Submerged Bearing Lubrication Pump for Near-Zero Windmilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lubrication systems for turbine engines are unable to effectively lubricate components during windmilling conditions due to the mechanical lubricant pump's reliance on rotational velocity, which can be insufficient in low wind speed conditions, leading to potential wear on bearings and other components.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental lubrication system with a lubricant reservoir located in a gravitational lower region and a mechanical lubricant pump submerged within it, which remains primed and capable of pumping lubricant to bearings even at near-zero rotational velocities, using a coupling assembly with clutches and gearing to facilitate operation in both rotational directions and a fluid regulator for pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical lubricant pump is used in a turbine engine lubrication system, then lubrication can be provided during normal high-speed operations, but the pump becomes ineffective during windmilling conditions with near-zero rotational velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is pre-filled with lubricant by submerging it in the lubricant reservoir, so it is already primed and ready to pump immediately when rotational velocity becomes available, eliminating the need to prime the pump during low-speed operations
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant reservoir acts as an intermediary medium that both primes the pump and serves as the source of lubricant delivery to the bearings, solving the dual problem of pump priming and lubricant supply in low-speed conditions
2Ease of operation
If the lubricant reservoir is positioned to allow gravity-fed lubricant flow to the pump, then pump priming is facilitated, but the engine configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant reservoir and pump are combined into a single integrated assembly where the pump is submerged within the reservoir, merging the functions of lubricant storage and pump priming into one compact unit that reduces overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is positioned at the same gravitational level as the lubricant in the reservoir, creating an equipotential condition that allows the pump to be easily filled with lubricant without requiring complex pumping or pressurization 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
Ensures continuous lubrication of turbine engine components during windmilling and low-speed operations, preventing wear and allowing for maintenance accessibility without detaching the engine from the aircraft, while maintaining pump priming and reducing the need for high suction forces.
Implementation Method 1
A supplemental lubrication system with a lubricant reservoir located in a gravitational lower region and a mechanical lubricant pump submerged within it, which remains primed and capable of pumping lubricant to bearings even at near-zero rotational velocities
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is provided for a turbine engine. This turbine engine system includes a rotating assembly 39, a bearing 54 and a lubrication system 56. The bearing 54 is configured with the rotating assembly 39. The lubrication system 56 is configured to lubricate the bearing 54. The lubrication system 56 includes a lubricant pump 60 and a lubricant reservoir 58. The lubricant pump 60 is mechanically coupled with and driven by the rotating assembly 39. The lubricant pump 60 is configured with the lubricant reservoir 58 so as to be at least partially submersed in lubricant contained within the lubricant reservoir 58.