Apertured Stem Deaerator for Aircraft APU Coolant
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deaerators are inefficient in separating air from coolant mixtures in aircraft auxiliary power units, leading to unsuitable coolant recirculation in generators and gearboxes.
Innovation Solution
A deaerator assembly with an apertured stem that utilizes centrifugal force to separate air from coolant by spiraling the mixture around the stem, allowing air to escape through an array of apertures and a bore, effectively removing air from the coolant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional deaerators are used to separate air from coolant, then air removal is achieved, but the separation process is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The deaerating member is segmented into multiple functional zones including an array of apertures in the stem section and a separate bore, creating multiple parallel pathways for air removal. This segmentation allows simultaneous air evacuation through multiple channels, significantly increasing deaeration productivity compared to single-channel conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-point air removal to multi-dimensional air evacuation by incorporating both radial apertures in the stem and an axial bore. This dimensional expansion creates three-dimensional air flow paths throughout the deaerating member, enabling faster and more comprehensive air separation from the coolant mixture.
2Productivity
If conventional deaerating structures are used, then air separation is achieved, but the separation efficiency is insufficient for rapid coolant recirculation
Solution Approach 1:
The deaerating member is segmented into multiple functional zones including an array of apertures in the stem section and a separate bore, creating multiple parallel pathways for air removal. This segmentation allows simultaneous air evacuation through multiple channels, significantly increasing deaeration productivity compared to single-channel conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-point air removal to multi-dimensional air evacuation by incorporating both radial apertures in the stem and an axial bore. This dimensional expansion creates three-dimensional air flow paths throughout the deaerating member, enabling faster and more comprehensive air separation from the coolant mixture.
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
The solution enables faster and more effective separation of air from coolant, making the coolant suitable for recirculation within five to six seconds, which is faster than prior art deaerators.
Implementation Method 1
A deaerator assembly with an apertured stem that utilizes centrifugal force to separate air from coolant by spiraling the mixture around the stem
Data Source
AI summary
An example deaerator assembly includes a deaerating member disposed within a housing. The deaerating member includes an apertured stem extending from a pedestal. The apertured stem is configured to communicate air away from a mixture of air and coolant when the mixture of air and coolant is communicated about the apertured stem.