Fluid flow system for a gas turbine engine
US6651441B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid flow system for a gas turbine engine provides combustion fuel to a main pump and an actuator pump significantly reducing heat generation at low flow demand, while regulating actuator flow temperature at high flow demand. Fuel flow from the actuator pump in excess of the actuators needs is directed through an actuator minimum pressure valve and into a thermal bypass valve (TBV.) Depending upon the temperature of the fuel, the TBV determines the path of the excess actuator pump fluid flow. The TBV divides the fuel flow between being recirculated to the actuator pump inlet and the main pump output flow path to the engine fuel input conduit. The engine actuators are thereby assured of receiving flow which preclude freezing of water entrained in the fuel. When there is minimal concern with the possibility of freezing water entrained in the fuel, the TBV passes a greater percentage of fuel through to join together in the engine fuel input conduit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.