PARIS - Recent patent filings from Safran Aircraft Engines offer a glimpse into the technology being developed for the CFM RISE, a next-generation open-rotor engine. The patents focus on overcoming the inherent challenges of open-rotor designs to improve efficiency, safety, and noise levels in the next generation of narrowbody airliners.
A key focus of the filings is the swirl recovery vanes, or stator blades, positioned behind the large fan blades. These vanes are critical for straightening the airflow to generate thrust and for recovering energy from the rotating flow, which significantly boosts the engine's overall efficiency and performance. The patents explore optimizing the number, geometry, and placement of these vanes to manage airflow around other engine components like the mounting pylon.
To combat noise, which is a major concern for engines without a traditional nacelle, Safran has patented stator blades with serrated, saw-tooth leading edges to break up sound-producing air turbulence. Another patent addresses safety by proposing a set of protective "chopper" blades to slice through foreign object debris before it can enter the engine core.
Another concept revealed in the documents is the potential inclusion of a reduction gearbox. While CFM has publicly stated that the RISE engine's anticipated 20% fuel burn reduction will primarily come from the open-rotor's propulsive efficiency and an advanced core, some Safran patents describe an optimized fan system that uses a gearbox. This would allow the fan to rotate at a slower, more efficient speed than the low-pressure turbine, a common architecture in modern geared turbofan engines.
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