Lattice Heat Exchanger Structural Support Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers in gas turbine engines face the challenge of simultaneously performing thermal energy transfer and providing structural support, as they need to be located in regions that require both functions, but existing designs struggle to optimize for both heat transfer and structural integrity effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hollow lattice structure that integrates heat transfer and structural support functions by allowing a working fluid to flow internally through hollow tubes and another fluid to flow externally, while also providing structural support to attached engine structures, and is optimized for both heat transfer and structural applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional heat exchanger designs are used, then heat transfer function is achieved, but structural support capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger and structural support functions into a single integrated lattice structure. The hollow lattice structure serves both as a heat transfer medium (with internal passages for working fluid) and as a structural support element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a heat exchanger for thermal energy transfer, provides structural support to the gas turbine engine, and enables fluid flow paths. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one component serve multiple purposes rather than requiring separate specialized components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat exchanger is designed for optimal heat transfer, then thermal energy transfer efficiency is improved, but structural load bearing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure employs varying local densities and configurations throughout its volume. Regions requiring higher structural support have denser lattice arrangements, while regions prioritized for heat transfer have optimized fluid flow paths and surface areas. This local optimization allows the structure to achieve both high heat transfer efficiency and adequate structural load bearing capacity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow lattice structure can be constructed using composite materials that provide both thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer and mechanical strength for structural support. The composite material composition allows simultaneous optimization of thermal and mechanical properties that would be difficult to achieve with single materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate heat exchanger and structural support components are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but overall system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the heat exchanger and structural support into a single lattice component, the patent reduces the total volume occupied by these functions. The integrated structure eliminates gaps and interface regions between separate components, thereby reducing overall system space requirements while maintaining the ability to optimize heat transfer and structural properties through unified design.
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 lattice heat exchanger effectively transfers thermal energy and provides structural support to the gas turbine engine, enhancing both heat transfer efficiency and structural integrity, enabling it to withstand loads and optimize waste heat recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow lattice structure having hollow tubes configured to flow a first working fluid internally through the lattice structure, the hollow lattice structure comprising open cell structure configured to flow a second working fluid through the lattice externally of the hollow tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A lattice heat exchanger structural support including a hollow lattice structure having hollow tubes configured to flow a first working fluid internally through the lattice structure, the hollow lattice structure comprising open cell structure configured to flow a second working fluid through the lattice externally of the hollow tubes; a first structure attached to the hollow lattice structure; and a second structure attached to the hollow lattice structure, wherein the hollow lattice structure provides structural support to the first structure and the second structure.