Method and apparatus for maintaining status of fluid in system

Abstract

Methods and apparatus to maintain a state of a fluid in a system are disclosed. An example system includes a pump including a primary inlet, a primary outlet, and a secondary inlet; the at least one injector comprises a first inlet, a second inlet and at least one outlet; a third conduit including a third end coupled to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet and a fourth end coupled to the at least one injector at the first inlet to convey fluid; a fourth conduit including a fifth end coupled to the second conduit downstream of the primary outlet and a sixth end coupled to the at least one injector at the second inlet to convey the fluid; and a fifth conduit including a seventh end coupled to the at least one injector at the at least one outlet to receive the fluid and an eighth end coupled to the pump at the secondary inlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid systems and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for maintaining the state of a fluid in a system. Background Art

[0002] Aircraft typically include various accessory systems that support the operation of the aircraft and / or its gas turbine engines. For example, such accessory systems may include a lubrication system that lubricates components of the engine, an engine cooling system that provides cooling air to engine components, an environmental control system that provides cooled air to the cabin of the aircraft, etc. Thus, during operation of these accessory systems, heat is added to or removed from a fluid (e.g., oil, air, etc.). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] A full and enabling disclosure of the presently described technology, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 is a side view of an example aircraft.

[0005] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example gas turbine engine for an aircraft.

[0006] Figure 3A is a first schematic diagram of an example thermal management system for transferring heat between fluids according to the teachings disclosed herein.

[0007] Figure 3B is a second schematic diagram of an example thermal management system for transferring heat between fluids according to the teachings disclosed herein.

[0008] Figure 3C is a third schematic diagram of an example thermal management system for transferring heat between fluids according to the teachings disclosed herein.

[0009] Figure 3D is a fourth schematic diagram of an example thermal management system for transferring heat between fluids according to the teachings disclosed herein.

[0010] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B A first schematic diagram of an example thermal control system of an example thermal management system of FIG.

[0011] Figure 4B yes Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B A second schematic diagram of an example thermal control system of an example thermal management system of FIG.

[0012] Figure 4C yes Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B A third schematic diagram of an example thermal control system of an example thermal management system of FIG.

[0013] Figure 4D yes Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B A fourth schematic diagram of an example thermal control system of an example thermal management system of FIG.

[0014] Figure 4E yes Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B A fifth schematic diagram of an example thermal control system of an example thermal management system of FIG.

[0015] Figure 4F yes Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B A sixth schematic diagram of an example thermal control system of an example thermal management system of FIG.

[0016] Figure 4G yes Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B A seventh schematic diagram of an example thermal control system of an example thermal management system of FIG.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and / or Figure 4D Schematic diagram of an example nozzle of an example thermal control system.

[0018] Fig. 6A yes Figure 3A Schematic diagram of a first example heat transfer bus pump of an example thermal management system.

[0019] Figure 6B yes Figure 3B Schematic diagram of a second example heat transfer bus pump of an example thermal management system.

[0020] Figure 7 is an indication that can be executed, instantiated and / or performed by an example programmable circuit to implement Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example thermal management system, Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example thermal control system of Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Example machine readable instructions and / or example operational flowcharts of example control circuits associated with an example heat transfer bus pump.

[0021] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an example processing platform including programmable circuitry structured to execute, instantiate, and / or perform Figure 7Example machine readable instructions and / or example operations to implement Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B control circuit.

[0022] Generally, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, a connection reference (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, fixed, joined, etc.) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements. Thus, a connection reference does not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and / or have a fixed relationship to each other. As used herein, a statement that any part is "in contact" with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0024] Unless otherwise specifically stated, descriptors used herein (such as "first," "second," "third," etc.) do not confer or otherwise indicate any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any manner, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements to facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while a different descriptor (e.g., "second" or "third") may be used in the claims to refer to the same element. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are only used to clearly identify those elements in the context of discussion (e.g., in the claims), where the elements might, for example, otherwise share the same name.

[0025] As used herein, "approximately" and "about" modify their subject matter / values ​​to recognize that there may be variations in real-world applications. For example, "approximately" and "approximately" may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world imperfections that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, unless otherwise specified in the following description, "approximately" and "about" may indicate that such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / - 10%.

[0026] "Include" and "comprising" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim adopts any form of "include" or "comprising" (e.g., includes, comprises, has, etc.) as a preamble or in any type of claim statement, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. may be present without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or statement. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term, such as in the preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the terms "include" and "comprising" are open-ended. The term "and / or" when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to embodiments that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to embodiments that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to embodiments that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to embodiments that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0027] As used herein, the phrase "communication," including variations thereof, encompasses direct communication and / or indirect communication through one or more intermediate components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and / or continuous communication, but additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, predetermined intervals, non-periodic intervals, and / or one-time events.

[0028] As used herein, "programmable circuit" is defined to include (i) one or more special purpose circuits (e.g., application specific circuits (ASICs)) structured to perform specific operations and including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors), and / or (ii) one or more general-purpose semiconductor-based circuits that can be programmed with instructions to perform specific functions and / or operations and include one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors). Examples of programmable circuits include a programmable microprocessor (such as a central processing unit (CPU)) that can execute a first instruction to perform one or more operations and / or functions, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed with a second instruction so that the configuration and / or structure of the FPGA instantiates one or more operations and / or functions corresponding to the first instruction, a graphics processor unit (GPU) that can execute a first instruction to perform one or more operations and / or functions, a digital signal processor (DSP) that can execute a first instruction to perform one or more operations and / or functions, an XPU, a network processing unit (NPU), one or more microcontrollers that can execute a first instruction to perform one or more operations and / or functions, and / or an integrated circuit (such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). For example, the XPU may be implemented by a heterogeneous computing system including multiple types of programmable circuits (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more NPUs, one or more DSPs, etc., and / or any combination thereof) and orchestration technology (application programming interface (API)), which may distribute computing tasks to any programmable circuit among the multiple types of programmable circuits that is suitable and available for performing the computing tasks.

[0029] As used herein, singular references (e.g., "a", "a", "first", "second", etc.) do not exclude the plural. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" object refers to one or more of the object. The terms "a" (or "a"), "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. In addition, although listed separately, multiple devices, elements, or method actions can be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. In addition, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may be combined, and the inclusion of different examples or claims does not mean that the combination of features is not feasible and / or disadvantageous.

[0030] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions relative to the flow of a fluid in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing.

[0031] The terms "front" and "rear" refer to relative positions within a turbine engine or vehicle, and refer to the normal operating attitude of the turbine engine or vehicle. For example, with respect to a turbine engine, front refers to a position closer to the engine inlet, while rear refers to a position closer to the engine nozzle or exhaust.

[0032] As used herein, when used with a compressor, turbine, shaft, fan, or turbine engine component, unless otherwise specified, the terms "low," "medium" (or "medium"), and "high," or their respective comparatives (e.g., "lower" and "higher," as applicable), refer to relative pressures, relative speeds, relative temperatures, and / or relative power outputs within an engine. For example, a "low power" setting defines an engine that is configured to operate at a power output lower than a "high power" setting for the engine, and a "medium power" setting defines an engine that is configured to operate at a power output higher than the "low power" setting and lower than the "high power" setting. The terms "low," "medium" (or "medium"), or "high" in these terms may additionally or alternatively be understood as relative to a minimum allowable speed, pressure, or temperature, or relative to a minimum or maximum allowable speed, pressure, or temperature for normal, desired, steady-state, etc., operation of the engine.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" refer to directions and orientations extending substantially parallel to the centerline of a turbine engine and / or a bearing assembly. Additionally, the terms "radial" and "radially" refer to directions and orientations extending substantially perpendicular to the centerline (e.g., the axis of rotation) of a turbine engine and / or a bearing assembly. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to directions and orientations extending in an arc around the centerline of a turbine engine and / or a bearing assembly.

[0034] A centrifugal fluid pump moves a fluid (e.g., fuel, water, oil, supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2), etc.) through a system (e.g., a waste heat recovery (WHR) system) by converting the rotational kinetic energy of an impeller into the fluid kinetic energy of the flowing fluid. In other words, the angular velocity of the impeller is proportional to the flow rate of the flowing fluid leaving the pump. The impeller is provided with a change in the rotational kinetic energy from an electric motor, which applies mechanical work to an impeller shaft coupled to the impeller and the rotor of the electric motor. The rotor is provided with a change in mechanical work (e.g., mechanical power) over a period of time from a stator in the electric motor, which applies an electromagnetic force to the rotor in the form of torque. When the electric motor supplies a constant amount of electrical energy to the stator, the rotor supplies a constant amount of mechanical energy to the impeller.

[0035] During operation of the pump, the rotation of the impeller shaft and the associated impeller causes the impeller shaft to vibrate radially within the pump's housing. A radial bearing (e.g., a hydrodynamic bearing, a foil bearing, a rolling element bearing, etc.) is framed within the pump housing to support the radial load (e.g., weight) of the impeller shaft and dampen the vibration.

[0036] In addition, during operation of the pump, the impeller shaft may be subjected to axial loads acting generally parallel to the central axis of the pump and / or impeller shaft. The axial load acting on the impeller may be unbalanced, meaning that the forward axial load (e.g., an axial load acting toward the front of the pump) and the rearward axial load (e.g., an axial load acting toward the rear of the pump) may be unequal and produce an axial thrust of the impeller shaft. The forward or rearward axial thrust may cause the impeller shaft to move along the central axis and cause parts coupled to the impeller shaft (e.g., an impeller, a rotor shaft, a motor armature, etc.) to contact the housing, the motor, and / or other internal parts of the pump. The pump housing includes an axial bearing (e.g., a foil bearing) that supports the axial thrust of the impeller shaft and reduces, prevents, and / or inhibits such movement.

[0037] In some examples, the fluid (e.g., sCO2, oil, liquid helium, etc.) pressurized in the system by the pump can be used to lubricate radial and / or axial bearings to reduce friction between rotating elements within these bearings. For example, the pump can include a streamline leading from the pump outlet to the axial bearing to provide and / or transmit the pressurized fluid to the thrust bearing. As used herein, "streamline" can refer to the path of a fluid (e.g., flow path, flow direction, etc.) and / or a structure (e.g., a pipe, a conduit, a housing, etc.) used to enclose (e.g., guide, direct, convey, etc.) a fluid.

[0038] The pressurized fluid flows between the thrust disk, the front thrust pad, and the rear thrust pad of the thrust bearing apparatus, system, and / or assembly. The thrust disk is coupled to the impeller shaft and projects radially outward from the impeller shaft, and the thrust pad is coupled to the pump housing and projects radially inward toward the impeller shaft. Additionally, the fluid may flow between the impeller shaft and a foil bearing positioned about the impeller shaft for radial support.

[0039] In addition, the pump may include an ejector vane to drive the fluid from the interior portion of the pump housing to the pump outlet. In some examples, the ejector vane protrudes from the rear side of the impeller and functions similarly to the impeller vanes. That is, the fluid approaches the ejector vane along the central axis and is accelerated radially outward from the ejector vane. Thus, the streamlines and ejector vane may implement a lubrication circuit from the pump outlet to the axial bearing and back to the ejector vane to provide a continuous fluid flow to the axially loaded bearing.

[0040] During operation of the pump, the axial thrust of the impeller shaft can act in the forward or backward direction based on the interaction between the impeller blades / displacer blades and the fluid. The fluid enters along the center / rotation / shaft axis through the pump inlet toward the impeller, which includes impeller blades to accelerate the fluid radially outward into the pump outlet, chamber, streamline, housing, etc. The fluid pressure on the front side, end, face, etc. of the impeller can transfer the backward axial load to the impeller shaft in the backward direction. Similarly, the fluid in the pump housing flows forward along the rotation axis of the impeller shaft and builds pressure on the rear side, end, face, etc. of the impeller (e.g., displacer). The fluid pressure on the rear side of the impeller can transfer the forward load to the impeller shaft in the forward direction.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the centrifugal pump disclosed herein includes at least one foil bearing (e.g., a static pressure gas foil bearing, a foil air bearing, a fluid bearing, etc.) to support the axial and / or radial loads encountered by the impeller shaft and / or another rotating component in the pump (such as an impeller). The foil bearing includes an inner foil bushing (e.g., a top foil), a winding (e.g., a bump foil) positioned around the inner foil bushing, and an outer foil bushing (e.g., a bottom foil) and / or a housing positioned around the winding. During operation, the rotation of the component supported by the foil bearing generates pressure that enables fluid to move between the component and the foil bearing that lifts the component. Thus, the foil bearing supports the component, and the fluid provides lubrication between the foil bearing and the component.

[0042] The foil bearing is intended to operate with a fluid (e.g., carbon dioxide) in a supercritical and / or gaseous form / state. As used herein, the terms "form" and "state" are used interchangeably to refer to the phase of the fluid. At startup (e.g., when the operation of the pump is to be initiated), the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the pump and / or flow line may cause the fluid to be in a liquid state, which may adversely affect the performance of the foil bearing. For example, the liquid may cause windage losses, film thickness / stiffness, etc. that prevent or hinder the lifting of components within the foil bearing (e.g., supported by the foil bearing).

[0043] Examples disclosed herein provide a system for removing liquid from a foil bearing of a pump prior to pump startup to improve the operation of the foil bearing, thereby improving the operation of the pump. Additionally, the system controls the temperature of the fluid within the pump after the pump is started to reduce vibration within the pump that would otherwise adversely affect the foil bearing. Temperature control after pump startup also prevents overheating of the pump's motor.

[0044] In examples disclosed herein, a pump includes a primary inlet, a primary outlet, and an impeller, the impeller encountering a fluid flowing through the primary inlet during pump operation (e.g., after the pump is started) and driving the fluid through the primary outlet. The pump also includes an impeller shaft and a motor positioned in the chamber. In addition, the pump includes one or more foil bearings to radially and / or axially support the impeller and / or the impeller shaft. The chamber includes at least one secondary inlet of the pump. In some examples, the chamber includes one or more first secondary inlets associated with the foil bearing of the pump and one or more second secondary inlets associated with the motor of the pump. That is, the first secondary inlet can deliver the fluid to the foil bearing, and the second secondary inlet can deliver the fluid to the motor. For example, a first chamber conduit or streamline may include an end defined at the first secondary inlet, and may guide the fluid to an opening of the foil bearing. In addition, a second chamber conduit or streamline may include an end defined at the second secondary inlet, and may guide the fluid to the windings of the motor.

[0045] The system includes a first conduit (e.g., a fluid conduit, a tube, a pipe, a pipeline, etc.) and a second conduit, the first conduit including an end connected to the pump at the pump inlet, and the second conduit including an end connected to the pump at the pump outlet. The system also includes one or more thermal control systems fluidically connected to the first conduit, the second conduit, and the secondary inlet. More specifically, the thermal control system may include a feedback conduit and at least one injector. The feedback conduit may include a first end connected to the first conduit upstream of the pump inlet and a second end connected to the injector at the first inlet of the injector to deliver the fluid from the first conduit to the injector. The feedback conduit may include a third end connected to the second conduit downstream of the pump outlet. In some examples, the feedback conduit includes a fourth end connected to the injector at the second inlet of the injector to deliver the fluid from the second conduit to the injector. In some examples, the fourth end is connected to a portion of the feedback conduit upstream of the injector (e.g., between the first and second ends of the feedback conduit). The feedback conduit includes one or more injector output ends connected to the injector at one or more outlets of the injector to receive fluid from the injector. In addition, the feedback conduit includes one or more pump input ends connected to the pump at the secondary inlet to deliver the fluid to the pump. In some examples, a fourth end of the feedback conduit is coupled to a portion of the feedback conduit between the injector output and the pump input. The feedback conduit provides fluid to the injector and provides fluid from the injector to the secondary inlet. The thermal control system may also include one or more valves to control whether and / or how much fluid is delivered to the first secondary inlet and / or the second secondary inlet.

[0046] The injector controls the pressure and flow rate of the fluid. For example, the injector can pressurize the fluid in a liquid state to convert the fluid into a gaseous state and / or a supercritical state. More specifically, the injector can build up pressure within the injector, in a feedback conduit, and / or in a pump. As a result, the fluid in a liquid state in the foil bearing of the pump can be converted into a gaseous state and / or a supercritical state to enable the pump to begin operating without the fluid generating windage losses, film thickness / stiffness, etc., which would otherwise prevent or hinder the lifting of the shaft supported by the foil bearing.

[0047] In some examples, the thermal control system includes an accumulator operably coupled to the feedback conduit upstream of the injector. For example, the accumulator can be operably coupled to the feedback conduit between the first end and the second end of the feedback conduit. The accumulator includes a liquid reservoir for accommodating a fluid in a liquid state. Therefore, the injector can extract the fluid in a liquid state from the accumulator. In some examples, the thermal control system includes a valve operably coupled to the accumulator to control the rate at which the fluid leaves the accumulator. In some examples, the thermal control system includes a valve operably coupled to the feedback conduit upstream of the accumulator (e.g., between the accumulator and the first conduit) to control whether the fluid from the first conduit flows to the injector and / or the rate at which the fluid flows to the injector. In some examples, a portion of the feedback conduit between the accumulator and the injector includes a mixture of fluid from the accumulator and fluid from the first conduit.

[0048] In some examples, the thermal control system includes a heater operably coupled to the feedback conduit upstream of the injector and downstream of the accumulator. For example, the heater can be operably coupled to the feedback conduit between the accumulator and the first end of the feedback conduit. When activated, the heater can generate heat to increase the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the portion of the feedback conduit between the accumulator and the injector.

[0049] As described above, the injector can be a single injector or more than one injector. For example, when the injector is more than one injector, the first injector may include a first inlet and a first outlet, and the second injector may include a first inlet and a second outlet. In such an example, the feedback conduit is coupled to the first injector and the second injector at the first outlet and the second outlet to receive fluid from the injector. In some examples, the thermal control system includes a nozzle coupled to the first injector and the second injector at the first outlet and the second outlet to receive fluid from the injector. Therefore, the nozzle can define a portion of the feedback conduit and / or be coupled to the feedback conduit. In such an example, the fluid from the first injector and the fluid from the second injector can be mixed in the nozzle. For example, the nozzle may include or define a first streamline for receiving the fluid from the first injector and a second streamline for receiving the fluid from the second injector.

