Hybrid Bottoming Cycle With Shaft-Integrated Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric actuation in gas turbine engines requires significant electrical power, leading to weight increase and horsepower extraction that often cancels out any system-level benefits.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric bottoming cycle system with an auxiliary shaft supporting a bottoming cycle compressor and turbine, utilizing working fluid heat exchangers and a motor generator to produce mechanical and electrical power, integrated with a gas turbine engine to manage thermal energy and electrical demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electric actuation is implemented in gas turbine engine, then system automation and control precision are improved, but electrical power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bottoming cycle turbine with a motor generator unit that is integrated into the auxiliary shaft assembly. This merging allows the bottoming cycle to directly generate electrical power at the point of consumption, reducing transmission losses and eliminating the need for separate power generation and distribution systems. The motor generator serves dual purposes: driving the auxiliary shaft components and generating electrical power for engine actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary shaft is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it drives the bottoming cycle compressor, supports the motor generator, and transmits power to various engine components. The motor generator itself performs dual functions as both a mechanical driver and an electrical power generator, depending on operational conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Extent of automation
If electrical power is increased to support electric actuation, then automation capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottoming cycle turbine and motor generator are merged into a single integrated assembly mounted on the auxiliary shaft. This combination eliminates the need for separate power generation equipment and reduces the overall system weight compared to having independent power generation and electrical distribution systems. The integration allows shared structural support and reduced redundancy.
3Extent of automation
If electrical power is increased for actuation systems, then control precision is improved, but horsepower extraction from engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor generator is directly integrated with the bottoming cycle turbine on the auxiliary shaft, creating a combined power generation and actuation system. This merging allows the bottoming cycle to directly power the motor generator, which in turn powers the auxiliary shaft components, eliminating the need for horsepower extraction from the main engine while maintaining precise electrical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottoming cycle system is designed to be self-sufficient by generating its own electrical power through the motor generator. This self-service capability allows the system to power its own actuators and control systems without drawing horsepower from the main engine, as the bottoming cycle turbine provides the necessary mechanical power that is converted to electrical power locally.
4Loss of energy
If bottoming cycle system is added for power generation, then waste heat utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottoming cycle turbine and motor generator are merged into a single integrated assembly that is mounted on the existing auxiliary shaft. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture compared to having independent power generation and electrical systems. The integration allows for shared structural support, reduced piping requirements, and simplified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it drives the bottoming cycle compressor, supports the motor generator assembly, and transmits power to various engine components. The motor generator itself performs dual functions as both a mechanical driver and an electrical power generator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall complexity despite adding waste heat recovery capability.
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 system efficiently generates power from waste heat, minimizing weight and improving thermal management, allowing for electric actuation and enhanced system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a working fluid to oil heat exchanger fluidly coupled between the bottoming cycle compressor and the bottoming cycle turbine
Implementation Method 2
a waste heat recovery heat exchanger fluidly coupled between the bottoming cycle turbine and the bottoming cycle compressor
Implementation Method 3
a working fluid to fuel heat exchanger fluidly coupled between the bottoming cycle turbine and the bottoming cycle compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric bottoming cycle including an auxiliary shaft supporting a bottoming cycle compressor and turbine; a working fluid/oil heat exchanger fluidly coupled between the compressor and turbine; a waste heat recovery heat exchanger fluidly coupled between the bottoming cycle turbine and compressor; a working fluid/fuel heat exchanger fluidly coupled between the bottoming cycle turbine and compressor, a bottoming cycle working fluid fluidly coupled with the compressor, the working fluid/oil heat exchanger, the waste heat recovery heat exchanger, the turbine and working fluid/fuel heat exchanger; a bottoming cycle motor generator in operative communication with the auxiliary shaft, wherein the bottoming cycle motor generator is configured to rotate the auxiliary shaft responsive to a predetermined gas turbine engine condition and generate electrical power responsive to another predetermined gas turbine engine condition; and an electrical power source in operative communication with the bottoming cycle motor generator.