Aircraft Rotor Electromagnetic Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helicopter rotor systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting electrical power to rotating components, particularly due to the complexity and maintenance issues of slip-rings, and the risk of electrical current peaks during lightning strikes, especially in anti-torque tail rotors which rotate at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrical generator using a magnetic field source and an electric conductive element within the rotor, where differential rotational speeds induce an electromotive force, eliminating the need for physical contact and allowing for integrated and retrofittable power transmission within the rotor head, facilitating efficient heat dissipation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If slip-rings are used to transmit electrical power to rotating rotor components, then electrical power can be supplied to blades for de-icing and control systems, but the system becomes complex to manufacture and maintain, and is easily subjected to wear effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the slip-ring component from the rotor system by using electromagnetic induction to generate power directly in the rotating hub, thereby removing the source of wear and complexity while maintaining electrical power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based slip-ring system with an electromagnetic field-based power generation system, where a magnetic field source and conductive element generate electricity through relative motion without physical contact
2Use of energy by moving object
If slip-rings are used to transmit electrical power to the tail rotor, then power can be supplied for anti-icing systems, but wear effects are exacerbated due to higher rotation speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slip-ring from the tail rotor assembly and implements a compact electromagnetic generator within the tail rotor hub, eliminating wear components while maintaining power supply capability at high rotation speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical contact system is replaced with an electromagnetic induction system that has no moving contacts, thereby eliminating wear and improving reliability in the high-speed tail rotor application
3Use of energy by moving object
If conductive paths are present between stationary and rotating conductors, then electrical power can be transmitted, but dangerous current peaks can be propagated during lightning strikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the conductive path between stationary and rotating parts by generating electricity directly in the rotating component through electromagnetic induction, thereby removing the pathway for lightning current propagation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary that transfers energy from the stationary magnetic field source to the rotating conductive element without requiring direct electrical contact, thereby isolating the rotating system from lightning strikes
4Use of energy by moving object
If an electrical generator is integrated inside the rotor head, then power transmission is achieved with compact size for efficient heat dissipation, but space constraints must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the electromagnetic generator components (magnetic field source and conductive element) within the existing rotor hub structure, utilizing available space efficiently while maintaining heat dissipation pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the magnetic field source and conductive element in an axial configuration along the rotor shaft, utilizing the axial dimension to minimize radial space requirements and fit within the compact rotor head
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 solution enables efficient electrical power transmission to rotor blades for de-icing or active control without slip-rings, reducing wear and lightning risks, and allows for compact integration and easy retrofitting, enhancing the rotor's efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a source 30 of magnetic field, which is driven in rotation about axis A with a first rotational speed ω1; an electric conductive element 32, which is operatively connected to mast 11 and is driven in rotation at a second rotational speed ω2 different from first rotational speed ω1; electric conductive element 32 is electromagnetically coupled with said source 30, so that an electromotive force is magnetically induced, in use, in electric conductive element 32 itself
Implementation Method 2
the electrical power can be used for activating a de-icing or anti-icing system formed by a plurality of electrical conductors embedded in the blades and adapted to heat the relative blades by Joule effect
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor for an aircraft capable of hovering includes a stationary support structure and a rotative element which is rotatable about an axis with respect to the stationary support structure. The rotor has at least one blade, which is operatively connected with a rotative element. The rotor has a source of a magnetic field, which is either stationary or driven in rotation at a first rotational speed and an electric conductive element, which is operatively connected to the rotative element and can be driven in rotation at a second rotational speed different from first rotational speed. An electric conductive element is electromagnetically coupled so that an electromotive force is magnetically induced in electric conductive element itself Two rings extend radially inward from a tubular body of the rotor hub with the first ring connected to a plurality of thermally conductive rings of a flow deflector at an axial end of the rotor and the second ring supports the electric conductive element.