Patent Description:
Electrical systems, such as on aircraft, commonly include generators. The generators provide electrical power to electrical devices connected to the electrical system, typically using mechanical rotation applied to the generator by an engine. The mechanical rotation rotates a rotor carrying magnet elements relative to a stator winding such that magnetic flux provided by the magnetic elements induces a flow of electric current in the stator windings.

Since the electric current flow induced in the stator windings resistively heats the stator windings and surrounding structures, generators typically require cooling. In some generators the cooling is provided by circulating oil through the generator, generally by connecting the generator to the engine oil system or to an independent oil system. The oil circuit of a generator provisioned with oil from a shared oil system typically has a flow path that differs from that of a generator provisioned with oil from an independent oil system. For that reason generators configured for connection to an independent oil system are typically not interchangeable with generators configured for connection to a shared oil system. Likewise, generators configured for connection to a shared oil system are typically not interchangeable with generators configured for connection to an independent oil system. The oil source dependency can add cost to sparing such generators.

<CIT> discloses a turbo-alternator including a generator, a turbine and a coolant circuit. A coolant conduit fluidly couples turbine and generator.

<CIT> discloses an aircraft generator comprising an oil cooling system and operable in association with a propulsion engine.

Such generators and generator arrangements and methods have generally been acceptable for their intended purpose. However, there remains a need in the art for improved generators, generator arrangements, and methods of making generators. The present disclosure provides a solution to this need.

A generator according to claim <NUM> and a method according to claim <NUM> are provided.

Further embodiments may include wherein the housing has a conduit with defining a flow area arranged within an interior of the housing, wherein the selector spans the flow area of the conduit.

Further embodiments may include wherein the selector comprises a flow passer having a tool engagement feature, wherein the tool engagement feature is located within an interior of the housing.

Further embodiments may include wherein the selector comprises a flow blocker, the flow blocker having a first seal member extending about a first end of the selector and compressively fixed between the housing and a first seat of the selector, and a second seal member extending about a second end of the selector, the second end longitudinally opposite the first end, the second seal member compressively fixed between the housing and a second seat of the selector.

Further embodiments may include wherein the selector comprises a flow passer with a flow passage extending therethrough, the flow passage of the flow passer fluidly coupling the stator to the one of the independent system port and the shared system port.

Further embodiments may include wherein the selector comprises a flow blocker with a monolithic body, the monolithic body of the flow blocker fluidly separating the stator from the other of the independent system port and the shared system port.

Further embodiments may include a flow blocker fixed within the first seat and fluidly separating the shared system port from the stator, and a flow passer fixed within the second seat and fluidly coupling the independent system port to the stator.

Further embodiments may include a flow passer fixed within the first seat and fluidly coupling the shared system port to the stator, and a flow blocker fixed within the second seat and fluidly separating the independent system port from the stator.

Further embodiments may include wherein at least one of the first seat and the second seat extend through a conduit arranged within an interior of the housing.

Further embodiments may include wherein the housing has a drive end and an anti-drive end, wherein the shared system port is arranged on the drive end of the housing, wherein the independent system port is arranged between the drive end and the anti-drive end of the housing or the anti-drive end of the housing.

Further may include wherein the shared system port is a shared system oil-in port, wherein the independent system port is an independent system oil-in port, and wherein the housing has a shared system oil-out port and an independent system oil-out port connected to the selector.

Further embodiments may include a scavenge pump connecting the independent system oil-out port to the selector, and an inline screen connecting the shared system oil-out port to the selector.

Further embodiments may include an inline screen connecting the shared system oil-out port to the selector, and a scavenge filter connecting the independent system oil-out port to the selector.

Further embodiments may include wherein the shared system port is a shared system scavenge port, wherein the independent system port is an independent system oil-in port, the generator having a scavenge filter bypass conduit connecting the selector to the shared system scavenge port and a check valve connecting the selector to the independent system oil-in port.

Further embodiments may include wherein the selector is an oil-in system selector, the generator having an oil-out selector connected to the oil-in selector by the stator and a scavenge selector connected to the oil-in selector by the rotor.

