Gas Turbine Electrical Machine Integration and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine systems with generator or alternator systems have various shortcomings and drawbacks, necessitating further contributions in the field of electrical power generation within these engines.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine equipped with an electrical machine, comprising a stator and rotor configured to generate electrical power, where the rotor and stator form a gap and are positioned adjacent to or within a shroud, with the rotor tips positioned differently axially to the blades, and the electrical machine is cooled by airflow or other means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an electrical machine is integrated into the gas turbine engine, then electrical power generation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical machine is integrated within the gas turbine engine structure, combining power generation functionality with the existing engine architecture. The stator is positioned adjacent to or within the shroud, and the rotor is coupled to the fan, compressor, or turbine, merging multiple system functions into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical machine serves multiple functions within the engine system - generating electrical power while utilizing the existing rotational motion from engine components. The system can operate in different modes (generator or motor) and integrates with various engine sections (fan, compressor, or turbine), providing universal applicability.
2Volume of moving object
If the electrical machine components are positioned close together to save space, then volume efficiency is improved, but cooling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling air is introduced as an intermediary medium to manage thermal conditions within the compact electrical machine. The cooling air flows through passages in the stator and rotor, absorbing heat from the densely packed components and carrying it away to maintain acceptable operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic cooling by directing airflow through the electrical machine components. Cooling passages are provided in the stator and rotor, allowing air to flow through and remove heat from the windings and magnetic components, effectively managing thermal loads in the compact design.
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
The integration of an electrical machine within the gas turbine engine enhances electrical power generation efficiency and operational stability, addressing existing system shortcomings while maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical machine configured to generate electrical power, wherein the electrical machine includes a stator and a rotor
Implementation Method 2
the electrical machine is cooled by airflow or other means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
One embodiment of the present is may include a gas turbine engine having an electrical machine for generating electrical power. Other embodiments may include other gas turbine engines having electrical machines for generating electrical power. Still other embodiments may include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines having electrical machines for generating electrical power.