Apparatus for supporting at least a part of an engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face deterioration due to water ingress during transportation and storage, particularly when exposed to wet conditions, leading to condensation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An engine support apparatus equipped with a dehumidifier and a controller that activates/deactivates based on humidity levels, coupled with a GNSS sensor to manage water tank emptying and a pipe system for vapor removal, ensuring efficient moisture control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engine cover is opened outside during wet conditions, then the engine can be accessed for maintenance, but water enters the engine cover and causes deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The dehumidifier is activated before water can cause damage, removing water vapor from the engine cover interior in advance. The system proactively creates a dry environment within the cover, counteracting the harmful effect of external wet conditions before they can deteriorate the engine
Solution Approach 2:
The dehumidifier acts as an intermediary device between the external wet environment and the engine interior. It mediates the harmful interaction by actively removing moisture, creating a protective dry zone within the engine cover that isolates the engine from external water damage
2Reliability
If a dehumidifier is added to remove water vapor, then engine protection from deterioration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple functions into a single device: it monitors humidity levels via sensors, controls the dehumidifier operation, and manages water tank emptying. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic and decision-making in one centralized unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors humidity levels and activates the dehumidifier when thresholds are exceeded, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The GNSS sensor and controller work together to automatically determine location and control water tank emptying, making the system self-regulating and reducing operational complexity
3Reliability
If the dehumidifier is continuously operated, then humidity control is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dehumidifier operates periodically rather than continuously, activated only when the humidity sensor detects levels above a predetermined threshold. The controller monitors humidity continuously but switches the dehumidifier on/off based on conditions, maintaining effective humidity control while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during already dry periods
Solution Approach 2:
The humidity sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller, which adjusts dehumidifier operation accordingly. When humidity drops below the threshold, the controller automatically deactivates the dehumidifier, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal humidity levels with minimal energy expenditure by responding dynamically to actual environmental conditions
4Ease of operation
If water tank emptying is automated using GNSS sensor, then operational convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines its location using the GNSS sensor and autonomously controls water tank emptying based on whether it is inside or outside a building. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual monitoring and intervention, allowing the system to manage its own water disposal needs while providing operational convenience through automation
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
Prevents engine deterioration by effectively removing water vapor, optimizing energy use, and automating operations to maintain optimal humidity levels and water management.
Implementation Method 1
a dehumidifier configured to remove water vapour from air within the engine cover
Implementation Method 2
The dehumidifier may comprise a funnel positioned within the aperture of the engine cover. The dehumidifier may be configured to decrease the temperature of the funnel to cause the water vapour to condense on the funnel.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for supporting at least a part of an engine, the apparatus comprising: an engine stand configured to support at least a part of an engine; an engine cover defining an aperture; a dehumidifier coupled to the aperture of the engine cover, the dehumidifier being configured to remove water vapour from air within the engine cover.