Turbomachine Torque Injection Control for Lower Electrical Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turbomachines with electric motors for torque injection face inefficiencies in electrical power consumption and regulation difficulties due to continuous operation beyond necessary thresholds, leading to increased power consumption and potential regulation issues.

Innovation Solution

A control method that determines a hybridization rate between electric motor power consumption and high-pressure shaft power generation, setting a torque threshold based on this rate to limit excessive electrical consumption, using increasing laws to optimize electric motor usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the electric motor is continuously activated to provide torque injection, then the turbomachine response time during transient phase is improved, but the electrical power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturbomachine response timeVSAvoidelectrical power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the torque setpoint of the electric motor based on real-time hybridization rate calculations. The motor operation transitions from continuous to conditional activation, where the torque command is modulated according to the calculated hybridization rate, enabling responsive control while minimizing unnecessary electrical power consumption during steady-state operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a hybridization rate parameter that quantifies the contribution of electrical torque to total turbine power. By calculating this rate and using it to determine the torque setpoint, the system optimizes electrical motor activation based on actual operational needs, switching between high-torque injection during transients and limited torque during steady-state high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the torque setpoint is limited to reduce electrical consumption, then the electrical power consumption decreases, but the turbomachine acceleration capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical power consumptionVSAvoidturbomachine acceleration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements a feedback mechanism where the hybridization rate is continuously calculated from measured or estimated power parameters. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically increase torque injection when acceleration is needed (high hybridization rate) and reduce it when the gas generator can maintain speed independently (low hybridization rate), optimizing both acceleration capability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Reduces electrical power consumption, minimizes wear on electrical components, and maintains efficient turbomachine control by limiting torque setpoints, preserving onboard electrical resources and extending battery life.

Implementation Method 1

The turbomachine also includes an electric motor forming a torque injection device on the high-pressure rotating shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a combustion chamber, a high-pressure turbine and a low-pressure turbine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

a low-pressure compressor, a high-pressure compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4522851B1Method for controlling a turbomachine comprising a gas generator and an electric motor
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP4522851B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4522851B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4522851B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a turbomachine comprising a fan positioned upstream of a gas generator, the turbomachine comprising an electric motor forming a torque injection device for a high-pressure rotary shaft, in which method a fuel flow setpoint for a combustion chamber and a torque setpoint (Tcons) for the electric motor (ME) are determined, the control method comprising the steps of determining (El) a hybridisation rate (TH) corresponding to the ratio of the power (Pe) consumed by the electric motor (ME) to the power generated by the high-pressure rotary shaft (P2), determining (E2) a torque threshold (Tseuil) from the hybridisation rate (TH), limiting (E3) the torque setpoint (Tcons) to the torque threshold (Tseuil) if the torque setpoint (Tcons) is higher than the torque threshold (Tseuil).