OBOGS Inlet Air Temperature Control via Avionics Cooling Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional On-Board Oxygen Generating Systems (OBOGS) face challenges in maintaining temperature control of supply air due to long, uncontrolled heat paths, leading to temperature fluctuations and inefficiencies, especially at low air-flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system utilizing a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between inlet air and a temperature-controlled fluid, located near the OBOGS, to maintain the air temperature within an operable range, eliminating the need for active temperature control and reducing environmental temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active temperature control with remote heat exchanger is used, then temperature control capability is provided, but temperature fluctuations occur due to long uncontrolled heat path
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the bleed air using avionics cooling fluid before it enters the OBOGS, and positions the heat exchanger immediately upstream of the OBOGS inlet. This preliminary cooling action eliminates the need for downstream temperature adjustment and prevents temperature fluctuations during transport, as the air is already at the correct temperature when it reaches the OBOGS.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses avionics cooling fluid as an intermediary thermal medium. This fluid serves dual purposes: cooling avionics equipment and pre-cooling the bleed air for the OBOGS. The intermediary fluid transfers thermal energy efficiently from the bleed air to the cooling system, enabling passive temperature control without additional active cooling components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If long heat path is used to convey air from remote location, then system layout flexibility is improved, but temperature control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the temperature adjustment action upstream of the OBOGS, at the point where bleed air is available. By pre-cooling the air before it enters the OBOGS and positioning the heat exchanger immediately before the inlet, the system eliminates temperature drift during transport, making the long heat path irrelevant to temperature control effectiveness.
3Temperature
If active temperature control system is used, then temperature adjustment capability is provided, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the avionics cooling fluid serve multiple functions: it cools avionics equipment and simultaneously pre-cools the bleed air for the OBOGS. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate active temperature control system, reducing component count, system complexity, and cost while maintaining temperature adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing avionics cooling infrastructure to serve the OBOGS temperature requirement. The bleed air itself acts as the heat source for cooling, and the avionics cooling fluid provides the cooling capacity without requiring additional energy input or active control mechanisms.
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 system effectively maintains supply air temperature within a controlled range, reducing temperature fluctuations and operational costs by integrating a heat exchanger near the OBOGS, ensuring efficient and cost-effective temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured to provide heat exchange between an inlet air and the temperature controlled fluid
Implementation Method 2
the system brings a temperature of the inlet air to an OBOGS operable temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a temperature control system comprises a heat exchanger providing thermal communication between inlet air and an avionics temperature controlled fluid, for controlling the temperature of the inlet air for use in an onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS). The inlet air that exits the heat exchanger can be used as supply air for the OBOGS.