Turbo-electric Compressor with Halbach Arrays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current turbojet designs with side-mounted generators require heavy gearbox configurations and direct power connections, leading to heat constrictions and inefficiencies due to radial flux designs, which are not integrated with compressor and motor units for power generation.

Innovation Solution

An axial flow compressor, generator, motor system is integrated into the turbojet, featuring a rotatable shaft with compressor rotor blades and permanent magnet Halbach arrays, generating electromagnetic flux that interacts with stationary stator blades to produce power, reducing weight and utilizing waste heat for increased efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If side-mounted generators with gearbox configuration are used, then power generation capability is provided, but system weight increases and heat conduction is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the compressor and generator into a single integrated unit where the compressor rotor serves as the generator rotor. The permanent magnets are mounted on the compressor rotor blades, and the stator windings are integrated with the compressor stator structure, eliminating the need for separate generator components and heavy gearbox mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor rotor is designed to serve dual functions: compressing air (original function) and generating electricity (new function). The permanent magnets on the rotor blades enable the compressor to act as both a mechanical compressor and an electrical generator, eliminating the need for dedicated generator components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If radial flux design is used, then power generation is achieved, but heat conduction is restricted and thermodynamic efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidheat conduction

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional radial flux configuration by using axial flux design. Instead of magnetic flux flowing radially from the rotor to stator, the flux flows axially through the compressor blades, allowing heat to be conducted along the same path as the air flow, thereby improving thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical gearbox transmission system with a direct-drive configuration where the compressor rotor directly generates electricity. This eliminates mechanical losses and heat generation from gear friction, improving overall thermodynamic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Weight of moving object

If integrated compressor-generator design is implemented, then weight is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem weightVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the compressor into discrete blades with permanent magnets, allowing modular manufacturing and assembly. Each blade can be independently manufactured and then assembled onto the rotor hub, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic flux direction parameter from radial to axial, fundamentally altering the design approach but enabling weight reduction. This parameter change allows the use of the compressor structure itself for power generation without requiring additional heavy components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 integrated system reduces weight and enhances thermodynamic efficiency by leveraging waste heat for power generation, providing a lighter and more efficient turbo-electric compressor for turbojet propulsion systems.

Implementation Method 1

When the shaft and rotor blades rotate relative to the stationary stator blades, the present electro-magnetic flux moves across the stator blade electro-magnetic conductive media, creating a current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Each of the compressor rotor blades has at least one permanent magnet Halbach array arranged thereon so that an electro-magnetic flux is present and directed to one side of the rotor blades

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHalbach array: Halbach Array

Data Source

PatentUS9494044B1Turbo-electric compressor/generator using Halbach arrays

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR NAT AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION

AI summary

The present invention is a turbojet design that integrates power generation into the turbojet itself, rather than use separate generators attached to the turbojet for power generation. By integrating the power generation within the jet engine, the weight of the overall system is significantly reduced, increasing system efficiency. Also, by integrating the power generating elements of the system within the air flow of the jet engine, the present invention can use the heat generated by the power generating elements (which is simply expelled waste heat in current designs) to increase the engine performance.