[0050] In some examples, when the injector is a single injector, the injector may include a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. In some examples, when the injector is a single injector, the injector includes a single inlet and a single outlet. In some examples, the thermal control system includes one or more valves operably coupled to the feedback conduit to control the fluid entering the injector. For example, the position of the valve can configure whether the injector receives fluid from the first conduit, the accumulator, and / or the second conduit, and / or the amount of fluid received by the injector from the first conduit, the accumulator, and / or the second conduit. Alternatively, the thermal control system may include one or more valves to control whether the injector receives fluid from the first conduit, the accumulator, and / or the second conduit, and / or the amount of fluid received by the injector from the first conduit, the accumulator, and / or the second conduit.

[0051] The system includes a sensor for measuring the pressure and temperature of the fluid. For example, the sensor can measure the pressure and temperature of the fluid in the first conduit, the second conduit, the feedback conduit, the pump chamber and / or any other area of ​​the system. The system also includes a programmable circuit that is communicatively coupled to the motor of the sensor, valve, injector and / or pump. The programmable circuit can determine the state of the fluid based on the measurement from the sensor. For example, the programmable circuit can determine whether the fluid in the system is in a liquid state, and / or how many fluids in the system are in a liquid state. In addition, when the amount of the fluid in the liquid state in the programmable circuit determination system meets (for example, less than, less than or equal to) a liquid threshold value, the programmable circuit can such as by transmitting a control signal to the motor of the pump to start the pump operation. The programmable circuit can also control the heater, injector and / or valve based on the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the system, as discussed in further detail below.

[0052] For the drawings disclosed herein, the same numerals indicate the same elements throughout the drawings. Now referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a side view of an example aircraft 10. Figure 1 As shown, the aircraft 10 includes a fuselage 12 and a pair of wings 14 (one shown) extending outwardly from the fuselage 12. In the example shown, a gas turbine engine 100 is supported on each wing 14 to propel the aircraft through the air during flight. In addition, the aircraft 10 includes a vertical stabilizer 16 and a pair of horizontal stabilizers 18 (one shown). However, in some examples, the aircraft 10 includes Figure 1 Illustrative examples of engines of different types and / or in different locations.

[0053] Additionally, the aircraft 10 may include a thermal management system 200 for transferring heat between fluids that support the operation of the aircraft 10. More specifically, the aircraft 10 may include one or more accessory systems that are configured to support the operation of the aircraft 10. For example, such accessory systems include a lubrication system that lubricates components of the engine 100, a cooling system that provides cooling air to components of the engine 100, an environmental control system that provides cooled air to a cabin of the aircraft 10, and the like. In such examples, the thermal management system 200 is configured to transfer heat from one or more fluids that support the operation of the aircraft 10 (e.g., oil of a lubrication system, air of a cooling system and / or environmental control system, and the like) to one or more other fluids that support the operation of the aircraft 10 (e.g., fuel supplied to the engine 100). However, in some other examples, the thermal management system 200 is configured to transfer heat between another fluid or component that supports the operation of the aircraft 10.

[0054] Although the examples disclosed herein are reference Figure 1 The aircraft 10 is described in detail, but the examples disclosed herein may be applicable to aircraft 10 used with Figure 1 The thermal management system 200 of the EMBODIMENT 3 may be used to implement another type or configuration of aircraft having a substantially similar thermal management system. Thus, the present subject matter may be readily adapted for use in another aircraft and / or another heat transfer application associated with another type of vehicle.

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example gas turbine engine 100. In the example shown, the engine 100 is configured as a high bypass turbofan engine. However, in some examples, the engine 100 is configured as a propfan engine, a turbojet engine, a turboprop engine, a turboshaft gas turbine engine, etc.

[0056] In general, the engine 100 extends along an axial centerline 102 and includes a fan 104, a low pressure (LP) spool 106, and a high pressure (HP) spool 108 at least partially surrounded by an annular nacelle 110. More specifically, the fan 104 may include a fan rotor 112 and a plurality of fan blades 114 (one shown) coupled to the fan rotor 112. In this regard, the fan blades 114 are circumferentially spaced and extend radially outward from the fan rotor 112. In addition, the LP and HP spools 106, 108 are positioned downstream of the fan 104 along the axial centerline 102. As shown, the LP spool 106 is rotatably coupled to the fan rotor 112, which allows the LP spool 106 to rotate the fan blades 114. In addition, a plurality of outlet guide vanes or struts 116 are circumferentially spaced from each other and extend radially between a casing 118 surrounding the LP and HP spools 106, 108 and the nacelle 110. As such, struts 116 support nacelle 110 relative to outer shell 118 such that outer shell 118 and nacelle 110 define a bypass airflow passage 120 positioned therebetween.

[0057] The casing 118 generally surrounds or encloses, in serial flow order, a compressor section 122, a combustion section 124, a turbine section 126, and an exhaust section 128. In some examples, the compressor section 122 includes a low pressure (LP) compressor 130 of the LP spool 106 and a high pressure (HP) compressor 132 of the HP spool 108 positioned downstream of the LP compressor 130 along the axial centerline 102. Each compressor 130, 132 may in turn include one or more rows of compressor stator vanes 134 interdigitated with one or more rows of compressor rotor blades 136. Thus, the compressors 130, 132 define a compressed air flow path 133 extending therethrough.

[0058] Additionally, in some examples, the turbine section 126 includes a high pressure (HP) turbine 138 of the HP spool 108 and a low pressure (LP) turbine 140 of the LP spool 106 positioned downstream of the HP turbine 138 along the axial centerline 102. Each turbine 138, 140 may in turn include one or more rows of turbine stator vanes 142 interdigitated with one or more rows of turbine rotor blades 144.

[0059] In addition, the LP spool 106 includes a low pressure (LP) shaft 146, and the HP spool 108 includes a high pressure (HP) shaft 148 positioned concentrically about the LP shaft 146. In such an example, the HP shaft 148 rotatably couples the turbine rotor blades 144 of the HP turbine 138 and the compressor rotor blades 136 of the HP compressor 132, such that rotation of the turbine rotor blades 144 of the HP turbine 138 rotatably drives the compressor rotor blades 136 of the HP compressor 132. As shown, the LP shaft 146 is directly coupled to the turbine rotor blades 144 of the LP turbine 140 and the compressor rotor blades 136 of the LP compressor 130. In addition, the LP shaft 146 is coupled to the fan 104 via a gearbox 150. In this regard, rotation of the turbine rotor blades 144 of the LP turbine 140 rotatably drives the compressor rotor blades 136 of the LP compressor 130 and the fan blades 114.

[0060] In some examples, the engine 100 generates thrust to propel the aircraft. More specifically, during operation, air 152 enters an inlet portion 154 of the engine 100. The fan 104 supplies a first portion 156 of the air 152 to the bypass airflow passage 120 and a second portion 158 of the air 152 to the compressor section 122. The second portion 158 of the air 152 first flows through the LP compressor 130, where the compressor rotor blades 136 gradually compress the second portion 158 of the air 152. Next, the second portion 158 of the air 152 flows through the HP compressor 132, where the compressor rotor blades 136 continue to gradually compress the second portion 158 of the air 152. The compressed second portion 158 of the air 152 is then delivered to the combustion section 124. In the combustion section 124, the second portion 158 of the air 152 is mixed with fuel and combusted to generate high temperature and high pressure combustion gases 160. Thereafter, the combustion gases 160 flow through the HP turbine 138, wherein turbine rotor blades 144 of the HP turbine 138 extract a first portion of kinetic and / or thermal energy from the combustion gases 160. This energy extraction rotates the HP shaft 148, which drives the HP compressor 132. The combustion gases 160 then flow through the LP turbine 140, wherein turbine rotor blades 144 of the LP turbine 140 extract a second portion of kinetic and / or thermal energy from the combustion gases 160. This energy extraction rotates the LP shaft 146, which drives the LP compressor 130 and the fan 104 via the gearbox 150. The combustion gases 160 then exit the engine 100 through the exhaust section 128.

[0061] As described above, the aircraft 10 may include a thermal management system 200 for transferring heat between fluids that support the operation of the aircraft 10. In this regard, the thermal management system 200 may be located within the engine 100. For example, Figure 2As shown, the thermal management system 200 is positioned within the housing 118 of the engine 100 . However, in some other examples, the thermal management system 200 is positioned at another location within the engine 100 .

[0062] Additionally, in some examples, the engine 100 defines a third stream flow path 170. Generally, the third stream flow path 170 extends from the compressed air flow path 133 defined by the compressor section 122 to the bypass air flow passage 120. In this regard, the third stream flow path 170 allows a portion of the second portion 158 of the air 152 from the compressor section 122 to bypass the combustion section 124. More specifically, in some examples, the third stream flow path 170 defines a concentric or non-concentric passage with respect to the compressed air flow path 133 downstream of one or more of the compressors 130, 132, or the fan 104. The third stream flow path 170 can be configured to selectively remove the second portion 158 of the air 152 from the compressed air flow path 133 via one or more variable guide vanes, nozzles, or other actuatable flow control structures.

[0063] Additionally, as will be described below, in some examples, the thermal management system 200 transfers heat to the air flowing through the third stream flow path 170. However, the pressure and / or flow rate of the fluid (e.g., a heat exchange fluid, such as a supercritical fluid (e.g., supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2), etc.)) within the thermal management system 200 limits the rate at which thermal energy can be transferred between the air and the heat exchange fluid. Additionally, it is advantageous for the thermal management system 200 to generate the pressure and / or flow rate using a pump that supports the axial thrust of a shaft within the pump to increase the life and / or efficiency of the pump and the thermal management system 200.

[0064] Although the examples disclosed herein are reference Figure 2 The gas turbine engine 100 is described in detail, but the examples disclosed herein may be applicable to use with Figure 1-2 The thermal management system 200 may be substantially similar to the thermal management system of another type or configuration of an engine. Thus, the present subject matter may be readily adapted for use with another engine associated with another type of vehicle, a gas turbine generator, and / or another heat transfer application.

[0065] Figure 3A is used for heat transfer between fluids (e.g., between a heat exchange fluid (such as gaseous or supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2)) and Figure 1 The aircraft 10 and / or Figure 2 An example implementation of a first thermal management system 300 (eg, a first thermal management system 300 that transfers heat between one or more working fluids associated with a gas turbine engine 100) Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an example implementation of a thermal management system 200 . Figure 3B is used for heat transfer between fluids (e.g., between a heat exchange fluid (such as gaseous or supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2)) and Figure 1 The aircraft 10 and / or Figure 2 An example implementation of a second thermal management system 350 (eg, Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Schematic diagram of another example implementation of a thermal management system 200 .

[0066] exist Figure 3A In the example shown, the thermal management system 300 includes a pump 302 (e.g., a heat transfer bus pump, a centrifugal pump) fluidly coupled to a closed-loop heat transfer bus 304 (e.g., interconnected conduits containing a heat transfer fluid). Figure 3B In the illustrated example, the thermal management system 350 includes a pump 303 (eg, having a thermal conductivity) fluidly coupled to a heat transfer bus 304. Figure 3A The thermal management system 300, 350 advantageously enables the fluid in the pump 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304, which is in a liquid state, to be converted to a gaseous state and / or a supercritical state prior to pump operation (e.g., during pre-startup operations, before the pump 302, 303 drives the fluid in the heat transfer bus 304). As used herein, "pre-startup operations" refers to operations that occur before the pump 302, 303 begins to operate (e.g., before a drive signal is transmitted to the pump 302, 303, before the pump 302, 303 drives the fluid through the heat transfer bus 304). In general, the thermal management system 300, 350 is described above and Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 and 10. However, the thermal management system 300, 350 may be implemented within another type of aircraft and / or another gas turbine of another configuration.

[0067] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the illustrated example, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes one or more heat source heat exchangers 306 arranged along the heat transfer bus 304. More specifically, the heat source heat exchangers 306 are fluidly coupled to the heat transfer bus 304 such that a heat exchange fluid flows through the heat source heat exchangers 306. In this regard, the heat source heat exchangers 306 are configured to transfer heat from a fluid supporting the operation of the aircraft 10 to the heat exchange fluid, which cools the fluid supporting the operation of the aircraft 10. Thus, the heat source heat exchangers 306 add heat to the heat exchange fluid. Although Figure 3A and Figure 3BTwo heat source heat exchangers 306 are shown, but the thermal management system 300 , 350 may include a single heat source heat exchanger 306 or three or more heat source heat exchangers 306 .

[0068] Heat source heat exchangers 306 may correspond to any number of configurations of heat exchangers that cool fluids supporting the operation of aircraft 10. In some examples, at least one of heat exchangers 306 is an engine 100 ( Figure 2 ) of a lubrication system. In such an example, heat exchanger 306 transfers heat from oil that lubricates engine 100 to a heat transfer fluid. In some other examples, at least one of heat exchangers 306 is a heat exchanger of a cooling system of engine 100. In such an example, heat exchanger 306 transfers heat from compressor section 122 ( Figure 2 ) (or compressor exhaust chamber) to transfer cooling air to the heat transfer fluid. However, in some other examples, the heat source heat exchanger 306 corresponds to the cooling support aircraft 10 ( Figure 1 ) of other types of heat exchangers for operating fluids.

[0069] In addition, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes a plurality of radiator heat exchangers 308 arranged along the heat transfer bus 304. More specifically, the radiator heat exchangers 308 are fluidly coupled to the heat transfer bus 304 such that a heat exchange fluid flows through the radiator heat exchangers 308. In this regard, the radiator heat exchangers 308 are configured to transfer heat from the heat exchange fluid to other fluids supporting the operation of the aircraft 10, which heats the other fluids supporting the operation of the aircraft 10. Thus, the radiator heat exchangers 308 remove heat from the heat exchange fluid. Although Figure 3A-3B Two radiator heat exchangers 308 are shown, but the thermal management system 300 , 350 may include three or more radiator heat exchangers 308 .

[0070] Radiator heat exchangers 308 may correspond to any number of configurations of heat exchangers that heat fluids that support the operation of aircraft 10. For example, at least one of heat exchangers 308 is a heat exchanger of a fuel system of engine 100. In such an example, fuel system heat exchanger 308 transfers heat from a heat transfer fluid to the fuel supplied to engine 100. In some other examples, at least one of heat exchangers 308 is a heat exchanger that is coupled to bypass airflow passage 120 ( Figure 2 ) of air 152( Figure 2 ) of the first portion 156 of the air 152 that contacts the bypass airflow passage 120. In such an example, the heat exchanger 308 transfers heat from the heat exchange fluid to the first portion 156 of the air 152 that flows through the bypass airflow passage 120.

[0071] In some examples, one or more of the heat exchangers 308 are configured to transfer heat to the air flowing through the third stream flow path 170. In such examples, the heat exchangers 308 are coupled to the air flowing through the third stream flow path 170 ( Figure 2 ) of the air of the third stream flow path 170. Therefore, the heat from the heat exchange fluid flowing through the heat transfer bus 304 can be transferred to the air flowing through the third stream flow path 170. Using the third stream flow path 170 as a radiator of the thermal management system 300, 350 provides one or more technical advantages. For example, the third stream flow path 170 provides greater cooling than other bleed air sources because a larger volume of air flows through the third stream flow path 170 compared with other bleed air flow paths. In addition, the air flowing through the third stream flow path 170 is colder than the air and compressor bleed air flowing through other bleed air flow paths. In addition, the air in the third stream flow path 170 is pressurized, which allows the heat exchanger 308 to be smaller than the heat exchanger that relies on other radiators in the engine 100. In addition, in the example where the engine 100 is non-ducted, different from using ambient air (e.g., a heat exchanger in contact with the air flowing around the engine 100), using the third stream flow path 170 as a radiator will not increase the resistance on the engine 100. However, in some other examples, radiator heat exchanger 308 corresponds to other types of heat exchangers that heat fluids that support operations of aircraft 10 .

[0072] Additionally, in some examples, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes one or more bypass conduits 310. Specifically, as shown, each bypass conduit 310 is part of or fluidly coupled to the heat transfer bus 304 such that the bypass conduit 310 allows at least a portion of the heat exchange fluid to bypass one of the heat exchangers 306, 308. In some examples, the heat exchange fluid bypasses one or more of the heat exchangers 306, 308 to adjust the temperature of the heat exchange fluid within the heat transfer bus 304. The flow of the example heat exchange fluid through the bypass conduits 310 is controlled to regulate the pressure of the heat exchange fluid within the heat transfer bus 304. Figure 3A-3B In the example shown, each heat exchanger 306, 308 has a corresponding bypass conduit 310. However, in some other examples, other numbers of heat exchangers 306, 308 may have corresponding bypass conduits 310 as long as at least one bypass conduit 310 is present.

[0073] Additionally, in some examples, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes one or more heat source valves 312 and one or more radiator valves 314. In general, each heat source valve 312 is configured to control the flow of a heat exchange fluid through a bypass conduit 310 that bypasses the heat source heat exchanger 306. Similarly, each radiator valve 314 is configured to control the flow of a heat exchange fluid through a bypass conduit 310 that bypasses the radiator heat exchanger 308. In this regard, each valve 312, 314 is operably coupled to the heat transfer bus 304 and / or a corresponding bypass conduit 310. As such, each valve 312, 314 can be moved between fully and / or partially open and / or closed positions to selectively block heat exchange flow through its corresponding bypass conduit 310.

