Patent ID: 6246138
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: F01D,F05D,F16C,H02K

Abstract:
A microturbine engine core, comprising:a compressor section including a compressor wheel for compressing intake air and creating a supply of compressed air;a turbine section including a turbine wheel for converting energy released from combustion of fuel and air in a combustion section into mechanical energy;a generator section including a stator and a rotor, the rotor being rotatably disposed inside the stator;a shaft, linking the turbine wheel, the compressor wheel and the rotor, the shaft harnessing mechanical energy extracted by the turbine wheel and thereby causing the compressor wheel to rotate and compress air and also causing the rotor to rotate within the stator;one or more thrust bearings, a portion of the compressed air flowing over the thrust bearings, the thrust bearings axially supporting the shaft;one or more journal bearings, a portion of the compressed air flowing over the journal bearings, the journal bearings supporting the shaft radially; anda plurality of air flow control devices, all of the air flow control devices arranged downstream of said thrust bearings and journal bearings.