Ram Inlet Header Nozzle Arrangement for Aircraft Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air nozzle arrangements in aircraft environmental control systems (ECS) are limited in cooling effectiveness due to the high incoming temperature of RAM air, especially on hot days.
Innovation Solution
A RAM inlet header (RIH) with multiple nozzles arranged along a wall to direct cooled air into RAM air flows and towards a heat exchanger, optimizing nozzle positions, sizes, and flow directions to enhance cooling and water removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooled air is directed into RAM air flows using existing nozzle arrangements, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the cooling performance is limited by the high incoming temperature of RAM air on hot days
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle arrangement is designed with nozzles positioned at specific locations along the header to target specific regions of the RAM air flow. Each nozzle is oriented to direct cooled air into particular flow paths, creating localized cooling zones where the cooled air mixes with RAM air to reduce temperature in critical areas of the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-cools RAM air by introducing cooled air from the air conditioning system into the RAM air flow before the RAM air enters the heat exchanger. This preliminary cooling action occurs in the header region, allowing the cooled air to mix with and reduce the temperature of the incoming RAM air, thereby improving the overall cooling effectiveness of the heat exchanger.
2Temperature
If multiple nozzles are added to direct cooled air into RAM air flows, then cooling performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple nozzles distributed along the header, with each nozzle serving a specific function and targeting a particular region of the RAM air flow. This segmentation allows for optimized cooling in different zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates with the existing header geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle arrangement is designed to serve multiple functions: directing cooled air into the RAM air flow, creating mixing zones, and optimizing heat transfer in different regions of the heat exchanger. The nozzles are integrated into the header structure, combining the functions of flow distribution and cooling enhancement in a single component arrangement.
3Temperature
If nozzles are positioned to direct cooled air toward the heat exchanger, then cooling efficiency is improved, but pressure drops may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle arrangement is designed to dynamically interact with the RAM air flow, using the existing flow momentum and pressure distribution to direct cooled air into the flow paths. The nozzle orientations and positions are optimized to leverage the dynamic characteristics of the RAM air flow, minimizing additional pressure drops while maximizing cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pneumatic principles to introduce cooled air into the RAM air flow through the nozzles. The nozzle design and positioning are optimized to minimize pressure losses by utilizing the pressure differential between the cooled air source and the RAM air flow, allowing efficient mixing and cooling without significant additional pressure drops.
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 solution efficiently directs excess cooled air towards the cold-cold corner of the RAM heat exchanger, significantly improving cooling performance without obstructing internal header flows or causing pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger within the RAM inlet header
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A RAM inlet header (RIH) is provided and includes a body (23) through which RAM air flows from an inlet (21) toward a heat exchanger and a nozzle body (50) arranged along a wall of the body to direct a curtain of cooled air into flows of the RAM air and toward the heat exchanger.