Turbomachine for aircraft comprising a plurality of variable bypass valves and control method

Abstract

A turbomachine for an aircraft extending axially along an axis X comprising a primary flow path in which an air stream flows intended for the combustion chamber and a secondary flow path in which an air stream flows intended for propulsion, the compressor comprising a plurality of first variable bypass valves, a plurality of second variable bypass valves, the turbomachine comprising a first control system configured to control the movement of the plurality of first variable bypass valves and a second control system configured to control the movement of the plurality of second variable bypass valves, the first control system and the second control system being separate.

Claims

1. A turbomachine for an aircraft extending axially along an axis, comprising: a combustion chamber; a primary flow path in which an air flow for the combustion chamber circulates and a secondary flow path in which an air flow for propulsion circulates; a compressor comprising a plurality of first variable bypass valves and a plurality of second variable bypass valves, the plurality of first variable bypass valves and the plurality of second variable bypass valves extending in a same plane transverse to the axis, each variable bypass valve being configured to move between a closed position, in which an air flow from the primary flow path to the secondary flow path is prohibited, and an open position in which an air flow from the primary flow path to the secondary flow path is permitted; a turbine for driving the compressor; and a first control system configured to control the movement of the plurality of first variable bypass valves and a second control system configured to control the movement of the plurality of second variable bypass valves, the first control system and the second control system being independent so as to independently control the plurality of first variable bypass valves and the plurality of second variable bypass valves, wherein the first control system comprises: a first transmission ring which extends in a plane transverse to the axis of the turbomachine; a first engine device configured to rotate the first transmission ring about the axis by a predetermined angle; and a plurality of first actuation mechanisms connected to the first transmission ring, each first variable bypass valve being connected to a respective first actuation mechanism of the plurality of first actuation mechanisms, wherein the second control system comprises: a second transmission ring which extends in a plane transverse to the axis of the turbomachine; a second engine device configured to rotate the second transmission ring about the axis by a predetermined angle; and a plurality of second actuation mechanisms connected to the second transmission ring, each second variable bypass valve being connected to a respective second actuation mechanism of the plurality of second actuation mechanisms, wherein the plurality of first variable bypass valves and the plurality of second variable bypass valves are alternating at a periphery of the primary flow path.

2. The turbomachine for an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first actuation mechanisms and the plurality of second actuation mechanisms are at a same radial distance from the axis.

3. The turbomachine for an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission ring extends radially outwardly of the second transmission ring.

4. The turbomachine for an aircraft according to the claim 1, wherein the first transmission ring is rotatably guided relative to the second transmission ring.

5. The turbomachine for an aircraft according to the claim 1, wherein the first transmission ring and the second transmission ring extend in a same plane transverse to the axis.

6. The turbomachine for an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission ring is axially offset along the axis relative to the second transmission ring.

7. The turbomachine for an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the compressor comprises a plurality of third variable bypass valves, the plurality of third variable bypass valves extending in a same plane transverse to the axis.

8. A method for controlling the movement of the variable bypass valves of the turbomachine according to claim 1, the method comprising: a step of opening the plurality of first variable bypass valves by the first control system at a first time; and a step of opening the plurality of second variable bypass valves by the second control system at a second time which is different from the first time.

9. The turbomachine for an aircraft according to claim 7, further comprising a third control system configured to control a movement of the plurality of third variable bypass valves, the first control system, the second control system and the third control system being independent so as to independently control the plurality of first variable bypass valves, the plurality of second variable bypass valves and the plurality of third variable bypass valves.

