Starter-Generator Module Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional starter-generator and accessory gearbox assemblies in gas turbine engines require complex lubrication systems and multiple electrical machines, leading to inefficiencies and mechanical vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A starter-generator module with a windingless rotor and permanent magnet, integrated with a gear teeth member, that transmits and receives rotational energy through an accessory gearbox, eliminating the need for a dedicated lubrication system and using a single electrical machine for both starting and generating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional starter-generator and accessory gearbox assemblies are used, then the system can provide starting and generating functions, but the system requires complex lubrication systems and multiple electrical machines leading to increased device complexity and mechanical vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the starter and generator functions into a single integrated starter-generator assembly with a common rotor shaft and magnetic coupling system. This merging eliminates the need for separate lubrication systems and multiple electrical machines, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The starter-generator assembly serves multiple functions: it provides starting torque to rotate the engine, generates electrical power during engine operation, and includes integrated gear mechanisms for speed reduction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated lubrication systems for each component, reducing overall system complexity
2Power
If conventional starter-generator assemblies with multiple electrical machines are used, then the system can provide starting and generating functions, but the system experiences increased mechanical vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical connections with magnetic coupling between the rotor and armature. This substitution eliminates mechanical vibrations transmitted through shafts and gears while maintaining the required starting power and generating capability through electromagnetic interaction
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the starting and generating functions into a single assembly with shared rotating components and unified magnetic coupling, the patent reduces the number of independent vibration sources. The integrated design allows for better vibration damping and reduces harmful mechanical vibrations while maintaining adequate power output
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional starter-generator assemblies are used, then the system can operate in starting and generating modes, but the system requires multiple electrical machines increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The starter-generator assembly is designed to perform both starting and generating functions using a single electrical machine configuration. The rotor and armature can operate in reverse directions depending on whether the machine is motorizing (starting) or generating (power production), eliminating the need for multiple separate electrical machines while maintaining full operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic design where the same electrical machine configuration can operate in different modes by reversing the direction of energy flow. During starting, electrical energy converts to mechanical rotation; during generating, mechanical rotation converts to electrical energy. This dynamic adaptability allows one machine to replace multiple specialized machines
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 configuration reduces mechanical vibrations, simplifies the system, and enhances reliability by eliminating the need for multiple electrical machines and lubrication systems, while providing efficient energy transfer and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The outer rotor portion includes a permanent magnet and a gear teeth member. The permanent magnet is disposed about the rotation axis and the gear teeth member is defined on the outer rotor portion such that the gear teeth member transmits rotational energy to an accessory gearbox in a start mode and receives rotational energy from the accessory gearbox in a generate mode.
Implementation Method 2
Phase windings can be wrapped about at least two of the plurality of radially outer teeth. The phase windings can extend in parallel with the rotation axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A starter-generator module for a gas turbine engine includes an inner stator portion with an armature defining a rotation axis and an outer rotor portion disposed about the rotation axis. The outer rotor portion includes a permanent magnet and a gear teeth member. The permanent magnet is disposed about the rotation axis and the gear teeth member is defined on the outer rotor portion such that the gear teeth member transmits rotational energy to an accessory gearbox in a start mode and receives rotational energy from the accessory gearbox in a generate mode.