In accordance with certain embodiments a generator arrangement is provided. The generator arrangement includes a generator as described above and an accessory gearbox. The accessory gearbox has an accessory mount supporting the generator, a scavenge selector is connected to the oil-in selector by the rotor, and a plug seated in the independent system port.

A method of making the generator is also provided. The method is defined according to claim <NUM>.

Further embodiments may include fluidly coupling the stator with the other of the shared system port and the independent system port with the selector, and fluidly separating the stator from the other of the of the shared system port and the independent system port with the selector.

Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include generators capable for operation with either shared oil systems or independent oil systems. A singular housing provides capability for the generator to operate with either a shared oil system or an independent oil system. In accordance with the invention, generators described herein can be configured for operation with either a shared oil system or an independent oil system by configuring selectors arranged within the housing of the generator. It is also contemplated that the selectors be configured, and as required re-configured, for operation with either shared oil systems or independent oil systems by changing the placement of flow passers and flow blockers disposed within the housing and inter changeable among selector seats arranged within the housing.

The scope of protection is solely defined by the appended independent claims.

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a generator in accordance with the disclosure is shown in <FIG> and is designated generally by reference character <NUM>. Other embodiments of generators, generator arrangements, and methods of making generators in accordance with the present disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in <FIG>, as will be described. The generators and generator arrangements described herein can be used with shared oil systems or independent oil systems, such engine oil systems on aircraft main engines and auxiliary power units, though the present disclosure is not limited to aircraft engines or to any particular type of oil system in general.

Referring now to <FIG>, a first generator arrangement <NUM> and a second generator arrangement <NUM> are shown. In the first generator arrangement the generator <NUM> is operatively associated with a gas turbine engine <NUM> having an engine oil system <NUM>. In the first generator arrangement <NUM> the generator <NUM> is arranged to circulate shared source oil <NUM> from engine oil system <NUM>. In the second generator arrangement <NUM> the generator <NUM> is arranged to circulate independent source oil <NUM> from an independent oil system <NUM>, shown in dashed outline.

The gas turbine engine <NUM> includes a compressor section <NUM>, a combustor section <NUM>, and a turbine section <NUM>. The gas turbine engine <NUM> also includes a power-take-off (PTO) shaft <NUM> and an accessory gearbox <NUM> with an accessory mount <NUM>. The compressor section <NUM> is operably associated with turbine section <NUM> and is arranged to receive therefrom mechanical work. During operation, the compressor section <NUM> ingests air from the external environment and compresses the air using the mechanical work provided by the turbine section <NUM>. The compressed air is communicated to the combustion section <NUM>, which generates a flow of high pressure combustion products and communicates the high pressure combustion products to the turbine section <NUM>.

The turbine section <NUM> expands the high pressure combustion products, extracts work from the high pressure combustion products as they expand, and communicates the work to the compressor section <NUM>. A portion of the work extracted by the turbine section <NUM> is also communicated to the generator <NUM> as mechanical rotation through the accessory gearbox <NUM>, though the PTO shaft <NUM>. The mechanical rotation rotates a rotor <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the generator <NUM> to generate electrical power, which is used to power electrical devices connected to the generator <NUM>.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art in view of the present disclose, heat is generated during the operation of the generator <NUM>. To remove this heat the generator <NUM> oil received from either the engine oil system <NUM> or the independent oil system <NUM> is circulated through the generator <NUM>. To render the generator <NUM> operable with oil from either the engine oil system <NUM> or the independent oil system <NUM> the generator includes an oil circuit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) having a plurality of selectors, e.g., the oil-in selectors <NUM>, the oil-out selector <NUM>, and the scavenge selector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), the selectors arranged to configure (and re-configured, as appropriate) the generator <NUM> to circulate oil from either the engine oil system <NUM> or the independent oil system <NUM>. While shown and described herein as employing oil for coolant, those of skill in art the will appreciate that generators employing other types of fluids for cooling and/or lubrication can also benefit from the present disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the generator <NUM> is shown. The generator <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a stator <NUM>, and a rotor <NUM>. The stator <NUM> is arranged within the housing <NUM> and the rotor <NUM> is supported for rotation relative to the stator <NUM>. The generator also includes the oil circuit <NUM>, which is configurable to circulate oil from either the engine oil system <NUM> or the independent oil system <NUM>, as will be described.

