Integrated Fan Battery Assembly Using Airflow-Based Battery Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery-powered fan systems for aircraft face challenges due to the separation of battery packs and thermal management systems from the fans, leading to increased mass, volume, and complexity, as well as inefficiencies in cooling and energy transmission.
Innovation Solution
An integrated battery cooling solution where the battery pack and thermal management system are embedded within the fan's hub or duct, utilizing the airflow generated by the fan for cooling, thereby reducing system mass and volume, and eliminating the need for lengthy connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery packs and thermal management systems are located away from the fan in the fuselage, then safety requirements are met through separation, but system mass and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery pack, thermal management system, and fan assembly into a single integrated unit. The battery pack is positioned within the fan assembly structure, with the thermal management system integrated alongside it, eliminating the need for separate locations in the fuselage and reducing overall system mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly structure serves multiple functions: it provides the fan's structural support, houses the battery pack, and accommodates the thermal management system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structures, thereby reducing system mass and volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If battery packs and thermal management systems are located away from the fan, then component separation is achieved, but lengthy connections are required increasing mass and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack, thermal management system, and fan are combined into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for lengthy connections between components. All components are positioned in close proximity within the same structural unit, minimizing connection lengths.
3Power
If high current transmission is required from separated battery location, then power delivery is achieved, but weighty copper conductors are needed increasing mass
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is integrated within the fan assembly, placing it in close proximity to the motor. This integration dramatically reduces the distance over which high current must be transmitted, allowing for the use of lighter conductors while still delivering the required power.
4Reliability
If redundant thermal management connections are implemented for safety, then safety requirements are met, but system mass and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system is integrated directly within the fan assembly structure, with the battery pack positioned alongside it. This integration reduces the number of redundant connections needed while maintaining safety, as the close proximity of components allows for more efficient thermal management pathways.
5Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke battery and fan arrangements are designed for each aircraft type, then specific aircraft requirements are met, but design complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fan assembly with embedded battery pack and thermal management system can be adapted to different aircraft types without requiring completely bespoke designs. The modular nature of the integration allows for standardized components to be configured for different applications, reducing design complexity and development time.
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 integration reduces the overall system mass and volume, enhances cooling efficiency using existing airflow, and increases redundancy and safety by having independent thermal management for each fan assembly, while also simplifying airframe design considerations.
Implementation Method 1
the air flow F created by the main motive fan or rotor can be used directly by the thermal management system for cooling or heating of the battery pack
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange means, for exchanging thermal energy between the collected fluid Fc and the battery
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a battery powered fan assembly (1) for providing motive force, comprising: An electric drive motor (12); a fan (14), connected to and driven by the drive motor (12) and rotatable about a central axis X, for moving a fluid F and to thereby create a flow thereof; a battery (16), electrically connected to and for powering the drive motor (12); a heat management system (18), for managing the temperature T of the battery (16) comprising: a fluid collector (22), for collecting collected fluid Fc from the flow of fluid F moved by the fan (14); a heat exchange means (20), for exchanging thermal energy between the collected fluid Fc and the battery (16); and a fluid director (24) for receiving collected fluid Fc from said fluid collector (22) and directing said fluid Fc to said heat exchange means (20) for thermal management of the battery (16).