Turbine Engine Electromagnetic Generator for Contactless Power Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engines face high wear rates and reliability issues due to the mechanical components used for extracting rotational energy, which are difficult to repair and replace within the engine's harsh environment.
Innovation Solution
The use of electromagnetic components with radial symmetry to extract and convert rotational energy into electrical energy via induced magnetic fields, eliminating physical contact and reducing wear, and allowing for more efficient power transfer without mechanical components in the airflow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If mechanical components are used to extract rotational energy from turbine engines, then power extraction is achieved, but wear and replacement rates increase due to physical contact in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based power extraction systems with an electromagnetic field-based system. A stator with electromagnetic windings interacts with the rotating magnetic field produced by the turbine shaft, converting mechanical rotational energy into electrical energy without physical contact between the stator and rotor components. This eliminates wear from friction and mechanical contact, thereby improving component reliability while maintaining power extraction capability.
2Power
If mechanical components are used for power extraction, then energy conversion is achieved, but repair and replacement become difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting mechanical power extraction components with an electromagnetic system, the patent creates a stator that can be mounted externally on the turbine engine casing. This external mounting provides easy access for installation, maintenance, and replacement without requiring disassembly of the turbine engine's internal mechanical components, significantly improving repair accessibility.
3Power
If physical components are placed in the airflow path for power extraction, then rotational energy is converted, but mechanical efficiency decreases due to interference with airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical components that would physically interfere with airflow with an electromagnetic field-based power extraction system. The stator with electromagnetic windings converts rotational energy to electrical energy through magnetic field interaction without any physical components being placed in the airflow path, thereby eliminating airflow interference and improving mechanical efficiency.
4Power
If mechanical power transfer components are used, then power transfer is achieved, but wear leads to frequent replacement in harsh turbine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical power transfer components with an electromagnetic power transfer system where the stator converts rotational mechanical energy directly into electrical energy. This eliminates the need for mechanical power transfer components such as gears, belts, or shafts that would be subject to wear from friction and contact forces, thereby significantly extending component service life in the harsh turbine engine environment.
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 reduces wear and replacement rates of power transfer components, enhances mechanical and fuel efficiency, and improves power extraction and transfer efficiency compared to mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
A permanent magnet affixed to a first shaft rotates relative to a first armature winding on a second shaft to induce an electrical current in the first armature
Implementation Method 2
This induced current, in turn, powers an electromagnet that induces a current in a second armature winding
Implementation Method 3
a second electromagnet to generate a high frequency magnetic field to induce a current in receiving circuits
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electrical generator within an engine that includes a permanent magnet that emits a first magnetic field and is disposed on a first shaft; a first winding connected to a second shaft such that the first winding is positioned within the first magnetic field; a field winding disposed on the second shaft such that the field winding generates a second magnetic field that rotates as first shaft rotates relative to the second shaft; a second winding disposed on the first shaft, the second winding being positioned to receive the second magnetic field and provide a resonant emitter with an electrical power input to generate a third magnetic field when the first shaft rotates relative to the second shaft; and a resonant receiver disposed on an enclosure of the engine, positioned to receive the third magnetic field and convert the third magnetic field into an electrical output.