Turbomachine Gearbox Efficiency Rating for Fan-Turbine Speed Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Geared turbofan engines face increased complexity due to the introduction of a gearbox, making engine development and manufacturing more difficult, necessitating improved methods for efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine engine configuration with a gearbox efficiency rating (GER) defined by Q(D1.56T)1.53, where Q is the gearbox oil flow rate, D is the fan blade diameter, and T is the net thrust, aiding in the development and simplification of geared turbofan engines by providing a standardized efficiency metric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a gearbox is introduced in a turbofan engine to allow power turbine and bypass fan to operate at different rotational speeds for maximum efficiency, then engine efficiency and power production are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gearbox efficiency rating parameter that combines multiple engine parameters (gearbox oil flow rate, fan blade diameter, net thrust) into a single standardized metric. This parameter transformation enables systematic evaluation and optimization of gearbox performance while managing the complexity introduced by the gearbox component.
2Power
If a gearbox is introduced in a turbofan engine to allow power turbine and bypass fan to operate at different rotational speeds, then power production is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a standardized efficiency rating parameter that simplifies the manufacturing process by providing clear design targets. The parameter combines oil flow rate, fan blade diameter, and net thrust into a single metric that guides gearbox design and manufacturing, making the complex manufacturing process more manageable and standardized.
3Manufacturing precision
If a standardized efficiency metric is introduced for gearbox design, then development process is simplified and precision is improved, but measurement and detection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox efficiency rating parameter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it evaluates gearbox performance, guides design optimization, and provides a standardized comparison metric. This multi-functional parameter reduces the need for separate measurement systems for different performance aspects, as the single rating encompasses multiple critical parameters (oil flow rate, fan blade diameter, net thrust).
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine engine can include a fan assembly, a vane assembly, a core engine, a gearbox, and a gearbox efficiency rating. The fan assembly can include a plurality of fan blades. The vane assembly can include a plurality of vanes, and the vanes can, in some instances, be disposed aft of the fan blades. The core engine can include one or more compressor sections and one or more turbine sections. The gearbox includes an input and an output. The input is coupled to the one or more turbine sections of the core engine and comprises a first rotational speed, the output is coupled to the fan assembly and has a second rotational speed, and a gear ratio of the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed is within a range of 4.1-14.0. The gearbox efficiency rating is 0.10-1.8.