The housing <NUM> has a drive end <NUM> and an anti-drive end <NUM>. The drive end <NUM> includes a mounting feature <NUM> configured and adapted to support the generator <NUM> at the accessory mount <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the accessory gearbox <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). A shared system oil-in port <NUM>, a shared system oil-out port <NUM>, and a shared system scavenge port <NUM> each extend through the housing <NUM> at the drive end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and are in fluid communication with an interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. More particularly, each of the shared system oil-in port <NUM>, shared system oil-out port <NUM>, and the shared system scavenge port <NUM> are axially overlapped by the accessory mount <NUM> and are arranged to communicate shared source oil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) between the generator <NUM> and the engine oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). A case pressure relief valve <NUM> is also located on the drive end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> for relieving pressure from the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the generator <NUM> is supplied the independent source oil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) from the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

The housing <NUM> also includes an independent system oil-in port <NUM>, an independent system oil-out port <NUM>, and an independent system pressure oil-fill port <NUM>. Each of the independent system oil-in port <NUM>, the independent system oil-out port <NUM>, and the independent system pressure oil-fill port <NUM> extend through the housing <NUM> at locations other than the drive end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, e.g., on upper and lower surfaces of the housing <NUM> (relative to the top of <FIG>), and are configured to communicate independent source oil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) between the generator <NUM> and the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

The housing <NUM> additionally includes a push-to-vent feature <NUM>, a vacuum break valve <NUM>, a sight glass <NUM>, an external visual differential pressure indicator (DPI) <NUM>, and a standpipe port <NUM>. The push-to-vent feature <NUM> is configured and adapted to selectively vent the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to the external environment manually when the generator <NUM> is connected to the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), such as upon actuation by a maintainer. The vacuum break valve <NUM> is configured and adapted for equalizing pressure within the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM> with the external environment manually, also when the generator <NUM> is connected to the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) when actuated by a maintainer. The sight glass <NUM> is configured and adapted to provide visual indication the level of oil within the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, e.g. within a sump, when the generator <NUM> is connected to the independent oil system <NUM>, for example to provide state of fill indication to a maintainer. The external visual DPI <NUM> provides an indication of pressure across the scavenge filter <NUM> when the generator <NUM> is connected to the independent oil system <NUM>. The standpipe port <NUM> is in fluid communication with a standpipe <NUM> located within the interior <NUM> of the generator and is arranged discharge oil from the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when oil level within the housing exceeds a predetermined level.

The stator <NUM> includes a stator winding <NUM> and is fixed within the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is supported for rotation relative to the stator winding <NUM> by a bearing arrangement <NUM> about a rotation axis <NUM> and extends axially from the drive end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In this respect a portion of the generator <NUM> including a shear feature and a drive feature are received within the accessory gearbox <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to receive mechanical rotation R from the gas turbine engine <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the PTO shaft <NUM> (shown in <FIG>. It is contemplated that the rotor <NUM> carry a magnetic element to induce current in the stator winding <NUM> as magnetic element rotate about the rotation axis <NUM> relative to the stator winding <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> the magnetic element is a field winding <NUM>.

The field winding <NUM> is in electrical communication with an exciter <NUM> through a rotating rectifier <NUM> for generating magnetic flux during rotation with current provided by the exciter <NUM>. More specifically, the mechanical rotation R of the rotor <NUM> generates an excitation current using a permanent magnet generator <NUM> operably connected to the rotor <NUM>, which the exciter <NUM> communicates to the rotor <NUM> for rectification by the rotating rectifier <NUM> and application to the field winding <NUM>. In certain embodiments the generator <NUM> can be a variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) electric machine. Examples of such VSCF electric machines includes those described in <CIT>. Although shown in described herein in the context of a wound field machine, constant speed and/or permanent magnet-type electric machines can also benefit from the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, structures within the interior of the generator <NUM> generate heat during operation. For example, one or more electrical structure within the generator <NUM> such as the stator winding <NUM>, the permanent magnet generator <NUM>, the exciter <NUM>, the rotating rectifier <NUM>, and the field winding <NUM> can require oil to remove heat generated by resistive heating of current-carrying elements. The bearing arrangement <NUM> also generates heat from friction associated with rotation of the rotor <NUM>, and can require oil for heat removal and/or lubrication. The oil circuit <NUM> is arranged to circulate oil through the generator <NUM> to remove heat and/or provide lubricant, as appropriate, and is easily modified to operate with either the engine oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) or the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), as suitable for a contemplated application of the generator <NUM>.

