Reverse-Flow Gas Turbine Electric Machine With Intake-Air Cooling
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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 due to heat management and packaging constraints.
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 for heat exchange, allowing for cooling through conduction and convection using the incoming air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electric machine is integrated into the reverse flow gas turbine engine, then the functionality and thrust supplementation capabilities are enhanced, but the heat management and packaging constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine is merged with the gas turbine engine structure by positioning it within the exhaust flow path and integrating it with the turbine assembly. This combination allows the electric machine to benefit from the engine's thermal and mechanical environment while contributing to thrust supplementation, effectively resolving the packaging constraint issue
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine serves multiple functions: it acts as a motor to supplement thrust during flight, as a generator to recover energy from the exhaust flow, and as a thermal management component utilizing the hot exhaust gases for cooling and potential power generation. This multi-functionality enhances versatility while optimizing space utilization
2Volume of moving object
If the electric machine is positioned aft of the core turbine engine, then the packaging is improved, but the heat management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The hot exhaust gases, which represent a thermal challenge, are converted into a beneficial cooling resource for the electric machine. The exhaust flow is directed to cool the electric machine's housing and internal components, transforming the heat management problem into a thermal cooling solution while maintaining compact packaging
3Productivity
If the electric machine is coupled to the low-pressure shaft, then the operational efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine is directly coupled to the low-pressure shaft, allowing it to be driven by the engine's own rotational power without requiring an additional drive system. This self-service arrangement enables the electric machine to operate efficiently using the engine's existing mechanical energy, enhancing productivity while minimizing additional complexity
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 tighter packaging and effective heat management of the electric machine, enhancing its operational efficiency and thrust supplementation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
cooling through conduction and convection using the incoming air flow
Implementation Method 2
cooling through conduction and convection using the incoming air flow
Implementation Method 3
integrated with the intake channel for heat exchange
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 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.