Foam Surface Cooler for Turbomachine Heat and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbomachines face challenges in effectively reducing noise and heat management, as separate heat exchangers and acoustic absorbers occupy space and are not optimal for high heat loads, limiting both cooling and noise reduction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of surface coolers with inner and outer layers comprising metal foam, carbon foam, or their combination, which enhance heat transfer and acoustic absorption, allowing for simultaneous heat exchange and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate heat exchangers and acoustic absorbers are used, then heat removal and noise reduction functions are provided, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heat exchanger and acoustic absorber functions into a single integrated surface cooler assembly. The heat exchanger core is positioned within a frame that contains acoustic absorber material, allowing both heat removal and noise reduction to occur in one component rather than requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface cooler assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a heat exchanger for thermal management, an acoustic absorber for noise reduction, and a structural component for mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Temperature
If brick style heat exchangers are used for high heat loads, then heat removal capacity is improved, but effectiveness decreases under high heat load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a heat exchanger core with extended surface geometry that increases the effective heat transfer area. The design incorporates fins and porous structures that enhance convective and conductive heat transfer, improving effectiveness under high heat load conditions compared to conventional brick-style exchangers.
3Temperature
If surface coolers are embedded in outer wall spanning entire circumference, then cooling capacity is improved, but acoustic liner surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the acoustic absorber function directly into the surface cooler assembly by positioning the absorber material within the frame structure. This allows the same component to provide both cooling and acoustic absorption without requiring separate space for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface cooler is designed as a localized component rather than a circumferential embedding. By concentrating the heat exchanger in a specific region and using the frame structure to provide acoustic absorption, the design preserves more of the outer wall surface area for additional acoustic treatment if needed.
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
These surface coolers increase heat rejection per unit mass, reduce noise, and minimize mass while maintaining efficient cooling and acoustic absorption, improving turbomachine performance and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a metal foam, a carbon foam, or a combination thereof, wherein the metal foam, the carbon foam or a combination thereof is configured to augment heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
configured to augment heat transfer and enhance acoustic absorption
Implementation Method 3
configured to augment heat transfer and enhance acoustic absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cooler for turbomachines is provided. The surface cooler comprises an inner layer and an outer layer disposed adjacent to the inner layer and comprising a metal foam, a carbon foam, or a combination thereof, wherein the metal foam, the carbon foam or a combination thereof is configured to augment heat transfer and enhance acoustic absorption. Further, the outer layer comprises a plurality of fins, wherein the plurality of fins is configured to augment heat transfer and enhance acoustic absorption, and wherein the plurality of fins comprises metal foam, a carbon foam, or a combination thereof.