The oil circuit <NUM> includes the supply conduit <NUM>, the return conduit <NUM>, and the scavenge pump <NUM>. The oil circuit <NUM> also includes a sump <NUM>, a scavenge filter <NUM>, and an inline screen <NUM>. In addition, the oil circuit <NUM> includes scavenge filter bypass conduit <NUM>, a scavenge filter to independent system oil-out port conduit <NUM>, and an external circuit bypass172. A plurality of selectors are arranged along the oil circuit <NUM>, <FIG> showing an oil-in selector <NUM>, an oil-out selector <NUM>, and a scavenge selector <NUM>.

The oil-in selector <NUM> connects the independent system oil-in port <NUM> and the shared system oil-in port <NUM> to the supply conduit <NUM>. The supply conduit <NUM> is in turn connected to the stator <NUM>, the rotor <NUM>, and the bearing arrangement <NUM>. The bearing arrangement <NUM> is connected to the sump <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is also connected to the sump <NUM> through one or more of the permanent magnet generator <NUM>, the exciter <NUM>, the rotating rectifier <NUM>, and/or the field winding <NUM>.

The stator <NUM> is connected to the oil-out selector <NUM>. The oil-out selector <NUM> is in turn connected to the scavenge pump <NUM> through the return conduit <NUM> and the sump <NUM>. The scavenge pump <NUM> is connected to the shared system oil-out port <NUM> through the inline screen <NUM>. The scavenge selector <NUM> connects the scavenge pump <NUM> to the shared system scavenge port <NUM> through the scavenge filter bypass conduit <NUM>. The scavenge selector <NUM> also connects the scavenge pump <NUM> to the scavenge filter <NUM>, and therethrough to the independent system oil-out port <NUM>.

It is contemplated that each of the plurality of selectors fluidly couple the stator <NUM> to either the independent system oil-in port and or the shared system oil-in port to which the selector is connected. It is also contemplated that each of the plurality of selectors fluidly separate the stator <NUM> from the other of the other of the independent system port and one shared system port to which the selector is connected. In this respect the oil-in selector <NUM> connects the stator <NUM> to the independent system oil-in port <NUM> and the shared system oil-in port <NUM>, the oil-out selector <NUM> connects the stator <NUM> to the shared system oil-out port <NUM> and the independent system oil-out port <NUM>, and the scavenge selector <NUM> connects the stator <NUM> to the independent system oil-in port <NUM> and the independent system oil-out port <NUM>. It is contemplated that the fluid communication be established by the arrangement (or re-arrangement) of flow passers, i.e., flow passer <NUM>, flow passer <NUM>, and flow passer <NUM> (shown in <FIG>,) and flow blockers, i.e., flow blocker <NUM>, flow blocker <NUM>, and flow blocker <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), in seat pairs of the respective selectors.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the oil-in selector <NUM> and a portion of the supply conduit <NUM> are shown. The supply conduit <NUM> is arranged within the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and defines a flow area <NUM>. The oil-in selector <NUM> includes a first seat <NUM> and a second seat <NUM>. The first seat <NUM> connects the independent system oil-in port <NUM> to the stator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) through the supply conduit <NUM>, the first seat extending through the supply conduit <NUM> within in interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. It is contemplated that the first seat <NUM> be defined by the housing <NUM> and in this respect the first seat <NUM> extends through the flow area <NUM> defined by supply conduit <NUM>, e.g., between a first interior surface <NUM> and a second interior surface <NUM> of the supply conduit <NUM> such that the oil-in selector <NUM> spans the flow area <NUM> of the supply conduit <NUM>. In certain embodiments the housing <NUM> may include a cored or drilled body defining the supply conduit <NUM>, the first seat <NUM> intersecting the supply conduit <NUM> within the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. On one end the first seat <NUM> is in communication with the supply conduit <NUM> and on another end the first seat <NUM> is in communication with the shared system oil-in port <NUM>.

