Hybrid Electric Variable Area Turbine Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for adjusting the cross-sectional area of a gas turbine engine's core flow path, such as those using pneumatic actuators, add weight and cost while not always ideal for engine efficiency improvements.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid electric engine with a variable area turbine control system, featuring an electromechanical actuator to adjust the cross-sectional area of the core flow path, powered by an electric generator and potentially supplemented by energy storage devices like batteries or capacitors, allowing for precise control of airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pneumatic actuators are used to adjust the cross-sectional area of the core flow path, then the engine efficiency is improved, but the weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoidactuator weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pneumatic actuators with an electromechanical actuator that uses electric motors to rotate variable turbine vanes. This substitution eliminates the need for pneumatic systems, reducing weight while maintaining the ability to adjust core flow path cross-sectional area for engine efficiency optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the pneumatic actuator system from the engine architecture. By eliminating this heavy pneumatic infrastructure and replacing it with a more compact electromechanical system, the weight penalty is removed while preserving the functional capability to control airflow and improve engine efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If pneumatic actuators are used to adjust the cross-sectional area of the core flow path, then the engine efficiency is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex pneumatic actuator systems with simpler electromechanical actuators using electric motors. This replacement reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to adjust turbine vane positions for optimized engine efficiency across different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the cross-sectional area of the core flow path is adjusted in the compressor section, then the engine performance is optimized, but it is not always ideal for all operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performanceVSAvoidoperating condition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system with variable turbine vanes that can adjust the cross-sectional area of the core flow path in real-time based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability, controlled by an electromechanical actuator, allows the system to adapt to different flight conditions and maintain optimal engine performance across a broader range of operating scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by allowing continuous adjustment of the turbine vane positions through electromechanical actuation. This enables the system to modify the core flow path cross-sectional area dynamically, providing adaptability to various operating conditions and improving overall engine performance across different flight regimes

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 solution enhances engine efficiency by allowing for optimal adjustment of the core flow path without the weight and cost penalties of pneumatic actuators, enabling better thrust management and fuel efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an electric generator configured to convert rotational power of the high speed spool or the low speed spool to electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a variable area turbine actuator configured to rotate each of the plurality of variable turbine vanes to adjust the cross-sectional area of the core flow path of the hybrid electric engine. The variable area turbine actuator is an electromechanical actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical actuation:

Data Source

PatentUS11867069B2Hybrid electric variable area turbine

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 RTX CORP

AI summary

A hybrid electric engine including a gas turbine engine including a low speed spool, a high speed spool a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section. The hybrid electric engine further includes an electric generator configured to convert rotational power of the high or low speed spool to electricity and a variable area turbine control system electrically connected to the electric generator. The variable area turbine control system being configured to adjust a cross-sectional area of a core flow path of the hybrid electric engine. The variable area turbine control system including a plurality of variable turbine vanes located in the turbine section and a variable area turbine actuator configured to rotate each of the plurality of variable turbine vanes to adjust the cross-sectional area of the core flow path of the hybrid electric engine. The variable area turbine actuator is an electromechanical actuator.