Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Propulsion for Uncommanded Thrust Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in managing un-commanded losses of thrust, such as those caused by bird strikes or combustor blowouts, which can limit flight control and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid-electric propulsion system with a turbomachine and an electric machine, coupled to an electric energy storage unit, operates to provide additional power to the turbomachine and propulsor in response to un-commanded thrust loss, using data from sensors to manage and restore thrust generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional propulsion system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot compensate for un-commanded thrust loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional turbomachine propulsion system with an electric machine propulsion system into a single hybrid propulsion unit. The electric machine is coupled to the same propulsor as the turbomachine, allowing both systems to work together to drive the propulsor. This merging enables thrust compensation capability while sharing common components like the propulsor, mounting structure, and control systems to mitigate complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid propulsion system is designed to perform multiple functions: normal thrust generation by the turbomachine, thrust compensation by the electric machine during un-commanded thrust loss, and potential electric-only operation mode. The electric machine serves both as a backup thrust source and as a power-assist device, providing multi-functionality that enhances reliability without requiring completely separate systems.
2Reliability
If an electric machine is added to compensate for thrust loss, then the reliability improves, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine is integrated with the existing turbomachine propulsion system, sharing common mounting structures, control systems, and the propulsor itself. This merging approach allows the electric machine to provide thrust compensation capability while utilizing existing structural support and control infrastructure, thereby reducing the overall weight increase compared to a completely separate backup system.
3Reliability
If electrical power is provided to the electric machine during thrust loss, then the thrust compensation works, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine provides partial thrust assistance rather than attempting to fully replace the failed turbomachine's thrust output. The system applies just enough electrical power to compensate for the un-commanded thrust loss and maintain safe operation, rather than sustaining full power operation. This partial action approach reduces energy consumption while still achieving the reliability goal of thrust compensation.
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
The system effectively compensates for un-commanded thrust losses by supplementing power to the turbomachine and propulsor, ensuring continued aircraft performance and control.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine coupled to the turbomachine... providing electrical power to the electric machine to add power to the turbomachine, the propulsor, or both
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid-electric propulsion system includes a propulsor, a turbomachine, and an electrical system having an electric machine coupled to the turbomachine. A method for operating the propulsion system includes operating, by one or more computing devices, the turbomachine to rotate the propulsor and generate thrust for the aircraft; receiving, by the one or more computing devices, data indicative of an un-commanded loss of the thrust generated from the turbomachine rotating the propulsor; and providing, by the one or more computing devices, electrical power to the electric machine to add power to the turbomachine, the propulsor, or both in response to receiving the data indicative of the un-commanded loss of thrust.