Hydrogen Fuel Turbine Coupling for Core Compressor Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing hydrogen fuel to reduce greenhouse emissions, as current systems lack optimal integration and energy transfer mechanisms for hydrogen combustion.
Innovation Solution
A turbine engine system is designed with a fuel system that includes a fuel turbine rotor integrated with the core compressor rotor, where hydrogen fuel is expanded to drive the fuel turbine rotor, which in turn drives the core compressor rotor, utilizing a heat exchanger to convert liquid hydrogen to gas and facilitate energy transfer for efficient combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrogen fuel is used to reduce greenhouse emissions, then environmental benefit is improved, but energy efficiency and integration complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel turbine rotor is integrated with the core compressor rotor to share a common rotational axis, combining two separate functions into one unified component. This merging allows the fuel turbine to directly drive the compressor, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms and improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining hydrogen fuel's environmental benefits
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary component between the fuel system and the core compressor. The heat exchanger converts liquid hydrogen to gaseous hydrogen and facilitates thermal energy transfer, enabling efficient combustion while maintaining the environmental advantages of hydrogen fuel
2Device complexity
If fuel turbine rotor is integrated with core compressor rotor, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel turbine rotor and core compressor rotor are merged into a single integrated assembly sharing a common rotational axis. This reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, simplifying the overall device structure while requiring precise manufacturing to ensure proper alignment and rotational compatibility
3Use of energy by moving object
If liquid hydrogen is converted to gas using heat exchanger, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary component to convert liquid hydrogen to gaseous hydrogen and facilitate thermal energy transfer. While this adds a component, it enables efficient energy transfer and combustion, justifying the increased device complexity through improved performance
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 utilizes hydrogen fuel for propulsion and power generation, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse emissions by optimizing the integration and energy transfer within the engine system.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a heat exchanger to convert liquid hydrogen to gas
Implementation Method 2
hydrogen fuel is expanded to drive the fuel turbine rotor
Implementation Method 3
the fuel turbine rotor, which in turn drives the core compressor rotor
Implementation Method 4
hydrogen fuel is expanded to drive the fuel turbine rotor... facilitating energy transfer for efficient combustion
Data Source
AI summary
An engine system is provided that includes an engine core assembly and a fuel system. The engine core assembly includes a core flowpath, a core compressor section, a core combustor section and a core turbine section. The core flowpath extends through the core compressor section, the core combustor section and the core turbine section from an inlet into the core flowpath to an exhaust from the core flowpath. The core compressor section includes a core compressor rotor. The combustor section includes a combustor. The fuel system includes a fuel flowpath, a fuel turbine section and a fuel injector. The fuel flowpath extends through the fuel turbine section to the fuel injector. The fuel turbine section includes a fuel turbine rotor coupled to and rotatable with the core compressor rotor. The fuel injector is configured to direct fuel received from the fuel flowpath into the combustor.