Variable Speed Hydraulic Motor Fuel System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic motor driven pumping systems in aircraft fuel systems operate inefficiently due to constant flow and pressure, leading to excessive energy consumption and inefficiency across varying flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable speed fuel system incorporating a boost pump, fluid turbine, regulating valve, and controllable valve to dynamically adjust fuel pressure and flow based on engine conditions, utilizing a fluid turbine connected via a drive shaft and controlled by pressure sensors and an engine controller to optimize fuel delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant flow and pressure hydraulic pumping system is used, then the system can provide consistent speed at given flight conditions, but the system will provide excessive flow/pressure at all conditions except the worst-case condition, resulting in inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a constant speed hydraulic motor to a variable speed hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor's speed is controlled by a valve that regulates hydraulic fluid flow, allowing the motor to adapt its speed to different flight conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to match actual demand, avoiding excessive flow and pressure generation while maintaining reliable fuel delivery across varying operational requirements.
2Productivity
If the hydraulic pumping system is sized for the worst-case condition, then the system can meet peak demand requirements, but the system will consume excessive energy at all other conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the speed of the hydraulic motor according to actual flight conditions. Instead of operating at a fixed high speed designed for worst-case scenarios, the motor speed is dynamically adjusted through hydraulic flow control. This allows the system to maintain the capability to meet peak demand when necessary while significantly reducing energy consumption during normal or low-demand conditions by operating at lower speeds.
3Reliability
If constant pressure is maintained in the fuel line, then the system ensures adequate fuel pressure for engine operation, but the system generates unnecessary pressure and heat when lower pressure would suffice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fuel pressure adaptive rather than constant. The variable speed hydraulic motor adjusts its operation based on actual fuel flow requirements, which in turn dynamically adjusts the pressure generated by the pumping system. This ensures adequate fuel pressure is maintained when needed for proper engine operation, while avoiding unnecessary pressure generation that would otherwise create excessive heat during conditions where lower pressure would be sufficient.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system (100), includes a fuel line (106) defining a fuel inlet (110) and a fuel outlet (112), configured to provide fuel from a fuel tank (102) to an engine (104). A boost pump (108), including a boost impeller (114), is disposed in the fuel line (106) configured to drive fuel from the fuel inlet (110) to the fuel outlet (112) and operatively connected to the boost pump (108) via a drive shaft (119). The system includes a fluid line (118) defining a fluid inlet (120) and a fluid outlet (122), configured to provide fluid from a fluid source (124) to a fluid destination(126). A fluid turbine (128) is disposed in the fluid line (118) configured to alter a pressure of the fuel line (106) between the fuel inlet (110) and the fuel outlet (112).