Electric Motor Assembly for Gas Turbine Compressor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in maintaining efficient operation throughout their speed range without the complexity and maintenance concerns associated with variable vane systems in compressor sections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electric motor assembly with a rotor and stator configuration that allows for independent control of rotor speeds, eliminating the need for variable vanes by using an electric motor assembly integrated within the compressor section to drive compressor rotor blades along the axial direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable vane systems are used in compressor sections to maintain efficient operation throughout speed range, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical variable vane system with an electric motor assembly that independently controls rotor blade speed. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and actuation mechanisms while achieving the same goal of maintaining efficient operation across the speed range through electronic control of the motor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the compressor section into multiple independent rotor blade stages, each capable of being driven by separate electric motor assemblies. This segmentation allows each stage to be independently controlled to optimize performance at different operating conditions, replacing the need for a unified variable vane system.
2Productivity
If variable vane systems are used in compressor sections to maintain efficient operation throughout speed range, then operational efficiency is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor assembly replaces mechanical variable vane actuation systems, eliminating mechanical wear components such as hinges, linkages, and actuators that require maintenance. The electric motor uses electromagnetic fields to control rotor blade speed, resulting in fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance needs.
3Device complexity
If electric motor assembly is integrated within compressor section to drive rotor blades, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor assembly is integrated within the existing compressor section structure, with the motor housed in the stator assembly and the rotor assembly coupled to the rotor blades. This nesting approach allows the electric motor components to be incorporated into the existing engine architecture without requiring complete redesign of the compressor section.
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 solution reduces complexity, decreases costs, and minimizes maintenance concerns while ensuring efficient operation across the engine's speed range without the need for a variable vane system.
Implementation Method 1
The stator assembly is configured for electrical communication with an electricity source and operable with the rotor assembly to rotate the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly and drive the stage of compressor rotor blades about the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section arranged in serial flow order with a turbine section, and an electric motor assembly. The electric motor assembly has a rotor assembly that is coupled to, or integrated within, a stage of compressor rotor blades of the compressor section and a stator assembly. The stator assembly is operable with the rotor assembly to rotate the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly and drive the stage of compressor rotor blades about the axial direction.