Magnetic-Foil Bearing Sensing for Low-Cooling Rotor Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in reducing lubricant and cooling demands, and there is a need for multifunctional components to simplify the system while improving efficiency and dynamic properties.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic-foil bearing system that uses a combination of active magnetic bearings and foil bearings to support rotating structures with minimal lubrication, incorporating a sensor system and controller for health monitoring and power management, which reduces friction and parasitic losses, and includes a foil bearing to generate an air cushion for reduced contact and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bearings are used to support rotating structures, then reliable support is provided, but lubricant and cooling demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical bearings that require lubricant with a magnetic bearing system using electromagnetic fields to support the rotating structure, eliminating the need for lubricant while maintaining reliable support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foil bearing component that generates an air cushion between the rotor and stator, using pneumatic principles to reduce contact and eliminate lubricant requirements while providing reliable bearing support
2Reliability
If traditional bearings are used to support rotating structures, then reliable support is provided, but cooling demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical bearings that generate heat through friction and require cooling with a magnetic bearing system that operates with minimal contact and reduced heat generation, thereby lowering cooling demands
Solution Approach 2:
The air cushion generated by the foil bearing creates a thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer and cooling requirements while maintaining reliable support
3Device complexity
If multifunctional components are introduced to reduce system complexity, then system complexity decreases, but measurement and monitoring capabilities may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the magnetic bearing system including support, health monitoring via embedded sensors, and control capabilities, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise measurement and monitoring functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors and controllers that provide real-time feedback on bearing health and rotor position, enabling precise monitoring and control while integrating these functions within the bearing assembly itself
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 magnetic-foil bearing system decreases lubrication and cooling demands, enhances efficiency, and improves dynamic properties by minimizing contact between the rotor and stator, while the integrated sensor and control system monitors health and detects damage, optimizing performance and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing includes a magnetic bearing stator and a magnetic bearing rotor mounted with the rotating structure
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic bearing stator includes a stator body and a plurality of windings wrapped around the stator body
Implementation Method 3
generating an air cushion radially between the magnetic bearing stator and the magnetic bearing rotor using a foil bearing
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly is provided that includes a rotating structure (202), a bearing (60), a sensor system (206), a power system (204) and a controller (208). The rotating structure (202) is rotatable about an axis (22, 78). The bearing (60) rotatably supports the rotating structure (202). The bearing (60) includes a magnetic bearing stator (68) and a magnetic bearing rotor (72) mounted with the rotating structure (202). The sensor system (206) is configured to provide bearing sensor data indicative of a position of the magnetic bearing rotor (72) relative to the magnetic bearing stator (68). The power system (204) is electrically coupled to the magnetic bearing stator (68). The controller (208) is configured to signal the power system (204) to power the magnetic bearing stator (68) based on the bearing sensor data. The controller (208) is configured to monitor health of the rotating structure (202) based on the bearing sensor data.