Rotor Hub Air Cooling for Magnetic Rotor Drums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines used in aircraft propulsion systems generate heat, necessitating cooling of electric machines, but external fans add weight and complexity, requiring a lightweight, non-intrusive cooling solution for magnetic rotor drums.
Innovation Solution
An electric machine with a rotor hub and magnetic rotor drum that uses air-moving means, including impellers and baffles, to draw and direct air along the shaft to transfer heat from the rotor drum, providing integrated cooling without external fans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate external fans are used to cool the electric machine, then cooling performance is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the rotor hub structure by integrating air-moving means (impellers) directly into the rotor hub, eliminating the need for separate external fans. The rotor hub now serves dual purposes: mechanical support and active cooling generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor hub generates its own cooling airflow through the rotation of the shaft, which drives the integrated impellers to draw in and circulate air through cooling passages. The system uses its own operational motion (shaft rotation) to provide cooling without external assistance.
2Temperature
If separate external fans are used to cool the electric machine, then cooling performance is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the rotor hub structure, eliminating the need for separate external fan components. This integration removes the additional weight that would be required for standalone cooling fans and their mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor hub utilizes the existing rotational motion of the shaft to generate cooling airflow, eliminating the need for separate power sources and motor components that would add weight. The system leverages its own operational energy for cooling.
3Temperature
If external fans are used for cooling, then heat transfer is improved, but components must be modified to provide cooling air
Solution Approach 1:
The air-moving means and cooling passages are merged into the rotor hub structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external fan components and their associated mounting and connection modifications. The cooling system becomes an intrinsic part of the rotor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor hub generates and directs its own cooling airflow through integrated passages, eliminating the need for external air supply systems and complex ductwork modifications that would be required for external fan installations.
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 solution effectively cools the electric machine by transferring heat from the shaft and rotor drum to air, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining efficient cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
moves air surrounding the electric machine in response to rotation of the shaft about the axis to cool the shaft and the magnetic rotor drum
Implementation Method 2
The rotor hub may have air-moving means for drawing air axially along the shaft toward the rotor drum body at a first radial distance to transfer heat from the shaft to the air
Data Source
AI summary
An electric machine for use in an aircraft propulsion system includes a shaft, a magnetic rotor drum, and a rotor hub. The shaft extends along an axis and is configured to rotate about the axis. The magnetic rotor drum includes a rotor that extends circumferentially around the axis and a plurality of magnets that are arranged circumferentially around the rotor. The rotor hub extends radially between and interconnects the shaft and the rotor. The rotor hub is configured to move air along the electric machine to cool components thereof in response to rotation of the shaft about the axis.