Turbine Engine Starter Assembly for Torque Control and Shutdown Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbine engine starter assemblies face challenges in controlling torque and rotational speed of the output drive shaft, require external cooling systems for efficient shutdown, and necessitate complex maintenance procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electric motor into the engine starter assembly to augment or drive the output drive shaft, allowing for precise control of torque and rotational speed, and utilizing the electric motor to supply cooling fluid and simulate engine operation for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an air turbine starter is used to drive the turbine engine, then the engine can be started, but control over torque and rotational speed of the output drive shaft is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air turbine starter and electric motor into a single integrated starter assembly. The electric motor is coupled to either the air turbine starter or the output drive shaft, allowing the two power sources to work together. This merging enables improved control over torque and rotational speed while avoiding the need for completely separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor serves multiple functions: it can augment the air turbine starter during engine startup, drive the output drive shaft alone when needed, and provide controlled rotational speed and torque. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple control requirements, simplifying the overall system while improving operational control.
2Reliability
If conventional shutdown procedures are used, then the air turbine starter stops operation, but external cooling systems are required for efficient shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the electric motor. During shutdown, the electric motor can be used to drive the output drive shaft and associated cooling fluid circulation system, eliminating the need for separate external cooling systems. The motor's rotational capability is utilized to maintain cooling flow during the shutdown transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The starter assembly performs its own cooling during shutdown using the electric motor. The motor drives the cooling fluid circulation independently, allowing the system to self-regulate its thermal management without requiring external cooling infrastructure. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Ease of repair
If simulated operation for maintenance is not provided, then maintenance can be performed, but engine startup is required for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor provides simulated operation capability for maintenance purposes. It can drive the output drive shaft and associated systems without requiring full engine startup, allowing technicians to test and maintain components in isolation. This multi-functional use of the motor supports both startup and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor enables preliminary testing and maintenance actions before full engine operation is required. Components can be tested, adjusted, and maintained in a simulated operation mode, allowing problems to be identified and resolved before actual engine startup, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving maintenance efficiency.
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
Enhances control over output drive shaft performance, improves cooling efficiency, and simplifies maintenance processes by providing simulated operation without engine startup.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor operably coupled to at least one of the ATS or the output drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
compressed air, which impinges upon a turbine rotor in the ATS causing it to rotate at a relatively high rate of speed
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system used to control a rotational speed or a torque of an output drive shaft. The output drive shaft being coupled to a turbine engine. The turbine engine including an engine core and an engine starter assembly. The engine starter assembly including an air turbine starter, an output drive shaft and an electric motor.