US20200056497A1 - Hybrid gas turbofan powered sub-idle descent mode - Google Patents
Hybrid gas turbofan powered sub-idle descent mode Download PDFInfo
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- US20200056497A1 US20200056497A1 US16/431,245 US201916431245A US2020056497A1 US 20200056497 A1 US20200056497 A1 US 20200056497A1 US 201916431245 A US201916431245 A US 201916431245A US 2020056497 A1 US2020056497 A1 US 2020056497A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D31/00—Power plant control; Arrangement thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
- B60L50/10—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by engine-driven generators, e.g. generators driven by combustion engines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D27/00—Arrangement or mounting of power plant in aircraft; Aircraft characterised thereby
- B64D27/02—Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plant
-
- B64D27/026—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D35/00—Transmitting power from power plant to propellers or rotors; Arrangements of transmissions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D41/00—Power installations for auxiliary purposes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
- F01D13/00—Combinations of two or more machines or engines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
- F01D13/00—Combinations of two or more machines or engines
- F01D13/02—Working-fluid interconnection of machines or engines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
- F01D15/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of engines with devices driven thereby
- F01D15/10—Adaptations for driving, or combinations with, electric generators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02C—GAS-TURBINE PLANTS; AIR INTAKES FOR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; CONTROLLING FUEL SUPPLY IN AIR-BREATHING JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02C6/00—Plural gas-turbine plants; Combinations of gas-turbine plants with other apparatus; Adaptations of gas- turbine plants for special use
- F02C6/02—Plural gas-turbine plants having a common power output
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02C—GAS-TURBINE PLANTS; AIR INTAKES FOR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; CONTROLLING FUEL SUPPLY IN AIR-BREATHING JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02C7/00—Features, components parts, details or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart form groups F02C1/00 - F02C6/00; Air intakes for jet-propulsion plants
- F02C7/26—Starting; Ignition
- F02C7/268—Starting drives for the rotor, acting directly on the rotor of the gas turbine to be started
- F02C7/275—Mechanical drives
- F02C7/277—Mechanical drives the starter being a separate turbine
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02C—GAS-TURBINE PLANTS; AIR INTAKES FOR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; CONTROLLING FUEL SUPPLY IN AIR-BREATHING JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02C9/00—Controlling gas-turbine plants; Controlling fuel supply in air- breathing jet-propulsion plants
- F02C9/26—Control of fuel supply
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02C—GAS-TURBINE PLANTS; AIR INTAKES FOR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; CONTROLLING FUEL SUPPLY IN AIR-BREATHING JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02C9/00—Controlling gas-turbine plants; Controlling fuel supply in air- breathing jet-propulsion plants
- F02C9/26—Control of fuel supply
- F02C9/42—Control of fuel supply specially adapted for the control of two or more plants simultaneously
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2200/00—Type of vehicles
- B60L2200/10—Air crafts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D27/00—Arrangement or mounting of power plant in aircraft; Aircraft characterised thereby
- B64D27/02—Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plant
- B64D2027/026—Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plant comprising different types of power plants, e.g. combination of an electric motor and a gas-turbines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2220/00—Application
- F05D2220/50—Application for auxiliary power units (APU's)
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2220/00—Application
- F05D2220/70—Application in combination with
- F05D2220/76—Application in combination with an electrical generator
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/7072—Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T50/00—Aeronautics or air transport
- Y02T50/60—Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to multiple engine gas turbine systems, and more particularly to a power-assist system in which power is transferred between an auxiliary power unit (APU) and a high spool of a primary engine.
- APU auxiliary power unit
- a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan during an idle mode of operation includes reducing a fuel flow to a primary gas turbine engine and boosting a high spool of the primary gas turbine engine using a secondary gas turbine engine via a first power linkage connecting the primary and secondary gas turbine engines, such that a net fuel reduction is achieved.
- the net fuel reduction accounts for fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine and fuel flow to the secondary gas turbine engine.
- a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes providing supplemental power to either a primary gas turbine engine or a secondary gas turbine engine—the primary gas turbine engine being a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine being an auxiliary power unit (APU). Supplemental power is provided to the primary gas turbine engine by the APU, and supplemental power is provided to the APU by the primary gas turbine engine. The method further includes reducing a fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine when supplemental power is provided to the primary gas turbine engine by the APU such that a net fuel reduction is achieved. The net fuel reduction accounts for fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine and fuel flow to the APU.
- APU auxiliary power unit
- an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes a primary gas turbine engine, which is a propulsion engine having a high spool; a secondary gas turbine engine, which is an auxiliary power unit (APU); and a power linkage between the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine and the APU.
- a primary gas turbine engine which is a propulsion engine having a high spool
- a secondary gas turbine engine which is an auxiliary power unit (APU)
- APU auxiliary power unit
- a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes providing supplemental power to a primary gas turbine engine from a secondary gas turbine engine—the primary gas turbine engine being a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine being an auxiliary power unit (APU)—and reducing a response time of the primary gas turbine engine for spooling up when additional thrust output is needed.
- APU auxiliary power unit
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system in which a secondary gas turbine engine boosts power to a primary gas turbine engine of an aircraft through a power linkage including a generator and motor.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system in which the secondary gas turbine engine boosts power to the primary gas turbine engine through a power linkage, which provides compressed air from the secondary gas turbine engine to a high pressure turbine of the primary gas turbine engine.
- FIG. 3 is yet another embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system in which the secondary gas turbine engine boosts power to the primary gas turbine engine through the power linkages of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of fuel flow reduction to the primary gas turbine engine with power boost to the primary gas turbine engine provided by the secondary gas turbine engine.
- FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of improved fuel flow reduction over FIG. 4 obtainable when environmental control system requirements of the primary gas turbine engine are removed.
- FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of net fuel reduction with power supplementation to the primary gas turbine engine, accounting for fuel needed to generate supplemental power.
- the present disclosure provides several modes of providing power assist to a high spool of a primary gas turbine engine to enable a reduced fuel flow during an idle mode of operation, and particularly, during descent of an aircraft.
- Primary gas turbine engines on an aircraft are kept on during descent to maintain minimum air pressurization needed for an aircraft environmental control system (ECS) and to remain available for operation if needed.
- ECS aircraft environmental control system
- Significant fuel flow inputs are necessary to keep an engine on during descent.
- the engine can remain on with minimum pressurization maintained at a reduced fuel flow if the power to the engine is supplemented.
- the present disclosure is directed to operation of an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan in which a secondary gas turbine engine, such as an auxiliary power unit (APU), is used to provide supplemental power to the primary gas turbine engine to provide a sub-idle descent mode of operation.
