Variable Area Nozzle Ice Breakdown via Pressure Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deicing systems for turbofan engines increase weight and fuel burn, and reduce operability, as they either rely on inefficient energy consumption or costly coatings that deteriorate over time.
Innovation Solution
A deicing system that uses a variable area nozzle to generate pressure pulses or surge conditions to prevent ice buildup by actuating the turbofan in response to detected or predicted icing conditions, without increasing engine weight or fuel burn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hot compressor bleed air or electrical heaters are used for deicing, then ice buildup is removed, but fuel burn increases or engine power is extracted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic actuation of the variable area nozzle to create intermittent pressure pulses and surge conditions that effectively break up ice accumulation without requiring continuous energy input, thereby reducing overall fuel burn compared to continuous heating methods
Solution Approach 2:
The deicing system utilizes the engine's own turbofan airflow and pressure characteristics to generate the necessary pressure pulses for ice breakdown, rather than extracting power from the engine or requiring external energy sources
2Object-affected harmful factors
If deicing systems are employed after ice formation, then ice accumulation is broken off, but a large amount of energy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects icing conditions and actuates the variable area nozzle proactively before significant ice accumulation occurs, using small pressure pulses to prevent ice growth rather than requiring large energy inputs to break established ice formations
Solution Approach 2:
Intermittent pressure pulsing creates cumulative effect over time, gradually breaking up ice accumulation through repeated small actions rather than requiring one large energy input
3Object-affected harmful factors
If specialty coatings are used to prevent icing, then ice buildup is prevented, but system cost increases and coatings deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the engine's own operational characteristics (turbofan pressure and airflow) to achieve deicing functionality, eliminating the need for external coatings or treatments that would deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 2:
The variable area nozzle creates periodic pressure pulses that physically prevent ice formation on engine components through repeated exposure to pressure changes, providing durable protection without relying on deteriorating coatings
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
Effectively prevents ice accumulation on turbofan engine components without increasing weight or fuel consumption, ensuring efficient and safe engine operation during icy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a control device is commanded by the controller in response to the icing condition. In one example, the control device includes a variable area nozzle that is actuated to generate pressure pulses or a surge condition to break up any accumulated ice
Implementation Method 2
a control device includes a variable area nozzle that is actuated to generate pressure pulses or a surge condition to break up any accumulated ice
Data Source
AI summary
A turbofan engine deicing system includes a core nacelle (12) housing a turbine. A turbofan (20) is arranged upstream from the core nacelle. A controller (50) manipulates the turbofan in response to detecting an icing condition for avoiding undesired ice buildup on the turbofan engine (10) and nacelle parts. In one example, a variable area nozzle (40) is actuated to generate pressure pulses or a surge condition to break up any ice buildup. The icing condition can be determined by at least one sensor (52) and/or predicted based upon icing conditions schedules.