Integrated Engine Electrical Machine for Weight and Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating an electrical machine into a gas turbine engine poses challenges related to size, weight, accessibility, and aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
The electrical machine is designed with a stator assembly coupled to an engine stator component and a rotor assembly connected to the propulsion engine's shaft, allowing for efficient energy exchange and modular maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If an electrical machine is integrated into the propulsion engine, then heavy energy storage devices can be eliminated and aircraft capabilities are enhanced, but the size and weight of the propulsion engine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical machine is merged with the propulsion engine by integrating the stator assembly with the engine stator component and the rotor assembly with the engine shaft. This combination eliminates the need for separate energy storage devices while distributing the added weight across the integrated structure, reducing the overall weight penalty compared to separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical machine components are nested within the existing propulsion engine structure. The stator assembly is coupled to the engine stator component, and the rotor assembly is connected to the engine shaft, effectively nesting the electrical machine within the propulsion engine's existing spatial framework. This nesting approach minimizes the additional volume and weight while achieving the functional integration.
2Productivity
If an electrical machine is integrated into the propulsion engine, then energy efficiency is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical machine is segmented into distinct assemblies - the stator assembly coupled to the engine stator component and the rotor assembly connected to the engine shaft. This segmentation allows for modular maintenance where specific components can be accessed and serviced independently, improving accessibility while maintaining the integrated energy efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assembly can be extracted from the propulsion engine for separate maintenance and servicing. By designing the rotor assembly as a separable component connected to the engine shaft, maintenance personnel can remove and service the electrical machine components without dismantling the entire propulsion engine, thus improving accessibility while preserving the integrated energy efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an electrical machine is integrated into the propulsion engine, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion engine is designed with multi-functionality by integrating the electrical machine components into the existing structure. The engine stator component serves dual purposes as both a propulsion element and a support for the stator assembly, while the engine shaft serves as both a mechanical drive and a rotor support. This universality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby optimizing aerodynamic performance without proportionally increasing device 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 configuration enhances the aircraft's capabilities by eliminating the need for heavy energy storage devices, improves maintenance accessibility, and optimizes aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor exchanges rotational energy with the shaft to operate as either an electrical motor or an electrical generator
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical machine includes a stator assembly coupled to an engine stator component of a propulsion engine. The stator assembly includes a stator support assembly fixedly attached to the engine stator component and a stator disposed on a supporting surface of the stator support structure. The electrical machine also includes a rotor assembly including a rotor support structure connected to a shaft of the propulsion engine and a rotor attached to the rotor support structure such that the rotor is disposed radially inward of the stator. The rotor exchanges rotational energy with the shaft to operate as either an electrical motor or an electrical generator.