The second seat <NUM> is similar to the first seat <NUM>, and additionally connects the shared system oil-in port <NUM> to the stator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) through the supply conduit <NUM>. It is contemplated that the second seat <NUM> connect the independent system oil-in port <NUM> to the stator <NUM> through the supply conduit <NUM>, the second seat <NUM> connecting to the supply conduit <NUM> at a location along the supply conduit <NUM> at a location between the first seat <NUM> and the stator <NUM>. An optional plug <NUM> can be seated in within the independent system oil-in port <NUM> of the oil-in selector <NUM> on a side of the flow blocker <NUM> opposite the supply conduit <NUM> to prevent contamination from entering the independent system oil-in port <NUM>, simplifying re-configuration of the generator <NUM> to receive oil from an independent oil source, e.g., the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, a flow passer <NUM> is fixed within the first seat <NUM> and a flow blocker <NUM> is fixed within the second seat <NUM>. The flow passer <NUM> fluidly couples the shared system oil-in port <NUM> to the stator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the flow blocker <NUM> fluidly separates the independent system oil-in port <NUM> to the stator <NUM>. Fixation of the flow passer <NUM> within the first seat <NUM> allows the a shared oil-source, e.g., the engine oil system <NUM>, to provide a flow of shared source oil <NUM> to the stator <NUM> through the flow passer <NUM> and the supply conduit <NUM>. Fixation of the flow blocker <NUM> within the second seat <NUM> prevents communication between the independent system oil-in port <NUM> and the supply conduit <NUM>.

It is contemplated that the flow passer <NUM> and the flow blocker <NUM> be interchangeable with one another. In this respect <FIG> shows the flow passer <NUM> fixed within the second seat <NUM> and the flow blocker <NUM> fixed within the first seat <NUM>. Fixation of the flow passer <NUM> within the second seat <NUM> allows an independent oil-source, e.g., the independent oil system <NUM>, to provide a flow of independent source oil <NUM> to the stator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) through the flow passer <NUM> and the supply conduit <NUM>. Fixation of the flow blocker <NUM> within the first seat <NUM> prevents communication between the shared system oil-in port <NUM> and the supply conduit <NUM>. Optionally, the plug <NUM> can be seated in within the first seat <NUM> on a side of the flow blocker <NUM> opposite the supply conduit <NUM> to prevent contamination from entering the shared system oil-in port <NUM>, simplifying re-configuration of the generator <NUM> to receive oil from a shared oil source, e.g., the engine oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

With reference to <FIG>, the flow blocker <NUM> and the flow passer <NUM> are shown, respectively. As shown in <FIG>, the flow blocker <NUM> has a monolithic body <NUM> that is cylindrical in shape with a first end <NUM> and a longitudinally opposite second end <NUM>. A first annular groove <NUM> is defined within the first end <NUM> and a first seal member <NUM> is seated therein and about the first end <NUM> for compressive engagement between the interior of the first seat <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), or the interior of the second seat <NUM>, and the first end <NUM> of the flow blocker <NUM>. A second annular groove <NUM> is defined on the second end <NUM> of the flow blocker <NUM>, a second seal member <NUM> seated therein and the about the second end <NUM> also for compressive engagement between the interior of the first seat <NUM>, of the interior of the second seat <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> of the flow blocker <NUM>.

A tool engagement feature <NUM> is defined on the first end <NUM> of the flow blocker <NUM>, the tool engagement feature <NUM> arranged to allow a tool to fix and/or remove the flow blocker <NUM> in the first seat <NUM> or the second seat <NUM> to configure the generator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to receive oil from the engine oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) or the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> it is contemplated that the tool engagement feature be arranged within the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the flow blocker <NUM> is fixed within the oil-in selector <NUM>, which prevents tampering with the oil circuit <NUM> of the generator <NUM> once configured for one of the engine oil system <NUM> and the independent oil system <NUM>. In certain embodiments the tool engagement feature <NUM> secures the flow blocker in place and/or serves as an anti-rotation feature.

