Patents Assigned to Rolls-Royce plc
  • High power epicyclic gearbox and operation thereof
    Patent number: 11643976
    Abstract: An engine for an aircraft includes an engine core having a turbine, a compressor, and a core shaft connecting the turbine to the compressor; a fan located upstream of the engine core, the fan having a plurality of fan blades; and a gearbox. The gearbox is an epicyclic gearbox and comprises a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears, a ring gear, and a planet carrier on which the planet gears are mounted. The radial bending stiffness of the planet carrier is equal to or greater than 1.20×109 N/m, and/or the tilt stiffness of the planet carrier is greater than or equal to 6.00×108 Nm/rad. A method of operation of such an engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Mark Spruce
  • Aircraft electrical power distribution
    Patent number: 11643217
    Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft electrical power distribution system comprises determining a measure of ambient pressure; and setting a target operating voltage in accordance with the measure of ambient pressure. The method further comprises controlling the operating voltage in accordance with the set target operating voltage. The target operating voltage may refer to a distribution voltage of the aircraft. An aircraft electrical power distribution system is also disclosed, comprising: a sensor configured to determine a measure of ambient pressure; a controller configured to set a target operating voltage in accordance with the measure of ambient pressure, and a voltage regulator configured to regulate the operating voltage in accordance with the set target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Matthew S. Cartwright
  • Method of controlling aircraft vapour trails and propulsion system providing for control of aircraft vapour trails
    Patent number: 11643978
    Abstract: An aircraft including lean-burn gas turbine engines operating in pilot-plus-mains mode with a given initial fuel flow W0, a method of controlling the optical depth of contrails produced by a first group of engines includes the steps of (i) reducing fuel flow to each engine in the first group to change the operation of each engine from pilot-plus-mains mode to pilot-only mode, and (ii) adjusting fuel flow to one or more engines in a second group of engines such that the total fuel flow to engines of the second group is increased, all engines of the second group remaining in pilot-plus-mains mode, and wherein the set of lean-burn engines consists of the first and second groups. Depending on atmospheric conditions, the average optical depth of contrails produced by the engines may be enhanced or reduced compared to when all engines operate in pilot-plus-mains mode with a fuel flow W0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Peter Swann, Christopher P Madden
  • Electrical systems
    Patent number: 11646579
    Abstract: Electrical systems for connecting rotary electric machines with gas turbine spools are provided. One such electrical system includes: a first rotary electric machine; a second rotary electric machine; a first set of bidirectional converter circuits; a second set of bidirectional converter circuits; and DC outputs for connection with an R-channel network. Each electrical machine is mechanically coupled with a respective gas turbine spool and has an identical even number N?4 of phases, each phase having a respective index and including an identical number P?1 of coils wound in a P-plex configuration in which adjacent phases are radially separated by 2?/NP mechanical radians. Each of the first and second converter circuits converts AC to and from DC, has a respective index n, and is connected with the P coils in the nth phase of the first and second rotary electric machines, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Stephen M Husband, Jeffrey Hobday, Graham P Bruce, David F Brookes
  • Engine parameters
    Patent number: 11643980
    Abstract: A method of determining a calorific value of fuel supplied to a gas turbine engine of an aircraft comprises sensing at least one engine parameter during a first time period of aircraft operation during which the gas turbine engine uses the fuel; and, based on the at least one sensed engine parameter, determining a calorific value of the fuel. The sensing may be repeated such that the at least one engine parameter is monitored over time. The gas turbine engine may be a propulsive gas turbine engine of the aircraft or a gas turbine engine of an auxiliary power unit of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Craig W Bemment, Benjamin J Keeler, Paul W Ferra, Alastair G Hobday, Kevin R McNally, Andrea Minelli, Martin K Yates
  • ENGINEERING COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20230140028
    Abstract: A method of enhancing a scan or design of an engineering component, including: obtaining a scan or a design of an engineering component and inputting the scan or design of the component into a computer, providing an input into the computer of at least one physical parameter relating to the design or the scan of the image, converting the input parameter into a histogram and/or a glyph that represents the value of the physical parameter, and embedding the histogram or glyph into the scan or design of the engineering component. A computer implemented method of designing a component uses a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Andrew J KEANE
  • DESIGN OF ENGINEERING COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20230132487
