Generator Connection Manifold for Integrated Coolant and Power Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating an electrical machine into a gas turbine engine poses challenges related to size, weight, accessibility, and aerodynamic performance, particularly due to the need for separate and complex connections for mechanical, fluidic, and electrical interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a stator assembly within the generator assembly that includes a manifold with both electrical connection devices and coolant openings, allowing for simultaneous fluidic and electrical coupling to the propulsion engine through a single structure, thereby reducing weight and size while enhancing accessibility and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connections are used for mechanical, fluidic, and electrical interfaces, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical, fluidic, and electrical connections into a single integrated connection structure. The connection structure includes a mechanical interface for structural support, fluidic ports for coolant flow, and electrical contacts for power transmission, all integrated into one unified component that attaches the generator assembly to the propulsion engine, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining separate functional pathways for each connection type
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mechanical support, fluidic coupling, and electrical connection functions. This universal structure replaces what would traditionally require three separate connection components, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the assembly while maintaining the reliability of each individual connection type
2Reliability
If separate connections are used for mechanical, fluidic, and electrical interfaces, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical, fluidic, and electrical connections into a single integrated connection structure. The connection structure includes a mechanical interface for structural support, fluidic ports for coolant flow, and electrical contacts for power transmission, all integrated into one unified component that attaches the generator assembly to the propulsion engine, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining separate functional pathways for each connection type
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mechanical support, fluidic coupling, and electrical connection functions. This universal structure replaces what would traditionally require three separate connection components, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the assembly while maintaining the reliability of each individual connection type
3Device complexity
If integrated connection structure is used, then device complexity is reduced and weight is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connection structure is designed with distinct functional zones for mechanical support, fluidic connections, and electrical contacts, allowing each zone to be manufactured and assembled with appropriate precision requirements. The structure includes separate interfaces that can be independently manufactured and then integrated, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden while maintaining the benefits of integration
Data Source
AI summary
A generator assembly includes a stator assembly coupled to an engine stator component of a propulsion engine, the stator assembly including: a stator support structure fixedly attached to the engine stator component; a stator disposed on a supporting surface of the stator support; a manifold coupled to the stator support, the manifold defining a connection volume and including at least one coolant opening at a connection end of the manifold; and an electrical connector extending between the stator and a connection device disposed on the connection end. The generator assembly also includes a rotor assembly comprising a rotor support structure connected to a shaft of the propulsion engine and a rotor attached to the rotor support structure, wherein the rotor rotates in conjunction with the shaft to generate a power signal that travels through the electrical connector to the connection device.