Turbomachine Generator Axial Oil Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The layout of a turbomachine with a generator downstream from a low pressure turbine shaft obstructs the radial injection of oil into the bearing chamber, preventing effective lubrication.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an orifice through the generator that allows axial circulation of oil, with oil injection means passing through this orifice to inject oil from the inside of the rotor shaft, and using a lubrication device with oil supply and evacuation means to facilitate oil circulation and air evacuation, while positioning the generator downstream from the rotor shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the generator is positioned downstream from the low pressure turbine shaft, then the generator can be integrated into the turbomachine structure, but oil cannot be injected radially outwards from inside the shaft into the bearing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oil injection direction from radial (outwards from shaft center) to axial (through the generator from downstream to upstream). The oil injection means are positioned to inject oil axially through the generator housing, which then distributes it to the bearing chamber, thereby resolving the contradiction between generator positioning and oil injection capability.
2Power
If the generator is located downstream from the rotor shaft, then energy can be generated from turbine exhaust, but the generator forms an obstacle to the oil pathway into the shaft interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the oil injection system into two parts: oil supply means positioned downstream of the generator and oil injection means that pass through the generator housing. This segmentation allows the generator to remain in its power-generating position while still enabling oil delivery to the bearing chamber through the generator structure.
3Productivity
If oil injection means pass through the generator orifice, then oil can circulate axially through the generator, but the generator structure must be modified to accommodate this pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The generator housing serves multiple functions: it contains the electromagnetic components for power generation and simultaneously acts as a conduit for oil circulation. The orifice through the generator housing is designed to accommodate both the oil injection means and maintain the structural integrity required for generator operation, thereby reducing overall system 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
Enables efficient lubrication of the bearing chamber by allowing oil to circulate from downstream to upstream through the generator, reconciling the positioning of the generator with the need for oil injection, thus maintaining the turbomachine's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a generator comprising an armature driven by the rotor shaft and a field coil fixed to the turbomachine case, to generate an electric current
Implementation Method 2
the generator comprises an orifice that passes longitudinally through the generator from one end to the other, and the oil injection means pass through the generator orifice so that oil can circulate in the axial direction through the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine for an aircraft, comprising a rotor shaft, a turbomachine case, a lubricated bearing chamber, at least one bearing supporting the rotor shaft and being located in the bearing chamber, a lubrication device comprising oil injection means to inject oil into the bearing chamber, and oil supply means to supply oil to said oil injection means, and an electric current generator, comprising an armature driven by the rotor shaft and a field coil fixed to the turbomachine case. The generator has an orifice, which passes longitudinally through the generator from one end to the other, and the oil injection means pass through the orifice so that oil can circulate in the axial direction through the generator.