Integrated Heat Exchanger Ejector for Fanless Aircraft Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger systems with separate ejectors require additional materials and space, making them inefficient for aircraft applications where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
An integrated heat exchanger assembly with an ejector built using additive manufacturing, where the ejector is incorporated directly into the heat exchanger, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate ejector is used to induce cooling air flow through the heat exchanger, then the heat exchanger can function when no fan is available or when the aircraft is on the ground, but additional materials are required to connect the ejector to the heat exchanger and more space is needed to fit both components
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is merged with the heat exchanger into a single integrated assembly. The ejector housing is formed as one piece with the heat exchanger core, eliminating the need for separate components and additional connection materials. This combining resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining adaptability for fan-less operation while reducing device complexity through integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate ejector is used to induce cooling air flow through the heat exchanger, then the heat exchanger can function when no fan is available or when the aircraft is on the ground, but more space is needed to fit both the ejector and the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector and heat exchanger are combined into a single integrated assembly where the ejector housing forms one piece with the heat exchanger core. This merging eliminates the space required for separate components and their connections, resolving the contradiction by maintaining fan-less operational capability while minimizing the volume occupied on the aircraft.
3Reliability
If additional materials are used to connect a separate ejector to the heat exchanger, then the ejector can be connected in flow communication with the heat exchanger, but the overall assembly requires more materials and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector housing is formed as one piece with the heat exchanger core through additive manufacturing, creating an integrated assembly where flow communication is inherent to the design. This eliminates the need for additional connection materials such as pipes, flanges, or fasteners, resolving the contradiction by ensuring reliable flow communication while minimizing material consumption.
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
The integrated design allows for efficient airflow induction without additional materials, optimizing space and functionality in aircraft heat exchanger systems.
Implementation Method 1
an outlet nozzle configured to eject the hot fluid; a mixing section in fluid communication with the outlet nozzle of the integral ejector passage and the secondary inlet
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat exchanger assembly (10) includes a plurality of first (14) and second (22) fluid passages defined by a pair of opposing first fluid passage walls (16) and a plurality of first fluid diverters (18) disposed between the first fluid passages walls (16). The second fluid passages (22) are defined by a pair of opposing second fluid passage walls (22) and a plurality of second fluid diverters (24) disposed between the second fluid passage walls (22). An ejector (26) is integrated into the heat exchanger assembly (10). The ejector (26) includes: an integral ejector passage (28), wherein the integral ejector passage (28) is a first fluid passage; a primary inlet (30) configured to receive a hot fluid; an outlet nozzle (32) configured to eject the hot fluid; a secondary inlet (34) configured to receive a cold fluid, wherein the secondary inlet (34) is in fluid communication with a second fluid passage (20); and a mixing section (36) in fluid communication with the outlet nozzle (32) and the secondary inlet (34).