Electric Superheating Section Jet Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jet engines rely on combustion, which poses weight, safety, and environmental concerns, and there is a need for a non-combustion heat source to enhance the expansion of compressed air.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered heating system replaces combustion heating by using an array of electrically heated channels within a jet engine's central superheating section, powered by an electrical power source including an electric motor, battery, and alternator, allowing for superheated air expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If combustion heating is used in the jet engine, then the air can be heated to enable expansion, but weight increases and safety hazards (explosion/fire) occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combustion-based heating system with an electric heating system. Electric heating elements (resistive heaters) are used to heat the compressed air in the superheating section, eliminating the need for fuel combustion. This substitution removes fuel tanks, combustion chambers, and associated safety systems, thereby reducing weight while eliminating explosion and fire hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating method from chemical (combustion) to electrical. By using electric power to heat the air instead of burning fuel, the system achieves the same temperature increase without the harmful byproducts and safety risks associated with combustion. The electric heating elements convert electrical energy directly to thermal energy, providing clean and controllable heating.
2Temperature
If combustion heating is used in the jet engine, then the air can be heated to enable expansion, but pollution is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combustion-based heating system with an electric heating system. Electric heating elements (resistive heaters) are used to heat the compressed air in the superheating section, eliminating the need for fuel combustion. This substitution removes fuel tanks, combustion chambers, and associated safety systems, thereby reducing weight while eliminating explosion and fire hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating method from chemical (combustion) to electrical. By using electric power to heat the air instead of burning fuel, the system achieves the same temperature increase without the harmful byproducts and safety risks associated with combustion. The electric heating elements convert electrical energy directly to thermal energy, providing clean and controllable heating.
3Weight of moving object
If an electrically powered heating system is used to replace combustion, then weight is reduced and safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical power generation system with the heating system. The alternator, which is already necessary to drive the compressor, also generates electrical power for the heating elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery systems or additional power generation equipment, reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational components (alternator and electric motor) to generate the electrical power needed for heating. The alternator converts mechanical energy from the compressor shaft into electrical energy, which directly powers the heating elements. This self-service approach eliminates external power sources and reduces 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 reduces weight, increases flight time, minimizes explosion and fire hazards, and decreases pollution, while providing continuous power for the jet engine.
Implementation Method 1
The central superheating section is at least partially electrically powered, to augment combustion heating, or may be completely electrically powered in replacement of combustion heating
Implementation Method 2
an alternator power source connected to said initial power source and said electric motor for continuously supplying power to said electric motor
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor capable of producing electric energy
Implementation Method 4
followed by compression, which heats and expands back to atmospheric pressure through a nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A jet engine is provided having a front compression stage for pressurizing intake air, and a central superheating section for further increasing the temperature and pressure of the pressurized intake air from the front compression stage. The central superheating section is at least partially electrically powered by an internal energy generating power source. A rear exhaust nozzle stage recovers energy from a discharge of the superheating section and creates thrust.