With reference to <FIG>, the flow passer <NUM> is similar to the flow blocker <NUM> and additionally defines a flow passage <NUM>. The flow passage <NUM> is defined longitudinally between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the flow passer <NUM>, the flow passage <NUM> extending laterally through the flow passer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, it is contemplated that the flow passage <NUM> being in registration with the supply conduit <NUM> and one of the shared system oil-in port <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the independent system oil-in port <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) once fixed within the oil-in selector <NUM>, the flow passer <NUM> thereby fluidly coupling one of the engine oil system <NUM> and the independent oil system to the supply conduit <NUM>, and therethrough the stator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), to provide a flow of oil thereto. An o-ring <NUM> and an o-ring <NUM> seat about the flow passer <NUM> on longitudinally opposites sides of the flow passage <NUM>.

With continuing reference to <FIG>, the oil-out selector <NUM> and the scavenge selector <NUM> are similar to the oil-in selector <NUM> and are additionally connected on a side of the stator <NUM> opposite (relative to the direction of oil flow) the oil-in selector <NUM>. Specifically, the oil-out selector <NUM> connects the stator <NUM> to the scavenge pump <NUM> through the return conduit <NUM>, and to the shared system oil-out port <NUM> through the inline screen <NUM>. The scavenge selector <NUM> connects the scavenge pump <NUM> to the shared system scavenge port <NUM> through the scavenge filter bypass conduit <NUM>, and to the independent system oil-in port <NUM> through the external circuit bypass172 and a check valve <NUM> connecting the scavenge selector <NUM> to the independent system oil-in port. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, flow blocker and flow passer arrangement selection in seats of the oil-out selector <NUM> and the scavenge selector <NUM> renders the generator <NUM> operably with either a shared oil source, e.g., the engine oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), or an independent oil source, e.g., the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

With reference to <FIG>, the first generator arrangement <NUM> is shown. In the first generator arrangement <NUM> the generator <NUM> is operable to circulate shared source oil received from the engine oil system <NUM>. In this respect the generator <NUM> is supported at the accessory mount <NUM> and the rotor <NUM> coupled to the PTO shaft <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to receive through the accessory gearbox <NUM> mechanical rotation R, the generator <NUM> thereby producing electrical power through rotation of the rotor <NUM> relative to the stator <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the first generator arrangement <NUM> is shown. In the first generator arrangement <NUM> the generator <NUM> is operable to circulate the shared source oil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) using the oil circuit <NUM>. In particular the engine oil system <NUM> is in fluid communication with the oil circuit <NUM> through the shared system oil-in port <NUM>, the shared system oil-out port <NUM>, and the shared system scavenge port <NUM>. Shared source oil <NUM> from the engine oil system <NUM> enters the generator <NUM> through the shared system oil-in port <NUM>, flows to the stator <NUM> through the supply conduit <NUM>, and returns to the shared system oil-out port <NUM> through the inline screen <NUM>. In certain embodiments a portion of the shared source oil <NUM> is also circulated by the oil circuit <NUM> through one or more of the bearing arrangement <NUM>, the permanent magnet generator <NUM>, the exciter <NUM>, the rotating rectifier <NUM> and the field winding <NUM>, and thereafter returned to the engine oil system <NUM> through the sump <NUM> and shared system scavenge port <NUM>. In this respect the scavenge pump <NUM> draws a portion of the shared source oil <NUM> from the sump <NUM> and flows the shared source oil <NUM> through the scavenge filter bypass conduit <NUM> to the shared system scavenge port <NUM>. Once forced through the shared system scavenge port <NUM> by the scavenge pump <NUM>, the shared source oil <NUM> drawing by the scavenge pump <NUM> rejoins the shared source oil <NUM> returned through the shared system oil-out port <NUM> for recirculation by the engine oil system <NUM>. In certain embodiments the scavenge pump <NUM> can have a smaller pumping capacity than that required when the generator <NUM> is configured for operation with an independent oil source, e.g., the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

