Integrated Autotransformer Generator for Aircraft Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines for aircraft require separate autotransformers for voltage conversion, adding weight, volume, and complexity, and necessitating forced liquid cooling, which increases weight and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an autotransformer unit within the generator, sharing windings and conductors to eliminate duplication and provide both variable and constant frequency AC power outputs, reducing the need for separate components and cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate autotransformer is used for voltage conversion, then voltage transformation between generators and rectifiers is achieved, but weight and volume of the engine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the autotransformer unit with the generator by integrating the secondary windings of the autotransformer with the main windings of the generator. This merging eliminates the need for separate autotransformer components, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining voltage transformation functionality between generators and rectifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator windings serve dual purposes: they function as both the main generator windings for power generation and as the secondary windings of the autotransformer unit for voltage transformation. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces the overall weight of the electrical power system.
2Temperature
If a forced liquid cooling system is added to the autotransformer, then cooling capability is improved, but additional weight and volume are added to the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The autotransformer unit is integrated into the generator structure, sharing common windings and magnetic circuits. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate cooling systems for the autotransformer, as the generator's existing cooling infrastructure can serve both components, thereby reducing additional weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate autotransformer and generator components are used, then voltage conversion function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the autotransformer unit with the generator by using shared windings where the secondary windings of the autotransformer are combined with the main windings of the generator. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections required, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining voltage conversion functionality.
4Reliability
If redundant cooling systems are implemented for separate components, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the autotransformer unit with the generator, the system utilizes a single shared cooling infrastructure rather than separate cooling systems for each component. This consolidation maintains adequate cooling reliability for both functions while eliminating the redundant weight of duplicate cooling systems.
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 integration reduces weight, simplifies cooling, and enhances efficiency by eliminating redundant components, while providing redundant power generation and improved fuel efficiency during aircraft descent.
Implementation Method 1
A generator coupled with a gas turbine engine will convert the mechanical power of the engine into electrical energy needed to power accessories
Implementation Method 2
Autotransformers (ATUs) are frequently used in power applications to interconnect systems operating at different voltage classes
Data Source
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AI summary
A generator (56, 58), such as for a gas turbine engine (10), includes an integrated auto transformer unit (62, 72) having secondary windings (100a-100i, 146a-146f) connected to a main windings (98a-98c).