Hybrid Turbine Engine Power Split to Prevent Thrust Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft engines face challenges in meeting varying power requirements of electrical loads while adhering to operational limitations, particularly during take-off where mechanical offtake from the low-pressure spool is critical for thrust and must be optimized to prevent thrust oscillations.
Innovation Solution
An electrically hybridized gas turbine engine assembly with multiple rotary spools and an electrical system that includes AC and DC generators, converters, and a control device to regulate voltage and compensate for power variations using a predetermined offtake sequence, optimizing power distribution among different power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If mechanical offtake is increased from the low-pressure spool to meet electrical power requirements, then electrical power supply is improved, but thrust stability deteriorates due to oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical power generation function across multiple independent sources: a first AC generator connected to the low-pressure spool, a second AC generator connected to the high-pressure spool, and a DC power source. This segmentation allows the system to draw electrical power from different sources depending on operational conditions, preventing excessive or oscillatory loads on the low-pressure spool during takeoff when thrust stability is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically switches between different power sources based on real-time operational parameters. During takeoff, the system prioritizes the high-pressure spool and DC source for electrical power generation, while limiting low-pressure spool offtake. In cruise conditions, the system can utilize the low-pressure spool more aggressively. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the power mix for each flight phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical power sources and converters are added to meet varying power requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it manages converter operation, switches between power sources, filters control signals, and coordinates with the engine control unit. This multi-functionality consolidates the complexity into a single intelligent controller rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each function, making the complex system manageable and adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives feedback signals from the electrical system and engine parameters, processes them through frequency filtering to extract relevant information, and adjusts converter operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adapt to varying power requirements while maintaining stability, justifying the added complexity through intelligent control.
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 manages power requirements of electrical loads, maintaining stable voltage within operational envelopes, optimizing engine performance, and preventing thrust oscillations by dynamically adjusting power distribution among rotary spools and DC sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first AC generator connected to the first rotary spool to take off a mechanical power from the first rotary spool and convert it into electrical power able to be transferred to the bus
Implementation Method 2
a second AC generator connected to the second rotary spool to take off a mechanical power from the second rotary spool and convert it into electrical power able to be transferred to the bus
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising:a first rotary spool (222, 262, 282);a second rotary spool (20, 220, 260, 280); andan electrical system (4) comprising:a bus (40);a first generator (411);a second generator (421);a first converter (410);a second converter (420); anda control device (412, 422, 432, 4000).