Tail Cone Generator Cooling via Integrated Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently cooling the generator mounted in the tail cone, which is exposed to hot combustion products and generates heat, leading to thermal isolation and cooling issues.
Innovation Solution
A cooling air compressor is integrated within the passage connecting the bypass flow path to the tail cone, delivering cooling air to the generator and its stator, with a gear increase mechanism driving the compressor to enhance cooling efficiency and thermal isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the generator is mounted in the tail cone exposed to hot combustion products, then the generator can be positioned to utilize the lower speed rotor for electricity generation, but the generator and its components are subjected to high temperatures and thermal isolation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent passages: a first passage delivering cooling air to the generator rotor, and a second passage delivering cooling air to the generator stator. This segmentation allows targeted cooling of different thermal zones within the generator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling air acts as an intermediary substance between the hot combustion environment and the generator components. The air is compressed by a cooling air compressor and delivered through passages to create a thermal barrier, protecting the generator from direct thermal exposure while enabling operation in the tail cone location.
2Temperature
If a cooling air compressor is integrated within the passage to deliver cooling air to the generator, then cooling efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air compressor is integrated within the tail cone structure, merging the cooling function with the existing generator housing. The compressor receives bypass air and compresses it directly within the tail cone, eliminating the need for separate external cooling systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is self-contained, with the compressor powered by the lower speed rotor shaft to compress bypass air for cooling the generator components. The system uses its own operational resources (rotor power, bypass air flow) to provide cooling without requiring external power sources or additional infrastructure.
3Temperature
If the passage extends across a majority of the circumference of the tail cone to deliver cooling air, then cooling coverage is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tail cone structure serves multiple functions: it houses the generator, contains the cooling air compressor, and provides the cooling passages. The passage structure is integrated into the tail cone itself, allowing the same component to provide both structural support and thermal management functionality.
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
The solution effectively cools the generator and its components, ensuring reliable operation by maintaining the thermal integrity of the tail cone and reducing heat-related issues, thereby enhancing the engine's performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling air compressor is operable within the passage
Implementation Method 2
delivering cooling air to a passage between the inner and outer walls
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a turbine rotor connected to a main compressor rotor. A tail cone is mounted inward of an exhaust core flow. A generator rotor is adjacent a generator stator. The generator rotor and stator are mounted within the tail cone. A passage connects a bypass flow path to the tail cone. A cooling air compressor is operable within the passage. The turbine rotor drives a shaft to drive the generator rotor and the cooling compressor. A method is also disclosed.