Fluid Pump Secondary Flow Control for Supercritical CO2 Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal fluid pumps in aircraft thermal management systems face performance issues due to the presence of liquid carbon dioxide, which can cause viscous drag and bearing failure in non-liquid fluid bearings, particularly during startup and operation.
Innovation Solution
A secondary flow control system is implemented to monitor and control the phase of carbon dioxide, converting liquid CO2 to supercritical CO2 before entering the secondary flow network, using sensors and valves to ensure a stable supercritical state is maintained, thereby preventing liquid CO2 from entering the bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If liquid carbon dioxide is present in the pump system, then the pump can operate with simple fluid pathways, but liquid CO2 causes viscous drag and bearing failure in non-liquid fluid bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of carbon dioxide from liquid to supercritical phase by controlling temperature and pressure parameters. This is achieved through heating elements and pressure control mechanisms that maintain the CO2 above its critical point (31°C, 73 atm), preventing it from existing as a liquid and thereby eliminating viscous drag and bearing failure issues while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of carbon dioxide between liquid, supercritical, and gaseous states. By controlling the phase of CO2 to remain in the supercritical state within the pump system, the invention prevents the harmful effects of liquid CO2 on non-liquid fluid bearings while avoiding the complexity of liquid handling systems
2Reliability
If liquid CO2 is converted to supercritical CO2, then bearing reliability is improved, but additional control systems and sensors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to monitor the phase and physical state of carbon dioxide within the pump system. These sensors provide real-time data to a control mechanism that adjusts heating and pressure parameters to maintain supercritical CO2, ensuring bearing reliability while automating the control process to minimize operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-regulating mechanisms where the supercritical CO2 properties and control systems work together autonomously. Once the supercritical state is established, the system self-maintains this state through inherent thermal and pressure dynamics, reducing the need for continuous external intervention and minimizing control complexity
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 enhances the reliability and performance of fluid bearings by maintaining a stable supercritical state, reducing friction and preventing bearing failure, thus improving the efficiency and longevity of the fluid pump.
Implementation Method 1
converting liquid CO2 to supercritical CO2 before entering the secondary flow network
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a stable supercritical state
Implementation Method 3
Centrifugal fluid pumps in aircraft thermal management systems
Implementation Method 4
non-liquid fluid bearings
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed to provide a pressurized fluid to components of a fluid pump. An example flow control system to provide a pressurized lubricant to a secondary flow network disposed within a fluid pump includes sensors to measure parameters of a fluid corresponding to fluid flow; a recirculation loop fluidly coupled to a secondary inlet of the pump, the recirculation loop to provide a first flowpath, wherein the secondary inlet is an inlet to the secondary flow network; a bypass circuit fluidly coupled to the secondary inlet to provide a second flowpath; and a controller to direct the fluid flow to the first flowpath or the second flowpath based on sensor data from the sensor, the sensor data indicative of a state of the fluid.