Turbomachine Electric Machine Coupling via Angle Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbomachines face challenges in increasing electrical power supply and mechanical power conversion efficiency, with complex integration of electric machines constrained by dimension requirements, temperature resistance, accessibility, and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine design featuring a power transmission angle gear device housed in a single case with a drive shaft connected to multiple electric machines, facilitating the integration of equipment and reducing axial dimensions, while a coupling surface allows for efficient arrangement of electric machines within the turbomachine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electric machines are integrated within the accessory gearbox, then the electrical power supply is increased, but the device complexity increases and the efficiency of mechanical to electrical power conversion is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the electric machines from the accessory gearbox by introducing a dedicated transmission case that houses the angle gear device and couples multiple electric machines to the motor shaft. This segmentation allows each component (accessory gearbox, transmission case, electric machines) to be optimized independently, reducing overall integration complexity while maintaining power supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an angle gear device that transmits power at an angle (typically 90 degrees) between the motor shaft and the electric machines. This dimensional change in power transmission allows electric machines to be arranged in different spatial orientations, reducing integration complexity and improving accessibility while maintaining efficient power conversion.
2Power
If multiple electric machines are integrated into the turbomachine, then the mechanical and electrical power capacity is increased, but the axial dimension requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The angle gear device enables power transmission in a radial or inclined direction rather than purely axially, allowing electric machines to be arranged radially or at angles around the motor shaft. This dimensional reconfiguration increases power capacity without proportionally increasing axial length.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission case is designed to house the angle gear device and multiple electric machines in a compact, nested arrangement where components are positioned concentrically or radially around the motor shaft, maximizing space utilization and minimizing axial footprint.
3Power
If electric machines are integrated into the turbomachine, then the electrical power supply is enhanced, but the accessibility and temperature resistance requirements become more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
By separating electric machines from the accessory gearbox and housing them in a dedicated transmission case with a coupling surface, the patent improves accessibility for installation, maintenance, and replacement while maintaining enhanced electrical power supply capability.
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 mechanical and electrical power capacity, saves axial dimensions, and simplifies integration, improving overall turbomachine performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission angle gear device housed in a case
Implementation Method 2
electric machines which are electromechanical devices based on electromagnetism allowing the conversion of electrical energy for example into mechanical energy (generator mode) or in a reversible way, allowing the production of electricity from mechanical energy (motor mode)
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine includes a fan, a first casing with longitudinal axis X in which a motor shaft is rotated around the longitudinal axis X, a second casing surrounding and coaxial with the first casing, and a drive shaft connected to the motor shaft. The driveshaft is also connected to at least two electric machines via a power transmission angle gear device housed in a housing. The electric machines being intended are configured to take or inject power on the motor shaft. The housing has a coupling surface to which the two electric machines are coupled.