Steam Injection Control for Aircraft Turbine Engines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in reducing carbon emissions and improving propulsive efficiencies, as a significant amount of energy is wasted as heat in the turbine section.

Innovation Solution

The proposed propulsion system incorporates multiple steam generation assemblies with condensers and evaporators to extract and heat water from the gas flow, generating steam that is injected into the core flow path. A monitoring system and control system, including a controller and actuators, are used to independently adjust the operation of each steam generation assembly to maintain a predefined quantity of total steam flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple steam generation assemblies are used to generate steam for injection into the core flow path, then power output is increased and environmental impact is reduced, but device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steam generation system is divided into multiple independent steam generation assemblies (at least two), each with its own condenser and evaporator. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power output while enabling independent control of each assembly, thereby managing overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts the operation of each steam generation assembly based on real-time monitoring data. The controller independently controls water extraction and steam generation in each assembly, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain optimal performance without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If multiple steam generation assemblies are used to generate steam, then steam flow quantity is increased, but control precision and monitoring difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam flow quantityVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A monitoring system with sensors continuously measures operating parameters (temperature, pressure, steam flow) in each steam generation assembly and feeds this information back to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the total steam flow quantity while maintaining measurement accuracy through real-time data collection and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors operating conditions, calculates total steam flow from multiple assemblies, compares against desired flow rates, and adjusts each assembly's operation independently. This multi-functionality allows precise control of total steam quantity without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent control of each steam generation assembly is implemented, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each steam generation assembly is equipped with self-regulating capabilities through individual water extraction control and steam generation adjustment mechanisms. The assemblies can autonomously respond to control signals from the controller, reducing the operational burden while maintaining high adaptability to different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The independent control of multiple steam generation assemblies is achieved through electronic control systems and sensors rather than complex mechanical linkages. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic monitoring and actuation simplifies operation while maintaining the flexibility to independently adjust each assembly's performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances engine performance by increasing power output without increasing compressor work, reduces environmental impact by utilizing steam injection, and maintains a consistent steam flow quantity through individual adjustment of each steam generation assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a condenser where water is extracted from the gas flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

an evaporator where the extracted water is heated to generate a portion of a total steam flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12338766B1Steam injected turbine engine steam generation control

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 RTX CORP

AI summary

A propulsion system for an aircraft includes at least two steam generation assemblies that each include a condenser where water is extracted from the gas flow and an evaporator where the extracted water is heated to generate a portion of a total steam flow for injection into the core flow path. A monitoring system is configured to gather information indicative of operation of each of the at least two steam generation assemblies. A control system is configured to independently adjust operation of each of the at least two steam generation assemblies.