Gas Turbine Spool Geartrain Layout for Mechanical Power Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines lack an efficient mechanical power sharing mechanism between high and low pressure spools, necessitating hybrid-electric propulsion systems for power transfer, which are not optimal for various operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical power sharing arrangement is introduced, utilizing a low pressure geartrain and a high pressure geartrain coupled at a common axial location within a shared oil sump, with a power transfer device such as a continuous variable transmission or accessory gearbox, allowing direct power transfer or accessory power distribution between spools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid-electric propulsion systems are used to transfer power between spools, then power transfer capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hybrid-electric propulsion systems with a purely mechanical power sharing arrangement. A mechanical device couples the high pressure spool and low pressure spool, enabling direct mechanical power transfer between them. This substitution eliminates the need for electric machines and associated electrical systems, achieving power transfer capability while reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate sumps are used for high pressure and low pressure geartrains, then lubrication is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lubrication systems for the high pressure geartrain and low pressure geartrain into a single shared oil sump. Both geartrains draw lubrication from the same sump, eliminating the need for separate lubrication systems. This reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate lubrication for both geartrains through proper oil distribution design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical power sharing arrangement is implemented, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical device serves multiple functions: it transfers power between spools, provides structural support, and enables operational flexibility across different flight conditions. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated component rather than multiple separate systems, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the desired operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a low pressure spool that connects a low pressure compressor to a low pressure turbine. The gas turbine engine further includes a high pressure spool that connects a high pressure compressor to a high pressure turbine. The gas turbine engine further includes a high pressure geartrain coupled in gear with the high pressure spool. The gas turbine engine further includes a low pressure geartrain that is coupled in gear with the low pressure spool. The low pressure geartrain is coupled in gear with the low pressure spool and the high pressure geartrain is coupled in gear with the high pressure spool at a common axial location relative to a centerline axis of the gas turbine engine.