- APU auxiliary power unit
- the APU drives a generator, which supplies electrical energy to a motor used to boost power to the high spool of the primary engine.
- the APU provides compressed air into a turbine section of the primary engine to provide high spool torque.
- the APU provides both electric power to boost the high spool and compressed air to the turbine section to increase high spool torque. While fuel input is required to power the APU, each power assist mode can result in a net fuel savings. Additionally, the same architecture provided for supplementing power to the primary engine via generator/motor can be used in reverse for supplementing power to the APU.
- the power transfer can be reversed, with the high spool (or low spool) on the primary engine boosting a shaft of the APU via a generator and motor.
- Such power transfer can improve APU efficiency, such that the APU can remain on or spooled up during flight and available for service on demand.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system 10 , which includes primary engine 12 and secondary engine 14 .
- Primary and secondary engines 12 and 14 are gas turbine engines.
- primary engine 12 can be an aircraft propulsion engine
- secondary engine 14 can be an aircraft APU.
- Primary engine 12 and secondary engine 14 are interconnected by power linkage 16 through which power can be transferred between primary engine 12 and secondary engine 14 .
- Primary engine 12 can be a multi-spool engine, having at least a low pressure spool and high pressure spool as known in the art. For simplicity, only high pressure spool 18 is illustrated. High pressure spool 18 includes high pressure compressor (HPC) 20 and high pressure turbine (HPT) 22 mounted on shaft 24 . Although not illustrated, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the low pressure spool can carry a fan, low pressure compressor, and low pressure turbine.
- Primary engine 12 is a Brayton cycle engine wherein a mixture of fuel and compressed air from HPC 20 is ignited in combustor 26 to drive rotation of HPT 22 and thereby HPC 20 via shaft 24 .
- secondary engine 14 can be a gas turbine engine. As illustrated, secondary engine 14 includes compressor 28 and turbine 30 mounted on shaft 32 . A mixture of fuel and compressed air from compressor 28 is ignited in combustor 34 to drive turbine 30 and thereby compressor 28 via shaft 32 . In some embodiments, secondary engine 14 can additionally include a power turbine (not shown) mounted on a power shaft, which is rotationally independent from shaft 32 . Secondary engine 14 can provide power for a range of peripheral aircraft functions independent from propulsion or from the operation of primary engine 12 . For example, secondary engine 14 can be used for power generation, for cabin air circulation, and/or to drive mechanical actuation of aircraft components. Secondary engine 14 can have a number of configurations or cycles (e.g., wankel cycle) and is not limited to the gas turbine engine depicted.
- wankel cycle e.g., wankel cycle
- Primary engine 12 and secondary engine 14 are connected by power linkage 16 , which includes generator 36 and motor 38 .
- power linkage 16 which includes generator 36 and motor 38 .
- fuel flow to primary engine 12 can be reduced and power extracted from secondary engine 14 can be provided to primary engine 12 via power linkage 16 to boost high pressure spool 18 .
- an idle mode of operation refers to a rotational speed of the high spool 18 that is greater than the minimum rotational speed required to achieve starting of the engine and is less than the rotational speed (N2) associated with the maximum idle thrust of primary engine 12 set by the airframer. Idle is based on the engine's minimum limiting factor (e.g., minimum N1, N2, fuel air ratio, ECS bleed, etc.).
- Power assist system 10 can be used to supplement power to primary engine 12 during descent of the aircraft as well as during ground idle and other flight idle operations. As illustrated, rotational energy of shaft 32 of secondary engine 14 is transferred to shaft 24 on high pressure spool 18 of primary engine 12 via generator 36 and motor 38 .
- generator 36 and motor 38 can be a combined motor-generator capable of operating in a reverse direction (i.e., transferring power from primary engine 12 to secondary engine 14 ).
- generator 36 and motor 38 can be separate components coupled via an electrical connection (not shown).
- Generator 36 is a rotary generator driven by shaft 32 to produce electrical power, which is provided to motor 38 .
- Motor 38 uses the electrical power to drive shaft 24 of high pressure spool 18 .
- the power shaft (not shown) of secondary engine 14 can be used to boost high pressure spool 18 of primary engine 12 via generator 36 and motor 38 .
- Fuel flow into combustor 26 of primary engine 12 is reduced, as indicated by ⁇ W F, in , which represents a change in fuel flow from a conventional idle mode (i.e., idle without power assist).
- Fuel flow input (+W F, in APU ) to secondary engine 14 is required to operate secondary engine 14 .
- Secondary engine 14 provides supplementary horsepower (+HP in ) to primary engine 12 via generator 36 /motor 38 .
- Supplemental power provided to primary engine 12 can cause high pressure spool 18 to rotate at a higher speed than a conventional idle speed.
- the increased speed of high pressure spool 18 can improve operation safety (i.e., improve compressor 20 operating stability margin) of primary engine 12 and response time from idle, allowing for a faster spool up time (time required to accelerate and increase fuel flow rate) if additional thrust output by engine 12 becomes necessary.
- operation safety i.e., improve compressor 20 operating stability margin
- response time from idle allowing for a faster spool up time (time required to accelerate and increase fuel flow rate) if additional thrust output by engine 12 becomes necessary.
- fuel flow in secondary engine 14 is increased, a net fuel reduction can be achieved, as is discussed further with respect to FIGS. 4-6 .
- the architecture of power linkage 16 can be used in reverse for boosting power to secondary engine 14 .
- power can be transferred from primary engine 12 to APU 14 when primary engine 12 is operating at high power.
- power assist system 10 is operated in reverse with high pressure spool 18 on primary engine 12 driving a combined motor-generator.
- Generator 36 provides electric power to motor 38 , which in turn drives shaft 32 of APU 14 .
- Such power transfer can reduce the idle fuel burn of APU 14 , such that APU 14 can remain on during flight and ready to respond on demand while reducing fuel usage, or keep APU 14 spooled up to reduce reaction time at start-up.
- boosting power to secondary engine 14 can be supplied by the low spool of primary engine 12 through separate power linkage (not shown).
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system 40 in which secondary gas turbine engine 14 provides compressed air to primary gas turbine engine 12 .
- Power assist system 40 is identical to power assist system 10 with the exception of the power linkage.
- Power assist system 40 replaces electrical/mechanical linkage 16 with a mechanical power linkage 42 .
- Power linkage 42 includes bleed air conduit 44 , which connects compressor 28 of secondary engine 14 to HPT 22 of primary engine 10 . Compressed bleed air from compressor 28 is provided directly into HPT 22 to provide torque to high pressure spool 18 and thereby boost power to primary engine 12 to maintain pressurization and operation at a reduced fuel flow ( ⁇ W F, in ).
