Electrode Fluid Mover Control for Arc-Free Cooling Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for heat-generating electronic components in aircraft and other high-power applications are inefficient in managing thermal and electrical demands within physically and weight-constrained spaces, particularly in environments with varying pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid mover system utilizing a pair of spaced electrodes, a power supply, environment sensors, and a controller to dynamically adjust operating parameters such as voltage and electrode geometry to generate a controlled fluid flow for cooling, preventing arcing and optimizing airflow based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high voltage is applied to generate high cooling flow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but arcing occurs between electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode spacing is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The controller modifies the physical characteristic (spacing distance) of the spaced electrodes in real-time based on operating conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal spacing that prevents arcing while generating sufficient cooling flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (electrode spacing distance) to optimize performance. By adjusting the spacing between electrodes, the system can operate at high voltages without causing arcing, thus improving cooling efficiency while avoiding harmful electrical discharges.
2Reliability
If electrode spacing is increased to prevent arcing, then reliability is improved, but cooling flow decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode spacing is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The controller modifies the physical characteristic (spacing distance) of the spaced electrodes in real-time based on operating conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal spacing that prevents arcing while generating sufficient cooling flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback about operating conditions and automatically adjusts the electrode spacing to maintain optimal performance. This closed-loop control ensures that the spacing is always appropriate for the current operating state, preventing arcing while maximizing cooling flow.
3Device complexity
If fixed electrode geometry is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode geometry is made dynamically adjustable. The controller can modify the physical characteristics of the spaced electrodes in real-time in response to environmental changes such as pressure variations during flight, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (electrode spacing and geometry) to adapt to varying environmental conditions. This allows the fluid mover to maintain optimal performance across different pressure and temperature conditions encountered in aircraft environments.
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
Enhances cooling efficiency and power density by providing a high cooling flow while preventing arcing and optimizing performance under varying environmental conditions, such as altitude changes during flight.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply electrically coupled to the pair of spaced electrodes... forming an operating voltage across the pair of spaced electrodes... to cause a fluid flow between the pair of spaced electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid mover and method of operating includes a pair of spaced electrodes, a power supply electrically coupled to the pair of spaced electrodes, and at least one environment sensor. The fluid mover also includes a controller configured to controllably operate at least one of the power supply or the pair of spaced electrodes.