Circulation of the shared source oil <NUM> through the generator <NUM> by the oil circuit <NUM> is accomplished by disposition of flow passers and flow blockers within seats of the oil-in selector <NUM>, the oil-out selector <NUM>, and the scavenge selector 178of the oil circuit <NUM>. In this respect the flow passer <NUM> is fixed within the first seat <NUM> of the oil-in selector <NUM> and the flow blocker <NUM> is fixed within the second seat <NUM> of the oil-in selector <NUM>. So fixed the oil-in selector <NUM> fluidly couples the shared system oil-in port <NUM>, and therethrough the engine oil system <NUM>, to the stator <NUM> via the supply conduit <NUM> while fluidly separating the independent system oil-in port <NUM> from the stator <NUM>.

A flow passer <NUM> is fixed within a first seat <NUM> of the oil-out selector <NUM> and a flow blocker <NUM> is fixed within a second seat <NUM> of the oil-out selector <NUM>. So fixed the oil-out selector <NUM> fluidly couples the stator <NUM> to the shared system oil-out port <NUM> and fluidly separates the stator <NUM> from independent system oil-out port <NUM>.

In addition, a flow passer <NUM> is fixed within a first seat <NUM> of the scavenge selector <NUM> and a flow blocker <NUM> is fixed within a second seat <NUM> of the scavenge selector <NUM>. So fixed the scavenge selector <NUM> fluidly couples the stator <NUM>, through the sump <NUM> and the scavenge pump <NUM>, to the shared system scavenge port <NUM>. The scavenge selector <NUM> also cooperates with the oil-out selector <NUM> to fluidly separate the stator <NUM>, via the sump <NUM> and the scavenge pump <NUM>, from the independent system oil-in port <NUM>. It is contemplated the fixation of the flow blockers and flow passers be accomplished manually, such as when the generator <NUM> is undergoing initial assembly or during re-assembly following an overhaul.

With reference to <FIG>, the second generator arrangement <NUM> is shown. In the second generator arrangement <NUM> the generator <NUM> is operable to circulate the independent source oil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) using the oil circuit <NUM>. In particular, the independent oil system <NUM> is in fluid communication with the oil circuit <NUM> through the independent system oil-in port <NUM> and the independent system oil-out port <NUM>. This allows the independent source oil <NUM> from the independent oil system <NUM> to enter the generator <NUM> through the independent system oil-in port <NUM>, flow to the stator <NUM> through the supply conduit <NUM>, and return to the independent oil system <NUM> through the independent system oil-out port <NUM> through the sump <NUM> and scavenge filter <NUM>. In certain embodiments a portion of the independent source oil <NUM> also circulates through the one or more bearing arrangement <NUM>, the permanent magnet generator <NUM>, the exciter <NUM>, the rotating rectifier <NUM> and the field windings <NUM>, and thereafter returns to the independent oil system <NUM> through the sump <NUM>, scavenge pump <NUM>, and scavenge filter <NUM> via the independent system oil-out port <NUM>.