- FIG. 3 is an alternative embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system 50 in which secondary gas turbine engine 14 supplements power to primary gas turbine engine 12 by providing compressed air to HPT 22 and by driving shaft 18 via generator 36 and motor 38 .
- Power assist system 50 is identical to power assist systems 10 and 40 with the exception of the power linkage.
- Power assist system 50 includes power linkage 52 , which is a combination of power linkage 16 and power linkage 42 .
- Power linkage 52 can simultaneously deliver compressed air to HPT 22 to provide high spool torque while also driving shaft 18 via generator 36 /motor 38 . Additional benefit may be realized by combining the supplemental power provided by compressed air with rotational power provided by generator 36 /motor 38 in some operations. Both power linkages influence the operating line on HPC 20 . While the addition of compressed air into HPT 22 can have an adverse impact on the operating line, the rotational energy provided by motor 38 can have a positive impact on the operating line. Therefore, a balance between the two may provide a more efficient power boost to primary engine 12 .
- FIGS. 4-6 provide graphical representations of fuel flow reduction using power assist systems 10 , 40 , and/or 50 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates the effect of supplementing power to primary engine 12 using any of the power assist systems 10 , 40 , or 50 .
- FIG. 4 shows ability to reduce fuel flow to primary engine 12 as compared to fuel flow at conventional idle ( ⁇ W F, in ) by increasing horsepower (+HP in ) provided by secondary engine 14 via generator 36 /motor 38 and/or increasing high spool torque provided by secondary engine 14 via compressed air from compressor 28 (shown as ratio of bleed air from compressor 28 to airflow entering compressor 20 , W in, APU Bleed /W Compressor ).
- the conventional gas turbine idle point is the nominal fuel flow a gas turbine would operate at without boosting from secondary engine 14 .
- FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of fuel flow reduction to the primary gas turbine engine with power boost to the primary gas turbine engine provided by the secondary gas turbine engine.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a conventional gas turbine engine idle point, in which the core supplies pressurized bleed air for the aircraft ECS (e.g., passenger cabin air).
- ECS e.g., passenger cabin air
- supplemental power must be provided to maintain minimum bleed air pressurization, identified by line 54 .
- Insufficient supplemental power i.e., anything below line 54 falls within an Insufficient Bleed Pressure Zone for the aircraft ECS.
- supplemental power provided to primary engine 12 relative to fuel flow into primary engine 12 must fall below a lean blowout (LBO) limit or a Combustion Instability Zone, identified by line 56 .
- LBO lean blowout
- Excessive supplemental power i.e., anything above line 56 , falls within the Combustion Instability Zone in which a fuel-to-air ratio is reduced enough to cause the combustor flame to become unstable or extinguished.
- excessive supplemental power combined with excessive reduction in primary engine 12 fuel flow ( ⁇ W F, in ) can reduce combustor 26 fuel-to-air ratio below sustainable combustion.
- the proposed idle location using power assist systems 10 , 40 , 50 can lie near the intersection of combustion instability zone line 56 and the minimum bleed air pressurization line 54 , preferably providing a safety margin between the proposed idle location and line 56 .
- the proposed idle location is preferably on or near the minimum bleed air pressurization line 54 to avoid using fuel and supplemental power to pressurize air above what is required.
- the relationship between fuel flow and supplemental power provided to primary gas turbine engine 12 will vary for each power assist system 10 , 40 , 50 .
- the graph of FIG. 4 is intended to provide a simplified example of the power assist used during a descent idle mode as disclosed herein. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that modeling will be required for each power assist system 10 , 40 , 50 , which can include variations in primary and secondary engines 12 , 14 and power linkages 16 , 42 , 52 , to identify an ideal fuel/supplemental power input combination. Furthermore, it will be understood that models will look different depending on the mode of operation (i.e., flight idle or ground idle).
- power assist system 10 , 40 , 50 may be used to boost spool speed or reduce acceleration time without producing a net fuel flow reduction.
- Additional configurations may be considered in optimization of power assist systems 10 , 40 , 50 .
- an increased benefit may be realized by rescheduling HPC vanes when power supplement is available.
- vanes of HPC 20 may be used to restrict airflow to shift Combustion Instability Zone line 56 .
- the incidence angles of the HPC vanes can be changed to allow more or less airflow depending on the speed of high pressure spool 18 .
- As the vanes are closed airflow from HPC 20 can be reduced, which allows for an additional reduction in primary engine 12 fuel flow before reaching the LBO limit.
- the fuel-to-air ratio can be adjusted to optimize operation of power assist systems 10 , 40 , 50 .
- FIG. 4 includes varying APU 14 efficiency lines. As will be discussed further with respect to FIG. 6 , net fuel savings are dependent in part on the fuel efficiency at which APU 14 operates.
- power assist systems 10 , 40 , and 50 are energy neutral (i.e., the amount fuel (+ ⁇ W F, in APU ) needed to generate supplemental power is balanced by the amount by fuel reduction ( ⁇ W F, in ) to primary engine 12 ). Net fuel savings are only achieved to the left of each APU efficiency line, with greater fuel savings realized the farther left the idle position is located from the APU efficiency line. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the proposed idle location would result in a slight net fuel savings with supplemental power provided by secondary engine 14 operating at 40% efficiency, and improved net fuel savings with secondary engines 14 operating at 50% and 60% efficiency.
- FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of improved fuel reduction obtainable when aircraft ECS requirements of primary engine 12 are removed.
- pressurized air for the aircraft ECS can be supplied by a source of airflow other than the core or primary engine 12 . Therefore, there is no requirement for primary engine 12 to supply pressurized bleed air for the aircraft ECS.
- the idle location can be moved further to the left in fuel flow to a new proposed idle operation as there is no requirement to meet a minimum bleed air pressurization.
- Supplemental power provided to primary engine 12 relative to fuel flow into primary engine 12 must fall below the Combustion Instability Zone line 56 , and sufficient supplemental power (e.g., +HP in ) is still provided by secondary engine 14 to maintain an ideal idle speed as necessary to reduce the time primary engine 12 takes to spool up if additional thrust is needed.
- sufficient supplemental power e.g., +HP in
- FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of an example of net fuel reduction with power supplementation to the primary gas turbine engine during descent of the aircraft, accounting for secondary engine 14 fuel needed to generate supplemental power and primary engine 12 fuel.
- FIG. 6 represents model results for power assist system 10 for particular models of a turbofan engine 12 and APU 14 .
- a power input of SF 1 would require a fuel reduction of approximately WF 1-2 (reduction from WF 1 to WF 2 ) fuel flow to primary engine 12 to be energy neutral, as indicated by the 50% APU energy efficiency.