10. A method of using the turbomachine of claim 1, comprising: operating the turbine to drive the compressor.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising using the first control system to control the movement of the plurality of first variable bypass valves and using the second control system to control the movement of the plurality of second variable bypass valves.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given only by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a general schematic representation of a turbomachine according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective representation of the control systems of the variable bypass valves of the turbomachine of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment,

(4) FIG. 3 is a close-up representation of the control systems in FIG. 2,

(5) FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of a control system according to the invention,

(6) FIG. 5 is a view of the control systems from upstream of the turbomachine,

(7) FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the control systems from upstream of the turbomachine,

(8) FIG. 7 is a schematic representation in a longitudinal cross-section view of a second embodiment of the control systems,

(9) FIG. 8 is a schematic representation in a simplified perspective view of the second embodiment of the control systems,

(10) FIG. 9 is a schematic representation in a longitudinal cross-section view of a third embodiment of the control systems,

(11) FIG. 10 is a schematic representation in a longitudinal cross-section view of a fourth embodiment of the control systems and

(12) FIG. 11 is a schematic representation in a transverse cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the control systems.

(13) It should be noted that the figures disclose the invention in a detailed way in order to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) As illustrated in FIG. 1, a turbomachine extends longitudinally along an axis X and allows the aircraft to be moved from an air flow entering the turbomachine and circulating from upstream to downstream. In the following, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are defined in relation to the axis X oriented from upstream to downstream. Analogously, the terms “internal” and “external” are defined in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The turbomachine comprises an upstream fan 104, an internal shell 105 and an external shell 106.

(15) The fan 102 is rotatably driven about the axis X of the turbomachine in order to suck in an air flow that is separated by the internal shell 105 between a first air flow for driving the turbomachine, called the primary flow, and a second, thrust air flow, called a secondary flow. The internal shell 105 extends substantially along the axis X of the turbomachine and the external shell 106 extends externally to the internal shell 105. The primary air flow extends internally to the internal shell 105 in a primary flow path V1, while the secondary flow path extends externally to the internal shell 105 in a secondary flow path V2. The internal shell 105 and the external shell 106 delimit the secondary air flow V2 for circulation of the secondary air flow.

(16) The turbomachine comprises a compressor 101 to accelerate the primary flow, a combustion chamber 102 to energize it and a turbine 103 driven by the energized air flow in order to drive the compressor 101.

(17) In order to avoid an operability failure of the turbomachine, in particular a pumping/stall phenomenon of the turbomachine, the compressor comprises a plurality of first variable bypass valves 1A and a plurality of second variable bypass valves 1B. Each variable bypass valve 1A, 1B is configured to move between a closed position, in which circulation of an air flow from the primary flow path V1 to the secondary flow path V2 is prohibited, and an open position in which circulation of an air flow from the primary flow path V1 to the secondary flow path V2 is permitted. The variable bypass valves 1A, 1B extend in a same plane transverse to the axis X so as to peripherally bypass the primary flow path.

(18) According to the invention, with reference to FIG. 2, the turbomachine comprises a first control system 2A configured to control the movement of the first variable bypass valves 1A and a second control system 2B configured to control the movement of the second variable bypass valves 1B, the first control system 2A and the second control system 2B being independent of each other.

(19) Since the control systems 2A, 2B are independent, the bypass valves 1A, 1B can be alternately controlled, that is in a time offset manner and no longer simultaneously as in prior art. For example, the first variable bypass valves 1A can be opened while the second variable bypass valves 1B are closed. This is particularly advantageous for discharging ice accumulation while limiting the risk of turbomachine pumping. During ice removal, there is no longer a short period of time during which the bypass valves 1A, 1B are necessarily closed simultaneously.

(20) The control systems 2A, 2B are pneumatically or electrically controlled to enable selective opening/closing. In the case of pneumatic control, the turbomachine can comprise a pneumatic circuit for each control system 2A, 2B and a regulating valve for selectively supplying each pneumatic circuit.

(21) Advantageously, in case of failure of one of the control systems 2A, 2B, the other control system remains operational, thus increasing reliability of the turbomachine.

(22) With reference to FIG. 2, according to a first embodiment, the turbomachine comprises only first variable bypass valves 1A and second variable bypass valves 1B. The first variable bypass valves 1A and the second variable bypass valves 1B are alternating at the periphery of the primary flow path V1 and extend in a same plane transverse to the axis X of the turbomachine.

