Jet Pump Mixing Control for Aircraft Bleed Air Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bleed systems in aircraft turbine engines face inefficiencies due to the need to mix higher and lower pressure gases over varying operating conditions, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and the need for valve line-up alterations.
Innovation Solution
A jet pump system that operates in multiple modes to adjust the mixing of higher and lower pressure gases based on fluid parameters, isolating or mixing gases as needed to optimize fuel efficiency and minimize valve adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If higher pressure gas is extracted from turbine engine to supply bleed air loads, then adequate pressure and temperature are provided, but fuel efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters by switching between extraction modes (high pressure extraction, low pressure extraction, mixed pressure extraction) based on real-time bleed air load requirements, thereby optimizing the balance between providing adequate pressure and minimizing fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The bleed system transitions from static extraction configurations to dynamic mode switching, where the extraction pressure and mixing ratios are continuously adjusted according to operating conditions, enabling the system to adapt optimally to varying aircraft requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If valve line-up alterations are made to adjust gas mixing, then operating conditions are optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal control strategy that manages multiple extraction modes and mixing configurations through a coordinated valve system, where the same valve assembly can handle different operating scenarios (single-stage extraction, two-stage extraction, mixed pressure mixing) without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each mode
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 jet pump system enhances fuel efficiency by optimizing gas mixing based on operating conditions, reducing the need for higher pressure gas extraction and minimizing valve line-up alterations.
Implementation Method 1
an inner nozzle including a nozzle wall defining a nozzle outlet, wherein the inner nozzle is configured to receive a first gas flow from a high pressure chamber defined by a housing of a jet pump and discharge the first gas flow through the nozzle outlet
Implementation Method 2
a needle body configured to move relative to the nozzle wall within the inner nozzle, wherein the needle body is configured to cause the first gas flow to flow through a throat region between the nozzle wall and the needle body
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust portion defining an exhaust volume fluidically coupled to the nozzle outlet and the suction chamber, wherein the exhaust portion defines an exhaust outlet configured to discharge a supply gas comprising the first gas flow and the second gas flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A bleed system including a jet pump system configured to provide a supply gas comprising at least one of a higher pressure gas, a lower pressure gas, or a mixture of the higher pressure gas and the lower pressure gas. A needle body defines a throat region between a nozzle wall and the needle body. The needle body is configured to cause a gap between a rear needle surface of the needle body and the nozzle wall to decrease as the rear needle surface extends toward the throat region. The jet pump system is configured to discharge the higher pressure gas through the throat region and mix the higher pressure gas and the lower pressure gas in a mixing portion of an exhaust portion.