- the reduction of WF 1-2 accounts for the amount of fuel needed by APU 14 to produce supplemental power for primary engine 12 .
- any further reduction of fuel flow to primary engine 12 results in a net fuel savings of WF 2-3 (reduction from WF 2 to WF 3 ) as indicated in FIG. 6 .
- This is a reduction of about five percent in net fuel consumption, with a reduction of fuel flow to primary engine 12 of greater than ten percent over a conventional idle mode in which power to primary engine 12 is not boosted by secondary engine 14 .
- the net fuel savings is dependent on the efficiency of APU 14 with lower APU efficiencies resulting in lower net fuel savings.
- net fuel flow may be unchanged or even increased depending on the system configuration and goal of operation.
- the primary goal of using power assist systems 10 , 40 , and 50 can be to improve readiness or response time of primary engine 12 in the event that additional thrust output is necessary. While use of power assist systems 10 , 40 , and 50 as disclosed can result in a net reduction in fuel flow, in some embodiments, power assist systems 10 , 40 , 50 may be used to boost spool speed or reduce acceleration time without producing a reduction in net fuel flow.
- a method of improving response time of primary engine 12 can include increasing supplementary horsepower (+HP in ) to primary engine 12 via power linkage 16 and reducing a bleed flow ratio of bleed air from compressor 28 to airflow entering compressor 20 , W in, APU Bleed /W compressor via power linkage 42 in a controlled time variant manner concurrent with an increase in combustor 26 fuel flow (+ ⁇ W F, in ) in primary engine 12 .
- Power assist systems 10 , 40 , and 50 provide the capability for reducing fuel requirements of primary engine 12 during an idle mode of operation, and particularly, during descent of the aircraft.
- a net fuel savings can be realized by supplementing power to high pressure spool 18 via generator 36 /motor 38 driven by secondary engine 14 and/or compressed bleed air from secondary engine compressor 28 .
- supplemental power provided to primary engine 12 can increase the idle speed above the conventional idle speed providing safer engine operating conditions (i.e., improved compressor 20 operating stability margin) and reduced spool up time should additional thrust output by primary engine 12 be necessary.
- Power assist system 10 provides the additional benefit of being capable of operating in reverse, transferring power from primary engine 12 to secondary engine 14 to improve secondary engine 14 efficiency, such that the secondary engine 14 can remain on during flight and available for service as needed.
- a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan during an idle mode of operation includes reducing a fuel flow to a primary gas turbine engine and boosting a high spool of the primary gas turbine engine using a secondary gas turbine engine via a first power linkage connecting the primary and secondary gas turbine engines, such that a net fuel reduction is achieved.
- the net fuel reduction accounts for fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine and fuel flow to the secondary gas turbine engine.
- the method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations, additional components, and/or steps: rescheduling HPC vanes when power supplement is available; switching environmental control system (ECS) bleed and power sources; changing supplementary horsepower input to primary gas turbine engine and changing a bleed flow ratio of bleed air from the APU compressor to airflow entering primary gas turbine compressor in a controlled manner concurrent with changes in primary engine combustor fuel flow.
- ECS environmental control system
- the primary gas turbine engine can be a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine can be an auxiliary power unit (APU).
- APU auxiliary power unit
- boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include driving a generator with the secondary gas turbine engine, coupling a motor to the high spool, and powering the motor via the generator.
- boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include generating compressed air with the secondary gas turbine engine, and providing the compressed air directly into a turbine of the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine to provide high spool torque.
- boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include driving a generator with the second engine, coupling a motor to the high spool, powering the motor via the generator, generating compressed air in the secondary gas turbine engine, providing the compressed air into the turbine of the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine to provide high spool torque.
- reducing the fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine can include a reduction of fuel flow greater than 10 percent over a conventional idle mode in which power to the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine is not boosted by the secondary gas turbine engine.
- boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include providing supplemental power to the primary gas turbine engine in an amount greater than 100 horsepower.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can further include restricting an air flow exiting from a compressor section of the primary gas turbine engine.
- a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes providing supplemental power to either a primary gas turbine engine or a secondary gas turbine engine—the primary gas turbine engine being a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine being an auxiliary power unit (APU). Supplemental power is provided to the primary gas turbine engine by the APU, and supplemental power is provided to the APU by the primary gas turbine engine. The method further includes reducing a fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine when supplemental power is provided to the primary gas turbine engine by the APU such that a net fuel reduction is achieved. The net fuel reduction accounts for fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine and fuel flow to the APU.
- APU auxiliary power unit
- the method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations, additional components, and/or steps: rescheduling HPC vanes when power supplement is available; switching environmental control system (ECS) bleed and power sources; changing supplementary horsepower input to primary gas turbine engine and changing a bleed flow ratio of bleed air from the APU compressor to airflow entering primary gas turbine compressor in a controlled manner concurrent with changes in fuel flow to the APU.
- ECS environmental control system
- providing supplemental power to the primary gas turbine engine occurs during an idle mode of operation of the aircraft, and wherein providing supplemental power can include boosting the high spool of a primary gas turbine engine using the secondary gas turbine engine via a first power linkage connecting the primary and secondary gas turbine engines.
- boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include at least one of a first power supplementation method and a second power supplementation method.
- the first power supplementation method includes driving a generator with the secondary gas turbine engine, coupling a motor to the high spool, and powering the motor via the generator.
- the second power supplementation method includes generating compressed air in the secondary gas turbine engine, and providing the compressed air directly into a turbine of the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine to provide high spool torque.
- reducing the fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine can include a reduction of fuel flow greater than 10 percent over a conventional idle mode in which power to the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine is not boosted by the secondary gas turbine engine.
- boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include supplementing power to the primary gas turbine engine in an amount greater than 100 horsepower.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein providing supplemental power to the secondary gas turbine engine can include driving a generator with a high spool of the primary gas turbine engine, coupling a motor to a spool of the APU, and powering the motor via the generator.
- mode of operation is one of a takeoff mode, top of climb mode, or cruise mode.
- a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes providing supplemental power to a primary gas turbine engine from a secondary gas turbine engine—the primary gas turbine engine being a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine being an auxiliary power unit (APU)—and reducing a response time of the primary gas turbine engine for spooling up when additional thrust output is needed.
- APU auxiliary power unit
- An aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes a primary gas turbine engine, which is a propulsion engine having a high spool; a secondary gas turbine engine, which is an auxiliary power unit (APU); and a power linkage between the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine and the APU.
