Aircraft Power Subsystem Decoupling for Spool Transfer Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft propulsion systems lack effective and safe power generation and distribution architectures for hybrid-electric designs, particularly in isolating transient effects and accommodating airframer specifications for base-load generators without impacting electrical system architecture.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle power system with two independent power subsystems: one for spool-to-spool power transfer and another for base-load power distribution, utilizing electric machines mechanically coupled with gas turbine engine spools and electrical loads, decoupled to isolate transient effects and allow optimal voltage operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional aircraft propulsion system is used, then the system structure is simple, but it lacks effective power generation and distribution architecture for hybrid-electric designs
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into two independent subsystems: a first power subsystem for spool-to-spool power transfer and a second power subsystem for base-load power distribution. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, enabling hybrid-electric design capability without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Electric machines are introduced as intermediaries between the gas turbine engine spools and the electrical loads. These electric machines enable power conversion and transfer, providing the necessary architecture for hybrid-electric designs while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized components.
2Reliability
If power is transmitted between spools without decoupling, then the system is simpler, but transient effects cannot be isolated
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into electrically decoupled subsystems, where the first power subsystem handles spool-to-spool power transfer and the second power subsystem handles base-load power distribution. This electrical decoupling isolates transient effects within each subsystem, improving reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single power subsystem is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot accommodate both spool-to-spool power transfer and base-load power distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution capability is segmented into two independent subsystems: one dedicated to spool-to-spool power transfer and another dedicated to base-load power distribution. This segmentation provides the necessary adaptability for different power distribution scenarios while keeping each subsystem relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power subsystem is designed to perform its specific function optimally, with the first subsystem handling power transfer between spools and the second subsystem handling base-load distribution. This functional specialization creates a universal architecture that can accommodate both power transfer modes simultaneously.
4Power
If high voltage DC cables are used for power transmission, then power transmission capability is improved, but failure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission system is segmented into electrically decoupled subsystems, which limits the propagation of failures. By dividing the system into smaller independent units, the overall failure risk is reduced while maintaining adequate power transmission capability through each subsystem.
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
Enables efficient power sharing between spools, reduces the need for high voltage DC cables, and minimizes failure risks, while allowing traditional control of base-load generators and accommodating both bleed-based and bleedless engines.
Implementation Method 1
electric machines mechanically coupled with gas turbine engine spools
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a gas turbine engine having at least two spools and an associated power system. The power system includes two independent power subsystems, including a first power subsystem for managing power transfer between spools and a second power subsystem for supplying a base power load to the vehicle. The first power subsystem has a first electric machine mechanically coupled with a first spool of the gas turbine engine and a second electric machine mechanically coupled with a second spool. The second electric machine is electrically coupled with the first electric machine such that electrical power is transmittable therebetween. The second power subsystem has a third electric machine mechanically coupled with one of the spools. The third electric machine is electrically coupled with a load positioned offboard the gas turbine engine. The first power subsystem and the second power subsystem are electrically decoupled from one another.