Propulsion Ram Air Duct Cooling Without Thrust Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat removal from non-conventional vehicle propulsion systems, such as electric propulsion systems, is challenging due to the lack of exhaust air for heat dissipation, and existing systems face difficulties in managing the significantly larger waste heat without impacting thrust generation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle thermal management system utilizing a propulsion ram air duct, propulsion fan, heat exchangers, and a take-off fan to transfer heat from lubricant to ram air, with temperature-controlled fan operation to manage heat exchange efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat exchangers are added to remove waste heat, then thermal management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ram air duct is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides air for cooling the heat exchanger while also maintaining propulsion airflow. The propulsion fan operates in two modes - providing thrust and also driving air through the heat exchanger for thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling airflow and propulsion airflow are merged through the common ram air duct and propulsion fan system. Instead of having separate cooling fans and air ducts, the system combines both functions into a single integrated airflow path, reducing overall system complexity while achieving effective heat removal.
2Force
If propulsion fan operates at high speed to generate thrust, then thrust capability is improved, but heat removal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion fan's operational characteristics are dynamically adjusted based on thermal management needs. The system can operate the fan at different speeds and regimes - providing high thrust when needed while also creating sufficient airflow through the heat exchanger for effective cooling. The fan's variable performance allows it to satisfy both propulsion and thermal management requirements simultaneously.
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 removes waste heat from non-conventional propulsion systems without significantly affecting thrust generation, optimizing thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
The first heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the lubricant to the portion of the flow of ram air
Implementation Method 2
The propulsion fan is configured, upon receipt of the propulsion fan drive torque, to rotate and generate propulsion thrust by drawing a flow of ram air into the propulsion ram air duct
Implementation Method 3
The take-off fan is configured, upon being energized, to rotate and induce the portion of the flow of ram air to flow into the first air inlet duct and to be discharged out the first air outlet duct
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle thermal management system includes a propulsion ram air duct, a propulsion fan, a first heat exchanger, and a take-off fan. The propulsion fan is disposed within the propulsion ram air duct between the ram air inlet and the ram air outlet and generates thrust. The first heat exchanger receives a portion of the flow of ram air that is drawn into the propulsion ram air duct and discharges a portion of the flow of ram air back into the propulsion ram air duct. The first heat exchanger transfers heat from lubricant to the portion of the flow of ram air. The take-off fan is disposed within the first air outlet and is selectively energized to thereby induce the portion of the flow of ram air to flow into the first air inlet duct.