Sealed Coolant Tank Leak Detection Using Pressure-Temperature Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealed cooling systems in aerospace applications face challenges in detecting leaks, which can lead to environmental concerns and compromise the system's ability to adequately cool heat sources, potentially causing damage or requiring operation curtailment.
Innovation Solution
A sealed cooling system incorporating a coolant tank, heat exchanger, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and processor that detect changes in pressure and temperature to identify leaks by comparing actual pressure changes in the coolant tank to anticipated changes, using sensors to output signals indicative of leaks based on predetermined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealed cooling systems are designed without leak detection capabilities, then the system structure remains simple and cost-effective, but leaks cannot be detected early leading to coolant loss and potential heat source damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical leak detection methods with a computational approach using a processor that analyzes pressure and temperature data. The system uses sensors to monitor physical parameters and a processor to compute leak indicators through mathematical comparisons of actual versus expected pressure-temperature relationships, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic sensing and computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure sensors and temperature sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly detect leaks by monitoring the physical state of the coolant system. Rather than directly detecting leaks, these sensors measure pressure and temperature changes that result from leaks, allowing the processor to infer leak conditions through computed relationships between these intermediate measurements.
2Measurement precision
If traditional leak detection methods are used, then leak detection may be achieved, but the detection precision is insufficient to distinguish between temperature-induced pressure changes and leak-induced pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors changes in multiple parameters (pressure and temperature) simultaneously and uses the relationship between these parameters to detect leaks. By tracking how pressure changes relative to temperature changes over time, the system can distinguish between pressure changes caused by temperature variations and pressure changes caused by leaks, achieving precise leak detection through multi-parameter analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure and temperature, computes expected pressure based on temperature using stored reference data, compares actual pressure to expected pressure, and uses this feedback loop to detect leaks. The processor continuously updates the leak indicator based on the difference between measured and expected pressure-temperature relationships, providing ongoing precise detection.
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
Effectively detects leaks in sealed cooling systems by analyzing pressure and temperature changes, enabling early detection and prevention of coolant loss, thus maintaining system performance and preventing damage to heat sources.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensor is configured to detect a pressure in the coolant tank and to output signals indicative of the pressure in the coolant tank as a function of time
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature within the sealed cooling system and to output signals indicative of the temperature within the sealed cooling system as a function of time
Implementation Method 3
a heat source configured to transfer heat from the heat source to the liquid coolant
Implementation Method 4
a heat exchanger configured to reject heat from the liquid coolant to an environment
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed cooling system includes a coolant tank having a liquid space configured to hold liquid coolant, and a gas space configured to hold gas. A temperature sensor detects the temperature of the liquid coolant. A pressure sensor detects the pressure in the coolant tank. A processor compares the pressure in the coolant tank to predicted pressure in the coolant tank as a function of liquid coolant temperature. The processor determines and outputs a signal indicative of a leak in the sealed cooling system if the pressure in the coolant tank deviates from the predicted pressure in the coolant tank according to predetermined criteria.