[0074] As used herein, "normal operation" refers to operations occurring in conjunction with the pumps 302, 303 that propel fluid through the heat transfer bus 304. During normal operation (e.g., when the pumps 302, 303 drive the movement of the heat exchange fluid), the valves 312, 314 are controlled based on the pressure of the heat exchange fluid within the heat transfer bus 304. More specifically, as indicated above, in some cases, the pressure of the heat exchange fluid flowing through the heat transfer bus 304 may fall outside of a desired pressure range. When the pressure of the heat exchange fluid is too high, the thermal management system 300, 350 may cause accelerated wear. In this regard, when the pressure of the heat exchange fluid within the heat transfer bus 304 exceeds a maximum or otherwise increased pressure value, one or more heat source valves 312 are opened. In this example, at least a portion of the heat exchange fluid flows through the bypass conduit 310 instead of the heat source heat exchanger 306. As a result, less heat is added to the heat exchange fluid through the heat source heat exchanger 306, which reduces the temperature of the fluid and, therefore, reduces the pressure of the fluid. In some examples, the maximum pressure value is between 3800 psi and 4000 psi or less. In some examples, the maximum pressure value is between 2700 psi and 2900 psi, such as 2800 psi. In some other examples, the maximum pressure value is between 1300 psi and 1500 psi, such as 1400 psi. Such maximum pressure values ​​generally prevent the thermal management system 300, 350 from causing accelerated wear.

[0075] In some examples, the maximum pressure value is determined before and / or during operation based on one or more parameters associated with the thermal management system 300, 350 (e.g., materials used, pump 302, 303 design, aircraft 10 design, etc.). Figure 1 ), Gas Turbine Engine 100 Design ( Figure 2), heat exchange fluid, etc. The example maximum pressure value can be adjusted relative to the pressure capacity of the heat transfer bus 304, pumps 302, 303, heat exchangers 306, 308, bypass conduit 310 and / or valves 312, 314.

[0076] On the contrary, when the pressure of the heat exchange fluid is too low, the pumps 302, 303 may experience operability problems and increased wear. Thus, when the pressure of the heat exchange fluid in the heat transfer bus drops to a pressure value lower than the minimum pressure value or otherwise reduced, one or more radiator valves 314 are opened. In this example, at least a portion of the heat exchange fluid flows through the bypass conduit 310 instead of the radiator heat exchanger 308. Therefore, less heat is removed from the heat exchange fluid by the radiator heat exchanger 308, which increases the temperature of the fluid and thus increases the pressure of the fluid. In some examples, the minimum pressure value is 1070 pounds per square inch or greater. In some examples, the minimum pressure value is between 1150 pounds per square inch and 1350 pounds per square inch, such as 1250 pounds per square inch. In some other examples, the minimum pressure value is between 2400 pounds per square inch and 2600 pounds per square inch, such as 2500 pounds per square inch. This minimum pressure value is typically used when the heat exchange fluid is in a supercritical state (e.g., when the heat exchange fluid is supercritical carbon dioxide). Thus, the thermal management system 300, 350 can be configured to operate so that the pressure of the heat transfer fluid is maintained within a range extending between a minimum pressure value and a maximum pressure value. In some examples, the range extends from 1070 psi to 4000 psi. Specifically, in one example, the range extends from 1250 psi to 1400 psi. In some other examples, the range extends from 2500 psi to 2800 psi. Thus, when the heat load applied to the thermal management system 300, 350 changes, the operation of the pumps 302, 303 and the valves 312, 314 allows the disclosed thermal management system 300, 350 to maintain the pressure of the heat exchange fluid within the heat transfer bus 304 within a specific range of values.

[0077] In addition, during normal operation, the example pumps 302, 303 drive the heat exchange fluid through the thermal management system 300, 350. In some examples, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes one pump 302, 303 or multiple pumps 302, 303, depending on the desired flow rate, the pressure change across the pumps 302, 303, and / or the kinetic energy loss of the heat exchange fluid in the heat transfer bus 304. For example, the pumps 302, 303 can increase the output head to accelerate the flow of the heat exchange fluid to a first flow rate. During normal operation, as the heat exchange fluid passes through the heat transfer bus 304, the example kinetic energy of the heat exchange fluid is dissipated due to friction, temperature changes, etc. Due to the kinetic energy loss, the heat exchange fluid is decelerated to a second flow rate at a point upstream of the pumps 302, 303. When the example second flow rate is lower than the desired operating flow rate of the heat exchange fluid, the pumps 302 , 303 may be different architectures that output a higher first flow rate, or one or more additional pumps 302 , 303 may be included in the thermal management system 300 , 350 .

[0078] When the thermal management system 300, 350 has been inactive for a period of time (e.g., the heat exchange fluid is static in the pump 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304), the pressure and / or temperature of the heat exchange fluid decreases. As a result, the heat exchange fluid in the pump 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304 can be converted from a desired gaseous and / or supercritical state to a liquid state. The fluid in the liquid state can adversely affect the function of the pump 302, 303, such as by causing one or more foil bearings of the pump 302, 303 to experience windage losses, increased film thickness / stiffness, etc., which prevent or hinder separation between the foil bearing and a rotating component (e.g., shaft, disk, etc.) supported by the foil bearing.

[0079] exist Figure 3A In the illustrated example, the thermal management system 300 includes a thermal control system 316 for removing liquid from the foil bearings of the pump 302 prior to normal operation (e.g., before the motors of the pumps 302, 303 drive the impellers of the pumps 302, 303, before the pumps 302, 303 drive the heat exchange fluid through the heat transfer bus 304, etc.). Figure 3B In the example shown, the thermal management system 350 includes a first thermal control system 316A (eg, Figure 3A The thermal management system 350 is in a first position or orientation of the thermal control system 316 and a second thermal control system 316B (eg, Figure 3A of the thermal management system 316 in a second position or orientation in the thermal management system 350. Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn the example shown, the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B pressurizes and / or heats the fluid and injects the heated and / or pressurized fluid into the pumps 302, 303. In this way, the heated and / or pressurized fluid can change the state of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 or at least the state of the fluid in the foil bearings of the pumps 302, 303 from a liquid state to a gaseous state and / or a supercritical state. For example, during pre-startup operation (e.g., before normal operation, before the pumps 302, 303 drive the fluid through the heat transfer bus 304, and before the drive signal is transmitted to the pumps 302, 303), the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B can increase the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 to convert the fluid from a liquid state to a gaseous state and / or a supercritical state. Additionally or alternatively, during pre-startup operation, the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B may inject a gaseous and / or supercritical fluid into the pump 302, 303 such that the gaseous and / or supercritical fluid moves (e.g., pushes) the fluid in a liquid state away from and / or away from the foil bearing of the pump 302, 303. Thus, during pre-startup operation, the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B replaces at least a portion of the fluid in a liquid state in the pump 302, 303 with the fluid in a gaseous and / or supercritical state before the pump 302, 303 begins normal operation. As a result, the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B enables the pump 302, 303 to operate without adversely affecting the function of the foil bearing, and thus, the operation of the pump 302, 303.

[0080] Additionally, during normal operation (e.g., when the pumps 302, 303 are driving a heat exchange fluid), the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B may inject a cooler fluid into the pumps 302, 303 to maintain the temperature within the pumps 302, 303 within a predetermined temperature range (e.g., between about 150 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and 300°F) that achieves optimal function of the motors and / or foil bearings of the pumps 302, 303. For example, the predetermined temperature range may maintain the fluid in a gaseous and / or supercritical state while minimizing or reducing vibrations encountered by the foil bearings and maintaining function of the motors of the pumps 302, 303. Thus, the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B controls the thermal energy of the fluid encountered by the pumps 302, 302 before and during operation of the pumps 302, 303 to improve pumping parameters (e.g., pressure change across the pumps 302, 303, flow rate of the fluid, etc.) and / or life of the pumps 302, 303. Example implementations of the thermal control systems 316, 316A, 316B are discussed in further detail below.

[0081] exist Figure 3A-3BIn the example shown, the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B includes or is coupled to a feedback conduit 318 (e.g., one or more interconnecting fluid conduits, a feedback fluid bus). More specifically, the feedback conduit 318 includes at least one first feedback conduit 320, at least one second feedback conduit 322, and at least one third feedback conduit 324. Similarly, in Figure 3B In the example shown, the first thermal control system 316A includes or is coupled to a first feedback conduit 318A (eg, Figure 3A The feedback conduit 318 in the first position or orientation in the thermal management system 350) and the second feedback conduit 318B (eg, Figure 3A Thus, the first feedback conduit 318A includes at least one first feedback conduit 320A (e.g., the first feedback conduit 320 in the first position), at least one second feedback conduit 322A (e.g., Figure 3A A second feedback conduit 322 in a first position) and at least one third feedback conduit 324A (e.g., Figure 3A Similarly, the second feedback conduit 318B includes at least one first feedback conduit 320B (e.g., the first feedback conduit 320 in the second position), at least one second feedback conduit 322B (e.g., the second feedback conduit 322 in the second position), and at least one third feedback conduit 324B (e.g., the third feedback conduit 324 in the second position).

[0082] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the example shown, the heat transfer bus 304 includes a primary input conduit 326 and a primary output conduit 328. The primary input conduit 326 includes an end coupled to the pump 302, 303 at a primary inlet 330 of the pump 302, 303. In addition, the primary output conduit 328 includes an end coupled to the pump at a primary outlet 332 of the pump 302, 303. Thus, the primary input conduit 326 and the primary output conduit 328 are fluidly coupled to the pump 302, 303. More specifically, the primary input conduit 326 delivers fluid to the pump 302, 303, and the primary output conduit 328 receives fluid from the pump. The pump 302, 303 includes an impeller that drives the fluid flowing through the primary inlet 330 through the primary outlet 332 during pump operation, as discussed in further detail below.

[0083] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn the example shown, the first feedback conduit 320 includes an end coupled to the primary input conduit 326 upstream of the primary inlet 330 of the pump 302, 303. Specifically, the end of the first feedback conduit 320 includes an opening that aligns with an opening in the primary input conduit 326 to fluidly couple the first feedback conduit 320 to the primary input conduit 326. Similarly, the second feedback conduit 322 includes an end coupled to the primary output conduit 328 downstream of the primary outlet 332 of the pump 302, 303. More specifically, the end of the second feedback conduit 322 includes an opening that aligns with an opening of the primary output conduit 328 to fluidly couple the second feedback conduit 322 to the primary output conduit 328. In addition, the third feedback conduit 324 includes one or more ends coupled to the pumps 302, 303 at one or more secondary inlets 334, 334A, 334B of the pumps 302, 303. That is, the end of the third feedback conduit 324 includes an opening that aligns with the secondary inlet 334 of the pumps 302, 303 to fluidly couple the third feedback conduit 324 to the pumps 302, 303. Thus, the third feedback conduit 324 can deliver fluid to the pumps 302, 303. Figure 3A The pump 302 and Figure 3B Pump 303 differs in that it includes twice as many secondary inlets 334A, 334B as pump 302 due to receiving fluid from first and second feedback conduits 318A, 318B.

[0084] As discussed in further detail below, the secondary inlet 334 of the pumps 302, 303 is distinct from the primary inlet 330 in that the fluid entering the pumps 302, 303 via the secondary inlet 334 flows into a separate region (e.g., a separate chamber) of the pumps 302, 303 than the fluid entering the pumps 302, 303 via the primary inlet 330. More specifically, the pumps 302, 303 include one or more conduits or flow lines connected to the secondary inlet 334 that direct the fluid flowing through the primary inlet 330 to one or more foil bearings and / or a motor in the pumps 302, 303 when the fluid encounters an impeller of the pumps 302, 303.

[0085] In some examples, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes a valve operably coupled to the end of the first feedback conduit 320. In such examples, the position of the valve can control whether and / or how much fluid in the primary input conduit 326 flows through the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B. Similarly, in some examples, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes another valve operably coupled to the end of the second feedback conduit 322. In such examples, the valve controls whether and / or how much fluid in the primary output conduit 328 flows through the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B. The valve at the end of the feedback conduit 320, 322 can be part of the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B, as discussed in further detail below.

[0086] exist Figure 3A-3B In the example shown, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes a control circuit 336 to control the operation of the pump 302 and / or the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B based on the pressure in the pump 302 and / or the heat transfer bus 304, the temperature of the heat exchange fluid within the pump 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304, and / or the activity level of the thermal management system 300, 350 (e.g., activity cycles encountered, inactivity cycles encountered). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The control circuit 336 may be instantiated (e.g., created as an instance, generated for any length of time, materialized, implemented, etc.) by a programmable circuit, such as a central processing unit (CPU) executing a first instruction. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 3A and Figure 3B The control circuit 336 may be instantiated (e.g., created, generated for any length of time, embodied, implemented, etc.) by (i) an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or (ii) a field programmable gate array (FPGA) structured and / or constructed to perform operations corresponding to the first instruction in response to the execution of the second instruction. It should be understood that Figure 3A and Figure 3B Some or all of the control circuits 336 may therefore be instantiated at the same or different times. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Some or all of the control circuits 336 may be instantiated, for example, in one or more threads that execute concurrently on hardware and / or serially on hardware. Additionally, in some examples, Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B Some or all of the control circuitry 336 may be implemented by a microprocessor circuit that executes instructions and / or an FPGA circuit that operates to implement one or more virtual machines and / or containers. Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe control circuit 336 is instantiated by a programmable circuit that executes control instructions and / or is configured to perform such as Figure 7 The operations represented by the flowchart.

[0087] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the example shown, the thermal management system 300, 350 includes sensors 338. The sensors 338 include one or more pressure sensors and one or more temperature sensors operably coupled to the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the pumps 302, 303 to measure the pressure and temperature of the heat exchange fluid. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The illustrated example shows one or more sensors 338 operably coupled to the primary input conduit 326 and one or more sensors 338 operably coupled to the primary output conduit 328, but it should be understood that the thermal management system 300, 350 may include any number of sensors 338 in alternative locations to measure the temperature and pressure of the fluid in the thermal management system 300, 350.

[0088] exist Figure 3A-3B In the example shown, the control circuit 336 is communicatively coupled to the pumps 302, 303, the valves 312, 314, the thermal control systems 316, 316A, 316B, and the sensor 338. The control circuit 336 controls the pumps 302, 303, the valves 312, 314, and / or the thermal control systems 316, 316A, 316B based on the pressure and / or temperature of the heat exchange fluid measured by the sensor 338. For example, the control circuit 336 can determine whether and / or how much fluid in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304 is in a liquid state. In addition, when the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304 that is in a liquid state does not meet (e.g., is greater than, greater than, or equal to) a liquid threshold, the control circuit 336 can determine that the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B will perform a pre-startup operation.

[0089] The liquid threshold may vary based on the associated thermal management system 300, 350. In some examples, the liquid threshold is not met when there is any fluid in a liquid state in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304. In some examples, the liquid threshold is not met when there is fluid in a liquid state in a particular area of ​​the system 300, 350 (e.g., in the pumps 302, 303, in the primary input conduit 326, in the primary output conduit 328, etc.). In some examples, the liquid threshold is not met when the amount of fluid in a liquid state meets (e.g., is greater than, greater than, or equal to) a threshold percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, etc.) relative to the total volume of fluid in the system. In some examples, the liquid threshold is not met when the amount of fluid in a liquid state meets (e.g., is greater than, greater than, or equal to) a threshold volume (e.g., 5 milliliters (mL), 25 mL, 100 mL, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the liquid threshold may include one or more pressure thresholds and / or one or more temperature thresholds. In some examples, the pressure threshold is based on the critical point pressure of the fluid (e.g., for CO2, the critical point pressure is 73.8 bar), and the temperature threshold is based on the critical point temperature of the fluid (e.g., for CO2, the critical point temperature is 87.8 ° F). In some examples, the control circuit 336 can use a combination of the pressure threshold and / or the temperature threshold to determine whether the measured pressure and / or temperature of the fluid indicates that the fluid is in a liquid state. That is, the control circuit 336 can determine the pressure threshold based on the temperature of the fluid. In such an example, the control circuit 336 determines the pressure threshold based on the pressure of the fluid that will indicate that the fluid is not in a liquid state at the measured temperature (e.g., the minimum pressure). Similarly, the control circuit 336 can determine the temperature threshold based on the pressure of the fluid. In such an example, the control circuit 336 determines the temperature threshold based on the temperature of the fluid that will indicate that the fluid is not in a liquid state at the measured pressure (e.g., the minimum temperature).

[0090] When the control circuit 336 determines that a pre-start operation is to be performed, the control circuit 336 causes the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B to inject heated and / or pressurized fluid into the pumps 302, 303. In some examples, the control circuit 336 causes the pre-start operation to be performed for a predetermined period of time and / or until a liquid threshold is met. When the control circuit 336 determines that a normal operation is to be performed, the control circuit 336 causes the pumps 302, 303 to drive the fluid through the heat transfer bus 304. For example, the control circuit 336 can transmit a drive signal to the motor of the pump. During normal operation, the control circuit 336 can control the pumps 302, 303 and / or valves 312, 314 based on the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid. In addition, during normal operation, the control circuit 336 causes the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B to inject cooling fluid into the pumps 302, 303.

[0091] Figure 3C is used for heat transfer between fluids (e.g., between a heat exchange fluid (such as gaseous or supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2)) and Figure 1 The aircraft 10 and / or Figure 2 An example implementation of a third thermal management system 360 that transfers heat between one or more working fluids associated with the gas turbine engine 100 (eg, Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example implementation of a thermal management system 200 is shown. Figure 3C In the example shown, the thermal management system 360 includes a pump 302, a heat transfer bus 304, a heat source heat exchanger 306, a heat sink heat exchanger 308, a bypass conduit 310, bypass valves 312, 314, a primary input conduit 326 coupled to a primary inlet 330, a primary output conduit 328 coupled to a primary outlet 332, a control circuit 336, and a sensor 338. Figure 3C In the example shown, the thermal management system 360 includes another example thermal control system 340, which includes one or more feedback conduits 342. Figure 3C In the example shown, the feedback conduit 342 includes a first feedback conduit 320 and a third feedback conduit 324 .

