Compact recirculating lubrication system for a miniature gas turbine engine

摘要

A recirculating bearing lubrication system for a gas turbine engine that comprises a housing for the engine that serves as a primary static structural support, a rotor shaft for mounting rotational components of the engine, at least two bearings for supporting the rotor shaft within the housing and an air intake for supplying engine air comprises a generally annular lubricant source mounted about the engine intake to cool lubricant for the bearings; a solenoid that seals the lubricant from air contamination during storage of the engine and unseals it upon starting the engine; a lubricant pump that circulates the lubricant; at least one lubricant spray jet that receives circulating lubricant and sprays lubricant onto the bearings; and a sump for collecting excess lubricant sprayed on the bearings.