Static Propulsor Airfoil Layout for Higher Jet Propulsion Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet propulsion systems are limited in efficiency improvements, as they primarily rely on inertial forces from accelerating air mass flow against the direction of travel, neglecting the potential for energy harvesting from the surrounding airflow.
Innovation Solution
A module comprising a fluid-dynamic displacement body, a static propulsor with aerodynamically profiled thrust surfaces, and a dynamic propulsor that displaces air laterally, guides it over these surfaces to generate lift forces, and accelerates it rearward through a propeller, harnessing energy from the airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional jet propulsion systems accelerate air mass flow against the direction of travel, then thrust is generated according to Newton's laws, but propulsion efficiency is limited due to neglecting energy harvesting from surrounding airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted kinetic energy in the surrounding airflow into useful thrust by introducing a static propulsor with airfoil elements. These elements harvest energy from the airflow that would otherwise be lost, transforming it into lift forces with forward components that contribute to propulsion, thereby reducing overall energy loss and improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the propulsion system by adding a static propulsor that operates simultaneously with the dynamic propulsor. This creates a dual-thrust mechanism where the static propulsor generates additional thrust from lift forces without consuming additional shaft power, effectively changing the thrust-to-power ratio and improving propulsion efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If the pressure ratio of the Joule cycle is increased, then thermal efficiency of the gas turbine improves, but jet velocity increases which increases jet losses and reduces propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two propulsion mechanisms: the dynamic propulsor (conventional jet propulsion) and the static propulsor (lift-based propulsion). The dynamic propulsor handles the primary thrust requirement while the static propulsor harvests additional energy from the surrounding airflow. This combination allows the system to maintain high thermal efficiency while reducing jet losses through the supplementary lift-based thrust
3Use of energy by moving object
If mass flow rate is increased to reduce jet velocity and jet losses, then propulsion efficiency improves, but the system requires larger components and higher power input
Solution Approach 1:
The static propulsor operates passively, harvesting energy from the surrounding airflow without requiring additional shaft power or active control. The airfoil elements automatically generate lift forces from the flow field created by the vehicle's motion and the dynamic propulsor's operation, providing supplementary thrust without increasing power input requirements
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 approach increases propulsion efficiency by generating thrust from both inertial and lift forces, reducing fuel consumption and enhancing the energy harvesting capability of jet engines.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flows over a number of static shear surfaces SFi, on the surface of which lift forces Fsi with a force component in the direction of travel are generated as a result of the flow
Implementation Method 2
fluid is conveyed rearward from the interior of the static propulsor SP by a dynamic propulsor DP and accelerated rearward by means of a driven propeller P, consuming shaft power, and expelled as a jet against the direction of travel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating thrust, a drive machine for driving a vehicle in a fluid, and a module for attachment to the front of an engine or for integration into parts of a vehicle that are exposed to a flow, with a fluid-dynamic displacement body (VK) with a longitudinal axis, and a static propulsor (SP) with a mean outer diameter, which static propulsor adjoins the displacement body along the longitudinal axis against a drive direction and is rigidly connected to it, wherein the static propulsor has a plurality of airfoil elements (SFi), the respective cross-section of which has an airfoil profile, wherein profile chords of the airfoil profile are aligned obliquely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein a profile chord is defined as the connecting line between a profile leading edge and a profile trailing edge.