Rotatable Vane Ring Fan Module for Aircraft Power and Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in designing systems that satisfy both thrust requirements and power needs for accessories across various flight conditions without compromising performance, particularly at high altitude where thrust and power off-take demands are conflicting.
Innovation Solution
A fan module with a vane ring and power supply system that includes a generator, brake, and controller, allowing the system to switch between thrust and power modes by engaging or disengaging the brake to direct airflow either for thrust or to generate electrical power, utilizing the vane ring as a ram air turbine when thrust is not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the propulsion system is oversized to meet both thrust and power requirements, then power availability is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan exit guide vanes are made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically switch between thrust mode (vanes fixed) and power generation mode (vanes rotating to drive generator). This dynamic configuration enables a single propulsion system to adapt to different operational requirements without oversizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan module serves dual functions: producing thrust during high-power flight conditions and generating electrical power during low-thrust conditions. The rotatable vane ring with airfoils acts as both a thrust optimization component and a turbine for power generation, eliminating the need for separate systems.
2Force
If the fan module operates in thrust mode with high thrust conditions, then thrust performance is improved, but electrical power generation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism dynamically locks or unlocks the vane ring based on operational mode. In thrust mode, the brake engages to prevent vane rotation, optimizing thrust. In power mode, the brake disengages to allow vane rotation and power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically switches between thrust mode and power generation mode based on flight conditions. The controller monitors operational requirements and transitions the vane ring between fixed and rotating states to meet changing power and thrust demands.
3Productivity
If the vane ring is constrained against rotation to maintain thrust, then thrust efficiency is improved, but power generation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system provides dynamic constraint control on the vane ring. When thrust efficiency is prioritized, the brake constrains the vane ring. When power generation is needed, the brake releases the constraint, allowing the vane ring to rotate and drive the generator.
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 design enables efficient power generation during low-thrust conditions while maintaining thrust capabilities, avoiding the need for oversizing propulsion systems and allowing for regenerative power extraction, thus optimizing mission performance and reducing operational compromises.
Implementation Method 1
The vane ring may include a plurality of airfoils arranged to interact with the thrust discharged by the fan rotor so that the thrust drives rotation of the vane ring
Implementation Method 2
a generator selectively coupled to the vane ring to produce electrical power in response to rotation of the vane ring
Data Source
AI summary
A fan module for an aircraft is disclosed herein. The fan module includes a fan rotor, a vane ring, and an optional power supply system. The fan rotor is configured to discharge thrust in an aft direction when rotated about a central axis. The vane ring is located aft of the fan rotor along the central axis and mounted for rotation about the central axis. The vane ring includes a plurality of airfoils arranged to interact with the thrust discharged by the fan rotor so that the thrust drives rotation of the vane ring.