Wingtip Vortex Turbines for Hybrid-Electric Drag Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wing tip devices on aircraft do not capture mechanical energy from vortices and fail to provide propulsive force, contributing to increased drag and air pollution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing hybrid-electric power plants with electric motors positioned on the wing tips to act as vortex turbines, capturing mechanical energy from trailing vortices and converting it into electrical energy for storage, while using heat engines for propulsion during take-off and climb stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional static wing tip devices (winglets) are used to attenuate wing tip vortices, then vortex effects are reduced, but mechanical energy from vortices is not captured and propulsive force is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful wing tip vortices into beneficial mechanical energy by installing vortex turbines at the wing tips. These turbines capture the rotational energy from the vortices and convert it to useful work, transforming a harmful aerodynamic effect into a source of power for auxiliary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex turbines are designed to automatically capture energy from the vortices as they form during flight. The system self-activates based on the natural aerodynamic conditions without requiring additional control systems or external input, utilizing the vortex flow itself to drive the turbines.
2Loss of energy
If hybrid-electric power plants with vortex turbines are implemented, then mechanical energy is captured and converted to electrical energy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex turbines are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as drag-reducing wing tip devices, energy capture mechanisms, and generators for the hybrid-electric system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the increased complexity through consolidated performance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vortex attenuation function with the energy generation function into a single integrated system. The wing tip devices that traditionally only reduced drag are now combined with turbine generators, creating a unified structure that performs both aerodynamic and energy conversion functions.
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
Reduces drag and aircraft wake, increases battery charge, and enhances fuel efficiency by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby reducing fuel consumption and air pollution.
Implementation Method 1
Lift differentials along the wing span induce vortices. These vortices are particularly noticeable as trailing vortices at the wing tips.
Implementation Method 2
the second air mover can be positioned on an aft side of the electric motor to capture trailing vortices
Implementation Method 3
The electric motor can be a motor-generator
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft propulsion system includes a hybrid-electric power plant for delivering power to an air mover for propelling an aircraft. The hybrid-electric power plant includes a heat engine operatively connected to a first air mover, and an electric motor operatively connected to a second air mover. The second air mover is positioned on a wing of the aircraft outboard from the heat engine. A method for reducing trailing vortices includes powering a first air mover of an aircraft with a heat engine during a take-off stage, a climb stage, a cruise-stage and/or a descent stage. The method includes powering a second air mover of the aircraft with an electrical motor during the take-off stage and/or the climb stage. The method includes freewheeling the second air mover during the cruise stage and/or the descent stage to generate mechanical energy and reduce wing tip vortices.