A propulsion system for an aircraft having a two stage contra-rotating fan system to generate thrust, surrounded by an aerodynamic duct, having the power train within the duct. The power train may comprise two electric motors with annular stators supplied from an energy storage means in the duct and rotors comprising permanent magnets disposed in a ring around the fan tips, wherein energy is supplied to stators through inverter(s). Having two battery packs 14, 25, two inverters 17, 26 and two motors 16, 28 may operate each fan stage 18, 24 independently for redundancy. Embedding the entire powertrain as a single unit may minimise cabling and housing, resulting in weight reduction. A thermal circuit may harvest heat in the power train to heat the airflow downstream of fans through an annular serrated heat exchanger 19, increasing thrust. Powertrain heat may be utilised for de-icing aerodynamic surfaces, e.g. deicing inlet cowls.
Electric ducted fan propulsor
2022-04-20
Patent
Electronic Resource
English