Single-Fluid Two-Phase Cooling Cycle for Aircraft Composite Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for aircraft, particularly those with composite components, face inefficiencies and weight issues due to the use of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants like R-134a, and alternative refrigerants like carbon dioxide are too heavy, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solution.
Innovation Solution
A vapor compression cycle with a single-fluid, two-phase cooling system that includes a cold sink thermally coupled to a heat load, a separator to separate liquid and vapor portions of a working fluid, and a cooling cycle with both vapor and liquid loops, using refrigerants like 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) or 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf), and incorporating a heat exchanger and thermal energy storage device to optimize cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional air cycle cooling is used, then cooling capability is provided, but it cannot cool composite components that cannot withstand high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the cooling system by introducing a vapor compression cycle that can achieve sub-ambient temperatures, allowing cooling of composite components that cannot withstand high temperatures from air cycle cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary coolant as an intermediary substance that is chilled to sub-ambient temperatures and then used to cool temperature-sensitive composite components, mediating between the high-temperature air cycle cooling and the low-temperature composite components
2Temperature
If vapor compression cycle with secondary coolant is used to achieve sub-ambient temperatures, then cooling capability is improved, but system efficiency, size, and weight deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vapor compression cycle and the secondary coolant system into an integrated cooling system where the refrigerant directly cools the composite components, eliminating the need for separate coolant loops and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant in the patent serves multiple functions: it acts as both the working fluid in the vapor compression cycle and the direct cooling medium for composite components, providing universal cooling capability across different temperature requirements
3Use of energy by moving object
If R-134a refrigerant is used, then good cooling performance relative to system weight is achieved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the refrigerant by replacing R-134a with alternative refrigerants such as carbon dioxide or hydrofluorolefins that have lower environmental impact while maintaining acceptable cooling performance and system weight characteristics
4Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon dioxide refrigerant is used, then environmental harm is reduced, but system weight increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and operating parameters of carbon dioxide refrigerant by using it in a vapor compression cycle with optimized pressure and temperature conditions, achieving efficient cooling while minimizing the quantity of refrigerant required and thus reducing system weight
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 reduces system complexity and weight, enhances cooling efficiency, and minimizes environmental impact by eliminating the need for separate coolant and refrigerant loops, while maintaining effective thermal management for temperature-sensitive components.
Implementation Method 1
the vapor portion and the liquid portion of the working fluid are separated by gravity in the separator
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant is condensed to a liquid state within the condenser
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a heat exchanger and thermal energy storage device to optimize cooling efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
Cooling systems include a cold sink (102) thermally coupled to a heat load, a separator (204) configured to separate liquid and vapor portions of a working fluid, and a cooling cycle (100) having a vapor loop (210) and a liquid loop (206), the cooling cycle having the working fluid configured to pass through both the vapor loop and the liquid loop. The vapor loop includes the separator (204), a compressor (212), a condenser (214), and a valve (216). A vapor form of the working fluid flows from the separator into the compressor, and the working fluid then flows to the condenser, and then through the valve, and returned to the separator. The liquid loop includes the cold sink, the separator, and a pump. A liquid form of the working fluid flows from the separator into the pump and the working fluid is increased in pressure and supplied to the cold sink and then returned to the separator.