Turbo-generator Bleed Air Integration for Aircraft Electrical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine powered vehicles, such as aircraft, face challenges in integrating electrical energy generating systems that do not increase weight and volume, while meeting growing electrical load demands, and require efficient power generation without significant mechanical modifications to existing engines.
Innovation Solution
A turbo-generator system that utilizes bleed air from the gas turbine engine's compressor, independently fueled, to drive a generator, eliminating the need for a dedicated compressor and allowing for parallel combustion with the primary engine, thus providing electrical energy without additional mechanical connections or volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated compressor is added to supply compressed fluid to the turbo-generator combustor, then the turbo-generator can operate independently, but the weight, volume, and mechanical complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas turbine engine's compressor is made multi-functional by enabling it to supply compressed fluid to both the primary combustor and the turbo-generator combustor through the bleed air system. This eliminates the need for a dedicated compressor while maintaining independent operation capability of the turbo-generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing compressor of the gas turbine engine serves the turbo-generator by providing bleed air, allowing the turbo-generator to utilize readily available compressed fluid without requiring additional compression equipment. The system uses its own resources (bleed air from the engine) to power the generator.
2Power
If the turbo-generator is integrated with the gas turbine engine, then electrical energy can be generated, but significant mechanical modifications and loading are required
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power generation function is extracted as a separate turbo-generator module that interfaces with the gas turbine engine through existing systems (bleed air and exhaust) rather than through mechanical shaft connections. This allows power generation without significant mechanical integration or modifications to the primary engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical power extraction method (through shaft connections) is replaced with a fluid-based energy transfer system using bleed air and exhaust gas flow. The turbo-generator receives compressed fluid through fluidic connections rather than mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for mechanical loading modifications.
3Device complexity
If the turbo-generator uses bleed air from the engine compressor, then no dedicated compressor is needed, but the engine's available compressed fluid must be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates by adjusting parameters such as bleed air flow rate, combustor fuel-air ratio, and turbine expansion ratio to optimize the balance between engine propulsion performance and turbo-generator power output. These parameter changes allow the system to generate electrical power while maintaining sufficient compressed fluid for engine operation.
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 approach enhances power density and efficiency, allows for independent speed control of the generator, and reduces mechanical limitations, enabling high-power electrical generation with minimal additional weight and volume, suitable for various engine platforms without re-certification.
Implementation Method 1
the combustor is configured to receive the bleed air via the bleed air inlet from the bleed air outlet of the gas turbine engine and receive fuel via the fuel inlet, wherein the combustor is configured to combust the received fuel with the received bleed air
Implementation Method 2
a turbo-generator having a combustor that drives rotation of a turbine
Implementation Method 3
Rotation of the turbine drives a generator, which converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
In examples, a propulsion and electrical generation system including a gas turbine engine including a compressor and a bleed air outlet from the compressor, wherein the compressor is configured to compress a fluid, wherein a portion of the compressed fluid is directed out of the bleed air outlet to define bleed air from the compressor; and a turbo-generator including a combustor, wherein the combustor includes a fuel inlet and a bleed air inlet, wherein the bleed air inlet is in fluid communication with the bleed air outlet from the compressor, wherein the combustor is configured to receive the bleed air via the bleed air inlet from the bleed air outlet of the gas turbine engine and receive fuel via the fuel inlet, wherein the combustor is configured to combust the received fuel with the received bleed air, wherein the turbo-generator is configured to generate electrical energy via the combustion of the fuel by the combustor.