Jet Pump Generator Pressurization for Aircraft Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft generators and gearboxes require air pressurization systems to maintain constant pressure at high altitudes, but existing systems with continuous air pumps lead to premature wear and inefficiencies due to continuous operation of air pressure control systems.
Innovation Solution
A jet pump system that uses a motive fluid with higher density than ambient air to mix with ambient airflow, transferring momentum and pressurizing the interior of the generator housing, eliminating the need for continuous air pump operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous air pump is used to maintain air pressure in the generator interior, then the air pressure can be maintained constantly, but the moving components experience premature wear and the system becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous pump operation with periodic jet pump activation. The jet pump operates only when pressure differential exceeds a threshold, creating periodic rather than continuous action. This reduces component wear while maintaining adequate pressure through periodic replenishment of air to the sealed interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical continuous air pump system with a jet pump system that uses fluid dynamics (coanda effect) to generate pressure. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous mechanical operation, reducing wear on moving parts while achieving the same pressurization function.
2Stress or pressure
If air pressure control valves operate continuously to maintain constant generator air pressure, then pressure control is achieved, but inefficiencies are introduced to the generator
Solution Approach 1:
The control valves operate periodically rather than continuously, activating only when pressure drops below a threshold. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption and eliminates the inefficiencies associated with continuous valve cycling, while still maintaining adequate pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing pressure differential and coolant flow to automatically trigger jet pump operation and valve activation only when needed. The cooling system serves dual purposes: cooling and providing the motive force for air pressurization through the jet pump, eliminating the need for separate continuous control systems.
3Reliability
If a jet pump system is used to pressurize the generator interior, then component wear is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jet pump system uses the existing coolant as a dual-purpose fluid: for cooling the generator and for driving the jet pump to pressurize the interior. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for a separate pressurization fluid system, despite the introduction of the jet pump mechanism.
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 reduces wear and inefficiencies by operating only when necessary, increasing generator reliability and efficiency, and maintaining consistent pressure across varying altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the ambient airflow with the motive fluid flow to transfer momentum from the motive fluid to the ambient airflow
Implementation Method 2
a jet pump having a motive fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the cooling circuit, a transport fluid circuit fluidly coupled to the ambient air, and a mixing chamber fluidly connecting the motive fluid conduit and the transport fluid circuit to form a mixed flow within the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
a cooling circuit passing through at least a portion of the housing to cool the interior and recirculating a coolant
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method relating to a generator comprising a housing defining an interior and fluidly separating the interior from surrounding ambient air, at least one of a rotor or stator located within the housing, a cooling circuit passing through at least a portion of the housing to cool the interior and recirculating a coolant having a density greater than the ambient air, and a jet pump having a motive fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the cooling circuit, a transport fluid circuit fluidly coupled to the ambient air.