[0092] Figure 3D is used for heat transfer between fluids (e.g., between a heat exchange fluid (such as gaseous or supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2)) and Figure 1 The aircraft 10 and / or Figure 2 An example implementation of a fourth thermal management system 370 that transfers heat between one or more working fluids associated with the gas turbine engine 100 (eg, Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example implementation of a thermal management system 200 is shown. Figure 3D In the example shown, the thermal management system 370 includes a pump 303, a heat transfer bus 304, a heat source heat exchanger 306, a heat sink heat exchanger 308, a bypass conduit 310, bypass valves 312, 314, a primary input conduit 326 coupled to a primary inlet 330, a primary output conduit 328 coupled to a primary outlet 332, a control circuit 336, and a sensor 338. Figure 3D In the example shown, the thermal management system 370 includes thermal control systems 340A, 340B, which include feedback conduits 342A, 342B, respectively. Thus, the feedback conduit 342A includes a first feedback conduit 320A and a third feedback conduit 324A, and the feedback conduit 342B includes a first feedback conduit 320B and a third feedback conduit 324B.

[0093] exist Figure 3C-3DIn the example shown, the control circuit 336 controls the thermal control system 340 similar to Figure 3A-3B 304. Specifically, when the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304 does not meet the liquid threshold, the control circuit 336 causes the thermal control system 340 to perform a pre-start operation. In addition, when the control circuit 336 determines that the pre-start operation is to be performed, the control circuit 336 causes the thermal control system 340 to inject heated and / or pressurized fluid into the pumps 302, 303. In addition, when the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304 meets the liquid threshold, the control circuit 336 causes the thermal control system 340 to perform a normal operation, during which the pumps 302, 303 drive the fluid through the heat transfer bus 304. In addition, during normal operation, the control circuit 336 causes the thermal control system 340 to inject cooling fluid into the pumps 302, 303.

[0094] Figure 4A is a first example thermal control system 400 (eg, Figure 3A-3B A schematic diagram of a first example implementation of a thermal control system 316 is shown. Figure 4A In the example shown, the thermal control system 400 includes a first valve 402, an accumulator 404, a second valve 406, a heater 408, a third valve 410, a first injector 412, a second injector 414, a nozzle 416, at least one fourth valve 418, and at least one fifth valve 420. The thermal control system 400 also includes a first feedback conduit 320, a second feedback conduit 322, and a third feedback conduit 324. Figure 4A In the example shown, the third feedback conduit 324 forms a first secondary input 422 , a second secondary input 424 , a third secondary input 426 , and a fourth secondary input 428 .

[0095] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the first valve 402, the accumulator 404, the second valve 406, and the heater 408 are coupled to the first feedback conduit 320. The first valve 402 is coupled to a first end (e.g., an upstream end) of the first feedback conduit 320. The first injector 412 is coupled to a second end (e.g., a downstream end) of the first feedback conduit 320. More specifically, the opening at the second end of the first feedback conduit 320 is aligned with the inlet of the first injector 412, so that the first feedback conduit 320 delivers the fluid to the first injector 412.

[0096] exist Figure 4AIn the example shown, the position of the first valve 402 controls whether and / or how much fluid flows from the primary input conduit 326 into the first feedback conduit 320. For example, a first position (e.g., an open position) of the first valve 402 causes at least a portion of the fluid in the primary input conduit 326 to flow into the first feedback conduit 320. Additionally, a second position (e.g., a closed position) of the first valve 402 prevents the fluid in the primary input conduit 326 from flowing into the first feedback conduit 320. Additionally, the position of the first valve 402 can be adjusted between the first position and the second position (e.g., to one or more partially open positions) to control the amount of fluid from the primary input conduit 326 that enters the first feedback conduit 320, and thus control a fluid parameter (e.g., flow rate, pressure, etc.) of the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320.

[0097] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the accumulator 404 is coupled to the first feedback conduit 320 between the first valve 402 and the heater 408. The accumulator contains a heat exchange fluid in a liquid state. For example, the accumulator 404 may include a container for containing a fluid in a liquid state. In some examples, the accumulator 404 is filled with a fluid in a liquid state during an inactive period of the associated thermal management system 300, 350 (e.g., between flights of the aircraft 10). In addition, the accumulator 404 may include a supplementary conduit fluidically coupled to the first feedback conduit 320. That is, a first end of the supplementary conduit may be coupled to the container, and a second end of the supplementary conduit may be coupled to the first feedback conduit 320. In some examples, the accumulator 404 includes a check valve to prevent the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320 from entering the accumulator 404. In some examples, the accumulator 404 enables the fluid in the first feedback conduit in a liquid state to enter the accumulator 404. For example, the accumulator 404 may include a second replenishment conduit, and gravity may cause the fluid in the liquid state to enter the second replenishment conduit while allowing the fluid in the supercritical and / or gaseous state to continue to flow through the accumulator 404 in the first feedback conduit 320. In some examples, the accumulator 404 includes one or more sensors that enable the control circuit 336 to identify the amount of liquid in the accumulator 404. In some examples, the amount of liquid in the accumulator 404 is predetermined before operation based on the volume of the container. In some examples, the accumulator 404 is segmented, and the control circuit 336 opens one or more segments at a time to introduce the liquid contained in the segment into the first feedback conduit 320.

[0098] exist Figure 4AIn the example shown, the second valve 406 is coupled to the first feedback conduit 320 and / or the accumulator 404. For example, the second valve 406 can be coupled to the replenishment conduit of the accumulator 404. Alternatively, the second valve 406 can be coupled to the first feedback conduit 320 and positioned at an opening in the first feedback conduit 320 that is aligned with an opening of the accumulator 404 (e.g., an opening at the end of the replenishment conduit). In this way, the position of the second valve 406 can control the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the accumulator into the first feedback conduit 320. In some examples, the first injector 412 controls the amount of fluid in a liquid state that flows from the accumulator 404 into the first feedback conduit 320, such as in combination with Figure 4B and Figure 4D discussed.

[0099] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the heater 408 is coupled to the first feedback conduit 320 between the accumulator 404 and the second valve 406. For example, the heater 408 can be positioned around at least a portion of the periphery of the first feedback conduit 320. The heater 408 generates heat when activated, thereby heating the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320. For example, the heater 408 can be implemented by an electric heater (e.g., a strip heater, a tubular heater, a band heater, etc.) that generates heat in response to receiving an electric current. In some examples, the heater 408 corresponds to another type of heat exchanger that transfers heat from another fluid (e.g., a fluid that supports the operation of the aircraft 10 and / or the gas turbine engine 100) to the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320. For example, the heater 408 can be a waste heat recovery heat exchanger associated with the exhaust section 128 of the gas turbine engine 100.

[0100] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the third valve 410 and the second injector 414 are coupled to the second feedback conduit 322. The third valve 410 is coupled to a first end (e.g., an upstream end) of the second feedback conduit 322. The second injector 414 is coupled to a second end (e.g., a downstream end) of the second feedback conduit 322. More specifically, the opening at the second end of the second feedback conduit 322 is aligned with the inlet of the second injector 414, so that the second feedback conduit 322 delivers the fluid to the second injector 414.

[0101] exist Figure 4AIn the example shown, the position of the third valve 410 controls whether and / or how much fluid flows from the primary output conduit 328 into the second feedback conduit 322 and the second injector 414. For example, a first position (e.g., an open position) of the third valve 410 causes at least a portion of the fluid in the primary output conduit 328 to flow into the second feedback conduit 322. In addition, a second position (e.g., a closed position) of the third valve 410 prevents the fluid in the primary output conduit 328 from flowing into the second feedback conduit 322. In addition, the position of the third valve 410 can be adjusted between the first position and the second position (e.g., to one or more partially open positions) to control the amount of fluid that enters the second feedback conduit 322 from the primary output conduit 328, and thus control a fluid parameter (e.g., flow rate, pressure, etc.) of the fluid delivered to the second injector 414.

[0102] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the first injector 412 and the second injector 414 increase the pressure of the fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 and the second feedback conduit 322, respectively. The first injector 412 and / or the second injector 414 may include a piezoelectric injector, a piezoelectric hydraulic pump (e.g., which utilizes a piezoelectric stack actuator), an electromagnetic injector (e.g., a solenoid injector), and / or another type of injector that utilizes reciprocating motion to move and pressurize the fluid. For example, the first injector 412 and / or the second injector 414 may increase the pressure of the fluid from 50 bar to 170 bar. In some examples, the first injector 412 and / or the second injector 414 include one or more valves to control the flow and pressurization of the fluid. Figure 4A In the example shown, the first injector 412 is coupled to the nozzle 416 at a first inlet of the nozzle 416, and the second injector 414 is coupled to the nozzle 416 at a second inlet of the nozzle 416. More specifically, the first injector 412 includes a first outlet aligned with the first inlet of the nozzle 416, and the second injector 414 includes a second outlet aligned with the second inlet of the nozzle 416.

[0103] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the nozzle 416 mixes (e.g., blends, combines, etc.) the fluid from the first injector 412 with the fluid from the second injector 414. Thus, the first injector 412 and the second injector 414 output fluids at equal pressures to achieve mixing. In this way, the first injectors 412, 414 prevent clogging and / or backflow of fluid from one of the injectors 412, 414. In addition, the third feedback conduit 324 is coupled to the nozzle 416 at one or more outlets of the nozzle 416. Figure 4AIn the example shown, the nozzle 416 includes a first outlet that is aligned with an opening at the end of the first input 422 of the third feedback conduit 324. Additionally, the nozzle 416 includes a second outlet that is aligned with an opening at the end of the second input 424 of the third feedback conduit 324. In some examples, the nozzle 416 includes a single outlet that is aligned with the third feedback conduit 324.

[0104] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the fourth valve 418 and the fifth valve 420 are coupled to the third feedback conduit 324. More specifically, the fourth valve 418 is coupled to the first input 422 and / or the third input 426 of the third feedback conduit 324. Similarly, the fifth valve 420 is coupled to the second input 424 and / or the fourth input 428 of the third feedback conduit 324. The respective inputs 422, 424, 426, 428 of the third feedback conduit 324 deliver fluid to different areas of the pump 302 or 303. More specifically, the first input 422 and the second input 424 direct fluid to the motor of the pump 302 or 303, and the third input 426 and the fourth input 428 direct fluid to one or more foil bearings of the pump 302 or 303.

[0105] Although the third feedback conduit 324 of the illustrated example includes four inputs that deliver fluid to different areas of the pump, the third feedback conduit 324 may have more or less than four inputs to deliver fluid to the pump 302 or 303 based on the design of the pump 302 or 303 and / or associated thermal management operations that assist the operability of the pump 302 or 303. For example, the third feedback conduit 324 may include a single input to direct fluid to a foil bearing or a motor in the pump 302 or 303. In addition, the third feedback conduit 324 may include two inputs to direct fluid to two separate foil bearings or a single foil bearing and a motor of the pump 302 or 303. In some examples, the pump 302 or 303 includes conduits and / or streamlines that direct fluid from the input of the third feedback conduit 324 to areas of the pump 302 or 303. Thus, a single input of the third feedback conduit 324 may be associated with more than one area of ​​the pump 302 or 303 (e.g., may contain fluid delivered to more than one area of ​​the pump 302 or 303). Therefore, it should be appreciated that the number and / or configuration of the inputs to the third feedback conduit 324 may be configured based on the associated pump 302 or 303 .

[0106] exist Figure 4AIn the example shown, the fourth valve 418 is movable between a first position and a second position. When the fourth valve 418 is in the first position, the fourth valve 418 enables the third input 426 to deliver fluid to the pump 302 or 303 and blocks the fluid in the third feedback conduit 324 from entering the pump 302 or 303 via the first input 422. When the fourth valve 418 is in the second position, the fourth valve 418 enables the first input 422 to deliver fluid to the pump 302 or 303 and blocks the fluid in the third feedback conduit 324 from flowing through the third input 426.

[0107] The fifth valve 420 is similarly movable between a first position and a second position. When the fifth valve 420 is in the first position, the fifth valve 420 enables the fourth input 428 to deliver fluid to the pump 302 or 303 and blocks the fluid in the third feedback conduit 324 from entering the pump 302 or 303 via the second input 422. When the fifth valve 420 is in the second position, the fifth valve 420 enables the second input 424 to deliver fluid to the pump 302 or 303 and blocks the fluid in the third feedback conduit 324 from flowing through the fourth input 428.

[0108] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the control circuit 336 is operably coupled (e.g., electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically, etc.) to the first valve 402, the accumulator 404, the heater 408, the second valve 406, the third valve 410, the first injector 412, the second injector 414, the fourth valve 418, and the fifth valve 420. The control circuit 336 controls the first valve 402, the accumulator 404, the heater 408, the second valve 406, the third valve 410, the first injector 412, the second injector 414, the fourth valve 418, and the fifth valve 420 based on measurements from the sensor 338 (e.g., temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the heat transfer bus 304) and / or operating conditions in the thermal management system 300, 350 (e.g., pre-startup operation and / or normal operation).

[0109] exist Figure 4AIn the example shown, the control circuit 336 determines whether and / or how much fluid in the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the pump 302 or 303 is in a liquid state based on measurements from the sensor 338. When the fluid in the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the pump 302 or 303 does not meet the liquid threshold, the control circuit 336 causes the thermal control system 400 to perform a pre-start operation before starting the operation of the pump 302 or 303. During the pre-start operation, the control circuit 336 causes the thermal control system 400 to inject pressurized and / or heated fluid into the pump 302 or 303. More specifically, the control circuit 336 can control the respective positions of the first valve 402 and / or the third valve 410 to control whether and / or how much fluid from the primary input conduit 326 and / or the primary output conduit 328 enters the first feedback conduit 320 and / or the second feedback conduit 322, respectively. In some examples, the control circuit 336 determines the position of the first valve 402 and / or the third valve 410 based on the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid. In some examples, the control circuit 336 determines the rate at which fluid from the accumulator 404 enters the first feedback conduit 320 based on the amount of fluid in the accumulator 404, the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the pump 302 or 303, and / or parameters associated with foil bearings in the pump 302 or 303 (e.g., size, number, design, etc.). In such examples, the control circuit 336 controls the accumulator 404 and / or the second valve 406 based on the determined rate at which fluid from the accumulator enters the first feedback conduit 320. In some examples, the control circuit 336 determines the pressure increase so that the fluid in the pump 302 or 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304 meets the liquid threshold. In some such examples, the control circuit 336 determines the amount of fluid to be supplied to the first injector 412, the second injector 414, and / or the pump 302 or 303 based on the determined pressure increase. The control circuit 336 may control the respective positions of the first valve 402 , the second valve 406 , and / or the third valve 410 based on the determined amount of fluid.

[0110] exist Figure 4AIn the example shown, the control circuit 336 determines whether to activate the heater 408 based on the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the pump 302 or 303. For example, the control circuit 336 can determine whether the pressure increase (e.g., the maximum pressure increase) that can be provided by the first injector 412 and the second injector 414 will cause the fluid in the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the pump 302 or 303 to meet the liquid threshold within a threshold time period (e.g., 10 seconds, 20 seconds, etc.). In such an example, when the pressure increase that can be provided will not cause the fluid in the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the pump 302 or 303 to meet the liquid threshold within the threshold time period, the control circuit 336 activates the heater 408. As a result, the heater 408 generates heat that is absorbed by the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320 upstream of the first injector 412. Thus, in addition to the pressure increase provided by the first injector 412 and / or the second injector 414, the temperature increase provided by the heater 408 can increase the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the pump 302 or 303, which causes the fluid in the pump 302 or 303 to be in a gaseous state and / or a supercritical state. In some examples, when the control circuit 336 determines to utilize the heater 408 during pre-startup operation, the control circuit 336 prevents the heated fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 from mixing with the cooler fluid from the second feedback conduit 322, such as in combination with Figure 4F Further discussion.

[0111] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the first injector 412 and the second injector 414 increase the pressure of the fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 and the second feedback conduit 322, respectively, and output the fluid into the nozzle 416. The nozzle 416 allows the fluids from the first and second injectors 412, 414 to mix before entering the third feedback conduit 324. In this way, when the heater 408 is activated, the nozzle 416 enables the heated fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 to heat the fluid from the second feedback conduit 322. In the example shown, the nozzle 416 outputs the pressurized and / or heated fluid into the first and second inputs 422, 424 of the third feedback conduit 324. In some examples, the nozzle 416 outputs the fluid into a single input of the third feedback conduit 324. In such an example, the third feedback conduit 324 can define (e.g., split into) separate inputs downstream of the nozzle 416, or can have a single input coupled to the pump 302 or 303.

[0112] exist Figure 4AIn the example shown, the control circuit 336 controls the respective positions of the fourth valve 418 and the fifth valve 420 to direct fluid to the foil bearing of the pump 302 or 303 during pre-startup operation. More specifically, the control circuit 336 places the fourth valve 418 in an associated first position to allow pressurized and / or heated fluid to enter the pump 302 or 303 via the third input 426 while preventing fluid in the third feedback conduit 324 from entering the pump 302 or 303 via the first input 422. Similarly, the control circuit 336 places the fifth valve 420 in an associated first position to allow pressurized and / or heated fluid to enter the pump 302 or 303 via the fourth input 428 while preventing fluid in the third feedback conduit 324 from entering the pump 302 or 303 via the second input 424.

[0113] Thus, during the pre-start operation, the control circuit 336 causes the valves 418, 420 to direct the pressurized and / or heated fluid to the foil bearings of the pump 302 or 303. In turn, the pressurized and / or heated fluid can displace and / or move the fluid in a liquid state away from the foil bearings, and / or convert the fluid in a liquid state in the pump 302 or 303 to a gaseous state and / or a supercritical state. Thus, the injection of the pressurized and / or heated fluid into the pump 302 or 303 enables the foil bearings to support rotating components within the pump 302 or 303 while preventing wear and / or hindering function that would otherwise be caused by windage losses, film thickness / stiffness, etc. encountered by the foil bearings when operating with the fluid in a liquid state. In some examples, the control circuit 336 causes the pre-start operation to proceed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc.) based on the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid at the start of the pre-start operation. For example, control circuit 336 can determine the amount of time it takes thermal control system 400 to bring the fluid in pump 302 or 303 and / or heat transfer bus 304 to a desired state based on the initial temperature and / or pressure of the fluid. In some examples, control circuit 336 monitors pressure and / or temperature measurements from sensor 338 and switches from pre-startup operation to normal operation when the fluid in pump 302 or 303 and / or heat transfer bus 304 meets a liquid threshold.

