Turbine Torque Extraction System Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engine rotors experience vibrational forces during varying operating conditions, leading to potential non-synchronous vibrations and high cycle fatigue, which can shorten the lifespan of rotor and other components.
Innovation Solution
A torque extraction system comprising an electric machine, gearbox, and controller with sensors to monitor and manage vibrational forces by increasing torque extraction when forces exceed a threshold, applying axial thrust to reduce vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the rotor operates at high speed, then power output is improved, but axial load increases causing vibrational forces that lead to cycle fatigue and component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful vibrational forces from the rotor by introducing a torque extraction system that includes an electric machine. The electric machine is coupled to the rotor shaft and extracts torque during high-speed operation, which reduces the axial load and associated vibrational forces on the rotor, thereby preventing cycle fatigue and extending component lifespan while maintaining power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine serves as an intermediary device between the rotor and the load. It couples to the rotor shaft and provides a path for extracting excess torque during high-speed operation, mediating the interaction between the rotor and the external load to reduce harmful vibrational forces while maintaining operational power output.
2Reliability
If torque extraction is increased to reduce vibrational forces, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque extraction system operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the electric machine only when vibrational forces exceed a predetermined threshold, and deactivates it when vibrations are within acceptable limits. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous torque extraction, while still effectively preventing cycle fatigue and extending component lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor vibrational forces on the rotor and feed this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to intelligently control the electric machine's operation, activating it only when needed to reduce excessive vibrations. This feedback mechanism ensures that torque extraction is applied only when necessary, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
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
The system effectively maintains vibrational forces below a predetermined threshold, reducing the risk of non-synchronous vibrations and high cycle fatigue, thereby extending the lifespan of turbine engine components.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine coupled to a shaft of the turbine engine by way of a gearbox disposed between the electric machine and the shaft of the turbine engine, such that the electric machine draws torque from the shaft and converts the torque to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that senses vibrational forces acting on a rotor of the turbine engine
Data Source
AI summary
A torque extraction system for a turbine engine includes an electric machine coupled to a shaft of the turbine engine by way of a gearbox disposed between the electric machine and the shaft of the turbine engine, and the electric machine draws torque from the shaft and converts the torque to electrical energy. A power bus is electrically coupled to the electric machine and provides power to the electric machine. A sensor senses vibrational forces acting on a rotor of the turbine engine, and a controller electrically coupled to the electric machine receives signals from the sensor corresponding to the sensed vibrational forces. The controller operates the gearbox disposed between the electric machine and the shaft of the turbine engine to increase the torque that the electric machine draws from the shaft when the vibrational forces sensed by the sensor meet or exceed a predetermined threshold.