Phase Change Material Cooling for Aircraft Directed Energy Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal and power systems for aircraft payloads face limitations in efficiency and versatility, particularly in providing reliable power and thermal conditioning across various applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gas turbine engine-based work providing device, a thermal conditioning system using phase change materials, and a power generation device that integrates with the aircraft to deliver both power and cooling services to payloads, including directed energy systems, through a pod configuration that can be coupled or decoupled from the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing thermal and power systems are used for aircraft payloads, then the systems can provide basic power and thermal conditioning, but the efficiency and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating a combined heat exchanger that serves dual purposes: cooling the payload during high-power operation and heating the payload during low-power operation. This single device replaces what would traditionally require separate cooling and heating systems, thereby improving versatility while managing system complexity through functional integration
2Loss of energy
If phase change material cooling system is implemented, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb and release thermal energy during phase transitions (solid-liquid). The PCM is contained within the combined heat exchanger, allowing it to store cooling capacity during high-power payload operation and release it during low-power operation, thereby improving thermal management efficiency without requiring continuous active cooling systems that would add significant weight
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between cooling mode (when payload power is high) and heating mode (when payload power is low). The phase change material naturally cycles between solid and liquid states, providing periodic thermal regulation that improves efficiency while avoiding the need for continuously running heavy cooling equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If pod configuration is used for work providing device, then adaptability to different aircraft is improved, but connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal conditioning system into a modular pod configuration that can be coupled to or decoupled from the aircraft. This segmentation allows the same system to serve multiple aircraft types and applications, improving adaptability. The modular design includes standardized coupling mechanisms that maintain connection reliability through precise mechanical interfaces and sealed connections
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
This solution enables efficient power generation and thermal management for aircraft payloads, allowing for stable operation of high-power devices like directed energy weapons by utilizing phase change materials to absorb and dissipate heat, thereby maintaining system temperatures and extending operational capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material cooling system for an aircraft
Implementation Method 2
utilizing phase change materials to absorb and dissipate heat
Implementation Method 3
a thermal conditioning system using phase change materials
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed one form of which is an aircraft that includes a pod capable of housing a work providing device. The pod can also include a thermal conditioning system and a power generation device that can be powered from the work providing device. The pod can provide thermal conditioning services and power services to a payload aboard the aircraft. In one non-limiting form the payload is a directed energy member that can be cooled using the thermal conditioning system and powered using the power generation device.