Variable Flux Generator for Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aeronautical power generation systems, particularly those using gearbox-driven generators, face challenges in providing operational and emergency power while minimizing volume, weight, cooling demands, and mechanical complexity, especially in stealth aircraft where thermal management and safety risks associated with permanent magnet generators are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A power producing apparatus featuring a stator portion with coils and a rotor portion with permanent magnets oriented in an alternating polarity pattern, allowing for axial movement of coils to modulate magnetic flux and reduce weight and complexity, utilizing soft magnetic materials to enhance efficiency and safety by minimizing the risk of fire hazards and eliminating the need for oil cooling and gearboxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If permanent magnet generators are used to achieve higher power output, then power density is improved, but fire hazard increases due to inability to terminate power production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnetic flux path controllable and adjustable. The flux path can be dynamically switched between closed and open states, allowing the system to maintain the advantages of permanent magnets while enabling safe termination of power production when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic flux path parameter from fixed to variable. By using a controllable flux path structure, the system can alter the magnetic circuit configuration to stop power production when coils are shorted, thereby eliminating fire hazards while retaining high power density.
2Power
If gearbox driven generators are used to provide power, then operational power is achieved, but device complexity and cooling demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator with the turbine engine by directly coupling the generator rotor to the turbine shaft. This direct-drive configuration eliminates the need for separate gearboxes and oil circulation systems, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator system serves multiple functions: it provides operational power during normal operation and emergency power when the engine fails. The same apparatus performs both functions without requiring separate emergency power units, reducing overall system complexity.
3Power
If gearbox driven generators are used to provide power, then operational power is achieved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the generator with the turbine engine into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates redundant components such as gearboxes, mounting structures, and separate cooling systems. This integration significantly reduces the overall weight of the power generation system.
4Power
If permanent magnet generators are used to achieve higher power output, then power density is improved, but thermal management difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the generator with the turbine engine, allowing the engine's existing cooling system to serve the generator as well. This integrated thermal management approach eliminates the need for separate cooling systems, reducing weight and complexity while effectively managing heat from high power density 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
The solution enables efficient, reliable, and compact power generation with reduced weight and volume, improved thermal management, and enhanced safety by eliminating the risk of fire hazards, while providing both operational and emergency power without the need for hazardous fuels or additional cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
the permanent magnets cannot be turned off and will therefore continue to induce a voltage in the coils as long as the engine is rotating
Implementation Method 2
utilizing soft magnetic materials to enhance efficiency and safety by minimizing the risk of fire hazards
Data Source
AI summary
A power producing apparatus includes a stator portion having a stator ring disposed proximate a housing of a turbine engine. The stator potion further includes a plurality of coils. A rotor portion includes a rotor ring having a plurality of permanent magnets disposed coaxial to the plurality of coils, and the permanent magnets are oriented with alternating polarity. Individual or a plurality of coils are configured to be selectively moved axially with respect to the rotor ring.