Variable-Pitch Turboprop for Emergency Windmill Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turboprop engines with backup wind turbines have significant onboard mass due to the inclusion of a backup wind turbine, which is not used during normal operation, and there is a need for an alternative energy source with reduced onboard mass.
Innovation Solution
A turboprop engine configuration with a variable-pitch propeller and an electrically driven oil pump that supplies the hydraulic circuit for propeller pitch control, allowing the propeller to rotate by a windmill effect in case of failure, providing a backup power source without additional safety equipment, and reducing onboard weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a turboprop engine is designed solely for propeller-driven operation, then propeller efficiency is optimized, but the ability to provide emergency wind-turbine function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The turboprop engine is designed to perform multiple functions: normal propeller-driven operation and emergency wind-turbine operation. The engine includes a power conversion mechanism that can operate in both power transmission mode (driving the propeller) and power generation mode (driving the wind turbine), allowing a single engine design to serve dual purposes without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine incorporates a dynamically controllable power conversion mechanism with variable ratio capability. The mechanism can change its operating mode based on system needs, transitioning between acting as a power transmission device and a power generation device. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the engine to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent structural modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wind-turbine function is added to the turboprop engine, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of the power conversion mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion mechanism is designed as a universal component that handles both power transmission to the propeller and power generation from the wind turbine. By integrating both functions into a single mechanism with variable ratio capability, the design avoids requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the turboprop engine operates as a wind-turbine, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but the engine's primary propeller-driven function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engine's power conversion mechanism dynamically adjusts its operation based on system requirements. When wind conditions are favorable, the mechanism can be configured to capture wind energy and drive the turbine, providing renewable energy utilization. When wind conditions are unfavorable or propulsion is required, the mechanism switches to its primary power transmission mode, ensuring the propeller-driven function remains available as needed.
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 configuration enables emergency power generation without additional equipment, reduces aircraft weight, and allows fine-tuning of propeller pitch over a wide speed range, ensuring power output and maintaining conventional turboprop functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine for converting kinetic energy of moving air into mechanical energy
Implementation Method 2
a turboprop engine comprising a wind turbine... a power conversion mechanism... a propeller for converting mechanical energy into thrust
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a turboprop (10) comprising a propeller (12), a propeller shaft (13) carrying the propeller (12), the propeller being a variable-pitch propeller having a propeller pitch, a rotating electric machine (19) having at least a first configuration in which it is mechanically coupled to the propeller shaft (13) and at least one oil pump (21, 21B) configured to supply a hydraulic circuit for adjusting the pitch of the propeller (12). The oil pump is configured to be electrically operated. The invention further relates to an aircraft comprising such a turboprop (10) and to the methods for controlling such a turboprop (10) and such an aircraft.