    Abstract: A computer implemented method of assessing the suitability of a component, including: utilising a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network (cGAN), the cGAN network having an input, a generator and a discriminator; obtaining images or scans of manufactured components for both acceptable and non-acceptable components; training the discriminator of the cGAN with the images representing the acceptable and non-acceptable scans or images of a manufactured component; scanning or imaging a component to be assessed; and inputting the image or scan of a component to be assessed into the discriminator of the cGAN, wherein the output of the discriminator assesses if the scan or image is acceptable for use or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Andrew J KEANE
  • ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230136376
    Abstract: An electrical power system including: an electrical power source, a power electronics converter, an electrical network, a current limiting diode and a controllable circuit interruption device, wherein: the current limiting diode is configured to limit a fault current passing between the electrical power source and the electrical network in a fault condition; and the controllable circuit interruption device is configured to interrupt the fault current in response to a determination that the electrical power system is in the fault condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: David R. TRAINER, Francisco Javier CHIVITE ZABALZA, Mark SWEET, Gian INCERPI, Luke GEORGE
  • ELECTRICAL CONVERTER
    Publication number: 20230133771
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to electrical converters for use in aircraft electrical power systems and to methods of operating such electrical converters to maintain reliable operation of semiconductor components over varying cosmic radiation levels at altitude. Exemplary embodiments include an electrical converter comprising: a converter circuit having a plurality of semiconductor devices configured to convert an input electrical supply to an output electrical supply; and a controller connected configured to receive an input altitude signal, wherein the controller is further configured to control a temperature of the plurality of semiconductor devices according to the received input altitude signal to reduce an effect of increased incident cosmic radiation on the converter circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: David R. TRAINER, Francisco Javier CHIVITE ZABALZA, Mark SWEET
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING DYNAMIC LOADING TO A TEST SPECIMEN
    Publication number: 20230133728
    Abstract: A system for measuring loading on a test specimen. The system includes the test specimen arranged between a first loading bar and a second loading bar. The system further includes a first loading unit and a second loading unit configured to apply a first load and a second load to the first and second loading bars, respectively. The system further includes a first clamp and a second clamp configured to hold the first and second loading bars against the first and second loads, respectively. The system further includes a clamp actuating unit configured to selectively release at least the first clamp. The clamp actuating unit further includes a controller configured to electrically actuate at least one first electromechanical transducer from a retained state to a released state to release the first clamp, such that the first loading bar applies a first loading wave to the test specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Duncan A MACDOUGALL, Julian M REED, Sophoclis PATSIAS, Antonio PELLEGRINO, Clive R SIVIOUR, Daniel EAKINS, Yuan XU, Junyi ZHOU
  • CURRENT LIMITING DIODE
    Publication number: 20230140274
    Abstract: There is provided a current limiting diode 200 comprising a gate 206, a source 202, a drain 204 electrically connected to the source by an n-channel or p-channel 220 and a thermoelectric generator 208; wherein the source and the gate are electrically connected by a fill structure 210, and wherein the thermoelectric generator is configured to: generate a thermoelectric voltage by absorbing heat from the n-channel or p-channel and rejecting heat to a heat sink in a current limiting condition; and apply the thermoelectric voltage between the gate and the source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: David R TRAINER, Mark SWEET
  • PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINE IN ICE CRYSTAL CONDITIONS
    Publication number: 20230134256
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a fan; an engine core comprising a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine coupled to the compressor through a shaft; a reduction gearbox; an Engine Section Stator (ESS) comprising a plurality of ESS vanes with an external surface washed by the core airflow; an ESS heating system adapted to heat the ESS vanes, and a temperature sensor adapted to detect the temperature of the external surface of the ESS vanes and send a signal to the ESS heating system when said temperature is below a reference temperature. Upon detection and/or inference of ice crystal conditions and receiving from the temperature sensor the signal that the temperature is below the reference temperature, the ESS heating system is activated to heat at least a portion of the external surface of the ESS vanes and promote melting and adhering of ice crystals thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. JONES
  • CURRENT LIMITING DIODE
    Publication number: 20230137501
    Abstract: There is provided a current limiting diode comprising a gate, a source, and a drain electrically connected to the source by an n-channel or p-channel; wherein the source and the gate are electrically connected by a fill structure comprising a phase-change fill material, and wherein the phase-change fill material is configured to absorb heat from the n-channel or p-channel by changing phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: David R TRAINER, Francisco Javier CHIVITE ZABALZA, Mark SWEET, Gian INCERPI
  • ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230134788
