Electric Machine Assembly With Selective Shaft Coupling for Turbine Start

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas turbine engines require complex and heavy starter systems, including transfer gearboxes and accessory gearboxes, which increase weight, complexity, and alter aerodynamics, and lack efficient integration for both starting and power generation.

Innovation Solution

An electric machine assembly that operates in both starting and generating modes, permanently coupled to a low speed shaft, eliminating the need for additional gearboxes by selectively coupling to a high speed shaft via a clutch assembly, providing rotational input for starting and generating electrical power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional starter systems with transfer gearboxes and accessory gearboxes are used, then the turbine engine can be started, but the weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestarting capabilityVSAvoidstarter system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the starter motor and generator into a single integrated electric machine assembly that is permanently coupled to the low speed shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate transfer gearboxes and accessory gearboxes, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining both starting and power generation functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric machine assembly serves dual functions: it acts as a starter motor during engine startup by selectively coupling to the high speed shaft, and as a generator during normal operation by remaining coupled to the low speed shaft. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated starter and generator systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional starter systems with transfer gearboxes and accessory gearboxes are used, then the turbine engine can be started, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestarting capabilityVSAvoidstarter system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the starter motor and generator into a single integrated electric machine assembly that is permanently coupled to the low speed shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate transfer gearboxes and accessory gearboxes, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining both starting and power generation functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric machine assembly serves dual functions: it acts as a starter motor during engine startup by selectively coupling to the high speed shaft, and as a generator during normal operation by remaining coupled to the low speed shaft. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated starter and generator systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional starter systems with transfer gearboxes and accessory gearboxes are used, then the turbine engine can be started, but the aerodynamics are altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestarting capabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the starter motor and generator into a single integrated electric machine assembly that is permanently coupled to the low speed shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate transfer gearboxes and accessory gearboxes, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining both starting and power generation functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric machine assembly serves dual functions: it acts as a starter motor during engine startup by selectively coupling to the high speed shaft, and as a generator during normal operation by remaining coupled to the low speed shaft. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated starter and generator systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces weight and complexity, improves stability, and enhances aerodynamics by integrating power generation and starting functions within a single system, allowing for efficient energy transfer and reduced thermal effects during rapid shutdowns.

Implementation Method 1

an electric machine assembly configured to start the turbine engine and also configured to generate electrical power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first clutch assembly selectively operably coupling the electric machine to the high speed shaft, wherein, upon coupling, the electrical machine provides an output to the high speed shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240328328A1Electric machine assembly for a turbine engine

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 GE AVIO SRL

AI summary

A turbine engine with a turbine core that includes a compressor section having a compressor, a combustion section, a turbine section having a high pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine, and a nozzle section. A high speed shaft couples the high pressure turbine to the compressor. A first gearbox selectively coupling an output of an electric machine and the high speed shaft. A second gearbox couples an input/output of the electric machine and a low speed shaft, where the low speed shaft is coupled to the low pressure turbine.