Phase change material cooling system for a vehicle
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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 management for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gas turbine engine-based work providing device, integrated with a thermal conditioning system using a refrigerant cycle and phase change materials, to power and cool payloads aboard aircraft, with the ability to operate independently of the primary propulsion engine and provide power to directed energy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a gas turbine engine-based work providing device is used to power thermal conditioning systems, then power availability and operational independence from primary propulsion is improved, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a gas turbine engine-based work providing device for power generation, a thermal conditioning system for cooling, and a payload. This segmentation allows the power system to operate independently from the primary propulsion engine, providing operational independence while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas turbine engine-based work providing device serves multiple functions: it generates power for the thermal conditioning system, can operate independently of the primary propulsion engine, and provides operational flexibility for various mission profiles. This multi-functionality improves power availability while justifying the added system complexity through enhanced versatility.
2Loss of energy
If phase change materials are used in the thermal conditioning system, then cooling efficiency is improved, but system weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning system utilizes phase change materials that absorb and release thermal energy during phase transitions (e.g., solid-liquid). This phase change mechanism provides high cooling efficiency by storing large amounts of thermal energy in a compact form, reducing the overall system weight compared to traditional thermal mass solutions while maintaining effective temperature control for the payload.
3Reliability
If the system operates independently of the primary propulsion engine, then operational flexibility and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture segments the power generation function from the primary propulsion engine by using a dedicated gas turbine engine-based work providing device. This segmentation enables operational independence and improved reliability, as the thermal conditioning system can function autonomously without relying on the primary propulsion engine's operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas turbine engine-based work providing device is configured to self-generate the power required for the thermal conditioning system, making the system self-sufficient. This self-service capability improves operational reliability by eliminating dependence on external power sources while managing complexity through integrated design.
4Duration of action of moving object
If high-power directed energy systems are operated for extended periods, then mission capability is improved, but thermal management challenges and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning system employs phase change materials that efficiently absorb excess thermal energy from high-power directed energy systems during extended operations. The phase transition process provides high thermal energy storage capacity, enabling the system to maintain acceptable temperature levels during prolonged high-power operation and thereby extending mission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas turbine engine-based work providing device operates continuously to supply power for the thermal conditioning system during extended directed energy operations. This continuous power supply ensures uninterrupted cooling, enabling sustained high-power operation for extended durations while managing thermal loads effectively.
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 efficient and flexible power and thermal management for aircraft payloads, allowing for extended operation of high-power systems like directed energy weapons while maintaining system temperatures within acceptable limits.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change heat exchanger in thermal communication with the directed energy system via a second working fluid, the phase change heat exchanger including a phase change material
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material capable of transferring heat with the directed energy system
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator
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.