Reconfigurable Refrigerant Valve for Reversible Condenser Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft vapor cycle cooling systems require multiple asymmetric ram cooled vapor cycle packs due to directional refrigerant flow dependencies, leading to increased complexity and potential performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable valve that replaces traditional three-way valves, allowing for reversible refrigerant flow through the condenser, enabling a single vapor cycle cooling system in symmetric aircraft installations and reducing the need for asymmetric RAM circuits by fluidly coupling compressor outlets with condenser inlets and outlets to a receiver inlet, thus simplifying the system and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional three-way valves are used to accommodate RAM flow from opposite sides of the aircraft, then the system can handle directional refrigerant flow dependencies, but the device complexity increases due to requiring two independently actuated valves per VCP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two independently actuated three-way valves into a single reconfigurable valve assembly. This valve assembly includes a body with multiple ports and an internally movable valve member that can redirect refrigerant flow through different internal passages, thereby performing the work of multiple valves while reducing overall system complexity and part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it can accommodate RAM flow from either the left or right side of the aircraft, control refrigerant flow direction, and adapt to different operational conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated valves for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If two ram cooled vapor cycle packs are installed to provide cooling for both sides of the aircraft, then the system can provide redundant cooling capability, but the device complexity increases due to requiring asymmetric RAM circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric internal flow passages within the reconfigurable valve body that are specifically designed to accommodate the asymmetric nature of RAM flow from different aircraft sides. The valve member can selectively engage with different ports to create symmetric or asymmetric flow configurations, thereby maintaining reliability while managing the inherent asymmetry of the RAM circuit requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently actuated valves are used to control refrigerant flow, then the system can accommodate different flow configurations, but the ease of operation decreases due to requiring independent actuation of multiple valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single reconfigurable valve assembly with one movable valve member. This unified structure allows all flow configuration changes to be achieved through a single actuation mechanism, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate different refrigerant flow configurations as required by the aircraft's operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve is provided. The valve includes a body defining an interior and apertures, additional bodies each having opposed, open ends and being respectively coupled to each of the apertures at one of the respective open ends to define a flow path through each of the additional bodies and into the interior and a valve member. The valve member is disposable in first and second positions in the interior. In the first position, the valve member fluidly couples pairs of the additional bodies with one another via first combined flow paths that crisscross through the interior. In the second position, the valve member fluidly couples different pairs of the additional bodies with one another via second combined flow paths that are substantially parallel through the interior.