Remote Propulsor Control and Lubrication in Turbine Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engine control systems require dual throttle levers for adjusting turbine engine and propulsor speed, increasing pilot workload and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single throttle lever control system that integrates turbine engine speed and propulsor speed control, using a data communication bus for communication between the turbine engine and remote propulsor, and a hybrid electric propulsion system with a separate gearbox lubrication system for lubrication during engine shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual throttle levers are used for controlling turbine engine and propulsor speed, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and pilot workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions of the turbine engine and propulsor into a single integrated throttle lever system. The control system receives a single throttle lever input and automatically manages both the turbine engine speed and propulsor speed, merging two separate control functions into one unified interface, thereby reducing pilot workload while maintaining control precision through automated coordination
2Measurement precision
If dual throttle levers are used for controlling turbine engine and propulsor speed, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system merges the operation of two throttle levers into a single throttle lever interface. The single lever input automatically coordinates control of both the turbine engine and propulsor, reducing the number of manual control inputs required while maintaining precise control through automated system management
3Loss of energy
If the turbine engine is shut down, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the propulsor cannot be lubricated
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into a separate, self-contained subsystem with its own pump and lubricant reservoir, independent from the turbine engine's main lubrication system. This allows the propulsor lubrication to operate autonomously even when the turbine engine is shut down, ensuring continuous lubrication availability while enabling fuel savings through engine shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The separate propulsor lubrication system is designed to be self-sufficient, with its own pump and lubricant supply, allowing it to function independently without requiring the turbine engine to be running. The system serves itself by maintaining lubrication capability separate from the main engine operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A propulsion system (100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300) and a method of operating the propulsion system (100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300). The propulsion system (100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300) includes a turbine engine (10, 910, 1310) including a turbo-engine (16, 716), a first propulsor (38a, 738a) including a first propulsor shaft (45a, 745a), and a first gearbox assembly (46a, 746a) having a gear assembly (50). The propulsion system (100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300) includes a second propulsor (38b, 738b) that is remote from the turbine engine (10, 910, 1310) and includes a second gearbox assembly (46b, 746b) including a gear assembly (50). The propulsion system (100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300) further includes a lubrication system (600, 800, 1000, 1400) including a first gearbox lubrication system (602a, 802a), an engine lubrication system (620), and a second gearbox lubrication system (602b, 802b). The first gearbox lubrication system (602a, 802a) is disposed within the first gearbox assembly (46a, 746a) and supplies lubricant to the gear assembly (50). The engine lubrication system (620, 1620) supplies lubricant to the engine bearings (37). The first gearbox lubrication system (602a, 802a) is fluidly separate from the engine lubrication system (620, 1620). The second gearbox lubrication system (602b, 802b) is disposed within the second gearbox assembly (46b, 746b) and supplies lubricant to the gear assembly (50).