Rotating Cooling Manifold for Gas Turbine Stator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric machines in gas turbine engines face challenges in effectively reducing the temperature of the stator, particularly at the ends where windings are located, due to limitations in liquid cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A cooling manifold is integrated with the rotor and positioned at the end of the electric machine, receiving a flow of cooling air and directing it to the stator through impingement openings to enhance heat transfer and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid cooling systems are used for the electric machine stator, then cooling coverage is provided, but cooling effectiveness at the stator ends where windings are located is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two distinct parts: a liquid cooling system for the main stator body and a separate air cooling system for the stator ends. This segmentation allows each cooling method to be optimized for its specific target area, with air cooling directly addressing the previously underserved end regions where windings are located.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cooling approaches are applied to different locations of the stator. The liquid cooling system handles the central portion, while air cooling through impingement openings is specifically applied to the stator ends. This local differentiation ensures that each region receives the most effective cooling method for its thermal characteristics.
2Temperature
If a cooling manifold is added to direct cooling air to the stator, then heat transfer coefficient is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air cooling manifold is integrated with the existing rotor structure, merging the cooling function into an existing rotating component. This combination allows the manifold to be driven by rotor rotation, eliminating the need for separate cooling air supply mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite adding the manifold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling manifold is designed to be self-driven through rotor rotation, which automatically supplies cooling air to the stator ends without requiring external power or control systems. The rotational motion of the rotor itself serves to distribute the cooling air, making the system self-sufficient.
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 cooling manifold effectively cools the stator windings by providing a precise flow of cooling air, maintaining the electric machine within prescribed temperature limits and improving heat transfer coefficients.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling manifold rotatable with the rotor and positioned at the end of the rotor, the cooling manifold configured to receive a flow of cooling air and provide the cooling air to the stator
Data Source
AI summary
In one exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine defines a radial direction, an axial direction, and an axis extending along the axial direction of the gas. The gas turbine engine includes: a shaft configured to rotate about the axis; an electric machine comprising a rotor coupled to and rotatable with the shaft and a stator, the rotor defining an end along the axial direction; and a cooling manifold rotatable with the rotor and positioned at the end of the rotor, the cooling manifold configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid and provide the cooling fluid to the stator during operation of the gas turbine engine.