Electric Generator in Aircraft Rotor Hub for Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft engines face inefficiencies in generating power for rotor-associated devices due to hydraulic power being relatively inefficient and requiring frequent maintenance for slip rings and brushes used in de-icing systems.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize a speed-augmenting power transfer device coupled with an electric generator inside the rotor hub to generate electrical power from the rotor shaft, reducing reliance on hydraulic power and minimizing maintenance needs by using a speed-augmenting gear train to increase rotation speed and power electrical devices like de-icing and pitch control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If hydraulic power from engine oil is used for pitch control, then power can be supplied to pitch control devices, but hydraulic power generation is inefficient and represents parasitic loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply to pitch control devicesVSAvoidparasitic loss from hydraulic pumps

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic power system with an electric power system. An electric generator is coupled to the rotor shaft to generate electrical power that can be used by pitch control devices and other electrical equipment, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps and the associated parasitic losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric generator serves multiple functions: it provides power for pitch control devices, de-icing systems, and other electrical equipment associated with the rotor. This multi-functional approach consolidates power supply needs that were previously met by separate hydraulic and electrical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If multiple slip rings and brushes are used to transfer de-icing power, then electrical power can be supplied to de-icing devices, but the system is prone to wear and requires periodic maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power to de-icing devicesVSAvoidmaintenance requirements for slip rings and brushes

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic slip rings and brushes from the power transmission system. By using a direct electrical connection from the generator to the de-icing devices without intermediate sliding contacts, the maintenance-prone components are eliminated while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The generator is directly coupled to the rotor shaft and provides power directly to rotor-associated devices through the rotor structure itself, eliminating the need for external power transmission components that require maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If a speed-augmenting power transfer device is used to generate electrical power, then electrical power can be generated efficiently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiency in power generationVSAvoidcomplexity of speed-augmenting gear train

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the speed-augmenting gear train and electric generator into an integrated assembly that is disposed inside the rotor hub. This merging of components achieves efficient power generation while consolidating the system into a compact package that fits within the existing rotor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The speed-augmenting gear train and generator are nested within the rotor hub structure. This nesting approach allows the power generation system to be housed within the existing rotor assembly, minimizing additional space requirements and integrating the complexity into the existing structural framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 provides a more efficient and reliable power source for aircraft rotor systems, reducing parasitic losses and maintenance requirements, enabling self-restarting engines and emergency power generation during failures.

Implementation Method 1

an electric generator coupled to the output of the speed-augmenting gear train and configured be disposed inside a hub of the bladed rotor and to generate electrical power for the device associated with the bladed rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10717543B2Apparatus and methods for powering an electrical device associated with an aircraft rotor

Publication Date: 2020.07.21 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for generating electrical power for powering a device associated with a bladed rotor driven by a gas turbine engine of an aircraft are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotor shaft coupled the bladed rotor of the aircraft and driven by a turbine shaft of the engine via a speed-reducing gear train. A speed-augmenting power transfer device has an input coupled to the rotor shaft and an output for outputting a rotation speed higher than a rotation speed of the rotor shaft received at the input of the speed-augmenting power transfer device. An electric generator disposed in a hub of the bladed rotor is coupled to the output of the speed-augmenting power transfer device and configured to generate electrical power for the device associated with the bladed rotor.