US 8,230,974 B2 · Windmill and zero gravity lubrication system for a gas turbine engine

Abstract

A pump system for lubricating a bearing in a gear system of a gas turbine engine includes a main pump, an auxiliary pump, an auxiliary reservoir, a sump, and a valve system. The main pump is fluidically connected to the bearing through a main supply passage. The auxiliary pump is fluidically connected to the bearing through an auxiliary supply passage. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the main pump to the bearing under a first set of engine operating conditions. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the auxiliary reservoir to the sump and from the sump through the auxiliary pump to the bearing under a second set of engine operating conditions. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the auxiliary reservoir through the auxiliary pump, bypassing the sump, to the bearing under a third set of engine operating conditions.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A pump system for lubricating a bearing in a gear system of a gas turbine engine, the pump system comprising:

a main pump fluidically connected to the bearing through a main supply passage;
an auxiliary pump fluidically connected to the bearing through an auxiliary supply passage;
an auxiliary reservoir;
a sump;
and
a valve system that transfers lubricating liquid from the main pump to the bearing under a first set of engine operating conditions, transfers lubricating liquid from the auxiliary reservoir to the sump and then from the sump through the auxiliary pump to the bearing under a second set of engine operating conditions, and transfers lubricating liquid from the auxiliary reservoir through the auxiliary pump, bypassing the sump, to the bearing under a third set of engine operating conditions.

3 more elements

A lubrication system for lubricating a bearing in a fan drive gear system for a gas turbine engine, the system comprising:

a main pump;
an auxiliary pump;
an auxiliary reservoir;
a sump;
a first shuttle valve switchable between a first position fluidically connecting the auxiliary reservoir to an inlet of the auxiliary pump and a second position fluidically connecting the sump to the inlet of the auxiliary pump;
a first sensor for sensing an engine operating condition, wherein the first sensor is connected to the first shuttle valve, and wherein the first shuttle valve is actuated between the first and second positions based upon the sensed engine operating condition;
a second shuttle valve switchable between a first position fluidically connecting an outlet of the main pump to a bearing and a second position fluidically connecting an outlet of the auxiliary pump to the bearing;
and
a second sensor for sensing fluid pressure between the main pump and the second shuttle valve, wherein the second sensor is connected to the second shuttle valve, and wherein the second shuttle valve is actuated between the first and second positions based upon the sensed fluid pressure.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Windmill and zero gravity lubrication system for a gas turbine engine

Life of this patent

Windmill and zero gravity lubrication system for a gas turbine engine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20