- a primary gas turbine engine which is a propulsion engine having a high spool
- a secondary gas turbine engine which is an auxiliary power unit (APU)
- APU auxiliary power unit
- the aircraft hybrid gas turbofan of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components: a combined motor-generator of the primary gas turbine engine and a combined motor-generator of the APU; a load compressor separate from the APU compressor-turbine; a power turbine mounted on a power shaft which is rotationally independent from APU turbine shaft; a combined motor-generator of the APU mounted on a power shaft which is rotationally independent from APU turbine shaft.
- a further embodiment of the aircraft hybrid gas turbofan wherein the power linkage can include an electrical coupling and/or a mechanical coupling.
- the electrical coupling includes a generator driven by the APU and a motor coupled to the high spool and powered by the generator.
- the mechanical coupling includes a bleed air conduit connecting a compressor section of the APU to a core gas path of a turbine of the high spool.
- the power linkage includes a combined motor/generator configured to transfer power from a spool of the primary gas turbine engine to the APU.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/719,375 filed Aug. 17, 2018 for “Hybrid Gas Turbofan Powered Sub-Idle Descent mode” by N. Terwilliger, D. Kupratis, and M. Romero, which is herein incorporated by reference. U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/686,853 and 62/680,843, filed Jun. 19, 2018 and Jun. 5, 2018, respectively, are also incorporated by reference.
- The present disclosure relates generally to multiple engine gas turbine systems, and more particularly to a power-assist system in which power is transferred between an auxiliary power unit (APU) and a high spool of a primary engine.
- Conventional aircraft turbine engines remain on during descent and idle to provide pressurized cabin air and avoid the need for in-flight restart. The idle mode requires fuel burn sufficient to ensure a self-sustaining engine. A need exists to reduce the amount of fuel needed during idle to improve engine economics.
- A method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan during an idle mode of operation includes reducing a fuel flow to a primary gas turbine engine and boosting a high spool of the primary gas turbine engine using a secondary gas turbine engine via a first power linkage connecting the primary and secondary gas turbine engines, such that a net fuel reduction is achieved. The net fuel reduction accounts for fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine and fuel flow to the secondary gas turbine engine.
- In another aspect, a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes providing supplemental power to either a primary gas turbine engine or a secondary gas turbine engine—the primary gas turbine engine being a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine being an auxiliary power unit (APU). Supplemental power is provided to the primary gas turbine engine by the APU, and supplemental power is provided to the APU by the primary gas turbine engine. The method further includes reducing a fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine when supplemental power is provided to the primary gas turbine engine by the APU such that a net fuel reduction is achieved. The net fuel reduction accounts for fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine and fuel flow to the APU.
- In yet another aspect, an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes a primary gas turbine engine, which is a propulsion engine having a high spool; a secondary gas turbine engine, which is an auxiliary power unit (APU); and a power linkage between the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine and the APU.
- In yet another aspect, a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes providing supplemental power to a primary gas turbine engine from a secondary gas turbine engine—the primary gas turbine engine being a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine being an auxiliary power unit (APU)—and reducing a response time of the primary gas turbine engine for spooling up when additional thrust output is needed.
- The present summary is provided only by way of example, and not limitation. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be appreciated in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, including the entire text, claims, and accompanying figures.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system in which a secondary gas turbine engine boosts power to a primary gas turbine engine of an aircraft through a power linkage including a generator and motor. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system in which the secondary gas turbine engine boosts power to the primary gas turbine engine through a power linkage, which provides compressed air from the secondary gas turbine engine to a high pressure turbine of the primary gas turbine engine. -
FIG. 3 is yet another embodiment of a gas turbine engine power assist system in which the secondary gas turbine engine boosts power to the primary gas turbine engine through the power linkages ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of fuel flow reduction to the primary gas turbine engine with power boost to the primary gas turbine engine provided by the secondary gas turbine engine. -
FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of improved fuel flow reduction overFIG. 4 obtainable when environmental control system requirements of the primary gas turbine engine are removed. -
FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of net fuel reduction with power supplementation to the primary gas turbine engine, accounting for fuel needed to generate supplemental power. - While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features and components not specifically shown in the drawings.
- The present disclosure provides several modes of providing power assist to a high spool of a primary gas turbine engine to enable a reduced fuel flow during an idle mode of operation, and particularly, during descent of an aircraft. Primary gas turbine engines on an aircraft are kept on during descent to maintain minimum air pressurization needed for an aircraft environmental control system (ECS) and to remain available for operation if needed. Significant fuel flow inputs are necessary to keep an engine on during descent. The engine can remain on with minimum pressurization maintained at a reduced fuel flow if the power to the engine is supplemented. The present disclosure is directed to operation of an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan in which a secondary gas turbine engine, such as an auxiliary power unit (APU), is used to provide supplemental power to the primary gas turbine engine to provide a sub-idle descent mode of operation. In one mode, the APU drives a generator, which supplies electrical energy to a motor used to boost power to the high spool of the primary engine. In another mode, the APU provides compressed air into a turbine section of the primary engine to provide high spool torque. In yet another mode, the APU provides both electric power to boost the high spool and compressed air to the turbine section to increase high spool torque. While fuel input is required to power the APU, each power assist mode can result in a net fuel savings. Additionally, the same architecture provided for supplementing power to the primary engine via generator/motor can be used in reverse for supplementing power to the APU. When the primary engine is operating at high power, the power transfer can be reversed, with the high spool (or low spool) on the primary engine boosting a shaft of the APU via a generator and motor. Such power transfer can improve APU efficiency, such that the APU can remain on or spooled up during flight and available for service on demand.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a gas turbine enginepower assist system 10, which includesprimary engine 12 andsecondary engine 14. Primary andsecondary engines primary engine 12 can be an aircraft propulsion engine, andsecondary engine 14 can be an aircraft APU.Primary engine 12 andsecondary engine 14 are interconnected bypower linkage 16 through which power can be transferred betweenprimary engine 12 andsecondary engine 14. -