[0114] When normal operation is to begin, the control circuit 336 controls the pump 302 or 303 (e.g., transmits a drive signal to the pump 302 or 303) so that the pump 302 or 304 drives the fluid through the heat transfer bus 304. During normal operation, the thermal control system 400 operates to cool or maintain the temperature of the motor of the pump 302 or 303. Therefore, if the heater 408 is activated during the pre-start operation, the control circuit 336 deactivates the heater 408. In addition, the control circuit 336 controls the corresponding positions of the valves 402, 406, 410 to control the fluid parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) of the fluid injected into the third feedback conduit 324. More specifically, due to the operation of the pump 302 or 303, the fluid in the primary output conduit 328 can have a higher temperature than the fluid in the primary input conduit 326. In addition, the fluid in the accumulator 404 is cooler than the fluid from the primary output conduit 328 and the fluid from the primary input conduit 326. The control circuit 336 utilizes the cooler fluid from the accumulator 404 to cool the fluid from the primary output conduit 328 and the fluid from the primary input conduit 326. For example, the control circuit 336 can adjust the position of the first valve 402 and / or the second valve 406 to control the ratio of the fluid from the primary input conduit 326 in the first feedback conduit 320 to the fluid from the accumulator 404 in the first feedback conduit 320. For example, the control circuit 336 can cause the fluid from the accumulator 404 to form a first percentage of the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320 during pre-startup operation and a second percentage less than the first percentage during normal operation. Thus, the control circuit 336 can control the temperature of the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320. In addition, the control circuit 336 can control the position of the third valve 410 to control how much of the fluid from the primary output conduit 328 is mixed with the cooler fluid from the first feedback conduit in the nozzle 416 and / or the third feedback conduit 324. Thus, the control circuit 336 can control the temperature of the fluid in the third feedback conduit 324. Furthermore, cooling of the fluid originating from the accumulator 404 is spread over the fluid entering the thermal control system 400 from the primary input conduit 326 and the primary output conduit 328 before the fluid enters the pump 302 or 303. As a result, the cooling effect provided by the fluid can be distributed over a larger volume in the pump 302 or 303 than if the fluid from the accumulator 404 were simply injected into the pump 302 or 303.

[0115] Therefore, the control circuit 336 controls the respective positions of the valves 402, 406, 410 to control the temperature of the fluid provided to the third feedback conduit 324. In some examples, the control circuit 336 determines the position of the second valve 406 based on the duration that the thermal management system 300, 350 will be used, and therefore the period of operation that the thermal control system 400 needs to support the pump 302 or 303. Specifically, because the accumulator 404 has a finite volume, the control circuit 336 can control the second valve 406 to quantitatively use the fluid in the accumulator 404. For example, the control circuit 336 can associate certain positions of the second valve 406 with certain temperature thresholds so that the use of fluid from the accumulator 404 is proportional to the cooling demand in the pump 302 or 303.

[0116] In addition, during normal operation, the control circuit 336 can control the output pressure and / or flow rate provided by the injectors 412, 414 based on the pressure and / or temperature of the fluid in the pump 302 or 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304. In turn, the relatively cold fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 is mixed with the relatively warm fluid from the second feedback conduit 322 in the nozzle 416, so that the relatively cold fluid can reduce the temperature of the relatively warm fluid. In addition, during normal operation, the control circuit 336 adjusts the positions of the fourth valve 418 and the fifth valve 420 to the corresponding second positions. As a result, the third feedback conduit 324 delivers the cooled fluid to the pump 302 or 303 via the first input 422 and the second input 424. Thus, the cooled fluid can cool the fluid and / or components in pump 302 or 303 to maintain the operability of pump 302 or 303, such as by reducing vibrations caused by hot fluid (e.g., fluid having a temperature exceeding 400°F) in pump 302 or 303 and preventing the motor of pump 302 or 304 from overheating.

[0117] Figure 4B is a second example thermal control system 405 (e.g., Figure 3A-3B A schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a thermal control system 316 is shown. Figure 4B In the example shown, the thermal control system 405 includes a first valve 402, an accumulator 404, a heater 408, a third valve 410, a first injector 412, a second injector 414, a nozzle 416, a fourth valve 418, and a fifth valve 420. The thermal control system 405 also includes a first feedback conduit 320, a second feedback conduit 322, and a third feedback conduit 324, and the third feedback conduit 324 includes a first input 422, a second input 424, a third input 426, and a fourth input 428. Figure 4B In the example shown, the thermal control system 405 does not include a second valve 406 ( Figure 4A ), but otherwise functions similarly to Figure 4A Example thermal control system 400. Figure 4B , the control circuit 336 controls the rate at which fluid from the accumulator 404 enters the first feedback conduit 320 via the position of the first valve 402 and the pressure differential generated by the first injector 412 .

[0118] Figure 4C is a third example thermal control system 415 (e.g., Figure 3A-3B A schematic diagram of a third example implementation of a thermal control system 316 is shown. Figure 4C In the example shown, the thermal control system 415 includes the accumulator 404, the second valve 406, the heater 408, the first injector 412, the second injector 414, the nozzle 416, the fourth valve 418, and the fifth valve 420. The thermal control system 415 also includes the first feedback conduit 320, the second feedback conduit 322, and the third feedback conduit 324, and the third feedback conduit 324 includes the first input 422, the second input 424, the third input 426, and the fourth input 428. Figure 4C In the example shown, the thermal control system 405 does not include the first valve 402 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) also does not include the third valve 410 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B ).exist Figure 4C , the control circuit 336 controls the flow rate of fluid drawn from the primary input conduit 326 and the primary output conduit 328 by the thermal control system 415 via the first injector 412 and the second injector 414, respectively. More specifically, the injectors 412, 414 create a pressure differential that pulls the fluid through the first feedback conduit 320 and the second feedback conduit 322, respectively. Figure 4C In the embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit 336 controls the pressure differential formed to control the rate at which the fluid from the primary input conduit 326 enters the first feedback conduit 320 and the rate at which the fluid from the primary output conduit 328 enters the second feedback conduit 322. In addition, the control circuit 336 can adjust the pressure differential formed by the injectors 412, 414 based on the operation of the thermal management system 300, 350, and / or the pressure and / or temperature of the fluid in the pump 302 or 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304.

[0119] Figure 4D is a fourth example thermal control system 425 (e.g., Figure 3A-3B A schematic diagram of a fourth example implementation of a thermal control system 316 is shown. Figure 4DIn the example shown, the thermal control system 425 includes the accumulator 404, the heater 408, the first injector 412, the second injector 414, the nozzle 416, the fourth valve 418, and the fifth valve 420. The thermal control system 425 also includes the first feedback conduit 320, the second feedback conduit 322, and the third feedback conduit 324, and the third feedback conduit 324 includes the first input 422, the second input 424, the third input 426, and the fourth input 428. Figure 4D In the example shown, the thermal control system 405 does not include the first valve 402 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B )、Second valve 406( Figure 4A and Figure 4C ), nor does it include the third valve 410 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B ).exist Figure 4D In some examples, the injectors 412, 414 control the rate at which fluid enters the first feedback conduit 320 and / or the second feedback conduit 322 from the primary input conduit 326, the accumulator 404, and the primary output conduit 328. In some examples, the accumulator 404 is configured to continuously release fluid into the first feedback conduit 320, and the pressure differential created by the first injector 412 controls the rate at which the fluid leaves the accumulator 404. In some examples, the first injector 412 pulls fluid from the accumulator 404 into the first feedback conduit 320 by forming a pressure differential that satisfies a pressure differential threshold. For example, the accumulator 404 may include a check valve that prevents fluid in the accumulator from leaving. In addition, when the first injector 412 satisfies the pressure differential threshold, the check valve may open, and fluid from the accumulator 404 may enter the first feedback conduit 320. In this way, the control circuit 336 controls the pressure differential formed by the first injector 412 to control whether and / or the rate at which fluid from the accumulator 404 enters the first feedback conduit 320 .

[0120] Figure 4E is a fifth example thermal control system 435 (e.g., Figure 3A-3B A schematic diagram of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a thermal control system 316 is shown. Figure 4E In the example shown, the thermal control system 435 includes the first valve 402, the accumulator 404, the second valve 406, the heater 408, the third valve 410, the fourth valve 418, and the fifth valve 420. The thermal control system 435 also includes the first feedback conduit 320, the second feedback conduit 322, and the third feedback conduit 324, and the third feedback conduit 324 includes the first input 422, the second input 424, the third input 426, and the fourth input 428. Figure 4EIn the example shown, the thermal control system 435 includes an injector system 430 (e.g., a system of one or more injectors) coupled to the first feedback conduit 320, the second feedback conduit 322, and the third feedback conduit 324. The control circuit 336 is operably coupled to the injector system 430. The injector system 430 includes a first inlet aligned with an opening at the second end of the first feedback conduit 320. In addition, the injector system 430 includes a second inlet aligned with an opening at the second end of the second feedback conduit 322.

[0121] exist Figure 4E In the example shown, when the pressure of the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320 and the pressure of the fluid in the second feedback conduit 322 are approximately equal, the injector system 430 can include a single injector that receives and pressurizes the fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 and the fluid from the second feedback conduit 322 together. In some examples, the control circuit 336 controls the respective positions of the first valve 402 and the third valve 410 to approximately equalize the pressure of the fluid at the first inlet and the second inlet of the injector system 430. As a result, the fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 and the fluid from the second feedback conduit 322 can mix in the injector system 430 when the associated injector increases the pressure of the fluid.

[0122] exist Figure 4E In the example shown, when the pressure of the fluid in the first feedback conduit 320 and the pressure of the fluid in the second feedback conduit 322 are not approximately equal, and the respective positions of the first and third valves 402, 410 cannot be configured to equalize the pressures, the injector system 430 includes a first injector at the first inlet (e.g., the first injector 412 ( Figures 4A-4D )) and / or a second injector at a second inlet (e.g., second injector 414 ( Figures 4A-4D )). The injectors at the first inlet and / or the second inlet can increase the pressure of the fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 and / or the second feedback conduit 322 so that the pressure of the fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 is approximately equal to the pressure of the fluid from the second feedback conduit 322. Therefore, the fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 can mix with the fluid from the second feedback conduit downstream of the first and / or second injectors.

[0123] In some examples, fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 is mixed with fluid from the second feedback conduit 322 in a third injector downstream of the first injector and / or the second injector, and / or in a mixing chamber or conduit upstream of the third injector. In such examples, the third injector can further increase the pressure of the fluid from the first feedback conduit 320 and the second feedback conduit 322. The injector system 430 may include one or more additional injectors downstream of the third injector to further increase the pressure of the fluid. For example, the number of injectors within the injector system 430 may depend on the pressure increase provided by each injector and the desired pressure increase. In addition, the injector system 430 may include Figures 4A-4D The first and second injectors 412, 414 are similarly positioned in parallel. Figure 4E In the example shown, the injector system 430 includes a single outlet that is aligned with the opening at the end of the third feedback conduit 324. In some examples, the injector system 430 includes more than one outlet, similar to Figures 4A-4D Nozzle 416.

[0124] Figure 4F is a sixth example thermal control system 445 (e.g., Figure 3A-3B A schematic diagram of a sixth example implementation of a thermal control system 316 is shown. Figure 4F In the example shown, the thermal control system 445 includes the first valve 402, the accumulator 404, the second valve 406, the heater 408, the fourth valve 418, and the fifth valve 420. The thermal control system 445 also includes the first feedback conduit 320, the second feedback conduit 322, and the third feedback conduit 324, and the third feedback conduit 324 includes the first input 422, the second input 424, the third input 426, and the fourth input 428. Figure 4F In the example shown, the thermal control system 445 includes another injector system 440 (eg, a system of one or more injectors) and a sixth valve 442. The control circuit 336 is operably coupled to the sixth valve 442 and the injector system 440.

[0125] exist Figure 4F In the example shown, the second feedback conduit 322 is coupled to the third feedback conduit 324. More specifically, the opening at the second end of the second feedback conduit 322 is aligned with the opening in the third feedback conduit 324 such that the second feedback conduit 322 is directly fluidly coupled to the third feedback conduit 324. Figure 4F, the sixth valve 442 is coupled to the second end of the second feedback conduit 322 and / or the third feedback conduit 324. The position of the sixth valve 442 controls whether and / or how much fluid from the second feedback conduit 322 flows into the third feedback conduit 324. For example, a first position (e.g., an open position) of the sixth valve 442 causes at least a portion of the fluid in the second feedback conduit 322 to flow into the third feedback conduit 324. In addition, a second position (e.g., a closed position) of the sixth valve 442 prevents fluid from flowing between the second and third feedback conduits 322, 324. In addition, the position of the sixth valve 442 can be adjusted between the first position and the second position (e.g., adjusted to one or more partially open positions) to control the amount of fluid from the second feedback conduit 322 that enters the third feedback conduit 324.

[0126] exist Figure 4F In the example shown, the injector system 440 is coupled to the first feedback conduit 320 and the third feedback conduit 324. More specifically, the injector system 440 includes an inlet aligned with an opening at the second end of the first feedback conduit 320 and an outlet aligned with an opening at the end of the third feedback conduit 324. The injector system 440 may include one or more injectors (e.g., one or more of the first injector 412 and / or the second injector 414). In some examples, the injector system 440 includes a single injector (e.g., the first injector 412, the second injector 414, etc.) to increase the pressure of the fluid between the first feedback conduit 320 and the third feedback conduit 324. In some examples, the injector system 440 includes more than one injector in series to increase the pressure of the fluid output by the injector system 440 to the third feedback conduit 324. In some examples, the configuration of the injector system 440 (e.g., the number of first injectors 412 and / or second injectors 414, the layout of the injectors, the type of injectors, etc.) is based on the desired pressure increase and the pressure increase that can be provided by the type of injectors included in the injector system 440.

[0127] exist Figure 4F In the example shown, the control circuit 336 controls the operation of the injector system 440 and the sixth valve 442 based on the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the pump 302 or 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304. For example, during pre-startup operation, the control circuit 336 places the sixth valve 442 in an associated second position to prevent the pressurized fluid in the third feedback conduit 324 from flowing into the second feedback conduit 322. In addition, when the pressure in the third feedback conduit 324 is approximately equal to the pressure in the second feedback conduit 322, the control circuit 336 can adjust the sixth valve to an associated first position or a regulating position.

[0128] exist Figure 4FIn the example shown, during the pre-startup operation, the control circuit 336 controls the injector system 440 based on the desired pressure increase between the first feedback conduit 320 and the third feedback conduit 324. In some examples, when the injector system 440 includes more than one injector in series, the control circuit 336 controls the injector individually. For example, the injector system 440 may include two injectors in series. In such an example, when a higher pressure increase is desired, the control circuit 336 can activate the two injectors of the injector system 440, and when a lower pressure increase is desired, the control circuit 336 can increase the pressure in one of the injectors while passively allowing the fluid to pass through the other injector. During normal operation, the control circuit 336 can minimize the pressure increase of the fluid in the injector system 440 to reduce the temperature increase associated with the pressure increase. In some examples, during normal operation, the control circuit 336 causes the injector system 440 to output a pressure approximately equal to the fluid in the second feedback conduit 322. In such an example, control circuit 336 opens sixth valve 442 to mix fluid from second feedback conduit 322 with fluid from injector system 440 in third feedback conduit 324 .

[0129] Figure 4G yes Figure 3C and / or Figure 3D A schematic diagram of a thermal control system 340 is shown. Figure 4G In the example shown, the thermal control system includes the first feedback conduit 320, the third feedback conduit 324, the control circuit 336, the first valve 402, the accumulator 404, the second valve 406, the heater 408, the injector system 440, the fourth valve 418, the fifth valve 420, the first input 422, the second input 424, the third input 426, and the fourth input 428. During pre-startup operation, the control circuit 336 controls the first valve 402, the accumulator 404, the second valve 406, the heater 408, the injector system 440, the fourth valve 418, and / or the fifth valve 420 to increase the pressure and / or temperature of the fluid in the pump 303. During normal operation, the control circuit 336 controls the first valve 402, the accumulator 404, the second valve 406, the heater 408, the injector system 440, the fourth valve 418, and / or the fifth valve 420 to maintain the temperature of the fluid in the pump 303 below a temperature threshold (e.g., 400°F).

[0130] The foregoing examples of thermal control systems can be used in fluid delivery systems. Although each of the example thermal control systems disclosed above has certain features, it should be understood that the specific features of an example thermal control system do not have to be used exclusively for that example. Instead, any feature described above and / or depicted in the accompanying drawings can be combined with any of the examples in addition to or in place of any other features of these examples. Features of one example are not mutually exclusive with features of another example. On the contrary, the scope of the present disclosure includes any combination of any features.

[0131] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and / or Figure 4D Schematic diagram of a nozzle 416 of an example thermal control system 400, 405, 415, 425. Figure 5 In the example shown, the nozzle 416 includes a first inlet 502, a first conduit 504, a second inlet 506, a second conduit 508, a mixing chamber 510, a third conduit 512, a first outlet 514, a fourth conduit 516, and a second outlet 518. The first inlet 502 is defined at the end of the first conduit 504 and receives fluid from the second injector 414. The second inlet 506 is defined at the end of the second conduit 508 and receives fluid from the first injector 412. The fluid from the first injector 412 is mixed with the fluid from the second injector 414 in the mixing chamber 510. More specifically, the nozzle 416 includes a mixing conduit 511 that transports the fluid from the first conduit 504 to the mixing chamber 510, where the fluid from the first conduit 504 is mixed with the fluid from the second conduit 508. The mixing conduits 511 can be staggered on opposite sides of the first conduit 504 and / or have different cross-sectional areas to help the fluid mix in the mixing chamber 510. In some examples, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing conduit 511 can help control the size of fluid particles entering the mixing chamber 510 to help the fluid mix efficiently.

