Aircraft Ram Air Cooling Layout for Low-Weight Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ram-air cooling systems for aircraft are bulky and heavy due to redundant designs, requiring multiple ram air channels and fans, which increase space and weight while also posing risks from combustible fuel vapors in installation spaces.
Innovation Solution
A streamlined cooling system with a single ram air channel and ventilation device connected to a distribution line, utilizing a blower or air injection to supply cooling air to heat exchangers and ventilate installation spaces, with a one-way valve to prevent fluidic short circuits, and a temperature detection system to monitor air flow and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple ram air channels and fans are used to cool heat-loaded components, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling functions into a single integrated ram air channel that serves both the heat exchanger and heat-loaded components. The distribution line branches from this single channel to deliver cooling air to multiple components, eliminating the need for separate ram air channels and reducing system complexity while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ram air channel performs multiple functions: it supplies cooling air to the heat exchanger, distributes cooling air to heat-loaded components through the distribution line, and provides ventilation to installation spaces. This multi-functional design reduces the number of required components while achieving comprehensive cooling coverage.
2Temperature
If multiple ram air channels are installed for cooling different components, then cooling coverage is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cooling channels are merged into a single ram air channel with a distribution line that branches to multiple components. This consolidation reduces the total weight of ram air channels, flaps, actuators, and monitoring devices while maintaining the ability to cool multiple heat-loaded components effectively.
3Reliability
If additional monitoring devices are installed to detect airflow and prevent combustible mixtures, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing temperature sensors and control mechanisms of the cabin air conditioning system to monitor cooling effectiveness and indirectly detect airflow issues. The control device receives temperature signals and can switch off the air conditioning system if cooling is insufficient, eliminating the need for separate airflow monitoring devices and combustible mixture detection systems.
4Weight of moving object
If a streamlined cooling system with single ram air channel is used, then weight and space are reduced, but airflow monitoring becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that provide feedback to the control device about the cooling effectiveness at various points in the system. This temperature feedback serves as an indirect but reliable indicator of airflow conditions, allowing the control system to monitor and respond to airflow issues without requiring direct airflow measurement devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces the space and weight requirements of the cooling system, enhances efficiency, and eliminates the need for redundant components, ensuring safe operation by preventing combustible mixtures and reducing the risk of overheating.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger is supplied with external air which during flight is available as ram air in a ram air channel
Implementation Method 2
The dynamic part of the pressure in the diffuser is partly converted into a static pressure which slows down the flow
Implementation Method 3
On the ground a fan generates an air flow through the heat exchanger to cool the bleed air
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a cooling system for an aircraft with an air inlet (4) through which air from the environment of the aircraft enters a ram air channel (2), and an air outlet (6) through which air emerges from the ram air channel (2). A heat exchanger (10) is arranged in the ram air channel (2). A ventilation device (8) is in fluid communication with the ram air channel (2). Also connected to the ram air channel (2) is a distribution line (12) to cool at least one heat-loaded component of the aircraft, in particular a cabin air conditioning system, and/or to ventilate an installation space of the at least one heat-loaded component.