    Abstract: There is provided an electrical power system comprising: a DC voltage source, a DC electrical network, a DC to AC to DC converter having a primary side connected to the DC voltage source and a secondary side connected to the DC electrical network, and a controller configured to control the DC to AC to DC converter, wherein the controller is configured to: monitor an electrical current or voltage between the DC voltage source and the DC electrical network; determine, based on the monitored electrical current or voltage, whether the DC electrical network is in a fault condition; and increase a switching frequency of the primary side of the DC to AC to DC converter in response to a positive determination that the DC electrical network is in a fault condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: David R. TRAINER, Francisco Javier CHIVITE ZABALZA, Mark SWEET, Luke GEORGE
  • Layer debonding
    Patent number: 11639052
    Abstract: A method of debonding a first layer from a second layer, wherein the first layer is bonded to the second layer by an adhesive located between the first and second layers. The method includes inserting a blade of a cleaving tool between the first and second layers, and exerting a controlled force on the cleaving tool to move the cleaving tool so as to de-bond the first and second layers in a region. The force exerted is controlled to match a de-bonding force calculated for the region, and such that the movement of the cleaving tool stops when the calculated force is less than a force required to move the cleaving tool, and continues when the calculated force is higher than or equal to the force required to move the cleaving tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Wu Xin Charles Ng, Dharun Vadugappatty Srinivasan, Atin Aggarwal, Sridhar Idapalapati
  • METHOD OF FORMING ARTICLE, COATED POWDER AND ARTICLE
    Publication number: 20230131097
    Abstract: A method of forming an article includes producing a base powder including a plurality of base particles. Each base particle includes an external surface and a first material. The method further includes removing one or more oxides from the external surface of each base particle to form a cleaned powder including a plurality of cleaned particles. Each cleaned particle includes a cleaned external surface made of the first material. The method further includes coating the cleaned external surface of each cleaned particle with a second material having a greater oxidation resistance than the first material to form a coated powder including a plurality of coated particles. Each coated particle includes an external layer including the second material that fully covers the cleaned external surface made of the first material. The method further includes forming the article using the coated powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: David A. STEWART
  • CABIN BLOWER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230132101
    Abstract: A cabin blower system, for an aircraft, comprising: a cabin blower compressor, for compressing air for delivery to a cabin of an aircraft, comprising a compressor drive shaft running on a contactless bearing system; and a transmission comprising an input and an output, the input being arranged to receive power from an engine of the aircraft and the output being arranged to mechanically drive the cabin blower compressor, wherein the output of the transmission is mechanically coupled with the compressor drive shaft via a flexible drive coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Christopher A MURRAY
  • ALLOY
    Publication number: 20230131449
    Abstract: A nickel-cobalt based superalloy composition consisting of by weight (wt.): 33.5 to 54 percent Ni; 19.5 to 36 percent Co; 9 to 12 percent Cr; 3.9 to 5.5 percent Al; 4.5 to 9.5 percent W; up to 5.5 percent Fe; 2 to 3.5 percent Mo; 0.6 to 5 percent Ta; 0.15 to 2.2 percent Ti; up to 1.75 percent Nb; up to 0.1 percent Hf; 0.005 to 0.03 percent C; 0.001 to 0.02 percent B; 0.005 to 0.06 percent Zr; up to 0.3 percent Si; up to 0.6 percent Mn; and the balance being impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Mark C HARDY, David DYE, Lucy REYNOLDS, Thomas MCAULIFFE, Ioannis BANTOUNAS
  • GEARED GAS TURBINE ENGINE
    Publication number: 20230127713
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine for an aircraft and a method of operating a gas turbine engine on an aircraft. Embodiments disclosed include a gas turbine engine for an aircraft including: an engine core has a turbine , a compressor, and a core shaft; a fan located upstream of the engine core, the fan has a plurality of fan blades; a nacelle surrounding the engine core and defining a bypass duct and bypass exhaust nozzle; and a gearbox that receives an input from the core shaft and outputs drive to the fan wherein the gas turbine engine is configured such that a jet velocity ratio of a first jet velocity exiting from the bypass exhaust nozzle to a second jet velocity exiting from an exhaust nozzle of the engine core at idle conditions is greater by a factor of 2 or more than the jet velocity ratio at maximum take-off conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Craig W BEMMENT
  • Gas turbine engine with improved VIGV shielding
    Patent number: 11634993
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes: a fan rotating about an engine main axis; a core duct; an engine core; an Engine Section Stator (ESS) including a plurality of ESS vanes and arranged in the core duct downstream of the fan; and a plurality of variable inlet guide vanes (VIGV) adapted to rotate about a pivot axis and arranged in the core duct downstream of the ESS. The VIGV vanes are arranged angularly rotated with respect to the ESS vanes such that the VIGVs are shielded by the ESS, thereby protecting the VIGVs from icing and from ice shedding from the ESS vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Geoffrey B Jones, Edward J Spalton, Duncan A MacDougall