High Efficiency, Low Weight Electric Inlet Particle Separator (IPS) Blower for a Turboshaft Engine

An electric-motor driven Inlet Particle Sepatator (IPS) blower is an ideal solution to a number of technical problems related to eliminating sand and dust erosion of turboshaft engine components. A motor which does not require liquid lubricant would be even more desirable since the inlet area of turboshaft engines is a difficult one for the installation of lines. SatCon proposes to develop a flux-concentrating permanent-magnet brushless motor and its associated controller as an IPS blower motor. This motor design makes the best use of advanced magnetic materials technology since the total weight and power consumption of components is critical. The electronic interface design will make use of either AC or DC (28 V or 270 V) primary power to determine the optimum approach for minimum size and weight. A maximum weight of five pounds has been established. Oilless bearings based on solid lubricant or an advanced bearing grease will be used. During Phase I, SatCon will generate a preliminary design for the motor and electronic drive system using the T800 engine. During Phase II, SatCon will detail design, fabricate, and bench test the IPS electric blower. Testing will simulate T800 IPS operation over full engine operating range.