Primary engine 12 can be a multi-spool engine, having at least a low pressure spool and high pressure spool as known in the art. For simplicity, onlyhigh pressure spool 18 is illustrated.High pressure spool 18 includes high pressure compressor (HPC) 20 and high pressure turbine (HPT) 22 mounted onshaft 24. Although not illustrated, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the low pressure spool can carry a fan, low pressure compressor, and low pressure turbine.Primary engine 12 is a Brayton cycle engine wherein a mixture of fuel and compressed air from HPC 20 is ignited incombustor 26 to drive rotation of HPT 22 and thereby HPC 20 viashaft 24. - Like
primary engine 12,secondary engine 14 can be a gas turbine engine. As illustrated,secondary engine 14 includescompressor 28 andturbine 30 mounted onshaft 32. A mixture of fuel and compressed air fromcompressor 28 is ignited incombustor 34 to driveturbine 30 and therebycompressor 28 viashaft 32. In some embodiments,secondary engine 14 can additionally include a power turbine (not shown) mounted on a power shaft, which is rotationally independent fromshaft 32.Secondary engine 14 can provide power for a range of peripheral aircraft functions independent from propulsion or from the operation ofprimary engine 12. For example,secondary engine 14 can be used for power generation, for cabin air circulation, and/or to drive mechanical actuation of aircraft components.Secondary engine 14 can have a number of configurations or cycles (e.g., wankel cycle) and is not limited to the gas turbine engine depicted. -
Primary engine 12 andsecondary engine 14 are connected bypower linkage 16, which includesgenerator 36 andmotor 38. Whenprimary engine 12 is operating in an idle mode, fuel flow toprimary engine 12 can be reduced and power extracted fromsecondary engine 14 can be provided toprimary engine 12 viapower linkage 16 to boosthigh pressure spool 18. As used herein, an idle mode of operation refers to a rotational speed of thehigh spool 18 that is greater than the minimum rotational speed required to achieve starting of the engine and is less than the rotational speed (N2) associated with the maximum idle thrust ofprimary engine 12 set by the airframer. Idle is based on the engine's minimum limiting factor (e.g., minimum N1, N2, fuel air ratio, ECS bleed, etc.).Power assist system 10 can be used to supplement power toprimary engine 12 during descent of the aircraft as well as during ground idle and other flight idle operations. As illustrated, rotational energy ofshaft 32 ofsecondary engine 14 is transferred toshaft 24 onhigh pressure spool 18 ofprimary engine 12 viagenerator 36 andmotor 38. In some embodiments,generator 36 andmotor 38 can be a combined motor-generator capable of operating in a reverse direction (i.e., transferring power fromprimary engine 12 to secondary engine 14). In other embodiments,generator 36 andmotor 38 can be separate components coupled via an electrical connection (not shown).Generator 36 is a rotary generator driven byshaft 32 to produce electrical power, which is provided tomotor 38.Motor 38, in turn, uses the electrical power to driveshaft 24 ofhigh pressure spool 18. In alternative embodiments, the power shaft (not shown) ofsecondary engine 14 can be used to boosthigh pressure spool 18 ofprimary engine 12 viagenerator 36 andmotor 38. - As illustrated, during operation of
power assist system 10, fuel flow intocombustor 26 ofprimary engine 12 is reduced, as indicated by −ΔWF, in, which represents a change in fuel flow from a conventional idle mode (i.e., idle without power assist). Fuel flow input (+WF, in APU) tosecondary engine 14 is required to operatesecondary engine 14.Secondary engine 14 provides supplementary horsepower (+HPin) toprimary engine 12 viagenerator 36/motor 38. Supplemental power provided toprimary engine 12 can causehigh pressure spool 18 to rotate at a higher speed than a conventional idle speed. The increased speed ofhigh pressure spool 18 can improve operation safety (i.e., improvecompressor 20 operating stability margin) ofprimary engine 12 and response time from idle, allowing for a faster spool up time (time required to accelerate and increase fuel flow rate) if additional thrust output byengine 12 becomes necessary. Although fuel flow insecondary engine 14 is increased, a net fuel reduction can be achieved, as is discussed further with respect toFIGS. 4-6 . - In some embodiments, the architecture of
power linkage 16 can be used in reverse for boosting power tosecondary engine 14. In some operations, it may be beneficial to have a hybrid electric configuration in which an APU (secondary engine 14) is available on an as-needed basis throughout an entire flight. As such, it may be desired to runAPU 14 at idle during the entire flight or keepAPU 14 spooled up, but off, to ensureAPU 14 is ready when needed. To reduce the amount of fuel needed to runAPU 14 at idle or to keepAPU 14 spooled up, power can be transferred fromprimary engine 12 toAPU 14 whenprimary engine 12 is operating at high power. In this configuration,power assist system 10 is operated in reverse withhigh pressure spool 18 onprimary engine 12 driving a combined motor-generator.Generator 36 provides electric power tomotor 38, which in turn drivesshaft 32 ofAPU 14. Such power transfer can reduce the idle fuel burn ofAPU 14, such thatAPU 14 can remain on during flight and ready to respond on demand while reducing fuel usage, or keepAPU 14 spooled up to reduce reaction time at start-up. In alternative embodiments, boosting power tosecondary engine 14 can be supplied by the low spool ofprimary engine 12 through separate power linkage (not shown). -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a gas turbine enginepower assist system 40 in which secondarygas turbine engine 14 provides compressed air to primarygas turbine engine 12. Power assistsystem 40 is identical to power assistsystem 10 with the exception of the power linkage. Power assistsystem 40 replaces electrical/mechanical linkage 16 with amechanical power linkage 42.Power linkage 42 includesbleed air conduit 44, which connectscompressor 28 ofsecondary engine 14 toHPT 22 ofprimary engine 10. Compressed bleed air fromcompressor 28 is provided directly intoHPT 22 to provide torque tohigh pressure spool 18 and thereby boost power toprimary engine 12 to maintain pressurization and operation at a reduced fuel flow (−ΔWF, in). Although fuel input (+WF, in APU) is required to operatesecondary engine 14, a net fuel savings can still be realized usingpower assist system 40. In addition, the capability for bleeding off compressor air fromsecondary engine 14 could facilitate operation ofsecondary engine 14 in certain operating conditions, as such architecture allows for rematching each participatingengine cycle compressor 28 shown, which could alternatively provide a source of bleed air. As previously discussed,secondary engine 14 is not limited to the embodiment shown. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the source of bleed air can vary depending on the configuration of the APU. -
FIG. 3 is an alternative embodiment of a gas turbine enginepower assist system 50 in which secondarygas turbine engine 14 supplements power to primarygas turbine engine 12 by providing compressed air toHPT 22 and by drivingshaft 18 viagenerator 36 andmotor 38. Power assistsystem 50 is identical to power assistsystems system 50 includespower linkage 52, which is a combination ofpower linkage 16 andpower linkage 42.Power linkage 52 can simultaneously deliver compressed air toHPT 22 to provide high spool torque while also drivingshaft 18 viagenerator 36/motor 38. Additional benefit may be realized by combining the supplemental power provided by compressed air with rotational power provided bygenerator 36/motor 38 in some operations. Both power linkages influence the operating line onHPC 20. While the addition of compressed air intoHPT 22 can have an adverse impact on the operating line, the rotational energy provided bymotor 38 can have a positive impact on the operating line. Therefore, a balance between the two may provide a more efficient power boost toprimary engine 12. -
