Adaptive fan with cold turbine
First Claim
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1. A gas turbine engine comprising:
- a first fan section including a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an axis;
a compressor in fluid communication with the first fan section;
a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor;
a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, the first turbine section driving the first fan section and the compressor;
a core flow path directing airflow to the compressor;
a first bypass radially outward of the core flow path;
a first splitter fixed between the core flow path and the first bypass;
a second fan section disposed between the first fan section and the compressor directing airflow into the first bypass and the core flow path; and
a second turbine section disposed axially aft of a forward end of the first splitter within the core flow path between the second fan section and the compressor, the second turbine section coupled to the second fan section for driving the second fan section.
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Abstract
A disclosed gas turbine engine includes a first fan section including a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an axis, a compressor in fluid communication with the first fan section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor and a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor. The first turbine section includes a low pressure turbine that drives the first fan section. A second fan section is supported between the first fan section and the compressor and is driven by a second turbine section disposed between the second fan section and the compressor for driving the second fan section.
39 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A gas turbine engine comprising:
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a first fan section including a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an axis; a compressor in fluid communication with the first fan section; a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor; a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, the first turbine section driving the first fan section and the compressor; a core flow path directing airflow to the compressor; a first bypass radially outward of the core flow path; a first splitter fixed between the core flow path and the first bypass; a second fan section disposed between the first fan section and the compressor directing airflow into the first bypass and the core flow path; and a second turbine section disposed axially aft of a forward end of the first splitter within the core flow path between the second fan section and the compressor, the second turbine section coupled to the second fan section for driving the second fan section. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A gas turbine engine comprising:
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a first fan section including a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an axis; a core engine including a compressor in fluid communication with the first fan section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor and a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, the turbine section driving the first fan section and the compressor; a core flow passage providing air to the core engine; an annular bypass passage disposed about the core engine; a fixed splitter that includes a forward end that splits incoming airflow between the core flow passage and the annular bypass passage; a second fan section disposed axially forward of the fixed splitter and between the first fan section and the compressor, the second fan section driving flow into the annular bypass passage; and a second turbine section disposed within the core flow passage and axially aft of the forward end of the fixed splitter between the second fan section and the compressor, wherein the second turbine section is coupled to the second fan section. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of operating a gas turbine engine comprising
defining a core gas flow path through a core engine, where the core engine includes a high pressure compressor, a combustor in communication with the compressor and a first turbine driven by gas flow generated by the combustor; -
adjusting a vane disposed within the core gas flow path to a first position for driving a second turbine disposed forward of the high pressure compressor and only within in the core gas flow path to provide a first condition of core flow to the high pressure compressor; and adjusting the vane to a second position for driving the second turbine to provide a second condition of core flow to the high pressure compressor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification