Embedded Electric Machine Cooling Layout for High-Voltage Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in providing sufficient electrical power for electric fans due to space and weight constraints, as auxiliary generators in gas turbine engines are not configured to deliver adequate power.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine design that includes an embedded electric machine and cooling system, where the electric line is embedded within the cooling fluid supply and return lines, allowing for high-power electrical generation and transmission with reduced losses and corona discharge risks, and the cooling system maintains the electric machine within desired temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If auxiliary generators are positioned within the gas turbine engine cowl, then the propulsion system can provide electrical power, but the generators cannot deliver sufficient power to drive the electric fan
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine is merged with the gas turbine engine by positioning it within the engine structure, specifically utilizing the engine's rotational components and integrating it with the existing mechanical system to generate electrical power without requiring separate external generators
Solution Approach 2:
The gas turbine engine's rotational components serve dual functions: driving the compressor/turbine operations and simultaneously driving the electric machine generator to produce electrical power for the electric fan, making the engine a multi-functional power source
2Power
If electric lines extend through the working air flowpath to transmit electrical power, then power can be delivered to the electric machine, but energy losses and corona discharge risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid supply line acts as an intermediary medium, providing both cooling function and serving as a protective conduit for the electric line, reducing energy losses and corona discharge risks by shielding the electric line from the harsh electromagnetic and thermal environment
Solution Approach 2:
The electric line is nested within the cooling fluid supply line, creating a concentric arrangement where the cooling line provides structural support and electromagnetic shielding, reducing corona discharge and energy losses while utilizing the existing cooling infrastructure
3Power
If the electric machine operates at high voltages to generate sufficient power, then the electric fan can be adequately powered, but thermal management becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid supply line serves dual functions: delivering cooling fluid to maintain thermal management of the electric machine and simultaneously acting as a protective conduit for the electric line, reducing the need for separate cooling and protection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system and electrical transmission system are merged by routing the electric line through the cooling fluid supply line, combining thermal management and electrical protection functions into a single integrated structure
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
Enables the generation and transmission of high amounts of electrical power at high voltages with reduced energy losses and thermal management, effectively supporting electric propulsion systems while minimizing space and weight requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the electric line extending though the working air flowpath is substantially embedded within the cooling fluid supply line, and wherein a portion of the cooling fluid supply line extending though the working air flowpath is substantially embedded within the cooling fluid return line
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine defines a working air flowpath and includes an electrical system having an electric machine coupled to the rotary component at least partially inward of the working air flowpath along the radial direction and an electric bus electrically coupled to the electric machine. The electric bus includes an electric line extending through the working air flowpath within or downstream of a turbine section. The engine further includes a cooling system including a cooling fluid supply line and a cooling fluid return line, wherein a portion of the electric line extending though the working air flowpath is substantially embedded within the cooling fluid supply line, and wherein a portion of the cooling fluid supply line extending though the working air flowpath is substantially embedded within the cooling fluid return line.