Circulation of the independent source oil <NUM> through the generator <NUM> by the oil circuit <NUM> is accomplished by changing the disposition of flow passers and flow blockers within seats of the selectors, e.g., the oil-in selector <NUM>, the oil-out selector <NUM>, and the scavenge selector <NUM>, of the oil circuit <NUM>. Specifically, the flow blocker and flow passer of each selector are switched between seats in relation to the disposition shown in <FIG>. For example, the respect the flow blocker <NUM> is fixed within the first seat <NUM> of the oil-in selector <NUM> and the flow passer <NUM> is fixed within the second seat <NUM> of the oil-in selector <NUM>. So fixed the oil-in selector <NUM> fluidly couples the independent system oil-in port <NUM>, and therethrough the independent oil system <NUM>, to the stator <NUM> through the supply conduit <NUM> while the oil-in selector <NUM> fluidly separates the shared system oil-in port <NUM> from the stator <NUM>. Further, the flow blocker <NUM> is fixed within a first seat <NUM> of the oil-out selector <NUM> and a flow passer <NUM> is fixed within a second seat <NUM> of the oil-out selector <NUM>. So fixed the oil-out selector <NUM> fluidly couples the stator <NUM> to the independent system oil-out port <NUM> and fluidly separates the stator <NUM> from shared system oil-out port <NUM>. In addition, the flow blocker <NUM> is fixed within a first seat <NUM> of the scavenge selector <NUM> and a flow passer <NUM> is fixed within a second seat <NUM> of the scavenge selector <NUM>. So fixed, the scavenge selector <NUM> additionally fluidly couples the stator <NUM>, through the sump <NUM>, the scavenge filter <NUM> and the scavenge pump <NUM>, to the independent system oil-out port <NUM> and fluidly separates the stator <NUM>, via the sump <NUM> and the scavenge pump <NUM>, from the shared system scavenge port <NUM>. The scavenge pump <NUM> in turn draws oil from the sump <NUM> and drives the oil out of the generator <NUM>. Here again it is contemplated the fixation of the flow blockers and flow passers be accomplished manually, such as when the generator <NUM> is undergoing initial assembly or during re-assembly following an overhaul, or when the generator <NUM> is to be configured for a different oil system.

Referring now to <FIG>, a method <NUM> of making a generator <NUM> is shown. As shown with box <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes enclosing a stator with a stator winding within a housing, e.g., the stator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) with the stator winding <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) within the housing <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The method also includes supporting a rotor with a rotor winding for rotation relative to the stator, e.g., the rotor <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) with the field winding <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), as shown with box <NUM>.

The stator is fluidly coupled to one of a shared system port and an independent system port by a selector, as shown with box <NUM>. For example, one or more of the oil-in selector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), the oil-out selector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and the scavenge selector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) can fluidly couple the stator to an independent system port and fluidly separate the stator from a shared system port. Alternatively, one or more of the oil-in selector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), the oil-out selector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and the scavenge selector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) can fluidly couple the stator to a shared system port and fluidly separate the stator from an independent system port. It is contemplated that the shared system port include one of the shared system oil-in port <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), the shared system oil-out port <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and the shared system scavenge port <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). It is also contemplated that the independent system port include one of the independent system oil-in port <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the independent system oil-out port <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). As shown with box <NUM>, the stator is fluidly separated from the other of the shared system port and the independent system port.

As shown with boxes <NUM> and <NUM>, the connectivity provided by the selector is thereafter reversed. In particular, the stator is fluidly coupled with the other of the shared system port and the independent system port, as shown with box <NUM>, and the stator fluidly separated by the selector from the one of the shared system port and the independent system port, as shown with box <NUM>. As shown with box <NUM>, the connectivity provided by the selector can be changed to configure the generator for operation with a shared oil system or an independent oil system, e.g., the engine oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) or the independent oil system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the independent claims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from this scope.

Claim 1:
A generator (<NUM>) which is operable in association with a turbine engine (<NUM>) having an engine oil system (<NUM>), the generator comprising:
a stator (<NUM>) with a stator winding;
a rotor (<NUM>) with a field winding supported for rotation relative to the stator;
a housing (<NUM>) enclosing the stator (<NUM>) and the rotor (<NUM>) and
an oil circuit (<NUM>) including a plurality of selectors (<NUM>, <NUM>), the housing further comprising an independent system port (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to communicate independent source oil (<NUM>) between the generator and an independent oil system (<NUM>) land a shared system port (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged to communicate shared source oil (<NUM>) between the generator and the engine oil system (<NUM>);
wherein the selectors (<NUM>, <NUM>) are arranged to configure the generator to circulate oil from either the engine oil system (<NUM>) or the independent oil system (<NUM>), wherein in a first generator arrangement the generator is arranged to circulate shared source oil (<NUM>) from the engine oil system (<NUM>) and in a second generator arrangement the generator is arranged to circulate independent source oil (<NUM>) from the independent oil system (<NUM>); and
wherein, when the selectors (<NUM>, <NUM>) fluidly couple the stator (<NUM>) and one of the independent system port (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the shared system port (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the selectors fluidly separate the stator (<NUM>) from the other of the independent system port and the shared system port.