Radial Conductive Bar Electrical Connection for Aircraft Turbine Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a high-power electrical machine into a low-pressure body of a turbine engine, particularly of the high bypass ratio type, is complex due to mechanical integration, temperature resistance, and electrical connection challenges, especially when connecting to a power electronic circuit located at a distance.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft turbine engine design featuring an electrical machine with a rotor coupled to the fan, where the stator is connected to a power electronic circuit via radially extending conductive bars passing through IGVs, allowing for sectorized envelopes and bladed angular segments that facilitate disassembly and reduce vibration risks, enabling efficient power transmission and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power harnesses are used to connect the electrical machine to the power electronic circuit, then electrical connection is achieved, but the large bending radii are incompatible with the compact environment and vibrations damage the harnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flexible power harness (mechanical cable system) with a rigid electrical connection bar that is integrated into the IGV structure. This substitution eliminates the vibration and bending radius problems of harnesses while providing a stable, vibration-resistant electrical connection path from the stator to the power electronic circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection bar is merged with the IGV (Inlet Guide Vane) structure, combining the electrical connection function with the existing mechanical component. The bar is rigidly connected to the IGV and passes through it, creating an integrated solution that uses the IGV's structural support to anchor the electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate harness mounting and vibration isolation systems.
2Power
If the electrical machine is integrated directly downstream of the fan, then optimal temperature conditions and large diameter for power production are achieved, but the connection to the power electronic circuit located at a distance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection bar extends radially from the stator through the IGV, utilizing the radial dimension to create a direct connection path. This radial arrangement, combined with the bar's L-shaped configuration, efficiently bridges the distance between the stator and the power electronic circuit without adding axial or circumferential complexity to the compact engine layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The IGV serves as an intermediary structure that the electrical connection bar passes through and is rigidly connected to. This intermediary arrangement provides a stable mechanical anchor point for the electrical connection, simplifying the connection path from the stator to the power electronic circuit while utilizing the existing IGV structure.
3Ease of repair
If sectorized envelopes with removable segments are used, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the structural complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second annular envelopes are segmented into multiple sectors, with each sector connected by an IGV to form a bladed angular segment. This segmentation allows individual segments to be disassembled and removed for maintenance access to the electrical machine and connection bars, while the modular design distributes the structural complexity across identical, reusable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladed angular segments serve multiple functions: they provide the structural framework for the engine, support the IGVs for aerodynamic flow control, and enable maintenance access through removable design. The electrical connection bars are integrated into specific segments, allowing those segments to be removed for electrical component maintenance without affecting the overall structure.
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 design optimizes the integration of the electrical machine by maintaining low temperatures, reducing vibration risks, and allowing for significant power production while simplifying electrical connections and maintenance, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
the stator of the electrical machine being connected to a power electronic circuit by at least one electrically conductive bar which extends substantially radially with respect to said axis inside one of the IGV
Implementation Method 2
the fan being configured to generate a main gas flow, a portion of which flows into a primary annular duct of the gas generator to form a primary flow, and another portion of which flows around the gas generator to form a secondary flow
Implementation Method 3
an electrical machine is an electromechanical device based on the electromagnetism allowing the conversion of electrical energy into work or mechanical energy for example. This process is reversible and can be used to produce electricity.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft turbine engine including a gas generator, a fan, and an electrical machine, the stator of the electrical machine being connected to a power electronic circuit by at least one electrically conductive bar which extends substantially radially relative to the axis inside an IGV which forms part of a bladed angular segment, the bar being configured to be disassembled and removed from the turbine engine by disassembling and removing the segment.