Reverse-Direction Bearing Cooling Path for Cabin Air Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft environmental control systems face complexity and maintenance challenges due to the use of separate air compressors, which also impact fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design with a reverse direction bearing cooling flow path that utilizes a common axis for the motor and rotor, incorporating a cooling fluid inlet to split the cooling stream for efficient cooling of journal and thrust bearings, enhancing the cooling efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a separate air compressor is used to provide pressurized air to the environmental control system, then fuel efficiency is improved and system complexity is reduced, but cooling efficiency of the motor and bearings is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling flow path is segmented into multiple directions: a first cooling flow path directs cooling air from the motor inlet through the motor and a second bearing to an outlet, while a second cooling flow path directs cooling air through the motor and a first bearing to the outlet. This segmentation allows optimized cooling for each bearing location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reverse direction cooling flow path that moves cooling air in opposite directions through different bearing locations. The first cooling flow moves in one axial direction through the motor and second bearing, while the second cooling flow moves in the opposite axial direction through the motor and first bearing, utilizing three-dimensional flow paths to achieve comprehensive cooling
2Device complexity
If traditional cooling flow paths are used in the compressor, then the structure is simple, but maintenance requirements increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor inlet serves multiple functions: it is the inlet for the motor and simultaneously the inlet for both first and second cooling flow paths. The outlet serves as the outlet for both cooling flow paths. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling functions for multiple bearings into a unified system where cooling air flows through the motor and distributes to both first and second bearings through integrated flow paths, consolidating what could have been separate cooling systems into one efficient arrangement
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
The design improves cooling efficiency and reduces maintenance requirements, thereby enhancing the reliability and fuel efficiency of the environmental control system.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fluid inlet disposed adjacent to the bearing support and in fluid communication with the first journal bearing
Implementation Method 2
The rotor shaft includes a plurality of orifices
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor includes a compressor rotor and a motor disposed about a common axis. The motor includes a rotor shaft coupled to the compressor rotor and configured to drive the compressor rotor; a thrust shaft disposed at an opposite end of the motor from the rotor shaft; a tie rod disposed on the common axis and extending through the rotor shaft, thrust shaft, and the compressor rotor; a first journal bearing disposed about the rotor shaft and concentrically about the common axis to radially support the rotor shaft; a journal bearing support disposed concentrically about the first journal bearing; and a cooling fluid inlet disposed adjacent to the bearing support and in fluid communication with the first journal bearing. The rotor shaft includes a plurality of orifices. The tie rod axially retains the compressor rotor at a forward end and the motor at an aft end.