Radial Generator Stator Layout for Split FADEC and Ignitor Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas-turbine engine powered vehicles face inefficiencies due to the need for larger and heavier power supplies to accommodate the higher electrical energy demands of components like ignitors, which results in increased weight and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a radial generator with stator teeth of different axial lengths, allowing for windings that produce varying levels of electrical energy to meet the distinct requirements of different components, such as FADEC and ignitors, enabling more efficient energy use and reducing the need for oversized power supplies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a radial generator is designed with uniform axial length stator teeth to accommodate the higher electrical energy demand of the ignitor, then the ignitor receives sufficient electrical energy, but the FADEC receives excess electrical energy requiring a larger and heavier power regulator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignitor electrical energy supplyVSAvoidpower supply weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stator teeth are segmented into different axial length groups (first group with first axial length, second group with second axial length) to provide different electrical energy levels to different components. This segmentation allows the generator to deliver tailored power levels - higher voltage to the ignitor and lower voltage to the FADEC - eliminating the need for a large power regulator and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different stator teeth are given different local properties (axial lengths) to match the specific electrical energy requirements of different components. The first stator teeth have a first axial length optimized for ignitor power needs, while the second stator teeth have a second axial length optimized for FADEC power needs, allowing each component to receive precisely the energy it requires without waste or excess.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If a radial generator is designed with uniform axial length stator teeth, then the structure is simpler, but the FADEC power supply must be oversized to handle variable electrical energy demands of different components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestator teeth manufacturingVSAvoidpower supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stator teeth are segmented into different axial length groups (first group with first axial length, second group with second axial length) to provide different electrical energy levels to different components. This segmentation allows the generator to deliver tailored power levels - higher voltage to the ignitor and lower voltage to the FADEC - eliminating the need for a large power regulator and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different stator teeth are given different local properties (axial lengths) to match the specific electrical energy requirements of different components. The first stator teeth have a first axial length optimized for ignitor power needs, while the second stator teeth have a second axial length optimized for FADEC power needs, allowing each component to receive precisely the energy it requires without waste or excess.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If stator teeth have different axial lengths with different windings, then different levels of electrical energy are produced for different components, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy efficiencyVSAvoidstator teeth axial length precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stator teeth are segmented into different axial length groups (first group with first axial length, second group with second axial length) to provide different electrical energy levels to different components. This segmentation allows the generator to deliver tailored power levels - higher voltage to the ignitor and lower voltage to the FADEC - eliminating the need for a large power regulator and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different stator teeth are given different local properties (axial lengths) to match the specific electrical energy requirements of different components. The first stator teeth have a first axial length optimized for ignitor power needs, while the second stator teeth have a second axial length optimized for FADEC power needs, allowing each component to receive precisely the energy it requires without waste or excess.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach allows for a smaller and lighter power supply for the FADEC, leading to improved fuel efficiency, extended operational time, and reduced weight in vehicles, enhancing overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

A radial generator having uniform, axial length stator teeth may therefore be designed to accommodate windings that produce the relatively higher electrical energy demand of the ignitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4401285A1Electrical energy system having different axial lengths for efficient power generation
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ROLLS ROYCE PLC
  • EP4401285A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4401285A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4401285A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An example electrical machine configured to generate electrical energy used by two or more components of a gas-turbine engine is described herein. The electrical machine comprises one or more first stator teeth having a first axial length that support first windings configured to generate a first level of the electrical energy used by a first component of the two or more components. The electrical machine also comprises one or more second stator teeth having a second axial length that support second windings configured to generate a second level of the electrical energy used by a second component of the two or more components, the first axial length different than the second axial length.