(23) In this example, the turbomachine comprises four first variable bypass valves 1A and four second variable bypass valves 1B. Preferably, the turbomachine has the same number of first variable bypass valves 1A and second variable bypass valves 1B. Of course, the numbers of first/second variable bypass valves 1A, 1B could be different.

(24) In accordance with the invention, the turbomachine comprises a first control system 2A configured to control the movement of the first variable bypass valves 1A and a second control system 2B configured to control the movement of the second variable bypass valves 1B.

(25) In this example, the first control system 2A comprises a peripheral shaped first transmission ring 3A extending in a plane transverse to the axis X of the turbomachine, a first engine device 9A configured to rotate the first transmission ring 3A about its axis X by a predetermined angle, preferably helically, and a plurality of first actuation mechanisms 4A connected to the first transmission ring 3A, each first variable bypass valve 1A being connected to a first actuation mechanism 4A. As such, when the first engine device 9A is activated, the first variable bypass valves 1A are moved simultaneously.

(26) Analogously, the second control system 2A comprises a second peripheral transmission ring 3B that extends in a plane transverse to the axis X of the turbomachine, a second engine device 9B configured to rotate the first transmission ring 3B about its axis X by a predetermined angle, and a plurality of second actuation mechanisms 4B connected to the second transmission ring 3B, each second variable bypass valve 1B being connected to a second actuation mechanism 4B. Analogously, when the second engine device 9B is activated, the second variable bypass valves 1B are simultaneously moved.

(27) Advantageously, each control system 2A, 2B allows simultaneous control of several variable bypass valves 1A, 1B that are peripherally distributed. Thus, when the first variable bypass valves 1A or the second variable bypass valves 1B are bypassed, the bypass is balanced and distributed, which enables optimum bypass and reduction in the pumping risk.

(28) Preferably, the actuation mechanisms 4A, 4B and engine devices 9A, 9B are positioned downstream of the transmission rings 3A, 3B in order to limit the overall space.

(29) Preferably, each transmission ring 3A, 3B remains centered and in a plane transverse to the axis X during motion kinematics. The rigidity of each transmission ring 3A, 3B ensures that it does not deform under stresses. Preferably, the guidance of each transmission ring 3A, 3B is provided by shoes or calibrated connecting interfaces.

(30) Preferably, the transmission rings 3A, 3B are configured to rotate about the axis X in opposite directions when opening or closing simultaneously. Of course, rotation in the same direction could also be suitable.

(31) Each transmission ring 3A, 3B has a peripheral shape and extends orthogonally to the axis X along which the turbomachine extends.

(32) In this example, with reference to FIG. 2, the transmission rings 3A, 3B extend in the same plane transverse to the axis X. The first transmission ring 3A has a larger diameter than the diameter of the second transmission ring 3B. The first transmission ring 3A and the second transmission ring 3B are coaxial with each other, with the first transmission ring 3A extending radially outwardly of the second transmission ring 3B.

(33) The first transmission ring 3A is rotatably mounted relative to the second transmission ring 3B. With reference to FIG. 6, each transmission ring 3A, 3B comprises guide means 7, especially festoons or shoes, in order to allow the transmission rings 3A, 3B to rotatably move relative to each other about the axis X. Preferably, the guide means 7 are formed at the interfaces between the transmission rings 3A, 3B, in particular, at the end of their connection members 31A, 31B. Such guidance improves robustness of the control kinematics over time.

(34) As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first transmission ring 3A comprises an annular part 32A from which several first connection members 31A extend radially inward, allowing the connection with the first engine device 9A but also with the first actuation mechanisms 4A. In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first transmission ring 3A comprises five first connection members 31A (one to connect each first variable bypass valve 1A and one to connect the first engine device 9A).

(35) With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, each first connection member 31A has a substantially parallelogram shape comprising a base wall integral with the annular part 32A and a head wall substantially parallel to the base wall. The base wall is connected to the head wall by two walls that converge towards the head wall as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In other words, the head wall has a smaller dimension than the base wall in order to limit friction with the second transmission ring 3B.

