Electric Propulsion System Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in providing sufficient electrical power to electric fans due to the space and weight constraints of energy storage devices, and auxiliary generators in gas turbine engines are not configured to adequately support electric propulsors.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electric machine coupled to the rotary component of a gas turbine engine, generating a baseline voltage and providing a differential voltage twice the baseline to an electric propulsor through an electric communication bus, allowing for efficient power distribution and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If energy storage devices are added to power the electric fan, then the electric fan can operate, but the aircraft weight and space requirements increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The gas turbine engine's rotary component serves dual purposes: driving the compressor/turbine functions and simultaneously generating electrical power through the coupled electric machine. The system uses its own operational motion to produce the electricity needed for the electric propulsor, eliminating the need for separate energy storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary component of the gas turbine engine is configured to perform multiple functions: mechanical drive for the compressor section and simultaneous electrical power generation through the electric machine. This multi-functionality allows one component to serve both propulsion and electrical power needs.
2Power
If auxiliary generators are installed in the gas turbine engine, then electrical power can be provided, but the generators are not configured to provide sufficient power for the electric fan
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine is configured to generate voltage based on the rotational speed of the gas turbine engine's rotary component. By utilizing the high-speed rotation already present in gas turbine operation, the system generates sufficient electrical power without requiring oversized or multiple generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is integrated directly with the rotary component of the gas turbine engine, combining the power generation function with the existing propulsion mechanism. This integration allows the same rotational motion to drive both the compressor and generate electrical power simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If the electric machine generates only baseline voltage, then the system is simple, but the electric propulsor requires twice the baseline voltage for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
An electric communication bus serves as an intermediary between the electric machine and the electric propulsor. This bus includes voltage conversion capability, allowing the baseline voltage from the electric machine to be transformed into the higher voltage required by the electric propulsor for optimal performance.
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 the electric propulsor to receive the necessary electrical power, enhancing propulsion capabilities while optimizing energy use and reducing the weight and space requirements for energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine coupled to the rotary component of the gas turbine engine, the electric machine generating a voltage
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
A propulsion system includes an electric propulsor and a gas turbine engine. The propulsion system also includes an electric machine coupled to a rotary component of the gas turbine engine generating a voltage at a baseline voltage magnitude during operation of the gas turbine engine. An electric communication bus is provided electrically connecting the electric machine to the electric propulsor. The propulsion system additionally includes a means for providing a differential voltage to the electric propulsor equal to about twice the baseline voltage magnitude.