Variable Area Nozzle Ejector for Turboprop Exhaust Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turboprop engines with fixed exhaust areas are suboptimal for performance across different flight segments, as they are typically designed for one flight condition, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A turboprop engine with a variable area nozzle ejector system featuring movable panels in the secondary exhaust nozzle, actuated hydraulically or by motors, allowing adjustment of exhaust area to optimize performance across various flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed structure exhaust area is designed for one flight segment, then performance is optimized for that segment, but performance becomes suboptimal for other flight segments
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust area is made variable through movable panels (150, 170) that can be adjusted to different positions. The panels are actuated by hydraulic actuators (152, 173) or motors to change the exhaust area dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to different flight conditions rather than being fixed for a single flight segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust area parameter is changed by moving the panels to different positions. The movable panels can be positioned to define different exhaust areas, with the ability to transition between maximum exhaust area (panels flush with sidewalls) and minimum exhaust area (panels angled toward each other), thereby optimizing performance across various flight segments.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the exhaust area is increased for maximum ventilation, then exhaust ventilation is improved, but engine efficiency decreases at other flight stages
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust area is dynamically adjusted using movable panels actuated by hydraulic actuators or motors. The panels can be positioned to increase exhaust area for maximum ventilation when needed, or reduced to optimize engine efficiency at other flight stages, allowing the system to respond to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust area parameter is varied by changing the position of the movable panels. The panels can be configured to define different exhaust areas including maximum area for ventilation and minimum area for efficiency, with intermediate positions providing tailored exhaust characteristics for different flight conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable panels are added to vary exhaust area, then adaptability to different flight conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust nozzle is segmented into movable panels (150, 170) that can be independently actuated. Each panel is controlled by its own actuator (hydraulic actuator 152, 173 or motors), allowing independent adjustment of panel positions to achieve different exhaust area configurations without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable panels serve multiple functions: they can be positioned to define different exhaust areas, angled to create downward or upward airflow vectors, or positioned flush with sidewalls for maximum area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for different exhaust configurations, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
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 optimal engine efficiency at all stages of flight by dynamically controlling exhaust area through movable panels, enhancing performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The movable panel is movable hydraulically or by a first motor
Implementation Method 2
the movable panel includes a flat surface acting on flow through the secondary exhaust nozzle when the turboprop engine is operating
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust assembly for a turboprop engine, the assembly having: a primary exhaust nozzle disposed at an aft end of an engine core of the turboprop engine; a secondary exhaust nozzle extending aft from the primary exhaust nozzle to an aft end of the secondary exhaust nozzle, a movable panel disposed in the aft end of the secondary exhaust nozzle and movable to decrease an area of the secondary exhaust nozzle.