Electric Motor Lubrication Pump Control for Windmilling Turbomachines
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Solution Overview
Problem
During windmilling operations, turbomachines in aircraft may experience high rotational speeds that can lead to damage without adequate lubrication cooling, as existing auxiliary systems like the turbomachine lubrication supply system often do not operate when the ram air turbine is deployed.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a motor, pump, and controller that selectively energizes the pump to supply lubricant to rotating machines, including turbomachines, when they are operating in a windmill condition, using signals from position sensors and speed sensors to determine when to activate the lubrication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the ram air turbine is deployed to supply electrical power, then electrical power availability is improved, but the turbomachine lubrication supply system stops operating causing insufficient lubrication cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback signals from the ram air turbine controller indicating deployed position, and from the turbomachine indicating windmilling operation. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically activates the electric motor to drive the lubrication pump, ensuring lubrication supply is maintained during windmilling conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing operational signals from the ram air turbine and turbomachine to automatically control lubrication pump activation. The controller monitors system state and self-regulates motor activation without external intervention, making the lubrication system self-activating during windmilling
2Power
If the turbomachine rotates at high speed during windmilling, then power generation capability is improved, but damage risk increases without adequate lubrication cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The controller activates the lubrication pump before damage can occur by detecting windmilling conditions through sensor signals. The system takes preliminary action to ensure lubrication is supplied during high-speed rotation, preventing damage before it happens rather than responding after damage occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor acts as an intermediary device that couples the power source to the lubrication pump. When windmilling conditions are detected, the motor activates to drive the pump, providing the necessary mechanical power to maintain lubrication flow during high-speed turbomachine operation
3Reliability
If the electric motor is continuously energized to supply lubrication, then lubrication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only when the controller detects windmilling conditions through sensor signals, and deactivated when normal operation resumes. This periodic activation maintains lubrication reliability during critical periods while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during normal operation
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
Prevents potential damage to windmilling turbomachines by ensuring lubrication cooling is supplied during high-speed operational conditions, even when the ram air turbine is deployed and auxiliary systems are not operational.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is operable, upon being energized from a power source, to rotate and supply a drive force
Implementation Method 2
The pump is coupled to receive the drive force from the motor and is operable, upon receipt thereof, to supply lubricant to a rotating machine
Implementation Method 3
ensuring lubrication cooling is supplied during high-speed operational conditions
Implementation Method 4
supply lubricant to a rotating machine
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided to selectively control lubricant supply flow to one or more rotating machines in an aircraft when the rotating machines are windmilling. A controller determines if the rotating machines are windmilling. When the rotating machines are windmilling, the controller at least selectively energizes an electric motor driven lubrication pump, to thereby supply lubricant to the windmilling turbomachine.