Embedded Power Generator in Turbine Spinner
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Solution Overview
Problem
In turbine engines, the long power lines required to transmit power from power generators to engine-mounted devices lead to inefficiencies and potential ice formation issues due to the distance from the power distribution panel, which can cause damage.
Innovation Solution
A turbine engine design where a power generator is embedded within the spinner, with an electronic control unit either embedded within the spinner or positioned in the nacelle surrounding the fan section, providing local power to deicing systems and reducing the need for extensive electrical harnesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power generators are positioned away from engine-mounted devices, then power generation capacity is maintained, but long power lines are required leading to inefficiencies and ice formation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generator with the spinner assembly, integrating components that were previously separated. The power generator is mounted on the spinner hub, eliminating the need for long external power lines and creating a compact, self-contained power generation system directly at the engine location.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generator is nested within the spinner structure, specifically mounted on the spinner hub. This nesting arrangement allows the power generator to be housed within the existing spinner geometry, reducing overall system footprint and eliminating external power transmission lines.
2Device complexity
If power distribution panel is located away from the engine, then engine design is simplified, but extensive electrical harnesses are required causing inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power distribution function from a separate panel and integrates it directly into the spinner assembly. The electronic control unit is mounted on the spinner hub, consolidating power generation and distribution control in one location, thereby eliminating extensive electrical harnesses and reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinner assembly is given multiple functions: it serves as both the rotational component for the fan blades and as the mounting structure for the power generator and electronic control unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power distribution infrastructure.
3Temperature
If electronic control unit is positioned remotely, then engine core temperature is reduced, but power transmission distance increases causing inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit is merged with the power generator assembly, both being mounted on the spinner hub. This combination allows the control unit to operate in the cooler environment near the fan while maintaining efficient power transmission through direct local connection, eliminating the trade-off between temperature and efficiency.
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 maintains the power generator and electronic control unit in a cooler environment, reduces the risk of ice formation, and eliminates the need for lengthy power lines, enhancing efficiency and reliability by providing direct power to engine-mounted devices.
Implementation Method 1
a power generator embedded within the spinner such that the outer spinner housing radially surrounds at least a portion of the power generator
Implementation Method 2
This configuration maintains the power generator and electronic control unit in a cooler environment
Data Source
AI summary
A power generator (54), such as a permanent magnet alternator ("PMA") or a permanent magnet generator ("PMG"), may be used to provide electric power to a deicing system (31), for example. The power generator (54) is embedded within a spinner (40), and may be in communication with a locally mounted electronic control unit ("ECU") (60).