Turbine Engine Lubrication System with Dynamic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication systems for gas turbine engines lack the ability to dynamically control lubricant flow rate and temperature to the power gear box and other components, which can impact efficiency under varying operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system that includes a tank, circulation pumps, valves for flow rate control, and heat exchangers to manage lubricant temperature, allowing for adjustable lubricant flow and temperature distribution to specific components, such as the power gear box, to optimize efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed ratio of lubricant is provided to all serviced portions, then the system is simple to operate, but the efficiency of the power gear box cannot be optimized under varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into multiple independent circuits: a first circulation pump provides lubricant to the power gear box with controllable flow rate, while a second circulation pump provides lubricant to other serviced portions. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently for its specific operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities through controllable flow rate mechanisms in the first circulation pump and controllable temperature mechanisms (heat exchangers) that allow the lubricant characteristics to be adjusted in real-time based on operational conditions, transitioning from a static fixed-ratio system to a dynamic adaptive system.
2Productivity
If the lubricant flow rate is increased to the power gear box, then the efficiency of the power gear box can be improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lubrication function into separate circulation pumps and circuits, with the first circulation pump dedicated to the power gear box and equipped with flow control capabilities. This segmentation isolates the complexity of flow control to only where it is needed, rather than requiring complex control across the entire lubrication system.
3Productivity
If the lubricant temperature is adjusted to optimize power gear box efficiency, then the performance improves, but additional temperature control components are required
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature control is applied locally to the lubricant circuit serving the power gear box through heat exchangers in the first circulation pump circuit, rather than controlling the entire lubrication system. This allows temperature optimization at the specific location where it provides the greatest benefit, with other serviced portions receiving lubricant at appropriate temperatures for their specific needs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate circulation pumps are used for different serviced portions, then the lubricant characteristics can be tailored to specific components, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into separate circulation pumps for different serviced portions, with the first circulation pump dedicated to the power gear box and the second circulation pump dedicated to other portions. This segmentation enables independent control of lubricant flow rate and temperature for each circuit, allowing customization of lubricant characteristics to match the specific requirements of each component while keeping each pump circuit relatively simple and manageable.
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
Enables improved efficiency and extended component life by tailoring lubricant characteristics to meet specific operational demands of the gas turbine engine, enhancing performance across different operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump for generating a flow of lubricant from the tank to the power gear box
Implementation Method 2
a valve in fluid communication with the flow of lubricant generated by the circulation pump and defining a flow inlet and a flow outlet. The valve also defines a variable throughput between the flow inlet and the flow outlet for controlling a flowrate of lubricant to the power gear box
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger positioned in thermal communication with the flow of lubricant generated by the circulation pump at a location downstream of the valve for controlling a temperature of the lubricant prior to the lubricant reaching the power gear box
Data Source
AI summary
A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine includes a tank, a circulation pump, and a heat exchanger. The circulation pump generates a flow of lubricant from the tank to, e.g., a power gear box of the gas turbine engine and the heat exchanger removes an amount of heat from such flow of lubricant provided to the power gear box. The lubrication system also includes one or more valves in the flow of lubricant for controlling a flowrate and/or temperature of the lubricant provided to, e.g., the power gear box to increase an efficiency and/or durability of the power gear box.