Variable Jet Pump Mixing for Aircraft Bleed Air Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bleed systems in aircraft turbine engines face inefficiencies due to the use of fixed system setpoints that fail to accurately reflect the transient demands of multiple gas loads, leading to excessive extraction of high-pressure gas and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bleed system with a jet pump system and control circuitry that adjusts the mixing ratio of high-pressure and low-pressure gases based on real-time fluid parameters and individual gas load demands, using a variable system setpoint to optimize gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed system setpoints are used to control bleed air extraction, then the system is simple to operate, but the fuel efficiency deteriorates due to excessive high-pressure gas extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable system setpoint that dynamically adjusts based on the cumulative demand of individual gas loads. Instead of using a fixed setpoint, the control system continuously updates the setpoint to reflect current system conditions, allowing the bleed air extraction to be optimized in real-time and reducing unnecessary high-pressure gas extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives feedback signals from individual gas loads about their demand requirements and uses this feedback to adjust the system setpoint accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to changing conditions and optimize fuel efficiency by extracting only the necessary amount of high-pressure gas
2Device complexity
If fixed system setpoints are used, then the control system is simple, but the adaptability to transient gas load demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic setpoint adjustment mechanism that automatically adapts to transient changes in gas load demands. The setpoint varies with system conditions, enabling the control system to respond effectively to changing operational requirements without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts the system setpoint based on feedback from individual gas loads without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by continuously optimizing the bleed air extraction based on actual demand, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If multiple jet pump assemblies with individual mix proportion control are used, then the precision of gas supply control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bleed air control system into multiple independent jet pump assemblies, each responsible for a specific gas load or group of loads. Each assembly has its own mix proportion control, allowing precise independent adjustment of bleed air supply to different system components, thereby improving overall control precision
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple jet pump assemblies perform similar functions (mixing and delivering bleed air) but can be independently controlled to serve different gas load requirements. This modular approach allows the system to maintain precision while managing complexity through standardized, replaceable units
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 reduces the extraction of high-pressure gas, minimizing fuel consumption and improving engine efficiency while maintaining adequate gas supply to various aircraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
The jet pump system is configured to combine the lower pressure gas and the higher pressure gas in a system mixing ratio to generate a mixed gas at an intermediate pressure and temperature
Implementation Method 2
the jet pump system is configured to receive a relatively low pressure gas ('lower pressure gas') and a higher pressure gas from a turbine engine
Data Source
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AI summary
A bleed system including control circuitry and a variable jet pump. The control circuitry is configured to receive a signal indicative of a fluid parameter in the bleed system and cause the jet pump to alter a mixing ratio of a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas based on the signal. The jet pump is configured to combine the lower pressure gas and the higher pressure gas in the mixing ratio to generate a mixed gas. The jet pump is configured to supply the mixed gas to one or more gas loads in the bleed system. In examples, the control circuitry is configured to establish a system setpoint for the fluid parameter based on an operating status of the one or more gas loads.