Turbine Engine Electric Generator External Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engines with internally located electric generators face challenges with heat dissipation and maintenance access due to the generator's proximity to other components, leading to inefficient heat management and complex maintenance procedures.
Innovation Solution
Positioning the electric generator between the inlet duct and the outer bypass duct, where it can utilize cooler fluid for heat dissipation and be more accessible for maintenance, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying heat exchanger design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electric generator is located within the housing of the turbine engine, then the size and weight restrictions are satisfied, but excess heat is produced that interferes with generator and component operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electric generator from the traditional internal housing location and relocates it to an external position on the turbine engine. This separation removes the generator from the hot internal environment, allowing for effective heat dissipation while maintaining a compact overall system design. The generator is positioned where it can access cooler external air for cooling without compromising the engine's integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting structure or bracket as an intermediary element that connects the electric generator to the turbine engine housing. This intermediary allows the generator to be externally mounted while maintaining structural support and electrical connectivity, solving the contradiction between compact integration and heat dissipation by providing a thermal buffer zone.
2Device complexity
If the electric generator is located within the housing of the turbine engine, then the compact design is achieved, but maintenance and inspections become difficult due to obstructed access
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the electric generator from the internal housing and mounting it externally, the patent creates direct access to the generator for maintenance and inspection purposes. This external positioning eliminates the need to disassemble engine components to reach the generator, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining a compact overall engine design through integrated mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the turbine engine system into distinct modular components, with the electric generator as a separate externally-mounted unit. This segmentation allows the generator to be independently accessed, removed, or replaced without affecting the main engine housing or internal components, thereby simplifying maintenance procedures while preserving system compactness.
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 configuration enhances heat dissipation using cooler fluid and facilitates easier maintenance by minimizing the need to disassemble other components, resulting in a more efficient and compact turbine engine design with reduced weight and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator mechanically coupled to the tower shaft, wherein the electric generator is located between the inlet duct and the outer bypass duct
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine is described that includes an intake, an inlet duct configured to receive fluid from the intake, and an outer bypass duct configured to receive fluid from the intake. The turbine engine further includes a drive shaft, a tower shaft mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, and an electric generator mechanically coupled to the tower shaft. The electric generator is located between the inlet duct and the outer bypass duct.