Power Gearbox Casing Heat Exchanger for Space-Constrained Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thermal management of power gear boxes in turbo engines is a challenge due to space constraints and the need for efficient heat transfer, as conventional systems require external heat exchangers that occupy valuable space in bypass-ducts.
Innovation Solution
An integrated heat exchange system within the power gear box casing, utilizing an enclosed or embedded heat transfer device that can be thermally linked with the oil-filled gear box, allowing airflow for cooling or heating, and potentially using porous media or high thermal conductivity materials like copper for enhanced heat transfer, with adjustable design and location to accommodate thermal loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heat exchangers are used for thermal management of the power gear box, then heat transfer function is provided, but space requirements increase and valuable bypass-duct space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer device is merged with the power gear box casing, forming an integrated thermal management system. The heat transfer device is enclosed or embedded within the casing structure, combining the gear box housing with heat exchange functionality, thereby eliminating the need for separate external heat exchangers and reducing overall space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer device is nested within the power gear box casing structure. The device is positioned inside or integrated into the existing casing volume, utilizing the internal space of the gear box housing for thermal management functions without increasing the external dimensions of the power gear box assembly
2Temperature
If conventional external heat exchangers are used, then cooling function is achieved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer device is merged with the power gear box casing, forming an integrated thermal management system. The heat transfer device is enclosed or embedded within the casing structure, combining the gear box housing with heat exchange functionality, thereby eliminating the need for separate external heat exchangers and reducing overall space requirements
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 reduces space requirements for heat exchangers, allows for both cooling and heating operations based on operational needs, and enhances heat transfer efficiency, potentially reducing the size of external heat exchangers and optimizing thermal management within the power gear box.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated heat exchange system within the power gear box casing, utilizing an enclosed or embedded heat transfer device that can be thermally linked with the oil-filled gear box
Implementation Method 2
allowing airflow for cooling or heating
Implementation Method 3
potentially using porous media or high thermal conductivity materials like copper for enhanced heat transfer
Implementation Method 4
high thermal conductivity materials like copper for enhanced heat transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates heat exchange system for a power gear box (10) mechanically coupling at least low pressure compressor stage with at least one turbine stage in a turbo engine, in particular an aircraft turbo engine (100), wherein at least one heat transfer device (1) is enclosed, embedded and / or attached with the casing (11) of the power gear box (10). It further relates to a power gear box (10) and a turbo engine with a power gear box (10).