Generator Controlled Air Cooling Amplifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine generators face inefficiencies due to thermal management challenges, particularly at high altitudes where reduced air density impairs cooling, and the use of fans adds weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a controlled air cooling system that diverts a fraction of the bleed air flow through the generator using fluid entrainment features, such as the Coanda effect or Venturi effect, to amplify cooling airflow without the need for a fan, ensuring efficient thermal management across varying altitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fan is attached to the generator shaft to cool the generator, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a mechanical fan system and implements it through fluid dynamics features integrated into the generator housing. The cooling airflow is generated by diverting a portion of the gas turbine exhaust flow through the generator housing, eliminating the need for a separate fan component attached to the generator shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses exhaust gas flow as an intermediary medium to generate cooling airflow. By diverting a portion of the exhaust flow through the generator housing, the system uses the existing thermal and kinetic energy of the exhaust gases to create the cooling effect without requiring additional mechanical components.
2Temperature
If fan velocity is increased to compensate for reduced air density at altitude, then cooling effectiveness is partially maintained, but energy consumption and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the cooling system by utilizing exhaust gas flow characteristics that vary with altitude. The system is designed to automatically adapt to different air density conditions by adjusting the proportion of exhaust flow diverted through the generator housing, maintaining effective cooling without requiring increased fan power.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is self-regulating and uses the natural properties of exhaust gas flow to provide cooling. As exhaust flow conditions change with altitude, the system automatically adjusts its cooling capacity without requiring external control or additional energy input, as the exhaust gases themselves provide the driving force.
3Temperature
If bleed air flow is diverted through the generator for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but power circuit efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by diverting only a controlled portion of the exhaust bleed air flow through the generator housing for cooling purposes. This allows the system to obtain sufficient cooling effectiveness while minimizing the impact on overall power circuit efficiency, as the majority of the exhaust flow remains available for power generation.
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 enhances generator efficiency by providing effective cooling without the weight and complexity of fans, maintaining performance and extending lifespan while optimizing power distribution and thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
fluid entrainment features, such as the Coanda effect
Implementation Method 2
fluid entrainment features, such as the Coanda effect or Venturi effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A turbine engine (200) includes an electrical system (10) having at least two generator circuits (14, 16), one coupled to a high pressure portion of a gas turbine engine (200) and the other coupled to a low pressure portion of the gas turbine engine (200). The electrical system (10) actively cools an electrical generator (20, 36) during operation in order to ensure proper operation as well as extend the lifespan of the generator (20, 36).