Passive Tail Cone Ventilation Manifold for Electronics Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future hybrid engine programs require ventilation systems to manage the thermal energy generated by electronics in the tail cone zone, which can exceed operational limits and potentially damage components.
Innovation Solution
A passive ventilation system is implemented, comprising a distribution manifold with radially arranged nozzles, an air inlet, and a discharge, which directs cooling air over electronic components and along the inner surface of the tail cone case, maintaining positive ventilation rates and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronics are installed in the tail cone zone, then the functional capability of the hybrid engine is improved, but thermal energy accumulation increases causing temperatures to exceed operational limits
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful thermal energy is extracted from the tail cone zone by introducing cooling air through the distribution manifold and nozzles, which removes excess heat from the electronic components and maintains temperatures within operational limits
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling air acts as an intermediary substance that absorbs thermal energy from the electronics and transports it away from the tail cone zone, facilitating heat removal without direct contact between the electronics and the cooling system
2Temperature
If a ventilation system is installed to cool electronics, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system utilizes the engine's existing airflow and pressure differential to provide cooling, allowing the system to self-regulate without requiring external power sources or complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution manifold serves multiple functions: it distributes cooling air to electronics, directs flow along the tail cone case inner surface, and utilizes the engine's existing pneumatic system, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated cooling components
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 electronic components within predetermined temperature limits, reducing the risk of thermal damage and fire, while ensuring uniform cooling distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzles configured to direct a cooling air over at least one electronic component within the tail cone interior and along an inner surface of the tail cone case
Data Source
AI summary
A tail cone ventilation system including a tail cone case defining a tail cone interior and a tail cone exterior, the tail cone having a forward portion and an aft portion separated axially along a tail cone axis; a distribution manifold located within the tail cone interior proximate the forward portion, wherein the distribution manifold comprises nozzles arranged radially around the axis, the nozzles configured to direct a cooling air over at least one electronic component within the tail cone interior and along an inner surface of the tail cone case; an air inlet fluidly coupled with the distribution manifold through ducting, the air inlet located externally from the tail cone interior; and a tail cone discharge located proximate the tail cone aft portion, the tail cone discharge being fluidly coupled with the distribution manifold.