Common Cooling Circuit for Fuel Cell and Aircraft Hydraulic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft hydraulic systems face reliability issues due to high temperatures under load, which can damage components, while fuel cells require thermal management to prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
A system coupling a fuel cell system with a heat generating system through a common cooling circuit, utilizing heat exchangers, a pump, reservoir, and a liquid/air cooler to manage heat and maintain the fuel cell at optimal operating temperature, with the option of different operating windows for hydraulic and fuel cell systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a common cooling circuit is used to cool both the fuel cell and hydraulic system, then heat management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling circuits of the fuel cell system and hydraulic system into a single common cooling circuit. The coolant flows through heat exchangers connected to both systems, allowing simultaneous cooling of both components through one integrated circuit rather than separate independent circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The common cooling circuit serves multiple functions: it cools the fuel cell stack, cools the hydraulic system components, and can selectively direct coolant flow to different heat exchangers based on thermal demands. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cooling systems.
2Reliability
If the hydraulic system is cooled continuously, then component reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of coolant flow through the hydraulic heat exchanger. A control unit monitors the temperature and operational state of the hydraulic system, activating or deactivating the coolant flow through the hydraulic heat exchanger based on real-time thermal demands, rather than continuous cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling of the hydraulic system is performed periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The system activates cooling only when thermal thresholds are exceeded or when hydraulic components are actively operating, reducing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous coolant circulation.
3Ease of operation
If the fuel cell is preheated to operating temperature, then starting properties are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is integrated into the existing common cooling circuit. The same coolant loop that cools the fuel cell during operation can reverse or redirect flow to heat the fuel cell during startup, eliminating the need for a separate heating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell system uses its own cooling circuit infrastructure to provide heating during startup. The coolant, circulated through the fuel cell heat exchanger, transfers thermal energy to preheat the fuel cell membranes and components, allowing the system to serve its own heating needs without external equipment.
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 solution enhances the starting properties of the fuel cell, improves system reliability by efficiently managing heat, and allows for flexible operation during normal and emergency conditions, reducing the risk of component damage.
Implementation Method 1
The heat generating system has at least one heat exchanger, which can effectuate heat transfer between the heat generating system and the cooling circuit system
Implementation Method 2
A coolant may circulate in the cooling circuit system, absorbing heat from the heat generating system and keeping the fuel cell at a predetermined operating temperature
Implementation Method 3
The cooler is a liquid-/air cooler with a fan. The heat of the coolant is transferred to the ambient via the cooler and via an out flow valve
Data Source
AI summary
A system utilizing synergetic potentials at different systems such as of a fuel cell system and of an aircraft hydraulic system, through coupling them via a common cooling circuit system.