[0132] After mixing, the first portion of the fluid flows into the first input 422 of the third feedback conduit 324, and the second portion of the fluid flows into the second input 424 of the third feedback conduit 324. Specifically, the first portion of the fluid flows through the third conduit 512 and the first outlet 514 defined at the end of the third conduit 512. Similarly, the second portion of the fluid flows through the fourth conduit 516 and the second outlet 518 defined at the end of the fourth conduit 516. Thus, the nozzle 416 mixes the fluid from the first injector 412 with the fluid from the second injector 414 to distribute heat on the fluid before delivering the fluid to the third feedback conduit 324.

[0133] Fig. 6A yes Figure 3A and Figure 3C Schematic diagram of an example implementation of a pump 302 . Figure 6B yes Figure 3B and Figure 3D A schematic diagram of an example implementation of a pump 303 is provided. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the example shown, during normal operation, pumps 302, 303 drive a heat exchange fluid (such as gaseous and / or supercritical carbon dioxide) through Figures 3A-3D 304. Specifically, the heat exchange fluid from the primary input conduit 326 flows through the primary inlet 330 and encounters the impeller 606 (e.g., a compressor wheel), which rotates to drive the heat exchange fluid through the primary outlet 332. In turn, the heat transfer bus 304 can supply the heat exchange fluid to one or more heat exchangers (e.g., Figures 3A-3D heat exchangers 306, 308). Thus, the heat transfer bus pumps 302, 303 can pump heat exchange fluid to manage Figure 1 The aircraft 10 and / or Figure 2 of the working fluid associated with the gas turbine engine 100 .

[0134] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the example shown, the pumps 302, 303 include an electric motor 610 positioned in a housing 615. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , the motor 610 is an induction motor operably coupled (e.g., communicatively coupled) to the control circuit 336. For example, the control circuit 336 may include or be communicatively coupled to a variable frequency drive (VFD) that controls the speed of the motor 610. For example, the control circuit 336 may control the speed of the motor 610 based on an associated thermal management system (e.g., thermal management systems 300, 350, 360, 370 ( Figures 3A-3D)), the pressure of the heat exchange fluid in the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the heat transfer bus pumps 302, 303, and / or the temperature of the heat exchange fluid in the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the heat transfer bus pumps 302, 303. Specifically, during pre-startup operation, the control circuit 336 causes the motor 610 to not drive (e.g., rotate) the impeller 606. Additionally, during normal operation, the control circuit 336 causes a drive signal to be transmitted to the motor 610 such that the motor 610 drives the impeller 606, and the pumps 302, 303 drive the heat exchange fluid. In some examples, during normal operation, the control circuit 336 operates the motor 610 based on the pressure and / or temperature of the working fluid affected by the heat exchange fluid. Additionally or alternatively, during normal operation, the control circuit 336 may operate the motor 610 based on vibration measurements obtained by an accelerometer operably coupled to the heat transfer bus pumps 302, 303.

[0135] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the example shown, the housing 615 includes an intermediate housing 612, a rear bearing housing 616, an end cap 620, a front bearing housing 622, and a back plate 626. The intermediate housing 612 is at least partially surrounded by a cooling jacket 614 to prevent the motor 610 from overheating during normal operation. The rear end of the intermediate housing 612 is coupled to the rear bearing housing 616 via a first bolt 618. In addition, the end cap 620 is coupled to the rear bearing housing 616 and the intermediate housing 612 via a first bolt 618. The front end of the intermediate housing 612 is coupled to the front bearing housing 622 opposite to the rear bearing housing 616 via a second bolt 624. In addition, the front bearing housing 622 is coupled to the back plate 626 on the opposite side of the back plate 626 via a second bolt 624, and the back plate 626 defines the primary inlet 330 and the primary outlet 332.

[0136] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the example shown, the motor 610 includes a stator 628 to induce an alternating current in a field coil and emit an alternating magnetic field around the central axis of the motor 610. The alternating magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnets of the rotor 630, thereby providing torque to the rotor 630. The rotor 630 is fixedly coupled to an impeller shaft 632 ("shaft 532"), and a first end of the shaft 632 is fixedly coupled to the impeller 606. In this way, the motor 610 drives the rotation of the shaft 632, thereby driving the rotation of the impeller 606. The first end of the shaft 632 is supported by a first radial foil bearing 634 coupled to the front bearing housing 622. Similarly, the second end of the shaft 632 is supported by a second radial foil bearing 636 coupled to the rear bearing housing 616.

[0137] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6BIn the example shown, the first radial foil bearing 634 and the second radial foil bearing 636 include spring-loaded foil journal bushings that support radial loads of the shaft 632 during relatively low (e.g., starting) rotational speeds (e.g., 0-5000 revolutions per minute (rpm), etc.). When the heat exchange fluid is in a supercritical state and / or a gaseous state and the motor 610 rotates the shaft 632 at a relatively high (e.g., operating) rotational speed (e.g., 5000-20000 rpm, etc.), the pressure of the heat exchange fluid (e.g., air, oil, supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2), etc.) surrounding the shaft 632 pushes the foil bushings radially outward. Thus, when the heat exchange fluid is in a supercritical state and / or a gaseous state, the pressurized heat exchange fluid supports radial loads of the shaft 632 when the shaft 632 rotates at an operating speed (e.g., 3000 rpm, 10000 rpm, 25000 rpm, etc.).

[0138] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the example shown, the thrust disk 638 of the shaft 632 is supported by a thrust bearing system 640. For example, the thrust bearing system 640 may include a foil bearing to support the axial load of the shaft 632 via interaction with the thrust disk 638. In some examples, the thrust bearing system 640 is coupled to the rear bearing housing 616 and / or the end cap 620 via bolts. Thus, the first radial foil bearing 634, the second radial foil bearing 636, and the thrust bearing system 640 are positioned in a chamber 641 defined by the housing 615.

[0139] In some examples, the impeller 606 includes ejector vanes 642 on the face of the impeller 606 that faces the motor 610. During normal operation, at a particular operating speed of the motor 610, the ejector vanes 642 cause a portion of the heat exchange fluid (e.g., sCO2) to flow forward from the front bearing housing 622, the intermediate housing 612, etc. into the fluid conduit 602.

[0140] exist Fig. 6A In the example shown, the pump 302 includes a first flow line 652 (e.g., a first conduit, a first space between components of the pump 302 that defines the first flow line 652), a second flow line 654 (e.g., a second conduit, a second space between components of the pump 302 that defines the second flow line 654), a third flow line 656 (e.g., a third conduit, a third space between components of the pump 302 that defines the third flow line 656), and a fourth flow line 658 (e.g., a fourth conduit, a fourth space between components of the pump 302 that defines the fourth flow line 658). Fig. 6AIn the example shown, the pump 302 includes a first secondary inlet 660, a second secondary inlet 662, a third secondary inlet 664, and a fourth secondary inlet 666. The first secondary inlet 660 is defined at the end of the first flow line 652. The second secondary inlet 662 is defined at the end of the second flow line 654. The third secondary inlet 664 is defined at the end of the third flow line 656. The fourth secondary inlet 666 is defined at the end of the fourth flow line 658.

[0141] exist Fig. 6A In the example shown, a portion of thermal control system 316 is shown. Fig. 6A , the first input 422 of the third feedback conduit 324 is coupled to the pump 302 at the first secondary inlet 660. Thus, the first input 422 delivers fluid to the first flow line 652, and thus to the first longitudinal end of the motor 610. The second input 424 of the third feedback conduit 324 is coupled to the pump 302 at the second secondary inlet 662. Thus, the second input 424 delivers fluid to the second flow line 654. The third input 426 of the third feedback conduit 324 is coupled to the pump 302 at the third secondary inlet 664. Thus, the third input 426 delivers fluid to the third flow line 656. Furthermore, the fourth input 428 of the third feedback conduit 324 is coupled to the pump 302 at the fourth secondary inlet 666. Thus, the fourth input 428 delivers fluid to the fourth flow line 658. In Fig. 6A , the fourth valve 418 is coupled to the first input 422 and / or the third input 426. In addition, the fifth valve 420 is coupled to the second input 424 and / or the fourth input 428.

[0142] The first flow line 652 directs fluid from the first secondary inlet 660 to a first longitudinal end (e.g., a first face) of the motor 610. The second flow line 654 directs fluid from the second secondary inlet 662 to a second longitudinal end (e.g., a second face) of the motor 610 opposite the first longitudinal end. The third flow line 656 directs fluid from the third secondary inlet 664 to the first radial foil bearing 634. The fourth flow line 658 directs fluid from the fourth secondary inlet 666 to the thrust bearing system 640 and / or the second radial foil bearing 636.

[0143] Similarly, in Figure 6B In the example shown, the pump 303 includes first flow lines 652A, 652B (e.g., Fig. 6A The first streamline 652 in the first position and the second position), the second streamline 654A, 654B (for example, Fig. 6A The second streamline 654 in the first position and the second position), the third streamline 656A, 656B (for example, Fig. 6A The third streamline 656 in the first position and the second position), the fourth streamline 658A, 658B (for example, Fig. 6A In addition, the pump 303 includes a first secondary inlet 660A, 660B defined at respective ends of the first flow lines 652A, 652B, a second secondary inlet 662A, 662B defined at respective ends of the second flow lines 654A, 654B, a third secondary inlet 664A, 664B defined at respective ends of the third flow lines 656A, 656B, and a fourth secondary inlet 666A, 666B defined at respective ends of the fourth flow lines 658A, 658B.

[0144] In addition, Figure 6B In the example shown, Figure 3B and Figure 3D Part of the thermal control system 316A, 316B. Figure 6B , the first input 422A, 422B of the third feedback conduit 324A, 324B is coupled to the pump 303 at a respective first secondary inlet 660A, 660B. The second input 424A, 424B of the third feedback conduit 324A, 324B is coupled to the pump 303 at a respective second secondary inlet 662A, 662B. The third input 426A, 426B of the third feedback conduit 324A, 324B is coupled to the pump 303 at a respective third secondary inlet 664A, 664B. The fourth input 428A, 428B of the third feedback conduit 324A, 324B is coupled to the pump 303 at a respective fourth secondary inlet 666A, 666B. In addition, the fourth valve 418A, 418B of the thermal control system 316A, 316B is coupled to the first input 422A, 422B and / or the third input 426A, 426B of the third feedback conduit 324A, 324B. In addition, the fifth valve 420A, 420B of the thermal control system 316A, 316B is coupled to the second input 424A, 424B and / or the fourth input 428A, 428B of the third feedback conduit 324A, 324B. Therefore, Figure 6B The thermal control system 316A, 316B is formed Fig. 6A The thermal control system 316 of FIG. 316A and FIG. 316B can be used to provide two independent instances of the thermal control system 316 to provide additional fluid to the chamber 641 of the pump 303. As a result, the thermal control systems 316A, 316B can be used in a more Fig. 6A The individual thermal control systems 316 increase the pressure of the fluid in chamber 641 at a faster rate. In some examples, more than two instances of thermal control systems 316 are used for the pump. In such examples, the number of thermal control systems 316 is based on the pump design and the desired pressure increase to be provided by the thermal control system 316.

[0145] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6BIn the example shown, the control circuit 336 controls the operation of the motor 610 and the corresponding positions of the fourth valve 418 and the fifth valve 420 based on the fluid temperature and / or pressure measured by the sensor 338. More specifically, the control circuit 336 determines whether and / or how much heat exchange fluid in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304 is in a liquid state. When the control circuit 336 determines that the amount of heat exchange fluid in a liquid state does not meet the liquid threshold, the control circuit 336 determines that a pre-start operation is to be performed. During the pre-start operation, the control circuit 336 places the fourth valve 418 in an associated first position, which causes a higher pressure and / or temperature fluid from the thermal control system 316 to be directed to the first radial foil bearing 634. In addition, the control circuit 336 places the fifth valve 420 in an associated first position, which causes a higher pressure and / or temperature fluid from the thermal control system 316 to be directed to the thrust bearing system 640 and / or the second radial foil bearing 636. As a result, fluid from thermal control system 316 can convert and / or replace fluid in liquid state in chamber 641 of pumps 302, 303 with fluid in gaseous and / or supercritical state. Additionally, during pre-startup operation, control circuit 336 prevents rotation of motor 610 drive shaft 632.

[0146] When the control circuit 336 determines that the amount of heat exchange fluid in a liquid state meets the liquid threshold (e.g., the pumps 302, 303 do not contain fluid in a liquid state), the control circuit 336 determines that normal operation is to be performed. During normal operation, the control circuit 336 causes the fourth valve 418 to be in an associated second position, which causes a cooler fluid from the thermal control system 316 to be directed to the first end of the motor 610. In addition, the control circuit 336 causes the fifth valve 420 to be in an associated second position, which causes a cooler fluid from the thermal control system to be directed to the second end of the motor 610. Therefore, the cooler fluid can cool the motor and / or other components within the pumps 302, 303 to reduce vibration and / or wear.

[0147] In some examples, the thermal management system 300, 350, 360, 370 includes a means for pumping. For example, the means for pumping may be provided by Figure 3A , Figure 3C and / or Fig. 6A The pump 302 and / or Figure 3B , Figure 3D and / or Figure 6B303. In some examples, the means for pumping includes means for driving a fluid. For example, the means for driving a fluid can be implemented by a motor 610, a shaft 632, and / or an impeller 606. In some examples, the means for pumping includes means for supporting the means for driving. For example, the means for supporting can be implemented by a first radial foil bearing 634, a second radial foil bearing 636, and / or a thrust bearing system 640. In some examples, the means for pumping includes means for accommodating the means for supporting. For example, the means for accommodating can be implemented by a housing 615, a rear bearing housing 616, an end cap 620, a front bearing housing 622, and / or a back plate 626.

[0148] In some examples, the thermal management system 300 , 350 , 360 , 370 includes a means for transporting. For example, the means for transporting can be implemented by the heat transfer bus 304 and / or the feedback conduits 318 , 342 .

[0149] In some examples, the thermal management system 300 , 350 , 360 , 370 includes means for heating. For example, the means for heating may be implemented by a heater 408 .

[0150] In some examples, thermal management systems 300 , 350 , 360 , 370 include means for injecting. For example, means for injecting may be implemented by first injector 412 , second injector 414 , injector system 430 , and / or injector system 440 .

[0151] In some examples, the thermal management system 300 , 350 , 360 , 370 includes a means for containing a fluid in a liquid state. For example, the means for containing a fluid in a liquid state may be implemented by an accumulator 404 .

[0152] In some examples, the thermal management system 300 , 350 , 360 , 370 includes means for directing flow. For example, the means for directing flow may be implemented by the first valve 402 , the second valve 406 , the third valve 410 , the fourth valve 418 , the fifth valve 420 , and / or the sixth valve 442 .

[0153] In some examples, the thermal management system 300 , 350 , 360 , 370 includes a means for measuring a fluid parameter. For example, the means for measuring may be implemented by a sensor 338 .

[0154] In some examples, the thermal management system 300, 350, 360, 370 includes means for controlling operation. For example, the means for controlling can be implemented by the control circuit 336. In some examples, the control circuit 336 can be implemented by a programmable circuit (such as Figure 8For example, the control circuit 336 may be implemented by executing machine executable instructions (such as by Figure 7 The control circuit 336 may be instantiated by a microprocessor (for example, those instructions implemented by at least blocks 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, 718, 720, 722 of the control circuit 336). In some examples, the control circuit 336 may be instantiated by a hardware logic circuit, which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or FPGA circuit constructed and / or structured to perform operations corresponding to machine-readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit 336 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the control circuit 336 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers (op-amps), logic circuits, etc.), which are constructed and / or structured to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are equally suitable.

[0155] Figures 3A-3D The control circuit 336 may be implemented by hardware alone or by hardware in combination with software and / or firmware. Thus, for example, the control circuit 336 may be implemented by a programmable circuit in combination with machine-readable instructions (e.g., firmware or software), a processor circuit, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a logic circuit, a programmable processor, a programmable microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a programmable logic device (PLD), and / or a field programmable logic device (FPLD) (such as an FPGA). In addition, Figures 3A-3D An example control circuit 336 may include in addition to Figures 3A-3D In addition to or in place of the components, processes and / or devices shown Figures 3A-3D One or more of the elements, processes and / or devices shown, and / or may include more than one of any or all of the elements, processes and devices shown.

[0156] Figure 7 The flowcharts representing example machine-readable instructions and / or representing example operations are shown in Figures 3A-3D The control circuit 336 of the example operation may be performed by a programmable circuit to implement and / or instantiate Figures 3A-3D The machine-readable instructions may be provided by a programmable circuit (such as the following in combination with Figure 8The machine-readable instructions may be executed by one or more executable programs or portions of one or more executable programs executed by programmable circuits 812 shown in the example processor platform 800 discussed above. In some examples, the machine-readable instructions cause operations, tasks, etc. to be performed and / or performed in an automated manner in the real world. As used herein, "automated" refers to situations where there is no human involvement.

[0157] The program may be embodied in instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable and / or machine-readable storage media (such as cache memory, magnetic storage devices or disks (e.g., floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical storage devices or disks (e.g., Blu-ray disks, compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), etc.), redundant arrays of independent disks (RAIDs), registers, ROMs, solid-state drives (SSDs), SSD memories, non-volatile memories (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, etc.), volatile memories (e.g., any type of random access memories (RAMs), etc.), and / or any other storage devices or storage disks). The instructions of the non-transitory computer-readable and / or machine-readable media may program and / or be executed by programmable circuits located in one or more hardware devices, but the entire program and / or portions thereof may alternatively be executed and / or instantiated by one or more hardware devices other than programmable circuits, and / or embodied in dedicated hardware. The machine-readable instructions may be distributed across multiple hardware devices and / or executed by two or more hardware devices (e.g., a server and a client hardware device). For example, a client hardware device may be implemented by an endpoint client hardware device (e.g., a hardware device associated with a human and / or machine user) or an intermediate client hardware device gateway (e.g., a radio access network (RAN)) that may facilitate communication between a server and an endpoint client hardware device. Similarly, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include one or more media. In addition, although the example programs are referenced Figure 7, but many other methods of implementing the example control circuit 336 may be used instead. For example, the execution order of the blocks of the flowchart may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all of the blocks of the flowchart may be implemented by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, comparators, operational amplifiers (op-amps), logic circuits, etc.) that are structured to perform corresponding operations without executing software or firmware. The programmable circuits may be distributed in different network locations and / or located locally in one or more hardware devices (e.g., single-core processors (e.g., single-core CPUs), multi-core processors (e.g., multi-core CPUs, XPUs, etc.). For example, the programmable circuit may be a CPU and / or FPGA located in the same package (e.g., the same integrated circuit (IC) package or in two or more separate housings), one or more processors in a single machine, multiple processors distributed on multiple servers in a server rack, multiple processors distributed on one or more server racks, etc., and / or any combination thereof.