FIGS. 4-6 provide graphical representations of fuel flow reduction usingpower assist systems FIG. 4 illustrates the effect of supplementing power toprimary engine 12 using any of thepower assist systems FIG. 4 shows ability to reduce fuel flow toprimary engine 12 as compared to fuel flow at conventional idle (−ΔWF, in) by increasing horsepower (+HPin) provided bysecondary engine 14 viagenerator 36/motor 38 and/or increasing high spool torque provided bysecondary engine 14 via compressed air from compressor 28 (shown as ratio of bleed air fromcompressor 28 to airflow enteringcompressor 20, Win, APU Bleed/WCompressor). The conventional gas turbine idle point is the nominal fuel flow a gas turbine would operate at without boosting fromsecondary engine 14. -
FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of fuel flow reduction to the primary gas turbine engine with power boost to the primary gas turbine engine provided by the secondary gas turbine engine.FIG. 4 illustrates a conventional gas turbine engine idle point, in which the core supplies pressurized bleed air for the aircraft ECS (e.g., passenger cabin air). As fuel flow toprimary engine 12 is reduced, supplemental power must be provided to maintain minimum bleed air pressurization, identified byline 54. Insufficient supplemental power, i.e., anything belowline 54 falls within an Insufficient Bleed Pressure Zone for the aircraft ECS. Additionally, supplemental power provided toprimary engine 12 relative to fuel flow intoprimary engine 12 must fall below a lean blowout (LBO) limit or a Combustion Instability Zone, identified byline 56. Excessive supplemental power, i.e., anything aboveline 56, falls within the Combustion Instability Zone in which a fuel-to-air ratio is reduced enough to cause the combustor flame to become unstable or extinguished. In other words, excessive supplemental power combined with excessive reduction inprimary engine 12 fuel flow (−ΔWF, in) can reducecombustor 26 fuel-to-air ratio below sustainable combustion. The proposed idle location usingpower assist systems instability zone line 56 and the minimum bleedair pressurization line 54, preferably providing a safety margin between the proposed idle location andline 56. In some embodiments, the proposed idle location is preferably on or near the minimum bleedair pressurization line 54 to avoid using fuel and supplemental power to pressurize air above what is required. - The relationship between fuel flow and supplemental power provided to primary
gas turbine engine 12 will vary for eachpower assist system FIG. 4 is intended to provide a simplified example of the power assist used during a descent idle mode as disclosed herein. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that modeling will be required for eachpower assist system secondary engines power linkages primary engine 12 in the event that additional thrust output is necessary. In some embodiments,power assist system - Additional configurations may be considered in optimization of
power assist systems HPC 20 may be used to restrict airflow to shift CombustionInstability Zone line 56. The incidence angles of the HPC vanes can be changed to allow more or less airflow depending on the speed ofhigh pressure spool 18. As the vanes are closed, airflow fromHPC 20 can be reduced, which allows for an additional reduction inprimary engine 12 fuel flow before reaching the LBO limit. By restricting airflow fromHPC 20, the fuel-to-air ratio can be adjusted to optimize operation ofpower assist systems - The efficiency of
secondary engine 14 can also significantly impact the potential for net fuel savings achieved bypower assist systems FIG. 4 includes varyingAPU 14 efficiency lines. As will be discussed further with respect toFIG. 6 , net fuel savings are dependent in part on the fuel efficiency at whichAPU 14 operates. Along the APU efficiency line,power assist systems FIG. 4 , the proposed idle location would result in a slight net fuel savings with supplemental power provided bysecondary engine 14 operating at 40% efficiency, and improved net fuel savings withsecondary engines 14 operating at 50% and 60% efficiency. -
FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of improved fuel reduction obtainable when aircraft ECS requirements ofprimary engine 12 are removed. In some embodiments, pressurized air for the aircraft ECS can be supplied by a source of airflow other than the core orprimary engine 12. Therefore, there is no requirement forprimary engine 12 to supply pressurized bleed air for the aircraft ECS. In such embodiments, the idle location can be moved further to the left in fuel flow to a new proposed idle operation as there is no requirement to meet a minimum bleed air pressurization. Supplemental power provided toprimary engine 12 relative to fuel flow intoprimary engine 12 must fall below the CombustionInstability Zone line 56, and sufficient supplemental power (e.g., +HPin) is still provided bysecondary engine 14 to maintain an ideal idle speed as necessary to reduce the timeprimary engine 12 takes to spool up if additional thrust is needed. -
FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of an example of net fuel reduction with power supplementation to the primary gas turbine engine during descent of the aircraft, accounting forsecondary engine 14 fuel needed to generate supplemental power andprimary engine 12 fuel.FIG. 6 represents model results forpower assist system 10 for particular models of aturbofan engine 12 andAPU 14. As illustrated inFIG. 6 , forAPU 14 operating at 50% efficiency a power input of SF1 would require a fuel reduction of approximately WF1-2 (reduction from WF1 to WF2) fuel flow toprimary engine 12 to be energy neutral, as indicated by the 50% APU energy efficiency. The reduction of WF1-2 accounts for the amount of fuel needed byAPU 14 to produce supplemental power forprimary engine 12. Any further reduction of fuel flow toprimary engine 12 results in a net fuel savings of WF2-3 (reduction from WF2 to WF3) as indicated inFIG. 6 . This is a reduction of about five percent in net fuel consumption, with a reduction of fuel flow toprimary engine 12 of greater than ten percent over a conventional idle mode in which power toprimary engine 12 is not boosted bysecondary engine 14. As previously discussed, the net fuel savings is dependent on the efficiency ofAPU 14 with lower APU efficiencies resulting in lower net fuel savings. - In some embodiments, net fuel flow may be unchanged or even increased depending on the system configuration and goal of operation. The primary goal of using
power assist systems primary engine 12 in the event that additional thrust output is necessary. While use ofpower assist systems power assist systems power assist system 50, a method of improving response time ofprimary engine 12 can include increasing supplementary horsepower (+HPin) toprimary engine 12 viapower linkage 16 and reducing a bleed flow ratio of bleed air fromcompressor 28 to airflow enteringcompressor 20, Win, APU Bleed/Wcompressor viapower linkage 42 in a controlled time variant manner concurrent with an increase incombustor 26 fuel flow (+ΔWF, in) inprimary engine 12. - Power assist
systems primary engine 12 during an idle mode of operation, and particularly, during descent of the aircraft. A net fuel savings can be realized by supplementing power tohigh pressure spool 18 viagenerator 36/motor 38 driven bysecondary engine 14 and/or compressed bleed air fromsecondary engine compressor 28. In addition, supplemental power provided toprimary engine 12 can increase the idle speed above the conventional idle speed providing safer engine operating conditions (i.e.,improved compressor 20 operating stability margin) and reduced spool up time should additional thrust output byprimary engine 12 be necessary. Power assistsystem 10 provides the additional benefit of being capable of operating in reverse, transferring power fromprimary engine 12 tosecondary engine 14 to improvesecondary engine 14 efficiency, such that thesecondary engine 14 can remain on during flight and available for service as needed. - The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.
