Hybrid Propulsion Coolant Circulation for Engine-Motor Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft engines are oversized for cruising, leading to inefficiencies in thrust production and fuel consumption, as they are designed for take-off power requirements which are not met during level flight.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid propulsion system utilizing a combination of a heat engine and an electric motor, with multiple lubricant/coolant systems optimized for different components, including a turbine gearbox, pressure pumps, coolers, filters, and scavenge passages to manage lubrication and cooling efficiently across the engine and motor components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lubricant/coolant system is used for all components, then device complexity is reduced, but lubrication and cooling efficiency for different components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lubricant/coolant system into separate independent systems for the heat engine and electric motor components. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific components, ensuring proper lubrication and cooling efficiency while managing the complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a unified hybrid propulsion system where multiple lubricant/coolant systems work together to serve different component types (heat engine and electric motor). This multi-functionality approach allows each subsystem to be specialized while contributing to the overall system performance
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine size is reduced for cruising efficiency, then fuel consumption during level flight improves, but thrust capability during take-off deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a heat engine and electric motor in a hybrid propulsion system. During take-off, both power sources work together to provide maximum thrust capability. During cruising, the system can operate with reduced power requirements, optimizing fuel efficiency while maintaining the ability to deliver high thrust when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system dynamically adjusts the contribution of each power source based on operational requirements. The control system optimizes the mix of heat engine and electric motor output to match demand, allowing the engine configuration to be effectively 'smaller' during cruising while retaining full thrust capability during take-off
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 enhances fuel efficiency and power management by optimizing lubrication and cooling for various engine components, allowing for efficient operation during both take-off and cruising phases.
Implementation Method 1
A cooler can be included in the coolant line between the sump tank and the heat engine downstream of the pressure pump for cooling the first lubricant/coolant with a flow of ambient air
Implementation Method 2
the pressure pump is connected in a coolant line of the first lubrication/coolant system between a sump tank and the heat engine for driving flow of the first lubricant/coolant from the sump tank to the heat engine
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid propulsion system includes a heat engine configured to drive a heat engine shaft. An electric motor configured to drive a motor shaft. A transmission system is connected to receive rotational input power from each of the heat engine shaft and the motor shaft and to convert the rotation input power to output power. A first lubrication/coolant system is connected for circulating a first lubricant/coolant fluid through the heat engine. A second lubricant/coolant system in fluid isolation from the first lubrication/coolant system is connected for circulating a second lubricant/coolant fluid through the electric motor.