Turbine Generator Compartment Ventilation for Post-Shutdown Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine generator systems in hybrid electric aircraft require effective ventilation and cooling solutions to prevent the accumulation of flammable fluids and maintain component temperatures within safe limits, especially during static conditions when the gas turbine is shut down.
Innovation Solution
A turbine generator system with an integrated ventilation system featuring adjustable electric cooling fans, temperature sensing means, and a control mechanism to regulate fan speed based on compartment temperature, ensuring active cooling independent of the gas turbine engine's operating status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive cooling systems are used for the turbine generator compartment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling effectiveness during static conditions and shutdown is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cooling system that automatically adjusts fan operation based on real-time temperature monitoring. The system transitions from static passive cooling to active dynamic cooling by using temperature sensors to trigger fan activation, ensuring adequate cooling during shutdown and static conditions while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing means that continuously monitor compartment temperature and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically activate cooling fans when temperature thresholds are exceeded, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures reliable cooling without requiring constant manual intervention or complex mechanical designs.
2Reliability
If active cooling fans are used, then the cooling effectiveness during static conditions is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional fan operation rather than continuous running. The cooling fans are activated only when temperature sensors detect that compartment temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, and deactivated when temperatures return to safe levels. This periodic action pattern maintains reliable cooling during shutdown while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cooling system by using variable speed fans that adjust their rotation speed based on temperature conditions. The fans operate at higher speeds when temperature rises are detected and reduce speed or stop when cooling is no longer needed, optimizing the balance between cooling effectiveness and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring and control systems are added, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring and control system where temperature sensors automatically detect temperature conditions and trigger appropriate cooling actions without external intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and self-regulates fan activation based on temperature feedback, improving safety and reliability while avoiding the need for complex external control mechanisms.
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
Provides efficient and safe cooling and ventilation, minimizing component damage during temperature increases post-shutdown and reducing dependency on external energy sources, with adaptive cooling based on ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric cooling fan with an adjustable fan speed located in, upstream or downstream of the air inlet, the electric cooling fan adjusting by its fan speed the amount of air flowing into the compartment
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensing means sensing the temperature inside the compartment or at the air outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3b
Figure 3c~4a
AI summary
The invention regards a turbine generator system (1) that comprises a gas turbine engine (2) and an electrical generator (4) coupled to the gas turbine engine, wherein the gas turbine engine (1) is located in a compartment (7) having a compartment wall (71). A ventilation system is provided that comprises: at least one air inlet (51, 53) arranged in the compartment wall (71) and configured to allow air to flow into the compartment (7); at least one air outlet (6) arranged in the compartment wall (71) and configured to allow air to flow out of the compartment (7); at least one electric cooling fan (8) with an adjustable fan speed located in, upstream or downstream of the air inlet (51, 53), the electric cooling fan (8) adjusting by its fan speed the amount of air flowing into the compartment (7); and temperature sensing means (91, 92) sensing the temperature inside the compartment (7) or at the air outlet (6). The ventilation system is configured such that the cooling fan (8) adjusts its fan speed depending on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing means (91, 92).