(36) In addition, each first connection member 31A comprises an opening, extending in parallel to the axis X, in which a first actuator 4A or a first engine device 9A is mounted. Preferably, with reference to FIG. 6, mounting a first actuator 4A or a first engine device 9A is achieved by radially inwardly inserting a first attachment member 8A.

(37) Analogously, the second transmission ring 3B comprises an annular part 32B from which several second connection members 31B extend radially outwardly for connection to the second engine device 9B and also to the second actuation mechanisms 4B. In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second transmission ring 3B comprises five second connection members 31B (one to connect each second variable bypass valve 1B and one to connect the second engine device 9B).

(38) Each second connection member 31B comprises an opening, extending in parallel to the axis X, in which a second actuation mechanism 4B or a second engine device 9B is mounted. Preferably, with reference to FIG. 6, mounting a second actuation mechanism 4B or a second engine device 9B is achieved by inserting a second connection member 8B radially outwardly.

(39) The second transmission ring 3B is nested in the first transmission ring 3A in the same transverse plane. Preferably, the first connection members 31A and the second connection members 31B, connected to the variable bypass valves 1A, 1B, are alternately disposed peripherally. Preferably, the first connection members 31A and the second connection members 31B extend at the same radial distance from the axis X in order to limit the overall space and allow similar control kinematics for the transmission rings 3A, 3B.

(40) In this example preferably the first engine device 9A and second engine device 9B are also identical, for the sake of clarity and brevity, only the first engine device 9A will be set forth in further detail.

(41) In this example, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the first engine device 9A comprises a controllable cylinder 91A configured to extend along an axis parallel to the axis X of the turbomachine, a connecting rod 92A connected to the controllable cylinder 91A and a bell crank 93A connecting the connecting rod 92A to the first transmission ring 3A, in particular, to a first connection member 31A. A bell crank 93A advantageously enables the longitudinal motion of the controllable cylinder 91A to be converted into a tangential motion in order to rotatably drive the first transmission ring 3A about the axis X by a rotation angle that is a function of the stroke of the first controllable cylinder 91A. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the bell crank 93A is rotatably mounted about an axis Z9 in the turbomachine. It goes without saying that the first engine device 9A could have different forms.

(42) Alternatively, a first engine device 9A could be provided comprising a controllable cylinder 91A configured to extend along an axis orthogonal to the axis X of the turbomachine, in particular, tangentially to the first transmission ring 3A.

(43) In this example preferably, the first actuation mechanisms 4A and the second actuation mechanisms 4B are also identical, for the sake of clarity and brevity, only the first actuation mechanisms 4A will be set forth in detail. Like elements between the first and second actuation mechanisms 4A, 4B have been identified with like reference characters, except for their respective series “A” and series “B” designations.

(44) In this example, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the first actuation mechanism 4A comprises a bell crank 41A connected to the first transmission ring 3A, in particular, to a first connection member 31A, a connecting rod 42A connecting the bell crank 41A to a first variable bypass valve 1A in order to pivot it about a hinge axis Z1 orthogonal to the axis X. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the bell crank 41A is rotatably mounted about an axis Z4 in the turbomachine. It goes without saying that the first actuation mechanism 9A could have different forms.

(45) Thus, controlling the first actuation mechanism 9A allows simultaneous adjustment of the degree of opening of all the first variable bypass valves 1A. Analogously, controlling the second engine device 9B can simultaneously adjust the opening degree of all the second variable bypass valves 1B. When the control kinematics of the variable bypass valves 1A, 1B are identical, this allows all the variable bypass valves to be controlled identically, namely as if they were controlled by one and a single control system as in prior art.