- A method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan during an idle mode of operation includes reducing a fuel flow to a primary gas turbine engine and boosting a high spool of the primary gas turbine engine using a secondary gas turbine engine via a first power linkage connecting the primary and secondary gas turbine engines, such that a net fuel reduction is achieved. The net fuel reduction accounts for fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine and fuel flow to the secondary gas turbine engine.
- The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations, additional components, and/or steps: rescheduling HPC vanes when power supplement is available; switching environmental control system (ECS) bleed and power sources; changing supplementary horsepower input to primary gas turbine engine and changing a bleed flow ratio of bleed air from the APU compressor to airflow entering primary gas turbine compressor in a controlled manner concurrent with changes in primary engine combustor fuel flow.
- A further embodiment of the method, the primary gas turbine engine can be a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine can be an auxiliary power unit (APU).
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include driving a generator with the secondary gas turbine engine, coupling a motor to the high spool, and powering the motor via the generator.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include generating compressed air with the secondary gas turbine engine, and providing the compressed air directly into a turbine of the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine to provide high spool torque.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include driving a generator with the second engine, coupling a motor to the high spool, powering the motor via the generator, generating compressed air in the secondary gas turbine engine, providing the compressed air into the turbine of the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine to provide high spool torque.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein the idle mode occurs during descent of the aircraft.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein reducing the fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine can include a reduction of fuel flow greater than 10 percent over a conventional idle mode in which power to the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine is not boosted by the secondary gas turbine engine.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include providing supplemental power to the primary gas turbine engine in an amount greater than 100 horsepower.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can further include restricting an air flow exiting from a compressor section of the primary gas turbine engine.
- In another aspect, a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes providing supplemental power to either a primary gas turbine engine or a secondary gas turbine engine—the primary gas turbine engine being a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine being an auxiliary power unit (APU). Supplemental power is provided to the primary gas turbine engine by the APU, and supplemental power is provided to the APU by the primary gas turbine engine. The method further includes reducing a fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine when supplemental power is provided to the primary gas turbine engine by the APU such that a net fuel reduction is achieved. The net fuel reduction accounts for fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine and fuel flow to the APU.
- The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations, additional components, and/or steps: rescheduling HPC vanes when power supplement is available; switching environmental control system (ECS) bleed and power sources; changing supplementary horsepower input to primary gas turbine engine and changing a bleed flow ratio of bleed air from the APU compressor to airflow entering primary gas turbine compressor in a controlled manner concurrent with changes in fuel flow to the APU.
- A further embodiment of the method, wherein providing supplemental power to the primary gas turbine engine occurs during an idle mode of operation of the aircraft, and wherein providing supplemental power can include boosting the high spool of a primary gas turbine engine using the secondary gas turbine engine via a first power linkage connecting the primary and secondary gas turbine engines.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include at least one of a first power supplementation method and a second power supplementation method. The first power supplementation method includes driving a generator with the secondary gas turbine engine, coupling a motor to the high spool, and powering the motor via the generator. The second power supplementation method includes generating compressed air in the secondary gas turbine engine, and providing the compressed air directly into a turbine of the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine to provide high spool torque.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein reducing the fuel flow to the primary gas turbine engine can include a reduction of fuel flow greater than 10 percent over a conventional idle mode in which power to the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine is not boosted by the secondary gas turbine engine.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein boosting the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine can include supplementing power to the primary gas turbine engine in an amount greater than 100 horsepower.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein providing supplemental power to the secondary gas turbine engine can include driving a generator with a high spool of the primary gas turbine engine, coupling a motor to a spool of the APU, and powering the motor via the generator.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein the mode of operation is one of a takeoff mode, top of climb mode, or cruise mode.
- In yet another aspect, a method of operating an aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes providing supplemental power to a primary gas turbine engine from a secondary gas turbine engine—the primary gas turbine engine being a propulsion engine and the secondary gas turbine engine being an auxiliary power unit (APU)—and reducing a response time of the primary gas turbine engine for spooling up when additional thrust output is needed.
- An aircraft hybrid gas turbofan includes a primary gas turbine engine, which is a propulsion engine having a high spool; a secondary gas turbine engine, which is an auxiliary power unit (APU); and a power linkage between the high spool of the primary gas turbine engine and the APU.
- The aircraft hybrid gas turbofan of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components: a combined motor-generator of the primary gas turbine engine and a combined motor-generator of the APU; a load compressor separate from the APU compressor-turbine; a power turbine mounted on a power shaft which is rotationally independent from APU turbine shaft; a combined motor-generator of the APU mounted on a power shaft which is rotationally independent from APU turbine shaft.
- A further embodiment of the aircraft hybrid gas turbofan, wherein the power linkage can include an electrical coupling and/or a mechanical coupling. The electrical coupling includes a generator driven by the APU and a motor coupled to the high spool and powered by the generator. The mechanical coupling includes a bleed air conduit connecting a compressor section of the APU to a core gas path of a turbine of the high spool.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing aircraft hybrid gas turbofans, wherein the power linkage includes a combined motor/generator configured to transfer power from a spool of the primary gas turbine engine to the APU.
- While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
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US16/431,245 US20200056497A1 (en) | 2018-08-17 | 2019-06-04 | Hybrid gas turbofan powered sub-idle descent mode |
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US201862719375P | 2018-08-17 | 2018-08-17 | |
US16/431,245 US20200056497A1 (en) | 2018-08-17 | 2019-06-04 | Hybrid gas turbofan powered sub-idle descent mode |
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US11035300B2 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2021-06-15 | Rolls-Royce Corporation | Control of a gas turbine driving a generator of an electrical system based on faults detected in the electrical system |
US20210310412A1 (en) * | 2020-04-06 | 2021-10-07 | Williams International Co., L.L.C. | External auxiliary power unit |
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FR3024755B1 (en) * | 2014-08-08 | 2019-06-21 | Safran Aircraft Engines | HYBRIDIZING THE COMPRESSORS OF A TURBOJET ENGINE |
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US11035300B2 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2021-06-15 | Rolls-Royce Corporation | Control of a gas turbine driving a generator of an electrical system based on faults detected in the electrical system |
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US11781477B2 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2023-10-10 | Rtx Corporation | Hybrid-electric single engine descent failure management |
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