Radially-Split Inlet Guide Vane for Gas Turbine Power Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional turbofan engines are limited in their ability to adapt to diverse flight conditions and power settings due to fundamental operating characteristics, particularly in shifting load between shaft and fan loading, which restricts mission adaptive performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of radially-split inlet guide vanes with both fixed and variable portions to control airflow into the engine core and bypass flowpaths, allowing for the alteration of bypass airflow while maintaining constant core operating conditions, enabling seamless transition between turboshaft and turbofan modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional turbofan engine operating characteristics are maintained, then engine reliability is preserved, but adaptability to diverse flight conditions and power settings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission adaptive performanceVSAvoidengine system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet guide vane assembly is segmented into fixed and variable portions, with the variable portion capable of independent articulation. This segmentation allows selective control of airflow to the bypass flowpath while maintaining simple fixed structure for the remaining components, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet guide vane system transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic configuration where the variable portion can articulate to different positions. This dynamic capability enables the engine to adapt to diverse flight conditions and power settings without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If bypass airflow is increased to enhance thrust output, then propulsive performance is improved, but power available for shaft work deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft powerVSAvoidthrust output

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The variable portion of the inlet guide vane dynamically adjusts the bypass airflow rate based on power distribution requirements. When shaft power is prioritized, the variable portion articulates to reduce bypass flow; when thrust is prioritized, it opens to increase bypass flow, enabling flexible power-thrust trade-offs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the airflow parameter to the bypass flowpath by articulating the variable inlet guide vane portion. This parameter change directly controls the distribution of engine power between shaft work and thrust production, resolving the contradiction between these two performance metrics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed inlet guide vanes are used to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to control airflow distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow control capabilityVSAvoidvane structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet guide vane is divided into fixed and variable portions, where the fixed portion maintains structural simplicity while the variable portion provides airflow control capability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by localizing complexity only where control functionality is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The variable portion of the inlet guide vane serves multiple functions: controlling bypass airflow rate, enabling transition between turboshaft and turbofan modes, and adjusting power distribution. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for significant reduction in thrust output while maintaining overall engine power, enabling efficient power transfer to other applications like lift fans or generators, and rapid transition between turboshaft and turbofan modes, enhancing mission adaptability and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the variable portion is articulated about an axis of articulation to alter a volumetric flow rate of inlet air into the bypass flowpath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow control through vane articulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11333080B2System and method of transferring power in a gas turbine engine

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 ROLLS ROYCE NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A method of extracting work from a convertible gas turbine engine having a core flowpath and a bypass flowpath. The method comprises operating the convertible gas turbine engine at a first volumetric flow rate through the core flowpath and a second volumetric flow rate through the bypass flowpath to produce a first work output of the convertible gas turbine engine; extracting the first work output via an unshrouded fan and a shaft at a first fan to shaft extraction ratio; altering the second volumetric flowrate through the bypass flowpath while maintaining the first work output; and extracting the first work output via an unshrouded fan and a shaft at a second fan to shaft extraction ratio.