Fuel System Anti-Icing via Power Conditioning Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft gas turbine engines require dedicated fuel-oil heat exchange systems to prevent ice formation, which add weight, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electric power generation system drives a power conditioning circuit that heats a heat exchanger, used as the sole anti-icing apparatus for the fuel system, eliminating the need for additional dedicated heating means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated fuel-oil heat exchange system is used to prevent ice formation, then fuel anti-icing reliability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conditioning circuit serves multiple functions: it conditions electrical power for the generator and simultaneously functions as a heating apparatus to prevent fuel ice formation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated heating equipment, reducing system weight while maintaining anti-icing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating apparatus is merged with the power conditioning circuit, combining two previously separate functions (power conditioning and fuel heating) into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the number of separate systems and associated weight.
2Reliability
If a dedicated fuel-oil heat exchange system is used to prevent ice formation, then fuel anti-icing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conditioning circuit performs both power conditioning and heating functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated heating equipment. This reduces device complexity by consolidating functions into existing components rather than adding new systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the heating function with the power conditioning circuit, the patent reduces the number of separate components and systems required, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining anti-icing capability.
3Reliability
If a dedicated fuel-oil heat exchange system is used to prevent ice formation, then fuel anti-icing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conditioning circuit is designed to serve dual purposes: electrical power conditioning and fuel heating. This eliminates the need to manufacture and install separate dedicated heating equipment, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining anti-icing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of heating functionality into the power conditioning circuit reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while ensuring continued fuel anti-icing protection.
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 solution reduces weight, cost, and complexity by providing all necessary fuel heating within the fuel system, ensuring efficient anti-icing without additional heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
directing a fuel flow through the heat exchanger thermally connected to the circuit, so that heat generated by the circuit in use heats the fuel
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger thermally connecting the circuit and the at least one passage
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for heating fuel in an aircraft gas turbine engine, for example to provide fuel anti-icing to the fuel, comprises directing a fuel flow through a heat exchanger associated with a generator power conditioning unit as a sole means for providing anti-icing heating to fuel supplied for engine combustion. The method and apparatus permits the heat exchanger to heat the fuel sufficiently so that other dedicated heating means may be unnecessary.