Aerodynamic Probe Heating via Thermodynamic Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic measurement probes face challenges with ice formation at high altitudes, which alters probe profiles and blocks pressure orifices, and current heating methods, such as electrical resistances and heat pipes, are complex and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic loop with a closed circuit for a heat-transfer fluid, including an evaporator and condenser, is used to heat the probe, where the fluid circulates through a tubular duct of open cross section, allowing for efficient heat transfer without porous materials, and can be produced using additive manufacturing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical resistances are used to heat the probe, then ice formation is prevented, but the production process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the probe structure itself and relocated to a remote evaporator unit. The probe receives thermal energy through a heat-transfer fluid circulated via a thermodynamic loop, rather than containing heating elements within the probe. This extraction simplifies probe production while maintaining heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat-transfer fluid acts as an intermediary between the remote evaporator and the probe. The fluid circulates through a closed thermodynamic loop, carrying thermal energy from the evaporator to the probe without requiring direct integration of heating elements into the probe structure. This intermediary approach decouples the heating function from the probe manufacturing process.
2Temperature
If heat pipes with porous materials are used, then heating is achieved, but the production complexity increases due to difficulty in inserting porous material
Solution Approach 1:
The complex porous material component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using heat pipes requiring porous wick materials, the invention employs a thermodynamic loop with a heat-transfer fluid that circulates through smooth-bore tubing. This eliminates the manufacturing difficulty of inserting and sealing porous materials while maintaining effective heat transfer through phase change in the evaporator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a liquid heat-transfer fluid circulating through a closed hydraulic loop (thermodynamic circuit) to transfer thermal energy. This hydraulic approach replaces the capillary action mechanism in heat pipes, allowing for simpler tubing without porous materials while achieving the same heating effect through controlled fluid circulation and phase change.
3Temperature
If heating wire is wound in the probe body, then heating is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the probe assembly process. Instead of winding and securing heating wires within the probe body during assembly, the heating capability is provided by a remote evaporator unit connected via a thermodynamic loop. This extraction eliminates complex wire-winding and securing operations from the probe assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermodynamic loop system serves multiple functions: it provides heating to the probe, enables remote temperature control, and allows for centralized heat management. The same fluid circulation system can potentially serve multiple probes or components, reducing overall system complexity compared to individual heating elements in each probe.
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 simplifies the production and operation of heated aerodynamic probes, effectively preventing ice formation and maintaining accurate measurements by regulating temperature remotely, reducing pressure drops, and allowing for even heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a thermodynamic loop comprising a closed circuit in which a heat-transfer fluid circulates, the closed circuit comprising an evaporator and a zone in which the heat-transfer fluid can be condensed
Implementation Method 2
a thermodynamic loop comprising a closed circuit in which a heat-transfer fluid circulates, the closed circuit comprising an evaporator and a zone in which the heat-transfer fluid can be condensed in the appendage
Implementation Method 3
heating is mostly performed using electrical resistances embedded in the appendages. Heating is achieved through joule effect
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic measurement probe comprises a part to be sited in the region of the skin of an aircraft and means for heating the part. The heating means comprise a thermodynamic loop comprising a closed circuit in which a heat-transfer fluid circulates, the closed circuit comprising an evaporator and a zone in which the heat-transfer fluid can be condensed in the appendage in order to heat it. Outside the evaporator, the circuit in which the fluid circulates is formed by a tubular duct of open cross section.