King Guide Vane Cable Routing for Gas Turbine Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently routing and managing increasing electrical power demands, which can limit their operation by decreasing compressor surge margins when drawing power from auxiliary high-pressure driven electric generators.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network of electrical cables and a king guide vane within the gas turbine engine's bypass flow path to efficiently route electrical power to low-pressure motor-generators, reducing aerodynamic disturbances and allowing for flexible power management by connecting with windings circumferentially arranged around the engine's rotational axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical cables are routed through the bypass flow path to connect with windings arranged circumferentially about the rotational axis, then electrical power communication efficiency is improved and aerodynamic disturbances are reduced, but device complexity increases due to the need for integrated routing through the king guide vane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the king guide vane (a structural component of the bypass flow path) with the electrical cable routing function. The king guide vane is configured to receive and guide multiple electrical cables through its structure, integrating two functions (aerodynamic guidance and electrical routing) into a single component, thereby improving power communication efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The king guide vane serves multiple functions: it guides bypass air flow, provides structural support, and routes electrical cables to connect with circumferentially arranged windings. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both aerodynamic requirements and electrical power distribution needs, improving overall system efficiency
2Power
If auxiliary high-pressure driven electric generators are used to meet increasing electrical power demands, then power supply capacity is improved, but compressor surge margins decrease limiting engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces low-pressure motor-generators as intermediary power sources that can provide electrical power without the adverse effects of high-pressure generator extraction. These motor-generators are connected through the bypass flow path routing, providing a alternative power source that maintains compressor surge margins while meeting increasing electrical power demands
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical cables extend radially through the bypass flow path to connect with circumferentially arranged windings, then flexibility in power management is improved, but physical intrusion into the bypass section increases causing aerodynamic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The king guide vane is designed with specific local characteristics to minimize aerodynamic disruption. The vane's geometry and cable routing paths are optimized to reduce flow separation and turbulence, allowing cables to pass through the bypass section with minimal impact on aerodynamic performance while maintaining power management flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Gas turbine engines which include electrical motor-generator assemblies arranged near the fan outlet include electrical cable routing assemblies extending through a bypass flow path. Directing the electrical cables through a king guide vane can consolidate routing requirements while accessing each of electrical windings of the electrical machine.