Variable Pitch Fan for Propulsion Frequency Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed propulsion systems lack efficient control over propulsion generation, relying on complex power electronics and throttling mechanisms, which increases weight, cost, and maintenance, while offering limited flexibility in controlling propulsion frequency and phase.
Innovation Solution
A synchronous AC electrical system with a turbine engine featuring variable-pitch blades that adjust rotational speed to control AC electricity frequency, driving a propulsor motor to generate propulsion, eliminating the need for power electronics and allowing independent control of propulsion and engine thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex power electronics and throttling mechanisms are used to control propulsion generation, then control capability is improved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex power electronics and throttling mechanisms from the system, replacing them with a direct mechanical connection between the turbine engine shaft and propulsor motor. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces system weight while maintaining control capability through the variable-pitch blade mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical control systems (power electronics) with a mechanical control system using variable-pitch blades on the engine fan. By adjusting the blade pitch mechanically, the system controls propulsion generation without requiring complex electrical throttling mechanisms, thereby reducing weight.
2Ease of operation
If complex power electronics and throttling mechanisms are used to control propulsion generation, then control capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive power electronics and throttling mechanisms from the system architecture. By removing these high-cost components and using a simpler mechanical variable-pitch blade system, the overall system cost is reduced while control capability is maintained through direct mechanical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective mechanical components (variable-pitch blades) instead of expensive electronic control systems. The mechanical pitch adjustment mechanism is inherently more reliable and less costly than complex power electronics, reducing both manufacturing and maintenance costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power electronics are used for propulsion control, then control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes power electronics from the propulsion control system, replacing them with a direct mechanical linkage between the turbine engine and propulsor motor. The variable-pitch blade mechanism provides control flexibility without requiring complex electronic systems, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable-pitch blade mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls the rotational speed of the engine fan, regulates the frequency of AC electricity generated, and directly controls propulsor motor speed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power electronics and throttling mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If power electronics are used for frequency control, then frequency control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic frequency control systems with a mechanical control system using variable-pitch blades. By mechanically adjusting the blade pitch, the system directly controls the rotational speed of the shaft and thereby the frequency of AC electricity generated, achieving precise frequency control without complex power electronics.
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 solution reduces system weight and cost, simplifies control of propulsion frequency and phase, and enhances flexibility in propulsion generation, enabling more efficient and independent operation of propulsion and engine thrust.
Implementation Method 1
a generator configured to produce alternating-current (AC) electricity at a particular frequency relative to the rotational speed of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a propulsor motor configured to drive the propulsor fan, based on the AC electricity produced by the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described that includes a turbine engine including an engine fan including one or more variable-pitch blades driven by a shaft, which rotates at a rotational speed which depends on a pitch of the one or more variable-pitch blades of the engine fan. The system further includes a generator configured to produce alternating-current (AC) electricity at a particular frequency relative to the rotational speed of the shaft. The system also includes a propulsor, which includes a propulsor motor and a propulsor fan. The propulsor motor is configured to drive, based on the AC electricity produced by the generator, the propulsor fan. The system includes a controller configured to control the particular frequency of the AC electricity by at least controlling the pitch of the one or more variable-pitch blades of the engine fan and thereby the rotational speed of the generator.