RAT Generator Cooling Holes for Heat Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ram air turbines (RATs) generate excess heat during power generation, which needs to be effectively removed to ensure efficient operation and prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a strut assembly with inlet and outlet screens having specific hole patterns and orientations within the ram air turbine's housing allows freestream air to enter and exit, effectively cooling the power generation device while providing structural rigidity and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate screens are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling screens directly into the housing structure of the RAT generator, merging the housing and cooling screen functions into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate screen assemblies, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective cooling through the integrated screen holes.
2Temperature
If separate screens are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the housing and cooling screens into a single integrated component, the manufacturing process is simplified. The screen holes are formed directly in the housing during manufacturing, eliminating separate fabrication and assembly steps for the screens, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving cooling effectiveness.
3Reliability
If structural rigidity is enhanced to prevent resonance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated housing-screen structure provides both structural rigidity and cooling functionality in a single component. The housing itself is designed with appropriate thickness and geometry to prevent resonance, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement structures while maintaining reliability.
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 enables efficient heat removal from the power generation device, enhances structural rigidity to prevent resonance, and lowers manufacturing costs by integrating screens directly into the turbine assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The first screen portion in operation allows the freestream air to enter the outer housing through the plurality of inlet holes and pass over the power generation device
Implementation Method 2
The second screen portion in operation allows the freestream air to exit the generator housing after it has passed over the power generation device
Data Source
AI summary
A ram air turbine having: a strut assembly having an outer housing enclosing a first inner chamber; a generator housing operatively connected to the strut assembly, the generator housing having an outer surface enclosing a second inner chamber, the second inner chamber being fluidly connected to first inner chamber; a turbine assembly operably connected to the strut assembly, the turbine assembly in operation rotates in freestream air; and a power generation device mechanically connected to the turbine assembly and located within the second inner chamber, the power generation device generates power as turbine assembly rotates. The strut assembly includes a first screen portion having a plurality of inlet holes integrally formed in the outer housing. The generator housing includes a second screen portion having a plurality of outlet holes integrally formed in the outer surface. Freestream air passes through inlet holes, over the power generation device, and out outlet holes.