Reverse-Flow Turbine Electric Machine Cooling in the Intake Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines with reverse flow configurations face challenges in integrating auxiliary components like electric machines efficiently, particularly in terms of heat management and packaging, due to their proximity to high-temperature areas.
Innovation Solution
The electric machine is positioned aft of the core turbine engine, coupled to the low-pressure shaft, and integrated with the intake channel to facilitate heat exchange through conduction and convection, allowing for tighter packaging and effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electric machine is positioned near the high-temperature areas of the gas turbine engine, then the packaging is tighter and the engine is more compact, but the electric machine overheats due to proximity to high-temperature areas
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal barrier or heat shield is introduced between the electric machine and the high-temperature turbine components. This intermediary structure allows the electric machine to be positioned in the compact engine layout while preventing direct thermal exposure, thus resolving the contradiction between compact packaging and temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is extracted from the immediate high-temperature zone and repositioned in an intermediate location within the engine structure. This extraction allows it to benefit from the compact layout while being sufficiently separated from the hottest areas through the engine's structural arrangement
2Temperature
If the electric machine is positioned away from high-temperature areas, then the electric machine is cooled effectively, but the engine packaging becomes less efficient and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engine structure is designed so that existing components and spaces serve multiple functions. The electric machine is positioned to utilize available structural spaces that naturally provide thermal protection, while the same structure continues to fulfill its original support and containment functions, avoiding additional complexity
3Volume of moving object
If auxiliary components are integrated into the reverse flow configuration, then the engine is more compact, but the integration becomes more difficult due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine and other auxiliary components are positioned in the radial and axial dimensions of the reverse flow path, utilizing the three-dimensional space created by the reversed airflow configuration. This dimensional utilization allows compact integration without interfering with the manufacturing of individual components
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 configuration enables efficient heat management and power supplementation, providing up to 40% supplemental thrust and allowing for compact design without overheating issues.
Implementation Method 1
the electric machine transfers heat to the incoming flow of air within the intake channel when the electric machine is operated
Implementation Method 2
the electric machine is in heat exchange communication with the intake flow of air such that the electric machine transfers heat to the incoming flow of air
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft engine assembly includes a gas turbine engine having an intake channel configured to receive an incoming flow of air and thereby form an intake flow of air, the intake channel configured to turn the received incoming flow of air from an incoming flow direction to a first axial direction of the gas turbine engine, the incoming flow direction reverse of the first axial direction, and an electric machine coupled with the low pressure shaft and located at the aft end of the gas turbine engine proximate the intake channel, the electric machine in heat exchange communication with the intake flow of air such that the electric machine transfers heat to the incoming flow of air within the intake channel when the electric machine is operated.