(46) When the first engine device 9A and the second engine device 9B are not activated simultaneously, some of the variable bypass valves 1A, 1B are opened while others are closed (opening of the first variable bypass valves 1A at a first time t1 and then opening of the second variable bypass valves 1B at a second time t2). An alternate opening of the variable bypass valves 1A, 1B allows a possible ice accumulation in the turbomachine to be discharged without prohibiting bypassing of compressor 101. The drawbacks of prior art are thereby eliminated.

(47) Several embodiments are set forth in FIGS. 7 to 11. For the sake of clarity and brevity, the elements of the first embodiment are not described again, only the structural and functional differences will be detailed. In addition, similar elements between the embodiments are referenced analogously.

(48) According to a second embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 8, the transmission rings 3A′, 3B′ remain coaxial with each other but are not nested with each other but radially superimposed. The transmission rings 3A′, 3B′ are radially spaced so as to delimit an empty annular space between them. In other words, the first connection members 31A and the second connection members 31B extend at different radial distances from the axis X.

(49) In this example, the transmission rings 3A′, 3B′ are axially offset along the axis X. Such a solution can be advantageous to limit the axial overall space of the control systems 3A′, 3B′ and achieve similar control kinematics.

(50) With reference to FIG. 7, in a longitudinal section view along the axis X, the transmission rings 3A′, 3B′ are aligned along an alignment axis Z3′ which forms an angle θ with the plane transverse to the axis X. Preferably the bell cranks 41A′, 41B′ connected to the transmission rings 3A′, 3B′ respectively are hinged on axes Z4A′, Z4B′, each axis Z4A′, Z4B′ forming an angle θ with the plane transverse to the axis X. This feature makes it advantageous to control the first variable bypass valves and the second variable bypass valves according to a same kinematics.

(51) According to a third embodiment, with reference to FIG. 9, the transmission rings 3A″, 3B″ are no longer in the same transverse plane but are axially aligned along the axis X. In this example, the first transmission ring 3A″ is mounted upstream of the second transmission ring 3B″. The actuation mechanisms and engine devices are positioned downstream of the transmission rings 3A″, 3B″. In order to allow movement of the first transmission ring 3A″ located furthest upstream, the second transmission ring 3B″ comprises ports into which the bell cranks 41A″ attached to the first transmission ring 3A″ extend. The bell cranks 41B″ are hinged on axes Z4B″. This solution is advantageous to limit the overall space of the control systems. The transmission rings 3A″, 3B″ can be advantageously moved according to similar kinematics.

(52) According to a fourth embodiment, the turbomachine comprises first variable bypass valves, second variable bypass valves and third variable bypass valves. The first, second and third variable bypass valves are alternating at the periphery of the primary flow path and extend in the same plane transverse to the axis X.

(53) The turbomachine comprises a first control system configured to control the movement of the plurality of first variable bypass valves, a second control system configured to control the movement of the plurality of second variable bypass valves, and a third control system configured to control the movement of the plurality of third variable bypass valves.

(54) With reference to FIGS. 10 to 11, the first control system comprises a first transmission ring 3A′″, the second control system comprises a second transmission ring 3B′″, and the third control system comprises a third transmission ring 3C′″. As shown, by way of example, the bell crank 41A′″ connected to the transmission ring 3A′″ is hinged on axis Z4A′″.

(55) The transmission rings 3A′″, 3B′″, 3B′″ are coaxial and extend in a same plane transverse to the axis X. The third transmission ring 3C′″ extends radially outwardly of the first transmission ring 3A′″ which in turn extends radially outwardly of the second transmission ring 3B′″ as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. With reference to FIG. 11, transmission rings 3A′″, 3B′″, 3C′″ comprise connection members 31A′″ respectively, 31B′″, 31C′″ which are at the same radial distance from the axis X in order to be able to control, according to analogous kinematics, the bell cranks 41A′″, 41B′″, 41C′″ for actuation.

(56) The use of three transmission rings 3A′″, 3B′″, 3C′″ allows flexibility to be provided when bypassing the compressor 101 of the turbomachine. It goes without saying that the turbomachine could comprise more than three sets of variable bypass valves and as many associated control systems.