Fuel Thermal Management Oxygen Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of fuel-based thermal management systems in aircraft is hindered by the formation of varnish or coke deposits on high-temperature surfaces, primarily due to dissolved oxygen in the fuel, which causes operational issues and is costly to mitigate with existing treatments.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an oxygen sensor to measure dissolved oxygen levels, a dual heat exchanger configuration with engine oil and ambient air, and an electronic controller to manage the flow of engine oil and air, along with an optional fuel stabilization unit, to control the temperature and oxygen content of the fuel, thereby preventing deposit formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fuel is used as a cooling media in thermal management systems, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but varnish or coke deposits form on high-temperature surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes dissolved oxygen from the fuel using an oxygen removal device before the fuel enters the heat exchanger. By removing the harmful oxygen component, the fuel is prevented from forming varnish or coke deposits on high-temperature surfaces during the thermal management process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by removing dissolved oxygen from the fuel before it comes into contact with high-temperature surfaces in the heat exchanger. This preventive measure stops the chemical reaction that would otherwise lead to deposit formation, addressing the problem before it occurs.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing oxygen removal systems are implemented, then deposit formation is reduced, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen removal device is integrated into the existing fuel system infrastructure, allowing it to serve multiple functions: removing dissolved oxygen, preventing deposit formation, and working seamlessly with the existing heat exchanger and fuel delivery systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate, complex treatment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the fuel's own circulation through the heat exchanger as part of the oxygen removal process. The fuel stabilizer unit and oxygen removal device work with the existing fuel flow and thermal management cycles, allowing the system to self-regulate and reduce deposits without requiring extensive additional infrastructure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If dissolved oxygen is removed from fuel, then deposit formation is prevented, but fuel energy content decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system selectively extracts only the dissolved oxygen from the fuel while preserving the bulk fuel and its energy content. The oxygen removal device targets specifically the dissolved gas phase rather than removing fuel molecules themselves, thus maintaining the fuel's caloric value and energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fuel by removing dissolved oxygen, which affects deposit formation tendency without significantly altering the fuel's energy content. The oxygen removal process modifies the fuel's composition parameters while preserving its thermodynamic properties for combustion.
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 system effectively manages fuel temperature and oxygen levels to prevent deposit formation, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of fuel thermal management in aircraft while minimizing the need for costly treatments and reducing the load on fuel stabilization units.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger (28) having a first section (28a) in fluid communication with the engine oil and a second section (28b) in thermal communication with the first section (28a) and in fluid communication with ambient air
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger (44) having a third section (44a) in fluid communication with the fuel and a fourth section (44b) in thermal communication with the third section (44a) and in fluid communication the engine oil
Data Source
AI summary
A system for fuel and thermal management of fuel delivered to an engine is disclosed. The system includes a supply of fuel in fluid communication with a fuel inlet of the engine, and an oxygen sensor for measuring dissolved oxygen content in the fuel is in fluid communication with the fuel. The fuel is heated by transferring heat from engine oil in a heat exchanger. The temperature of the fuel is controlled by controlling engine oil flow and airflow through another heat exchanger upstream of the fuel/oil heat exchanger on the oil circulation path with engine oil.