[0158] The machine-readable instructions described herein may be stored in one or more of a compressed format, an encrypted format, a segmented format, a compiled format, an executable format, a packaged format, etc. The machine-readable instructions as described herein may be stored as data (e.g., computer-readable data, machine-readable data, one or more bits (e.g., one or more computer-readable bits, one or more machine-readable bits, etc.), a bit stream (e.g., a computer-readable bit stream, a machine-readable bit stream, etc.), etc.) or a data structure (e.g., as part of an instruction, a code, a representation of a code, etc.) that can be used to create, manufacture, and / or generate machine-executable instructions. For example, the machine-readable instructions may be segmented and stored on one or more storage devices, disks, and / or computing devices (e.g., servers) located in the same or different locations (e.g., in the cloud, an edge device, etc.) of a network or a collection of networks. The machine-readable instructions may need to be installed, modified, adapted, updated, combined, supplemented, constructed, decrypted, decompressed, unpacked, distributed, redistributed, compiled, etc., so that they can be directly read, interpreted, and / or executed by a computing device and / or other machine. For example, machine-readable instructions may be stored in multiple portions that are separately compressed, encrypted, and / or stored on separate computing devices, where the portions, when decrypted, decompressed, and / or combined, form a set of computer-executable and / or machine-executable instructions that implement one or more functions and / or operations that may together form a program such as described herein.

[0159] In another example, machine-readable instructions may be stored in a state where they can be read by programmable circuits, but require the addition of a library (e.g., a dynamic link library (DLL)), a software development kit (SDK), an application programming interface (API), etc., in order to execute the machine-readable instructions on a particular computing device or other device. In another example, it may be necessary to construct the machine-readable instructions (e.g., stored settings, data inputs, recorded network addresses, etc.) before the machine-readable instructions and / or corresponding programs can be executed in whole or in part. Therefore, as used herein, machine-readable, computer-readable and / or machine-readable media may include instructions and / or programs regardless of the specific format or state of the machine-readable instructions and / or programs.

[0160] The machine-readable instructions described herein may be represented by any past, present, or future instruction language, scripting language, programming language, etc. For example, the machine-readable instructions may be represented using any of the following languages: C, C++, Java, C#, Perl, Python, JavaScript, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Structured Query Language (SQL), Swift, etc.

[0161] As mentioned above, Figure 7The example operations of can be implemented using executable instructions (e.g., computer-readable and / or machine-readable instructions) stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable and / or machine-readable media. As used herein, the terms non-transitory computer-readable medium, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, non-transitory machine-readable medium, and / or non-transitory machine-readable storage medium are expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk, and exclude propagation signals and exclude transmission media. Examples of such non-transitory computer-readable media, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, non-transitory machine-readable media, and / or non-transitory machine-readable storage media include optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, HDDs, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), CDs, DVDs, caches, any type of RAM, registers, and / or any other storage device or storage disk where information is stored for any duration (e.g., an extended period of time, permanent, transient instances, temporary buffering, and / or cached information). As used herein, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable storage device" and "non-transitory machine-readable storage device" are defined to include any physical (mechanical, magnetic and / or electrical) hardware that retains information over a period of time, but excludes propagating signals and excludes transmission media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage devices and / or non-transitory machine-readable storage devices include any type of random access memory, any type of read-only memory, solid-state memory, flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, disk drives, and / or redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems. As used herein, the term "device" refers to a physical structure (such as a mechanical and / or electrical device, hardware, and / or circuit) that may or may not be constructed from computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc., and / or manufactured to perform computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc.

[0162] Figure 7 is a flow diagram representative of example machine readable instructions and / or example operations 700 that may be executed, instantiated, and / or performed by a programmable circuit to prime a pump (e.g., Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Fig. 6A Pump 302, Figure 3B , Figure 3D and Figure 6B The operation 700 prevents the foil bearing (e.g., Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The first radial foil bearing 634, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The second radial foil bearing 636, Fig. 6A and Figure 6BThe thrust bearing system 640 of the foil bearing may encounter windage losses, film thickness / stiffness, etc. that would otherwise prevent or hinder lifting of a component within (e.g., supported by) the foil bearing, which would adversely affect rotation of the component and cause foil bearing wear. Additionally, operation 700 may cause cooling fluid to be delivered to the pump during normal operation (e.g., when the pump is propelling the fluid) to prevent the motor (e.g., Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The motor 610) and / or other pump components may overheat and / or vibrate due to encountering higher temperatures (e.g., 400°F or higher).

[0163] Figure 7 The example machine readable instructions and / or example operations 700 begin at block 702 where the control circuit 336 ( Figures 3A-3D , Figures 4A-4G and Figure 6A-6B ) to access fluid parameters. For example, the control circuit 336 can access the fluid parameters from the sensor 338 ( Figures 3A-3D ) measurement. Thus, the control circuit 336 can access the pump 302 ( Figure 3A , Figure 3C , Figures 4A-4G and Fig. 6A )、Pump 303( Figure 3B , Figure 3D , Figures 4A-4G and Figure 6B ) and / or heat transfer bus 304 ( Figures 3A-3D )The temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the

[0164] At block 704, the control circuit 336 determines whether a liquid threshold is met. For example, the control circuit 336 may determine whether and / or how much fluid in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304 is in a liquid state based on measurements from the sensor 338. In some examples, the control circuit 336 compares the pressure and / or temperature measured by the sensor 338 with one or more pressure thresholds and / or temperature thresholds to determine whether the liquid threshold is met. For example, the temperature threshold may correspond to a critical point temperature of the fluid (e.g., for CO2, the critical point temperature is 87.8°F), and the pressure threshold may correspond to a critical point pressure of the fluid (e.g., for CO2, the critical point pressure is 73.8 bar). When the control circuit 336 determines that the liquid threshold is not met (e.g., block 704 returns a "no" result), the operation 700 proceeds to block 706. Otherwise, when the control circuit 336 determines that the liquid threshold is met (e.g., block 704 returns a "yes" result), the operation 700 jumps to block 716.

[0165] At block 706, the control circuit 336 determines the heating and / or pressurization parameters required to convert the fluid in the liquid state to the supercritical state and / or gaseous state. For example, the control circuit 336 can determine the temperature increase and / or pressure increase that will cause the fluid in the liquid state to be converted and / or replaced with a fluid in the gaseous state and / or supercritical state. In some examples, the pressure increase and / or temperature increase is based on the difference between the measured pressure and / or temperature and the critical point pressure and / or temperature.

[0166] At block 708, the control circuit 336 determines whether the heater 408 is activated ( Figures 4A-4G ) to achieve the determined heating and / or pressurizing parameters. For example, the control circuit 336 may determine that one or more injectors (e.g., the first injector 412 ( Figures 4A-4D )、Second injector 414( Figures 4A-4D ), injector system 430 ( Figure 4E ) of the injector, the thermal control system (e.g., the thermal control system 316, 316A, 316B ( Figure 3A-3B ), thermal control system 340, 340A, 340B ( Figure 3C , Figure 3D and Figure 4G ), thermal control system 400( Figure 4A ), thermal control system 405( Figure 4B ), thermal control system 415( Figure 4C ), thermal control system 425( Figure 4D ), thermal control system 435( Figure 4E ), thermal control system 445( Figure 4F )) of the injector system 440( Figure 4F-4G) of the injector). In some examples, the control circuit 336 identifies a predetermined maximum pressure and / or temperature increase that can be provided by the injector of the thermal control system. In such an example, the control circuit 336 compares the predetermined maximum pressure and / or temperature increase with the difference between the measured pressure and / or temperature and the critical point pressure and / or temperature (e.g., for CO2, the critical point pressure is 73.8 bar and the critical point temperature is 87.8°F). In such an example, the control circuit 336 determines that the heater 408 will be activated in response to the difference between the measured pressure and / or temperature and the critical point pressure and / or temperature being greater than the predetermined maximum pressure and / or temperature increase that can be provided by the injector. In some examples, the control circuit 336 determines the predetermined maximum pressure and / or temperature increase based on the current temperature and / or pressure of the fluid. For example, the control circuit 336 can determine that a first pressure increase is available when the fluid has a first pressure, and a second pressure increase greater than the first pressure increase is available when the fluid has a second pressure less than the first pressure. Additionally, the predetermined maximum pressure and / or temperature increase may be based on the type and / or number of injectors, the volume of fluid in the system, the volume of fluid in the pump, and / or the accumulator 404 ( Figures 4A-4G ) of the liquid storage capacity. For example, the control circuit 336 may determine that a fluid having a temperature of 275 Kelvin and a pressure of 50 bar can be pressurized by the injector to reach 100 bar and 325 Kelvin. When the control circuit 336 determines that the heater 408 is to be activated (e.g., block 708 returns a "yes" result), the operation 700 proceeds to block 710. Otherwise, when the control circuit 336 determines that the heater 408 is not to be activated (e.g., block 708 returns a "no" result), the operation 700 jumps to block 712.

[0167] At block 710, the control circuit 336 activates the heater 408. For example, the control circuit 336 may transmit a control signal to the heater 408 to cause the heater 408 to generate heat. In some examples, the control circuit 336 controls the heater 408 based on the amount of heat required for the fluid to reach a critical point pressure and / or temperature (e.g., for CO2, the critical point pressure is 73.8 bar and the critical point temperature is 87.8°F).

[0168] At block 712, the control circuit 336 controls the distribution of fluid utilized by the thermal control system. For example, the control circuit 336 may control the thermal control system to distribute fluid from the primary input conduit 326 ( Figures 3A-3D , Figures 4A-4G and Figure 6A-6B ), primary output conduit 328 ( Figures 3A-3D , Figures 4A-4F and Figure 6A-6B) and / or the amount of fluid used by the accumulator 404. In some examples, the control circuit 336 determines a first portion of the fluid to be injected into the pumps 302, 303, the first portion to be formed by the fluid from the primary input conduit 326. In some examples, the control circuit 336 determines a second portion of the fluid to be injected into the pumps 302, 303, the second portion to be formed by the fluid from the primary output conduit 328. In some examples, the control circuit determines a third portion of the fluid to be injected into the pumps 302, 303, the third portion to be formed by the fluid from the accumulator 404. In some examples, the control circuit 336 can determine the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion based on the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid, and / or the amount of fluid in the accumulator 404 relative to the capacity of the accumulator 404. In some examples, the control circuit 336 determines the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion based on a liquid threshold and the amount of liquid in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the heat transfer bus 304. In some examples, the control circuit 336 controls the first valve 402 ( Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4E , Figure 4F and Figure 4G )、Second valve 406( Figure 4A , Figure 4C , Figure 4E , Figure 4F and Figure 4G ) and / or the third valve 410 ( Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4E ) to control the fluid mixture to be provided to pumps 302, 303. In some examples, control circuit 336 controls the injector based on the identified mixture to be delivered.

[0169] At block 714, the control circuit 336 controls the pressurization (e.g., pressure increase) provided by the injector that injects the fluid into the pumps 302, 303. For example, the control circuit 336 can cause the injector to increase the pressure of the fluid based on the difference between the measured pressure and / or temperature and the critical point pressure and / or temperature (e.g., for CO2, the critical point pressure reaches 73.8 bar and the critical point temperature reaches 87.8°F).

[0170] At block 716, the control circuit 336 activates the pumps 302, 303. For example, when the fluid meets the liquid threshold (e.g., when less than 1% of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 is in a liquid state), the control circuit 336 may transmit a drive signal to the motor 610 of the pumps 302, 303 ( Figure 6A-6B ).

[0171] At block 718, the control circuit 336 controls the distribution of fluid utilized by the thermal control system. For example, the control circuit 336 can determine the amount of fluid used by the thermal control system from the primary input conduit 326, the primary output conduit 328, and / or the accumulator 404 based on the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 and / or the amount of cooling required. In some examples, the control circuit 336 controls the use of fluid from the primary output conduit 328 in a manner inversely proportional to the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303. For example, the control circuit 336 can reduce and / or prevent the use of fluid from the primary output conduit 328 in response to the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 satisfying (e.g., being greater than, greater than, or equal to) a temperature threshold. In some examples, the control circuit 336 controls the use of fluid from the accumulator 404 in a manner directly proportional to the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303. For example, when the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 increases, the control circuit 336 can control the second valve 406 and / or the injector to increase the use of the fluid from the accumulator 404. In some examples, when the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 is a first temperature (e.g., 325°F), the control circuit 336 places the valve 406 in a first position (e.g., a first partially open position), and when the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303 is a second temperature (e.g., 350°F) that is higher than the first temperature, the control circuit 336 places the valve 406 in a second position (e.g., a second partially open position, a fully open position), the second position enabling more fluid from the accumulator 404 to enter the first feedback conduit 320 relative to the first position. In addition, when the safety signal is not received after a predetermined period of time, the control circuit 336 can communicate a safety signal to the valve 312, 314, 402, 406, 410, 418, 420, 442 to cause the valve 312, 314, 402, 406, 410, 418, 420, 442 to default to a predetermined position (e.g., an open position, a closed position, etc.). In this way, the thermal management system 300, 350, 360, 370 is protected when a failure of the control circuit 336 occurs.

[0172] At block 720, the control circuit 336 controls the flow rate of the fluid that the injector injects into the pumps 302, 303. For example, the control circuit 336 can control the flow rate based on the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303. In some examples, the control circuit 336 increases the flow rate in a manner that is proportional to the temperature of the fluid in the pumps 302, 303.

[0173] At block 722, the control circuit 336 determines whether to continue the operation. When the control circuit 336 determines that the operation is to continue (e.g., block 722 returns a "yes" result), the operation 700 returns to block 718. Otherwise, when the control circuit 336 determines that the operation is not to continue (e.g., block 722 returns a "no" result), the operation 700 terminates.

[0174] Figure 8 is structured to execute and / or instantiate Figure 7 Example machine readable instructions and / or example operations to implement Figures 3A-3D 336 of the control circuit 336. The programmable circuit platform 800 can be, for example, a digital computer (e.g., a full authority digital engine control (FADEC), an electronic engine control (EEC), an engine control unit (ECU), etc.) or any other type of computing and / or electronic device.

[0175] The programmable circuit platform 800 of the illustrated example includes a programmable circuit 812. The programmable circuit 812 of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the programmable circuit 812 can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, FPGAs, microprocessors, CPUs, GPUs, DSPs, and / or microcontrollers from any desired series or manufacturer. The programmable circuit 812 can be implemented by one or more semiconductor-based (e.g., silicon-based) devices. In this example, the programmable circuit 812 implements the control circuit 336.

[0176] The programmable circuit 812 of the illustrated example includes a local memory 813 (e.g., cache, registers, etc.). The programmable circuit 812 of the illustrated example communicates with a main memory 814, 816 including a volatile memory 814 and a non-volatile memory 816 via a bus 818. The volatile memory 814 may be composed of a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory The non-volatile memory 816 may be implemented by flash memory and / or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memories 814, 816 of the illustrated example is controlled by a memory controller 817. In some examples, the memory controller 817 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microcontrollers, or any other type of circuitry from any desired family or manufacturer to manage the flow of data to and from the main memories 814, 816.

[0177] The programmable circuit platform 800 of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit 820. The interface circuit 820 may be configured according to any type of interface standard (such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interface, and / or a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface) are implemented by hardware.

[0178] In the example shown, one or more input devices 822 are connected to the interface circuit 820. The input devices 822 allow a user (e.g., a human user, a machine user, etc.) to input data and / or commands into the programmable circuit 812. The input devices 822 may be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, buttons, a mouse, a touch screen, a trackpad, a trackball, an isopoint device, and / or a voice recognition system.

[0179] One or more output devices 824 are also connected to the interface circuit 820 of the illustrated example. The output device 824 may be implemented, for example, by a display device (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an in-place switching (IPS) display, a touch screen, etc.), a tactile output device, a printer, and / or a speaker. Therefore, the interface circuit 820 of the illustrated example typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, and / or a graphics processor circuit, such as a GPU.

[0180] The interface circuitry 820 of the illustrated example also includes a communication device (such as a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, modem, residential gateway, wireless access point, and / or network interface) to facilitate data exchange with an external machine (e.g., any kind of computing device) over a network 826. The communication may be through, for example, an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, a telephone line connection, a coaxial cable system, a satellite system, a line-of-sight wireless system, a line-of-sight wireless system, a cellular telephone system, an optical connection, etc. In this example, the sensor 338 communicates with the interface circuitry 820 via the network 826.

[0181] The programmable circuit platform 800 of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage disks or devices 828 that store firmware, software, and / or data. Examples of such mass storage disks or devices 828 include magnetic storage devices (e.g., floppy disks, drives, HDDs, etc.), optical storage devices (e.g., Blu-ray disks, CDs, DVDs, etc.), RAID systems, and / or solid-state storage disks or devices, such as flash memory devices and / or SSDs.

[0182] can be Figure 7The machine-readable instructions 832 implemented by the machine-readable instructions may be stored in the mass storage device 828, the volatile memory 814, the non-volatile memory 816, and / or on at least one removable non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (such as a CD or DVD).

[0183] It should now be appreciated that the devices, systems, and methods described herein enable a fluid in a liquid state in a pump to be at least partially removed or converted to a gaseous and / or supercritical state before pump operation begins. Thus, the presently described techniques prevent the fluid in a liquid state from adversely affecting components of the pump, such as by causing windage losses, film thickness / stiffness, etc. that prevent or impede lifting of components within (e.g., supported by) a foil bearing of the pump. Additionally, the presently described techniques improve the operation of the pump during normal operation (e.g., while the pump is operating) by maintaining the temperature of the fluid in the pump within a predetermined range (e.g., below 400°F), thereby reducing vibration and / or increasing the life of the motor and / or other components of the pump.

