the available space and vibration transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidharness integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional flexible power harness with a rigid electroconductive bar structure. This substitution eliminates the bend radius constraint of flexible cables and provides structural rigidity that reduces vibration transmission. The bar is integrated into the IGV arm structure, combining mechanical support and electrical conduction functions in a single rigid component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The IGV arm is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the compressor blades, acts as a mounting structure for the electroconductive bar, and serves as a conduit for electrical connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate flexible harnesses and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If the electric machine is integrated close to the flow veins for optimal temperature and power production, then power production increases, but accessibility for maintenance and connection to power circuit becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower productionVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electroconductive connection is segmented into modular sections that can be independently accessed. The bar is designed with connection points at accessible locations, allowing maintenance personnel to disconnect and service the electric machine without disassembling the entire engine assembly. This modular approach enables maintenance while preserving the compact integration for optimal power production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If rigid electroconductive bars are used instead of flexible harnesses, then vibration transmission is reduced and space constraints are satisfied, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidbar fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electroconductive bar is merged with the IGV arm structure to form an integrated component. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. The bar can be fabricated as an integral part of the IGV arm using standard aerospace manufacturing processes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the rigid structure requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables optimal integration of the electric machine close to the flow veins, reducing mechanical complexity and enhancing power production while minimizing vibration risks and facilitating maintenance by using short bending radii and modular assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the stator of the electrical machine is connected to an electronic power circuit by at least one rigid electrically conductive bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the bars having a constant section and being surrounded by an insulating sheath for secure attachment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP4069944B1Electrical connection of an electrical machine in an aircraft turbine engine

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

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AI summary

Aircraft turbine engine (10) comprising: - a gas generator (12) having a longitudinal axis (A), - a fan (14) which is located at an upstream end of the gas generator and which is configured to rotate about the axis, and - an electric machine (70) which has a generally annular shape, is mounted coaxially downstream of the fan and comprises a rotor (70a) which is coupled in terms of rotation to the fan, and a stator (70b) which is connected to an electronic power circuit (78) by at least one rigid electroconductive bar (80).