Air Turbine Starter Lubrication Recirculation for Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubrication systems in air turbine starters for gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently distributing and managing lubricant flow, particularly under varying pressure conditions, which can lead to excessive lubricant flow and potential housing breaches, affecting the longevity and operation of mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication recirculation circuit with a pressure valve and bypass line is implemented, controlling lubricant flow between the air turbine starter and accessory gear box, utilizing a multiplex control valve to manage lubricant pressure and redirect excess lubricant back to the reservoir, ensuring appropriate distribution to turbine and drive sections based on pressure thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If lubricant flow is increased to ensure adequate lubrication of mechanical components, then component longevity is improved, but excessive lubricant flow can cause housing breaches and operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pressure-regulated lubrication system that dynamically adjusts lubricant flow parameters based on operating conditions. The system uses pressure-sensing mechanisms to modulate the lubricant supply pressure and flow rate, ensuring adequate lubrication during normal operation while preventing excessive flow that could cause housing breaches. This parameter control approach resolves the contradiction by making lubricant delivery adaptive rather than constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through pressure sensors and control valves that monitor lubricant pressure and flow conditions. When pressure exceeds safe thresholds, the system automatically reduces flow through pressure-regulated valves. This closed-loop feedback control ensures that lubrication adequacy is maintained while preventing the excessive flow conditions that lead to housing breaches, thereby resolving the reliability contradiction.
2Device complexity
If a simple lubrication system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot effectively manage varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pressure-regulating valves and control mechanisms as intermediary components between the lubricant reservoir and the mechanical components. These intermediaries actively manage pressure variations by modulating flow rates, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring complete system redesign. This approach adds controlled complexity only where needed for pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic pressure regulation capabilities that allow the lubrication system to adapt its characteristics based on real-time operating conditions. The system uses adjustable valves and pressure-sensitive components that automatically modify lubricant delivery parameters in response to pressure changes, enabling the system to handle varying pressure conditions effectively while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Reliability
If lubricant is continuously supplied to ensure adequate lubrication, then component protection is improved, but excessive lubricant can cause operational issues and require management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating lubrication system that uses pressure-sensitive components and automatic control valves to manage its own lubricant delivery. The system automatically adjusts flow rates based on pressure conditions without requiring external intervention or complex management infrastructure. This self-service capability maintains component protection while minimizing the complexity of external management systems.
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 effectively manages lubricant flow, reducing wear on mechanical components, extending their lifespan and ensuring safe operation by shutting off lubrication in case of housing breaches, while maintaining optimal lubricant levels within the air turbine starter.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure valve, which is responsive to a lubricant pressure, can block a passage of lubricant along the lubrication line when the pressure difference is indicative of a housing breach
Implementation Method 2
a lubrication recirculation circuit having a supply line fluidly coupling the lubricant reservoir to the at least one lubricated component, and a return line fluidly coupling the at least one lubricated component to the lubricant reservoir
Implementation Method 3
The internal components of the air turbine starter require lubrication
Data Source
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AI summary
An air turbine starter (ATS, 100) for a gas turbine engine (10) having an accessory gear box (AGB, 102) with a lubricant reservoir (168), the air turbine starter comprising a housing (108, 122) at least partially defining a working air flow path; a turbine section (106) comprising a turbine (116) having a turbine shaft (118) and a plurality of blades (120) circumferential spaced about the turbine shaft and at least partially extending into the working air flow path; a drive section (123) having a drive shaft (134) operably coupled to an output shaft (149) to engage the AGB; and a lubrication recirculation circuit (150) fluidly coupled to the lubricant reservoir.