[0184] Disclosed herein are example devices, systems, and methods for maintaining fluid states in a system. Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

[0185] A system includes: a pump, the pump including a primary inlet, a primary outlet, and a secondary inlet; a first conduit, the first conduit including a first end coupled to the pump at the primary inlet; a second conduit, the second conduit including a second end coupled to the pump at the primary outlet; at least one injector, the at least one injector including a first inlet, a second inlet, and at least one outlet, the injector driving a fluid flowing through the first inlet and the second inlet through the at least one outlet; a third conduit, the third conduit including a third end and a fourth end, the third end coupled to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet, the fourth end coupled to the at least one injector at the first inlet to deliver the fluid; a fourth conduit, the fourth conduit including a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end coupled to the second conduit downstream of the primary outlet, the sixth end coupled to the at least one injector at the second inlet to deliver the fluid; and a fifth conduit, the fifth conduit including a seventh end and an eighth end, the seventh end coupled to the at least one injector at the at least one outlet to receive the fluid, the eighth end coupled to the pump at the secondary inlet to deliver the fluid.

[0186] A system, comprising: a pump, the pump comprising a primary inlet, a primary outlet, a first secondary inlet and a second secondary inlet; a first conduit, the first conduit comprising a first end coupled to the pump at the primary inlet; a second conduit, the second conduit comprising a second end coupled to the pump at the primary outlet; at least one first injector, the at least one first injector comprising a first inlet, a second inlet and at least one first outlet, the at least one first injector driving a fluid flowing through the first inlet and the second inlet through the at least one first outlet; at least one second injector, the at least one second injector comprising a third inlet, a fourth inlet and at least one second outlet, the at least one second injector driving the fluid flowing through the third inlet and the fourth inlet through the at least one second outlet; a third conduit, the third conduit comprising a third end and a fourth end, the third end being coupled to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet, the fourth end being coupled to the at least one first injector at the first inlet to deliver the fluid; a fourth conduit, the fourth conduit comprising a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end being downstream of the primary outlet a first conduit connected to the second conduit, the sixth end being connected to the at least one first injector at the second inlet to deliver the fluid; a fifth conduit, the fifth conduit comprising a seventh end and an eighth end, the seventh end being connected to the at least one first injector at the at least one first outlet to receive the fluid, the eighth end being connected to the pump at the first secondary inlet to deliver the liquid; a sixth conduit, the sixth conduit comprising a ninth end and a tenth end, the ninth end being connected to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet, the tenth end being connected to the at least one second injector at the third inlet to deliver the fluid; a seventh conduit, the seventh conduit comprising an eleventh end and a twelfth end, the eleventh end being connected to the second conduit downstream of the primary outlet, the twelfth end being connected to the at least one second injector at the fourth inlet to deliver the fluid; and an eighth conduit, the eighth conduit comprising a thirteenth end and a fourteenth end, the thirteenth end being connected to the at least one second injector at the at least one second outlet to receive the fluid, the fourteenth end being connected to the pump at the second secondary inlet to deliver the fluid.

[0187] A system comprises: a pump, the pump comprising a primary inlet, a primary outlet and a secondary inlet; a first conduit, the first conduit comprising a first end coupled to the pump at the primary inlet; a second conduit, the second conduit comprising a second end coupled to the pump at the primary outlet; at least one injector, the at least one injector comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the at least one injector driving a fluid flowing through the at least one inlet through the at least one outlet; a third conduit, the third conduit comprising a third end and a fourth end, the third end being coupled to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet, the fourth end being coupled to the at least one injector at the at least one inlet to deliver the fluid; and a fourth conduit, the fourth conduit comprising a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end being coupled to the at least one injector at the at least one outlet to receive the fluid, the sixth end being coupled to the pump at the secondary inlet to deliver the fluid.

[0188] A system, comprising: a pump, the pump comprising a primary inlet, a primary outlet, a first secondary inlet and a second secondary inlet; a first conduit, the first conduit comprising a first end coupled to the pump at the primary inlet; a second conduit, the second conduit comprising a second end coupled to the pump at the primary outlet; at least one first injector, the at least one first injector comprising at least one first inlet and at least one first outlet, the at least one first injector driving a fluid flowing through the at least one first inlet through the at least one first outlet; a third conduit, the third conduit comprising a third end and a fourth end, the third end being coupled to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet, the fourth end being coupled to the at least one first injector at the at least one first inlet to transport the fluid; a fourth conduit, the fourth conduit comprising a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end being coupled to the at least one first outlet The invention relates to a first conduit comprising a first end connected to the at least one first injector to receive the fluid, the sixth end being connected to the pump at the first secondary inlet to deliver the fluid; at least one second injector, the at least one second injector comprising at least one second inlet and at least one second outlet, the at least one second injector driving the fluid flowing through the at least one second inlet through the at least one second outlet; a fifth conduit, the fifth conduit comprising a seventh end and an eighth end, the seventh end being connected to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet, the eighth end being connected to the at least one second injector at the at least one second inlet to deliver the fluid; a sixth conduit, the sixth conduit comprising an eighth end and a ninth end, the eighth end being connected to the at least one second injector at the at least one second outlet to receive the fluid, the ninth end being connected to the pump at the second secondary inlet to deliver the fluid.

[0189] A system comprises: a pump, the pump comprising a primary inlet, a primary outlet and a secondary inlet; a first conduit, the first conduit comprising a first end coupled to the pump at the primary inlet; a second conduit, the second conduit comprising a second end coupled to the pump at the primary outlet; at least one injector, the at least one injector comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a third conduit, the third conduit comprising a third end and a fourth end, the third end being coupled to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet, the fourth end being coupled to the at least one injector at the at least one inlet to deliver the fluid; a fourth conduit, the fourth conduit comprising a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end being coupled to the second conduit downstream of the primary outlet; and a fifth conduit, the fifth conduit comprising a seventh end and an eighth end, the seventh end being coupled to the at least one injector at the at least one outlet to receive the fluid, the eighth end being coupled to the pump at the secondary inlet to deliver the fluid, and the sixth end being coupled to the fifth conduit between the seventh end and the eighth end.

[0190] The system of any preceding clause, further comprising an accumulator coupled to the third conduit, the accumulator containing a liquid state of the fluid.

[0191] The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a heater coupled to a portion of the third conduit between the accumulator and the second end of the third conduit.

[0192] The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a programmable circuit to: cause the heater to generate heat when the pressure of the fluid in the system does not satisfy a pressure threshold; and to keep the heater inactive when the pressure of the fluid in the system satisfies the pressure threshold.

[0193] A system according to any preceding clause, wherein the secondary inlet is a first secondary inlet, wherein the pump includes a second secondary inlet, further comprising: a nozzle, the nozzle being operably connected to the at least one injector at the at least one outlet to receive the fluid, the nozzle comprising a first outlet and a second outlet separated from the first outlet, wherein the seventh end of the fifth conduit is operably connected to the nozzle at the first outlet to receive the fluid; and a sixth conduit, the sixth conduit comprising a ninth end and a tenth end, the ninth end of the sixth conduit being operably connected to the nozzle at the second outlet to receive the fluid, and the tenth end of the sixth conduit being operably connected to the pump at the second secondary inlet to deliver the fluid.

[0194] A system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the secondary inlet is a first secondary inlet, wherein the pump includes a second secondary inlet, wherein during a first operation, the fluid enters the pump through the first secondary inlet rather than the second secondary inlet, and wherein during a second operation, the fluid enters the pump through the second secondary inlet rather than the first secondary inlet.

[0195] A system as in any preceding clause, wherein the pump comprises an electric motor, and wherein the second secondary inlet is positioned closer to the electric motor than the first secondary inlet.

[0196] A system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the second operation occurs after the first operation.

[0197] A system as in any preceding clause, wherein the pump comprises a foil bearing, wherein the first secondary inlet is positioned closer to the foil bearing than the second secondary inlet.

[0198] A system according to any preceding clause, wherein the secondary inlet is a first secondary inlet, wherein the pump includes a second secondary inlet, further comprising: a sixth conduit, the sixth conduit including a ninth end and a tenth end, the ninth end being operably coupled to the fifth conduit, the tenth end being operably coupled to the pump to deliver the fluid to the second secondary inlet; and a valve, the valve being operably coupled to the fifth conduit or the sixth conduit, the valve being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the valve is in the first position, the fluid will flow through the fifth conduit to the first secondary inlet, and wherein when the valve is in the second position, the fluid will flow through the sixth conduit to the second secondary inlet.

[0199] The system described in any of the preceding clauses further includes a processor circuit to: place the valve in the first position when the pressure of the fluid does not meet the pressure threshold or the temperature of the fluid does not meet the temperature threshold; and place the valve in the second position when the pressure of the fluid meets the pressure threshold or the temperature of the fluid meets the temperature threshold.

[0200] The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a programmable circuit to: keep the pump inactive when the fluid in the system does not meet the liquid threshold; and enable power to be delivered to the motor of the pump when the fluid in the system meets the liquid threshold.

[0201] A system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the fifth conduit includes a mixture of the fluid from the third conduit and from the fourth conduit, wherein when the fluid in the system does not meet the liquid threshold, the mixture includes a first percentage of the fluid from the third conduit, and wherein when the fluid in the system meets the liquid threshold, the mixture includes a second percentage of the fluid from the third conduit, the first percentage being greater than the second percentage.

[0202] A system includes: a pump including a motor, a foil bearing, a primary inlet, a primary outlet, and a secondary inlet; a conduit including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the pump at the secondary inlet to deliver a fluid, and a thermal management system including: an accumulator containing the fluid in a liquid state; and an injector including an inlet and an outlet, the inlet receiving the fluid from the accumulator, the conduit being coupled to the injector at the outlet to receive the fluid.

[0203] A system as in any preceding clause, wherein the thermal management system comprises a heater downstream of the accumulator and upstream of the injector.

[0204] The system according to any of the preceding clauses further includes a programmable circuit to: control the heater to generate heat when the pressure of the fluid in the pump does not meet the pressure threshold or the temperature of the fluid in the pump does not meet the temperature threshold; and control the heater to remain inactive when the pressure of the fluid in the pump meets the pressure threshold or the temperature of the fluid in the pump meets the temperature threshold.

[0205] A system according to any preceding clause, wherein the conduit is a first conduit and the secondary inlet is a first secondary inlet, wherein the pump includes a second secondary inlet, further comprising: a second conduit, the second conduit including a third end and a fourth end, the third end being coupled to the first conduit, the fourth end being coupled to the pump at the second secondary inlet; and a valve, the valve being operably coupled to the first conduit or the second conduit, wherein the valve is movable between a first position and a second position, the first position of the valve causing the fluid to flow through the first secondary inlet, the second position of the valve causing the fluid to flow through the second secondary inlet.

[0206] A system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the first secondary inlet directs the fluid closer to the motor than the second secondary inlet, further comprising a programmable circuit to: place the valve in the second position when the pressure of the fluid in the pump does not meet a pressure threshold or the temperature of the fluid in the pump does not meet a temperature threshold; and place the valve in the first position when the pressure of the fluid in the pump meets the pressure threshold or the temperature of the fluid in the pump meets the temperature threshold.

[0207] A system comprises: a device for pumping, the device for pumping comprising: a device for driving a fluid; a device for supporting the device for driving; and a device for containing the device for supporting, the fluid being in a first state of the fluid in the device for containing during a first operation, and the fluid being in a second state of the fluid in the device for containing during a second operation after the first operation; a first device for conveying the fluid; a second device for conveying the fluid; and a device for injecting the fluid from the first device for conveying and the second device for conveying into the device for containing.

[0208] A system as in any preceding clause, further comprising means for accumulating the fluid in its first state, the means for injecting receiving a portion of the fluid from the means for accumulating.

[0209] A system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the pump includes third and fourth secondary inlets, the third and fourth secondary inlets are positioned on opposite sides of the motor relative to the first and second secondary inlets, and wherein the third secondary inlet is positioned closer to the motor than the first and fourth secondary inlets.

[0210] A system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the pump includes a shaft and an impeller operably coupled to the shaft, wherein the foil bearing is a radial foil bearing supporting the shaft, and wherein the fourth secondary inlet is positioned closer to the thrust foil bearing than the first secondary inlet, the second secondary inlet, and the third secondary inlet.

[0211] A system as in any preceding clause, further comprising at least one first valve and at least one second valve, said at least one first valve and said at least one second valve preventing said fluid from entering said pump through said second secondary inlet and said third secondary inlet during a first operation.

[0212] A system as in any preceding clause, wherein said at least one first valve and said at least one second valve prevent said fluid from entering said pump through said first secondary inlet and said fourth secondary inlet during said second operation.

[0213] A system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the pump includes a shaft positioned along a longitudinal axis of the pump, and wherein the pump includes fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth secondary inlets positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis relative to the first, second, third and fourth secondary inlets.

[0214] A system according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one injector comprises a first injector and a second injector, wherein the at least one outlet comprises a first outlet and a second outlet, the first injector comprises the first inlet and the first outlet, and the second injector comprises the second inlet and the second outlet.

[0215] The system of any preceding clause, wherein the nozzle comprises a first inlet coupled to the first injector at the first outlet and a second inlet coupled to the second injector at the second outlet.

[0216] The system of any preceding clause, wherein the fluid comprises a first fluid from the first injector and a second fluid from the second injector, wherein the nozzle comprises a mixing chamber to mix the first fluid with the second fluid.

[0217] A system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the nozzle includes a mixing conduit that transports the fluid from the first injector to the mixing chamber, wherein the fluid from the first injector is mixed with the fluid from the second injector.

[0218] A system as in any preceding clause, wherein the first fluid has a different temperature than the second fluid.

[0219] A system as in any preceding clause, wherein the fluid is a first fluid that exchanges thermal energy with a second fluid associated with an engine.

[0220] A system as in any preceding clause, wherein the fluid is a first fluid that exchanges thermal energy with a second fluid associated with the aircraft.

[0221] A method comprising: determining whether a fluid in a system meets a liquid threshold; when the fluid meets the liquid threshold, activating a pump to drive the fluid entering the pump from a primary inlet through a primary outlet; when the fluid does not meet the liquid threshold: keeping the pump deactivated; and activating at least one injector to increase the pressure of the fluid and drive the fluid through a secondary inlet of the pump.

[0222] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising activating a heater upstream of the at least one injector when the temperature of the fluid does not satisfy a temperature threshold.

[0223] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising activating a heater upstream of the at least one injector when the pressure of the fluid does not satisfy a pressure threshold.

[0224] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising determining at least one of a heating or pressurizing parameter to convert a liquid to a supercritical state or a gaseous state.

[0225] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising controlling distribution of the fluid delivered to the at least one injector from a primary output conduit, a primary input conduit and an accumulator.

[0226] The following claims are incorporated into this detailed description by reference. Although certain example systems, devices, articles, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, devices, articles, and methods that fully fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A system, characterized in that: include: a pump comprising a primary inlet, a primary outlet, and a secondary inlet; a first conduit including a first end coupled to the pump at the primary inlet; a second conduit including a second end coupled to the pump at the primary outlet; at least one injector, the at least one injector comprising a first inlet, a second inlet, and at least one outlet, the at least one injector driving a fluid flowing through the first inlet and the second inlet through the at least one outlet; a third conduit including a third end and a fourth end, the third end being coupled to the first conduit upstream of the primary inlet and the fourth end being coupled to the at least one injector at the first inlet to deliver the fluid; a fourth conduit including a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end being coupled to the second conduit downstream of the primary outlet and the sixth end being coupled to the at least one injector at the second inlet to deliver the fluid; as well as A fifth conduit includes a seventh end and an eighth end, the seventh end being coupled to the at least one injector at the at least one outlet to receive the fluid, and the eighth end being coupled to the pump at the secondary inlet to deliver the fluid.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Further included is an accumulator coupled to the third conduit, the accumulator containing a liquid state of the fluid.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that Further included is a heater coupled to a portion of the third conduit between the accumulator and the second end of the third conduit.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that Further comprising programmable circuitry to: causing the heater to generate heat when the pressure of the fluid in the system does not satisfy a pressure threshold; and When the pressure of the fluid in the system satisfies the pressure threshold, the heater is kept inactive.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The secondary inlet is a first secondary inlet, wherein the pump comprises the second secondary inlet, further comprising: a nozzle operably coupled to the at least one injector at the at least one outlet to receive the fluid, the nozzle comprising a first outlet and a second outlet separate from the first outlet, wherein the seventh end of the fifth conduit is operably coupled to the nozzle at the first outlet to receive the fluid; and A sixth conduit includes a ninth end and a tenth end, the ninth end being operably coupled to the nozzle at the second outlet to receive the fluid, and the tenth end being operably coupled to the pump at the second secondary inlet to deliver the fluid.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The secondary inlet is a first secondary inlet, wherein the pump comprises a second secondary inlet, wherein during a first operation, the fluid enters the pump through the first secondary inlet instead of the second secondary inlet, and wherein during a second operation, the fluid enters the pump through the second secondary inlet instead of the first secondary inlet.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that in, The pump comprises a motor, and wherein the second secondary inlet is located closer to the motor than the first secondary inlet.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that in, The second operation occurs after the first operation.

9. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that in, The pump includes a foil bearing, wherein the first secondary inlet is positioned closer to the foil bearing than the second secondary inlet.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The secondary inlet is a first secondary inlet, wherein the pump comprises the second secondary inlet, further comprising: a sixth conduit including a ninth end operably coupled to the fifth conduit and a tenth end operably coupled to the pump to deliver the fluid to the second secondary inlet; and A valve is operably coupled to the fifth conduit or the sixth conduit, the valve being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the valve is in the first position, the fluid will flow through the fifth conduit to the first secondary inlet, and wherein when the valve is in the second position, the fluid will flow through the sixth conduit to the second secondary inlet.

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