Outer Panel Cooling System with Independent Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outer panel-mediated heat exchanger systems in transportation machines, such as aircraft, cannot independently adjust the flow rate and temperature of cooled gas flowing into a heat source chamber, leading to inconsistent cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
An outer panel-mediated cooling system with a cooling path and a non-cooling path, where the mixing ratio of cooled and uncooled gases is regulated by flow rate valves, allowing independent adjustment of the gas flow rate and temperature, and humidity control to prevent dew formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cooling path is used in outer panel-mediated heat exchanger systems, then the structure is simple, but the flow rate and temperature of cooled gas cannot be adjusted independently
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling paths (first cooling path, second cooling path, etc.), each capable of independently regulating gas flow rate and temperature. This segmentation allows each path to function autonomously, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and independent adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cooling path is equipped with adjustable flow rate regulating valves and temperature control mechanisms, making the system dynamic and adaptable. The flow rate and temperature can be independently adjusted according to different cooling requirements, transforming a static single-path system into a dynamic multi-path system.
2Productivity
If cool air flow rate is increased to improve cooling performance, then cooling efficiency improves, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of gas flow rate by providing multiple cooling paths with independent flow rate regulating valves. Each path can be adjusted to optimal flow rates, allowing the system to maintain high cooling efficiency while achieving precise temperature control through coordinated regulation of multiple paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors are installed in each cooling path to detect gas temperature, and the detected temperatures are fed back to control the flow rate regulating valves. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of flow rates to maintain precise temperature control while ensuring adequate cooling efficiency.
3Temperature
If outer panel-mediated heat exchanger is installed on aircraft body, then high-altitude cool air is utilized for cooling, but air resistance increases due to body surface discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The outer panel-mediated heat exchanger utilizes the aircraft's existing outer panel structure, integrating the cooling function into the aerodynamic surface without creating significant discontinuities. The heat exchanger passages are formed within or adjacent to the outer panel, allowing cool air intake with minimal disruption to airflow and reduced air resistance.
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
Enables independent adjustment of the flow rate and temperature of the gas flowing into the heat source chamber, improving cooling efficiency and uniformity, while preventing dew formation and reducing air resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling path that is located between the outer and inner panels, into which (i) a pressurized gas or (ii) the pressurized gas and a return gas from the heat source chamber flows, in which the at least one gas releases heat outside through the outer panel to change into a cooled gas
Implementation Method 2
a pressurized gas line that is connected to an inlet of the cooling path and that delivers the pressurized gas to the cooling path, the pressurized gas being produced by compressing outside air to a pressure higher than that of the gas in the cooling path
Implementation Method 3
a mixing chamber into which the cooled gas leaving the cooling path and an uncooled gas leaving the non-cooling path flow, in which the cooled gas and the uncooled gas are mixed to form a mixed gas
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
An outer panel-mediated cooling system includes: an outer shell including an outer panel and an inner panel; a heat source chamber located inward of the inner panel; a cooling path that is located between the outer and inner panels, into which at least one of a pressurized gas and a return gas from the heat source chamber flows, in which the at least one gas releases heat outside through the outer panel to change into a cooled gas, and out of which the cooled gas flows; a non-cooling path that is located between the outer and inner panels and thermally insulated from the cooling path and the outer panel and through which at least one of the pressurized gas and the return gas from the heat source chamber passes; a mixing chamber into which the cooled gas leaving the cooling path and an uncooled gas leaving the non-cooling path flow, in which the cooled gas and the uncooled gas are mixed to form a mixed gas, and out of which the mixed gas flows toward the heat source chamber; and a flow rate regulating valve that regulates a flow rate of the cooled gas flowing toward the mixing chamber.