Reverse Flow Gas Turbine Engine Spool Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentric shaft arrangements in gas turbine engines complicate disassembly procedures, making maintenance and repair less efficient.
Innovation Solution
A reverse flow gas turbine engine design with axially sequential low pressure (LP) and high pressure (HP) spools, where the LP spool comprises an LP compressor drivingly connected to an LP turbine via a gear train, and the HP spool has an HP compressor in flow communication with the LP compressor, with the HP turbine disposed forward of the HP compressor and drivingly connected to the HP compressor, allowing for a split compressor arrangement and simplified disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If concentric shaft arrangements are used to connect compressors and turbines, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but engine disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is divided into separate spool assemblies (LP spool and HP spool) that can be independently removed. Each spool contains its own shaft, compressor, and turbine components, allowing modular disassembly without requiring complete engine teardown while maintaining power transmission efficiency through dedicated shaft connections.
2Volume of moving object
If concentric shaft arrangements are used to connect compressors and turbines, then structural compactness is improved, but maintenance accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the engine into modular spool assemblies with independent shafts, the design achieves compact integration of components while enabling easy removal and maintenance of individual spools. The separate LP and HP spools can be accessed and serviced independently without compromising overall structural compactness.
3Ease of operation
If reverse flow arrangement with HP turbine forward of HP compressor is used, then disassembly ease is improved, but flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional flow path arrangement is inverted by placing the HP turbine forward of the HP compressor in the axial direction. This reverse flow configuration allows for simplified disassembly procedures and improved component accessibility while managing flow path complexity through careful ducting and casing design.
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
Facilitates easier engine disassembly and maintenance by eliminating the need for concentric shafts, enabling better access to internal components and reducing engine weight and specific fuel consumption through efficient energy transfer and aerodynamic optimization.
Implementation Method 1
a low pressure (LP) spool and a high pressure (HP) spool arranged sequentially in an axial direction, the LP spool comprising an LP compressor
Implementation Method 2
an HP compressor in flow communication with the LP compressor
Implementation Method 3
the LP spool comprising an LP compressor drivingly connected to an LP turbine via an LP compressor gear train
Implementation Method 4
an HP turbine disposed forward of the HP compressor and aft of the LP turbine, the HP turbine being drivingly connected to the HP compressor via an HP shaft
Implementation Method 5
reverse flow gas turbine engine
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse flow gas turbine engine has a low pressure (LP) spool and a high pressure (HP) spool arranged sequentially in an axial direction. The LP spool comprises an LP compressor disposed forward of an LP turbine and drivingly connected thereto via an LP compressor gear train. The HP spool comprises an HP compressor in flow communication with the LP compressor, and an HP turbine disposed forward of the HP compressor and drivingly connected thereto via an HP shaft.