Embedded Electric Machine for Gas Turbine Power Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engines lack sufficient electrical power to effectively drive an electric fan due to space and weight constraints, as auxiliary generators are not configured to provide adequate power for propulsive purposes in aircraft propulsion systems.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine design incorporating an electric machine embedded within the engine, with a rotary component and an electric communication bus extending through the core airflow path, including a buffer cavity for thermal insulation and a lubrication system to maintain the electric machine within a desired temperature range, allowing for efficient power generation and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If auxiliary generators are positioned within the gas turbine engine, then the engine can provide electrical power, but the power output is insufficient to drive an electric fan for adequate propulsive power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric machine with the gas turbine engine by embedding it within the engine structure, specifically utilizing the rotor of the gas turbine engine to drive the electric machine. This merging allows the electric machine to be directly coupled with the engine's rotational power source, enabling sufficient electrical power generation to drive the electric fan for augmented propulsive capability.
2Power
If energy storage devices are added to power the electric fan, then sufficient electrical power can be provided, but the space and weight requirements become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The gas turbine engine serves its own dual purpose by not only providing mechanical thrust but also generating electrical power through the embedded electric machine. The engine's rotational energy is directly utilized to drive the electric machine, eliminating the need for separate energy storage devices and their associated weight and space requirements.
3Power
If the electric machine is embedded within the core airflow path, then sufficient electrical power can be generated, but the temperature exposure may damage the electric machine
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine is nested within the gas turbine engine structure, specifically positioned to be driven by the engine rotor while being thermally managed through the engine's own cooling systems. The electric machine is embedded in a way that allows it to access the rotational power source while being protected from excessive thermal exposure through strategic positioning and utilization of existing cooling airflow paths.
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 gas turbine engine to provide sufficient electrical power to an electric fan, enhancing propulsive capabilities while maintaining the electric machine within a safe operating temperature, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
including a buffer cavity for thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
and a lubrication system to maintain the electric machine within a desired temperature range
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section and a turbine section together defining a core air flowpath. Additionally, a rotary component is rotatable with at least a portion of the compressor section and at least a portion of the turbine section. An electric machine is mounted coaxially with the rotary component and positioned at least partially inward of the core air flowpath along a radial direction of the gas turbine engine. An electric communication bus is electrically connected to the electric machine and extends through the core air flowpath to, e.g., electrically connect the electric machine to one or more systems of the gas turbine engine or a propulsion system including the gas turbine engine.